on.

5. _On its flanks_, it is the weakest of all arms. A single squadron
attacking it suddenly in flank, will break and rout cavalry of ten times
its number.

At the battle of the Pyramids, Napoleon kept a few squadrons in rear of
either flank, which, on his line being charged by a formidable body of
Mamelukes, vastly superior to his own cavalry in numbers, horses, and
equipments, nevertheless suddenly fell on their flanks and destroyed
them.

6. Cavalry is never so weak as directly _after a successful charge_;
being then exhausted, and in more or less disorder.

III.--How Posted.

1. A part of our cavalry must be so posted as to _secure our flanks_;
remaining in column behind the wings, till the enemy's movements require
its deployment.

If one wing is covered by natural obstacles, give the cavalry to the
uncovered wing; posting it in rear of the flank battalion of the second
line.

2. When cavalry is posted on the flanks, it should _not usually be on
the first line of infantry_. If it is to be used for attack, it is
better to keep it retired from view till the last moment, in order to
strengthen its attack by the powerful moral effect of a surprise. And,
used defensively, it will be best posted on the flanks of the second
line; since, in advancing to charge, it must have a clear space in its
front of at least two hundred or three hundred yards, to enable it to
act with freedom and vigor.

3. But if a position can be found for cavalry in front, where it would
not be too much exposed, this may sometimes enable it to exercise an
important moral effect, by _threatening the flank_ of such of the
enemy's troops as may be sent forward to attack.

At the battle of Leipsic, in 1813, the Wurtemburg cavalry was launched
against Blucher's Prussian cavalry. But, seeing the Prussians drawn up
not only in front, but opposite their flank, they lost confidence,
charged feebly, and too late. They were consequently repulsed and
driven back on the Marine Battalion, which they threw into confusion.

So, at the battle of Prairie Grove, in December, 1862, the First Iowa
Cavalry, which was held in reserve, by its mere presence, caused every
attempt of the rebels' flanking regiments to be abandoned.

4. In order not to impede the manoeuvres of the infantry, cavalry
should not _fill intervals_ in the lines, or be placed between the
lines.

It is dangerous when the ground is such as to require the cavalry in the
centre of th