REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M^CLELLAN. 227 



The front of a column of twos, &c., is increased in a manner similar to that pursued in the 

 Russian tactics. 



The column by half squadrons, and the column doubled on the centre half squadron, are the 

 usual columns of manoeuvre. 



Columns are deployed by obliquing at the gallop ; in the oblique each man brings his horse's 

 head behind his neighbor's knee. 



The order of battle of a regiment of heavy cavalry is a deployed line ; the same formation is 

 used when they are exposed to a heavy fire of artillery. 



If a regiment of light cavalry forms part of a large body of troops, all four of its divisions are 

 deployed in the order of battle, or when exposed to a heavy artillery fire ; if the regiment is by 

 itself, only three of its divisions compose the line of battle, the 4th being held in reserve, in 

 column, 500 paces in rear of the centre. 



A regiment of any kind, if not about to charge at once, or not under the fire of artillery, is 

 formed in line of columns. 



It being supposed that heavy cavalry is never out of reach of the support of other troops, the 

 order of battle of a brigade of such cavalry is, with all its divisions deployed in one line. 



The order of battle of a brigade of light cavalry is, one regiment with all its divisions deployed 

 in line, the other formed in line of columns, with closed intervals, 500 paces behind the centre 

 of the front line. 



Independently of the reserves above mentioned, every body of cavalry which charges detaches, 

 at the moment of taking the trot, a portion of its own force to secure its flanks and rear. 



When a single division charges the flank platoons fall out, and form, in column by platoons, 

 about 300 paces in rear of the centre ; the cajDtains on the flanks close in on the charging platoons ; 

 their whole duty is to watch and protect the flanks of the charging body. 



When a regiment charges, the flank squadrons act in the same manner, but each squadron 

 remains behind the flank to which it belongs. 



In the charge of a brigade of heavy cavalry, the flank divisions fall out, and form in column 

 by half squadrons behind the flanks of the line. 



In the manoeuvres of large bodies of cavalry the Austrians form them in one line, throwing in 

 advance the artillery, and a few squadrons, intended to make false attacks, and to clear the way 

 for the main body ; their reason for this is, that if the 1st line is broken it is very apt to carry 

 the 2d with it. 



DOUBLE COLUMNS. 



A regiment of 4 divisions forms double column at full distance on the left half squadron of 

 the 2d division, and the right half squadron of the 3d division, without closing the interval 

 between these divisions ; thus the 1st and 2d divisions are each in column left in front, the 3d 

 and 4th right in front. 



A brigade forms double column, at half squadron distance, on the left half squadron of the 1st 

 regiment, and the right half squadron of the 2d ; the 1st regiment being thus formed in column 

 left in front, the 2d right in front ; the interval between the regiments is not closed. 



ARMS AND ACCOUTREMENTS. 



Hussars. — Sabre, pistol, and carbine. 



Lancers. — Lance, sabre, and two pistols ; 16 men in each squadron have a carbine in the place 

 of one of the pistols. 



