"Battle of the Month" Club

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members;

First, I sure hope I don't loose anybody in trying to explain the evolution of squads, platoons and regiments; as to move into a formation of a 'charge.'

If one has the movie "Gods and Generals" I ask for your attention to go to the scene where Lt. Colonel Chamberlain is drilling with infantry soldiers --you hear the voice of Colonel Ames say--"It is easy to move from columns of four into a battle line but, much harder to move from battle line into a column of four, etc." Now,
for Cavalry [Reference The 1862 US Cavalry Tactics-Article Fifth; pg 93 The Charge .] The Cavalry is designed to operate in columns of four and two; and troopers in a squad go by even/odd numbers as to move into position. This then transfers by platoon and then into regiments. So, when the command is given; the even numbers go right, odd go left then go into lines of two - the first line and second line; the reserve in the third line.

The Murat Charge which is rooted in France during the Napoleon era; to which much of the US Army is patterned from; is a massive line closed as close as possible without hindering the horse and rider on either side. US Cavalry tactics have this same 'idea' using for the first line a little more than 1/3 of the entire cavalry force and the second line follows many yards behind as to be the second 'hit' if you will to follow up the first line. The third line can be considered the 'reserve.'

The approach to the enemy to charge; is done so at a walk as to permit the regiment to form, spread out; platoons and or squads to spread out; regardless of size of the cavalry. Then form into a trot; using the shoulders and chests of the riders to 'make the line' and sergeants, lieutenants on the ends as 'guides' using the hilt of their saber to have the ends line up. Similiar to what you see in DVD Gettysburg when General Reynolds is alligning his 'black hats-Iron Brigade'-one sees sergeants lifting their muskets butt end up in the air. These are guides. Then dressing to the guides, once in allignment the charge can take place; but--with cavalry; the flanking attack is their 'bread and butter' and at the last 50 yards, charge at a full gallop with sabers drawn and rush the enemy.

The first wave/line then crushes into the enemy, the second line following, to which the first line has hopefully caused holes or moved the enemy as to permit further progress by the second line of attack. Or, to push into the enemy's second line and reserves.

Cavalry to Cavalry engagements are equal per se; to which the drive in the attack will use the body of the horse to knock and upset the enemy's Cavalry; disrupting the lines. Hand to hand combat by saber and pistols in close quarters is common. The Cavalry does use their saber knots (which is like a loop on a crop, umbrella, etc); as to recover the saber if it is dropped or knocked out of the hand. It saves time also returning the sword to the scabbard should pistols be used--especially for officers and guides.

After the initial charge, sabers drawn with the point forward; the rider braces their hip into the saddle as to absorb the hit of saber into the body and or lance (which was disguarded early in the war due to evolution of the rifle with cavalry; slung on troopers to bring up and fire). Distances between the lines of mounted cavalry gives the second line attacking the opportunity to revise their direction and force/speed and weapons.

The white gauntlet/glove worn by the cavalry, helps others see the hand commands of their superiors, guides and serves as to keep sleeves clean, hands protected and being thicker leather around the wrist; will protect from saber cuts in saber duals; however is not always the 'ultimate protection' from saber cuts. The shell jacket was preferred by Cavalry; as it allowed movement to be unrestricted. Frock coats were fine for officers but; for use--the shell jacket was preferred. (shell jacket is similar to the Ike jacket).

Once the charge has been made, the cavalry then reforms into platoons and squads and if the 'commanding officer' wishes another charge--reforms, using the freshest line first, then progress the line by strength and freshness of the horses; so reserve would be first next charge and rotate this way through the entire engagement.

Hope this helps explain a bit what 'the charge' is suppose to evolve into--a mass of horse and saber points at a gallop as to crush--thus; the style is patterned after Murat, the chief inventor of this battle line of cavalry,for Napoleon; which was successful, in uniformed mass attack of mounted horsemen.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

Dear CW1865,

From what the 1862 Army Officer's Pocket Companion described on page 71; the musket ball is described as effective is uncertain beyond 200 yards. Referencing an ordinary musket. But, the round still travels, to which I must assume why they said 650 yards.

It then described the effective range of the rifled spherical ball is over 400 yards.

Then just lists the oblong rifle ball is effective at 1,000 yards.

