366 



A HISTORY OF CAVALRY. 



[period IV. 



the Uhlans and Cossacks of Austii'i and Russia, and 

 soon perceived the necessity of having a force of the 

 same kind to oppose them. The lancers, organised for 

 this purpose, did good service on many occasions. 



Another species of cavalry was that known as the 

 chasseiirs-d-cheval, which formed a large portion of the 

 French cavalry. In 1799 there were twenty-five regi- 

 ments, in 1804 there were twenty -four regiments, and 

 in 1812 and 1813 thirty-one.' They were armed with 

 sabres, pistols, and mousquetons. 



When Napoleon ascended the throne there were ten 

 regiments of hussars in the army. In 1812 and 1813 

 they were increased to thirteen regiments. This force 

 has been described already on a previous page, and was 

 commonly used in most European armies. 



Napoleon established a number of cavalry schools in 

 which officers and instructors for the force were trained 

 with great care. 



Having described the composition and force of the 

 horsemen in the army of the great Napoleon, it will be 

 in place now to consider the manner in which that 

 extraordinary general employed it in his wars, and 

 the result of its exertions on the more important 

 battle-fields. 



Napoleon knew, as we have said, the importance of 

 the cavalry in preparing the way for a battle, in covering 

 the movements of the infantry and artillery, while 

 concentrating and taking up their position for action, 

 and in aiding them during the progress of the fight, by 

 charges in support of attacks, or against advancing 

 columns of the enemy. He also knew when to launch 

 them against a shaken and defeated foe, in order to 

 follow up a success and prevent them rallying. 



Napoleon maintained a close relationship between 

 the different arms. His first line was usually drawn up 

 deployed in battle array. The second liiiC was formed in 

 squares of battalions, the heavy cavalry being in reserve, 

 the artillery and light-horse being in front and upon the 

 flanks. If a charge of horse broke the front line, it 



' Ambert, 184, 187. 



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of t 



