CHAP. XXII.] 



RUSSIAN CAVALRY. 



343 



between the squares of the infantry, but even with the 

 rear of the squares, and with very small intervals. Fire- 

 arms were forbidden to be used, except by order of the 

 colonel, and upon his responsibility alone. The largest 

 organisation of cavalry was the brigade, consisting of 

 two regiments. 



Souvoroff, who was very highly spoken of as a par- 

 tisan officer in the Seven Years' War, was most impetuous 



m his movements. In 1768, with one regiment of 



infantry and two squadrons of cavalry, he marched 1,000 

 versts in one month, defeating his opponents wherever he 

 met them.' At the taking of Turtukai he handled his 

 cavalry very judiciously. He considered the sword as 

 the best weapon for horsemen. 



Potemkin paid careful attention to the cavalry. He 

 valued the dragoons and light cavalry highly. He 

 doubled the number of the dragoons, and reduced the 

 heavy cavalry. He improved the dress and equipment, 

 cutting the hair short, and abolishing powder. He also 

 organised new regiments of chasseurs and hussars, and 

 improved the Cossacks. He adopted the Hungarian 

 saddle, it being light, cheap, and easy to the horse. He 

 was anxious to secure a good seat, a skilful use of the 

 sword^ and a power of manoeuvring steadily, wheeling 

 by divisions and files. ^ 



At the battle of Cagool, 2l8t July, 1770, the cavalry 

 present were two regiments of cuirassiers, three of cara- 

 bineers, two of hussars, and six Cossack regiments, with 

 a provisional regiment of five squadrons. 



This cavalry, by rapid and vigorous charges, under 

 Count Soltikof and Prince Dolgoroukofi", at the close of 

 the battle, decided the victory in favour of the Russians. 



Although the use of firearms by the cavalry had been 

 forbidden, the habit was so strong that it was impossible 

 to prevent it in the presence of the Turkish cavalry (the 

 Spahis), who were very numerous and efficient. At this 

 battle of Cagool, a great portion of the carabineers being 

 stationed between two large squares, began firing on 

 horseback in a very irregular manner. 



1 Ivaaoff, 97. « ibid. 121. 



Eli 