I am not enough of an expert to say if all these rounds/balls were usable in all the guns or just specific to the rifle --it doesn’t say.

According to 1861 Revised Regulations -Ordnance Department-Classification of Stores;
Page 404 --Class VI - the list is showing:

Muskets, complete
National Armory, bright percussion
National Armory, brown, flint, 4th class, short
National Armory, bright, altered to percussion
National Armory, brown, altered to percussion
Contract, brown altered to percussion [pg 406]
Contract, bright altered to precussion
Musketoons, artillery, percussion
Musketoons, cavalry, percussion
Musketoons, sappers, percussion
Rifles, viz;
Harper’s Ferry percussion new
Harper’s Ferry percussion used
Contract, full stocked, brown, flint
Hall’s patent, new without bayonets
Hall’s patent , new without bayonets
Pistols, viz;
Percussion new model
Colt’s patent
Hall’s carbines, new, percussion
Wall’s pieces, rifle, 4 oz. caliber
[then goes into sabers]

There is mention of molded balls and pressed balls. But, what is driving me batty; is to find what the afore listed types of rifles, carbines, etc; match which round - LOL But, all I can say is 'WOWZERS' to all the kinds of rifles, muskets and carbines the 1861 Revised Regulations for the Army of the United States; has listed.

Ok ammunition experts!!! Come help us all out please

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[ole]

Far from an expert here, but calibers were fairly consistent among most but the oldest muskets. The flintlocks and those altered to percussion would have been mostly of the same caliber. The contract and more recently made rifles would also have been mostly of the same caliber, although different from those made as rifled muskets. The bright and brown were barrel finishes; musketoons varied in barrel length.

Now I will step out of the way and let some real experts through.

ole

[Hanny]

Originally Posted by M E Wolf

Dear List Members;

First, I sure hope I don't loose anybody in trying to explain the evolution of squads, platoons and regiments; as to move into a formation of a 'charge.'

If one has the movie "Gods and Generals" I ask for your attention to go to the scene where Lt. Colonel Chamberlain is drilling with infantry soldiers --you hear the voice of Colonel Ames say--"It is easy to move from columns of four into a battle line but, much harder to move from battle line into a column of four, etc." Now,
for Cavalry [Reference The 1862 US Cavalry Tactics-Article Fifth; pg 93 The Charge .] The Cavalry is designed to operate in columns of four and two; and troopers in a squad go by even/odd numbers as to move into position. This then transfers by platoon and then into regiments. So, when the command is given; the even numbers go right, odd go left then go into lines of two - the first line and second line; the reserve in the third line.

The Murat Charge which is rooted in France during the Napoleon era; to which much of the US Army is patterned from; is a massive line closed as close as possible without hindering the horse and rider on either side. US Cavalry tactics have this same 'idea' using for the first line a little more than 1/3 of the entire cavalry force and the second line follows many yards behind as to be the second 'hit' if you will to follow up the first line. The third line can be considered the 'reserve.'

The approach to the enemy to charge; is done so at a walk as to permit the regiment to form, spread out; platoons and or squads to spread out; regardless of size of the cavalry. Then form into a trot; using the shoulders and chests of the riders to 'make the line' and sergeants, lieutenants on the ends as 'guides' using the hilt of their saber to have the ends line up. Similiar to what you see in DVD Gettysburg when General Reynolds is alligning his 'black hats-Iron Brigade'-one sees sergeants lifting their muskets butt end up in the air. These are guides. Then dressing to the guides, once in allignment the charge can take place; but--with cavalry; the flanking attack is their 'bread and butter' and at the last 50 yards, charge at a full gallop with sabers drawn and rush the enemy.

The first wave/line then crushes into the enemy, the second line following, to which the first line has hopefully caused holes or moved the enemy as to permit further progress by the second line of attack. Or, to push into the enemy's second line and reserves.

Cavalry to Cavalry engagements are equal per se; to which the drive in the attack will use the body of the horse to knock and upset the enemy's Cavalry; disrupting the lines. Hand to hand combat by saber and pistols in close quarters is common. The Cavalry does use their saber knots (which is like a loop on a crop, umbrella, etc); as to recover the saber if it is dropped or knocked out of the hand. It saves time also returning the sword to the scabbard should pistols be used--especially for officers and guides.

