REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M''CLELLAN. 231 



The forage sack is a long linen bag, with a longitudinal opening in the middle ; when 

 empty it is carried on the pommel. 



On the march, it contains the oats and bread, ec[ually divided between the two ends ; in this 

 case it is attached to the rear fork. 



The hay is also attached to the rear fork. 



The overcoat and stable frock are on the pommel. 



The stable blanket girth is in the forage sack. 



The camp kettle is carried on the end of the valise. 



The picket pins for light cavalry are of wood, 16" long and 2" in diameter ; there is a small 

 iron ring near the head for attaching the halter rope ; each man carries one strapped to his 

 right holster. 



The picket pins of the heavy cavalry are from 3^' to 4' long ; it is carried in a boot, attached 

 by a long strap to the right holster, the butt end being secured by means of a small strap from 

 the surcingle. 



The handle of the curry comb unscrews. 



Bridles are issued to the regiments cut out, but not sewed together. 



In bivouac, the schabraque is used to cover the equipment. 



The saddle blanket is iised as a horse cover in bivouac during bad weather, and in garrison 

 in the day time only. 



The equipments and arms are kept in the corridors of the quarters. 



Officers use the English saddle in the riding schools, but on parade they must appear with 

 the Hungarian tree, which, for them, is covered with leather. 



The spurs are of steel, with short shanks, and are screwed permanently to the heel of the boot. 



Martingales are exceptionally used — for horses that will persist in throwing up the head 

 continually. 



The men usually make a spare schabraque out of old blankets ; this alone is used at drill ; 

 on the march it is placed on top of the other. 



The saddle and equipment, packed, weighs 50 pounds. 



The men always ride on the curb, passing the snaffle reins through a loop on the curb reins, 

 and allowing them to hang loose. 



CLOTHING. 



The clothing is well made, and of most excellent material. 



In the issue of clothing, each article is supposed to be divided into a certain number of por- 

 tions, and every man is allowed a certain number of portions j)er annum, which he may draw 

 in whatever articles he pleases. The clothing is issued to the squadron captains either made 

 up, without being trimmed, or merely in the shape of the raw material — just as they elect. 



The system of portions is also pursued with regard to the horse equipment, each captain 

 drawing the number allowed his squadron in whatever articles happen to be required. 



The overcoat for all the cavalry is of thick white cloth, with sleeves and a long cape ; it is 

 made very long and loose. 



It may here be stated that this white cloth, of which the uniform coats of the infantry are 

 also made, is stated by the Austrian officers to be excellent for the field ; it is cleaned by 

 washing and pipe clay, and they seem to prefer it to any other color. 



The uniform coat is a short, double-breasted frock, with a standing collar, cut away in front ; 



