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REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 275 



THE SAEDINIAN CAVALKY. 



This consists of: 



4 regiments of cavalry of tlie line, (heavy cavalry.) 



5 regiments of light cavalry. 



Each regiment consists of 4 active and 1 depot squadrons, and has a strength of about 35 

 otficers and 600 men. 



The staff of a regiment consists of: 1 colonel or lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 2 adjutants, 1 

 paymaster, 1 captain and 1 lieutenant of clothing and supplies, 1 chaplain, 2 surgeons, 2 vete- 

 rinaries, 18 non-commissioned officers, &c. 



Each active squadron is composed of : 



1 captain, 2 1st lieutenants, 2 suh-lieutenants, 1 orderly sergeant, 4 sergeants, 11 corporals, 

 8 lance corporals, (or 1st class privates,) 2 trumpeters, 2 buglers, 1 farrier, 1 saddler, 110 

 privates. 



Each depot squadron consists of: 



1 cajjtain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 sub-lieutenant, 1 orderly sergeant, 2 sergeants, 5 corporals, 

 and 10 privates. 



There are, in addition to regiments mentioned above, 6 squadrons of local cavalry in the island 

 of Sardinia ; the composition of these is nearly the same as that given above. 



The four regiments of heavy cavalry are armed with the sabre, lance, and pistols ; they wear 

 helmets. 



Of the five light regiments, two are lancers, armed with the sabre, lance, and "pistolon;" the 

 other three are armed with sabre, pistol, and rifle. 



The sabre is 3' long, broad, and nearly straight ; it has a steel scabbard and guard, the latter 

 solid towards the blade ; the gripe is unusually long. 



The pistol is an ordinary percussion horse pistol, carried in the left holster, and secured to the 

 saddle by a leather strap attached to the guard. 



The rifle has a barrel 30" long, and is carried slung over the left shoulder. 



The "pistolon " is a rifled carbine with a 12" barrel ; it carries a spherical ball, and gives a 

 satisfactory range. 



It may be used either as a pistol or carbine, although the stock does not detach ; it is habitu- 

 ally carried in the right holster, but there is also a common carbine sling for it ; there is also a 

 hook on one side of the stock, so that the men can hook it to the waist belt when they dismount. 



The lance is about 9^' long, with a bayonet point, and a button at the end of the shaft ; a strap 

 of steel, 5' long, is screwed to the shaft ; pennon dark blue. 



The sabre belt is much like our own. 



The cartridge-box contains 30 rounds, and is suspended by a shoulder belt ; the pistol rammer 

 is attached to this belt. 



The saddle is a bare wooden tree, very similar to the Hungarian ; a small pad and a scha- 

 braque are laid on top. A common blanket, folded in 12 thicknesses, is placed under the saddle. 

 Girth and surcingle of leather ; stirrups of steel, and light. 



The snaffle is attached to the halter head stall by a chain and T ; the curb is also of steel, and 

 has a separate head stall, to which it is buckled. 



The valise is of cloth, and 24" long ; a shelter tent, like that of the French, is carried under 

 the valise flap. 



Spurs of steel, and fastened permanently to the boots. 