After the initial charge, sabers drawn with the point forward; the rider braces their hip into the saddle as to absorb the hit of saber into the body and or lance (which was disguarded early in the war due to evolution of the rifle with cavalry; slung on troopers to bring up and fire). Distances between the lines of mounted cavalry gives the second line attacking the opportunity to revise their direction and force/speed and weapons.

The white gauntlet/glove worn by the cavalry, helps others see the hand commands of their superiors, guides and serves as to keep sleeves clean, hands protected and being thicker leather around the wrist; will protect from saber cuts in saber duals; however is not always the 'ultimate protection' from saber cuts. The shell jacket was preferred by Cavalry; as it allowed movement to be unrestricted. Frock coats were fine for officers but; for use--the shell jacket was preferred. (shell jacket is similar to the Ike jacket).

Once the charge has been made, the cavalry then reforms into platoons and squads and if the 'commanding officer' wishes another charge--reforms, using the freshest line first, then progress the line by strength and freshness of the horses; so reserve would be first next charge and rotate this way through the entire engagement.

Hope this helps explain a bit what 'the charge' is suppose to evolve into--a mass of horse and saber points at a gallop as to crush--thus; the style is patterned after Murat, the chief inventor of this battle line of cavalry,for Napoleon; which was successful, in uniformed mass attack of mounted horsemen.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

This kind of operation only exists in theory, at 3/4 rounds a min, a body of x men can delver a known volume of fire, a horse gait (cantor to charge at 440 yards from contact) gives us the timetaken to cover 1000 yards, means the volume of fire can be predicted, (hist were know from live fore test on targets of different sizes at ranges) and its effect ment, that the day of the horse shoulder to shoulder charge was dead before the war began. The same ought to have been clear as to infantry performing the same, and a dispersion on attack frontage as a rsult to counter this volume of metal Wellington ext had to face in comparison

[M E Wolf]

Dear Hanny,

I agree that this Cavalry charge is based on a pattern and style "Murat" can be seen as theory. The uniformity of any charge is ruled by the ground, the horses and riders and the disruption. The weapons of Napoleonic tactics were already out of date by time the Civil War took place; however the senior Officers on both sides had been taught from the books that were out of date per se; the newer officers and those who studied under different principle teachers of cavalry; such as General John Buford; who studied and applied the tactics of General John Watts dePevster; who took the Murat style and changed it into more suited for Western/Indian campaigns to which Buford's assignments were there prior to the Civil War.

Lee's Cavalry tactics were developed from West Point 1828 vs. Pleasonton's and Buford's class of 1848. Stuart's class of 1852 was not that far distant between however, the "Murat" style was still something that General Heintzelman, the first commanding cavalry general in the Civil War graduated in 1826--thus matched toe to toe with cavalry tactics Lee would have learned. So, I feel that West Point influenced cavalry tactics a great deal, upon the application by the generals; the evolution of tactics would have been seen through twenty years or so.

The generals who committed the cavalry to these old Murat tactics; Heintzelman and Lee; as you pointed out was 'dead' before the year closed in 1861 just by weapon changes alone. Before the likes of Pleasonton and Buford were empowered--the old styles and generals with them had to be put to the side. And, the military is stubborn that way; having newer generals have influences. Only after success do they make their case and prove the tactics true for the times. General Stoneman was in the class of 1846 and Sheridan was in the class 1853.

These generals of the cavalry also were influenced by their service in the west. More operating room, less hills, etc. So, coming to the east--cavalry tactics geared to the west had to change by the ground they fought in--some changed better than others.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[Hanny]

Originally Posted by M E Wolf

,
Mr M. E. Wolf

As usual a well thought out post, leaving me nothing to nit pick on or about...... its not possible for me to know, what you know and what you dont, so i hope i dont bore or insult you, cantor is 8 miles and hour a gallop is 12 miles an hour, if you recall l-street doing the math in his head when he commented on his formation comming apart at point x on its approach to the center on D3 at Gburg, thats the kind of maths all officers were doing, and Bufords delaying D1 at G-burg is an excellent rendition of how to use cav, in pre ww2, H Guderian came to the US to help formulate German blitzkrieg armoured doctrine, he came to study N B Forrest and how he conducted himself.

