REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 



265 



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The hay is purchased in trusses of about 15 lbs. each, 

 and is put up, at the magazine, in trusses of a ration each, 

 by hired men. The straw is stacked in piles about 40' 

 high, in the open air ; a wall surrounds the whole estab- 

 lishment. Four months' supply usually kept on hand. The 

 purchase and issue are in the hands of an officer of the 

 intendance. 



ma Biding halls. — There are three of these, the largest being 



280' long, 105' wide, and 25' high. The roof truss of wood, supported by wooden arches, which 

 extend nearly to the floor. 



The galleries in the middle of the long sides, the entrance doors at the ends. There is no 

 wainscot, nor are the corners rounded off. The floor is of sand and tan. 



The large riding hall is stated to be too large for the mere riding drill, and is sufficient for 

 instruction in the first two articles of the platoon drill ; it was also stated that it would be 

 desirable to have it large enough for all the lessons of the platoon drill. The second riding 

 hall is about 216' X 60', and is of a good size for the riding drill. The best shape for a riding 

 hall is said to be, — the width one-third of the length. Near the large riding hall there is a 

 target, placed against a brick wall. They practice at this with pistol, carbine, and musket ; 

 at first on foot, afterwards on horseback. 



The carbine is said to be worthless, because it is inaccurate, and is apt to burn the horses' 

 ears. No very satisfactory results have been obtained with the use of the musket on horseback. 



Hurdles about 2^ feet high are placed near the target ; they are made of very flexible withes, 

 in order not to trip the horse if he strikes. 



The practical exercises consist of: The ordinary riding hall drill, including vaulting, the 

 "kickers," &c. ; the carriere, or out door riding at speed, over hurdles, ditches, &c. ; cutting at 

 heads ; target practice ; fencing ; swimming ; the usual military drills ; skeleton squadron and 

 regimental drills ; rides in the country ; finally, in the summer, frequent " carrousels" or tilts 

 are held. 



The English saddle and bridle are much used by the officers. The saddle for the " kickers" 

 has a high pommel and cantle, and no stirrups. 



The Baucher system was fully tried at Saumur, a:.d I was informed that it proved to be 

 inapplicable to the general service ; some few persons, exceptions to the general rule, did won- 

 ders with it ; but it generally did harm, and is regarded as a very dangerous system in the 

 hands of most officers and men ; it is not at all in use at Saumur, or anywhere else in the 

 French service. I will here take occasion to repeat that I took especial pains to make inquiries, 

 in relation to the Baucher system, of the cavalry officers of all the countries we visited, and 

 that the reply was uniformly the same : that is, that certain parts of the system (those relating 

 to obtaining command of the muscles of the head and neck) were good, and could be applied 

 with advantage by individual officers to their own horses, but that the system would never 

 answer for general introduction in the service. 



In addition to what is stated in the decree of reorganization, it should be said that the non- 

 commissioned officers sent to the school must have served as such at least one year ; and that 

 those who attend the school as non-commissioned officers frequently return as officers for in- 

 struction, and again in a higher grade on the staff of the school. The officer now second in 

 command has been at the school in every grade down to that of lieutenant, inclusive. Officers 

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