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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
The same arguments apply to all changes of front in the face of an 
enemy, except to meet a sudden and unexpected flank attack; in which 
case it will be necessary for the cavalry to get into their new direction 
at a gallop. As soon as that is gained, however, the guns should be 
allowed to do all they can before the cavalry pass them; in fact, all the 
foregoing then again comes into full force. 
To sum up. During an engagement, horse artillery and cavalry 
should never be in motion in the same line; the pace for horse artillery 
is the gallop ; cavalry should rarely (except when charging) go beyond 
a trot. 
What I have written in no way refers to the conduct of the drilling 
of either the horse artillery or cavalry. Of course, the horse artillery 
must in great part be taught and exercised at a walk and trot, as the 
best of all means leading to safe galloping; and the cavalry, too, must 
very frequently be manoeuvred at a gallop, to ensure their being able to 
do so on an emergency. 
I may add that the horse artillery should expect great assistance 
from good Rifle skirmishers. They are generally to be found in the front, 
and when the horse artillery come up the protection that might be 
afforded by such men would be immense; for the enemy's sharpshooters 
have always been a thorn in the side of the horse artillery, whereas, if we 
could only keep down their fire by our own skirmishers, many a shot 
that now has at least the chance of disabling one of our teams could 
never be fired at all. I cannot, however, pretend to any knowledge of 
the manner in which this protection may be best afforded; that may 
safely be left in the hands of our Rifle officers. 