Thank you for the trouble you went to posting the dat from the OR, i have many of its vols but not all, but i can get what i dont have from the online OR, so thanks for makeing my life easier. I actually went to QM reports for munitions, as the Comte De Paris acount of munitions delivered only goes down to year by year amounts.

Quid pro, something that, like Sherman family details, may intrest and suprise you then.

Accuracy of Smoothbore Muskets vs. Rifle-muskets
(Shooting at a target 6 feet high and 20 feet wide. From U.S. Army experiments in 1856.)
Distance from Target Smoothbore Shots that Hit Target Rifle Shots that Hit Target
100 yards 74.5% 94.5%
200 yards 42.5% 80%
300 yards 16% 55%
400 yards 4.5% 52.5%



.57 and .58 were enterchangable and did not degrade barrel life ( 101 at Bastogne used blankets to wrap around small calibre shells to use in larger calibre guns which of course were rather inacurate over distance).

http://www.aotc.net/Spencer.htm
Between the rifle and carbine versions, about 48,000 of these weapons were in use by 1865. The carbine was a shorter version of the Spencer 7-shot repeating rifle and was introduced primarily for cavalry use in 1864.
snipe to bottom of link.
The following table taken from the Official Records (ar72_124) shows the ammuntion of all types expended by Sherman's army group during the Atlanta Campaign from 1 May 4 to 8 September 1864. This gives an idea of the extent of the introduction of repeating rifles into the most technologically advanced military force of the Civil War toward the end of the conflict.
A - Army of the Cumberland, Major-General Thomas, about 60,000 troops. .
B - Army of the Tennessee, Major-General Howard, formerly under McPherson, about 25,000 troops.
C - Army of the Ohio, Major-General Schofield, about 15,000 troops
D - Total.
Ammunition type
A
B
C
D
Elongated ball cartridges, caliber .57 and .58
11,637,560
7,908,222 1,794,444
21,340,222
Spencer rifle cartridges
156,739
180,768 52,815
390,322
Henry rifle cartridges
10,240
93,655
23,300
126,195
Colt rifle cartridges
10,760
.....
5,000
15,760
Burnside carbine cartridges
.....
.....
84,000
84,000
Sharps carbine cartridges
.....
.....
16,000
16,000
Smith & Weston carbine cartridges
.....
15,000 68,000
83,000
Ballard carbine cartridges
.....
.....
30,000
30,000
Merrill carbine cartridges
.....
..... 10,000
10,000
Colt army-pistol cartridges
.....
600
28,720
29,320
Colt navy-pistol cartridges
.....
1,200
3,000
4,200
Target-rifle cartridges
.....
7,113
.....
7,113
Total
11,815,299
8,206,558
2,115,279
22,136,132

The ordinace officer of the AoP had acepted the following by 64, 80,512 Sharps carbines, 55,567 Burnsides, and 20,002 Maynards, and then Brig Wilson took over and standardised it to the Spencer till wars end.

in the appendix of DS freemn Lees Ltns, vol 3, there is a table from the US Army on range and disabaling wounds and a range of the most common used weapons, in you have not seen it, and is quite intresting and i can past in in for you if you have not seen it..

[M E Wolf]

Dear Hanny,

A horse's canter, which is a slow gallop; the name "Canter" came from the English diddy about the trip on horseback to the Church in Canterbury (England)

The Western Pleasure gait at a lope, which is a very slow canter; is less than 8 mph. The canter would also be determined by ground; as a horse going down an incline is more inclined to speed up as the horse's natural weight and balance is thrown forward. Going up hill the canter would be slower, as the horse has to thrust from the hind quarters and in a way, hops rather than a smooth slow and fluid gallop or canter; say for example on a race track or show ring.

In training my horse, to which I enjoyed Quarter Horse breeds; I was able to balance the horse and travel the same distance in a very slow lope and a friend's horse was going in a fast trot. It really depends on the horses-some long legged, some stubby legs; long backs and short backs; this is why the lines dressed from the rider--not the horse. The same in drill teams. Weight of the rider shifting also influences the horse by influencing the horse's balance. This is why those Generals, e.g. Kearney, Hood, Ewell; who had amputations could still ride horses effectively; using the dragoon seat and cavalry balance seat riding; the shift of hip verses gripping with the knees permitted them to balance on the fence rail per se. And, should you have the DVD copy of Gettysburg; the best dragoon seat and proper rein use is done by the actor portraying General John Reynolds. If you see him riding up to Buford asking "What goes John" and especially when riding with Buford; his equestrian exactness of dragoon seat made me 'hot' and 'thrilled'--to finally see someone do it right. LOL. Problem is when the scene he gets killed in; he blew his handling of the reins. LOL. [Slaps hand over eyes]. Another tid bit of history; General Reynolds jumped over the fences as well as his staff. Jumping is part of the training of the Cavalry, also referenced in detail in the 1862 Cavalry Tactics for the US Army.

Best side-pass or moving sideways riding is done by a Confederate officer behind his troops attacking Devil's Den; he/she is wearing brown; right after the Union officer is shot off a grey horse; it is at a distance however; this movement was very useful in zig-zagging as to be a harder target. Dressage movement in modern times; this rider then hops over a fence and continues on; supposingly depicting the 2nd day's fight.

Passage a slow progress at a trot is nearly as slow as a walk; and a piaffe is trotting in place much like a statue; with maybe a walking step forward at most. Also seen in modern Dressage; which is 'French' for Training; as it applied to the training of the war horse. The Spanish Riding School of Austria is famous in keeping this art alive and, the horses they ride are no bigger than the Morgan Horse and or Quarter Horse; around 15.3 hands.


General Longstreet, as did many of the West Point graduates had to do math and how it applied to targets, range, arrival and what the problem with some engaugments; the ground would have little ravines or things the surface survey of the field didn't pick up; for example in Pickett's charge; there was a hollow that wasn't picked up by the 'math' as to time the march; thus the lines broke and weren't dressing off one another; leaving Pickett's brigade unsupported. Fence was another issue; delay and the two drains on either side of the road. Takes just more steps to cross it than plain field walkabout.

Thank you for the information on the weaponry Hanny. Interesting.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[Hanny]

Originally Posted by M E Wolf

Dear Hanny,

A horse's canter, which is a slow gallop; the name "Canter" came from the English diddy about the trip on horseback to the Church in Canterbury (England)

The Western Pleasure gait at a lope, which is a very slow canter; is less than 8 mph. The canter would also be determined by ground; as a horse going down an incline is more inclined to speed up as the horse's natural weight and balance is thrown forward. Going up hill the canter would be slower, as the horse has to thrust from the hind quarters and in a way, hops rather than a smooth slow and fluid gallop or canter; say for example on a race track or show ring.

In training my horse, to which I enjoyed Quarter Horse breeds; I was able to balance the horse and travel the same distance in a very slow lope and a friend's horse was going in a fast trot. It really depends on the horses-some long legged, some stubby legs; long backs and short backs; this is why the lines dressed from the rider--not the horse. The same in drill teams. Weight of the rider shifting also influences the horse by influencing the horse's balance. This is why those Generals, e.g. Kearney, Hood, Ewell; who had amputations could still ride horses effectively; using the dragoon seat and cavalry balance seat riding; the shift of hip verses gripping with the knees permitted them to balance on the fence rail per se. And, should you have the DVD copy of Gettysburg; the best dragoon seat and proper rein use is done by the actor portraying General John Reynolds. If you see him riding up to Buford asking "What goes John" and especially when riding with Buford; his equestrian exactness of dragoon seat made me 'hot' and 'thrilled'--to finally see someone do it right. LOL. Problem is when the scene he gets killed in; he blew his handling of the reins. LOL. [Slaps hand over eyes]. Another tid bit of history; General Reynolds jumped over the fences as well as his staff. Jumping is part of the training of the Cavalry, also referenced in detail in the 1862 Cavalry Tactics for the US Army.

Best side-pass or moving sideways riding is done by a Confederate officer behind his troops attacking Devil's Den; he/she is wearing brown; right after the Union officer is shot off a grey horse; it is at a distance however; this movement was very useful in zig-zagging as to be a harder target. Dressage movement in modern times; this rider then hops over a fence and continues on; supposingly depicting the 2nd day's fight.

Passage a slow progress at a trot is nearly as slow as a walk; and a piaffe is trotting in place much like a statue; with maybe a walking step forward at most. Also seen in modern Dressage; which is 'French' for Training; as it applied to the training of the war horse. The Spanish Riding School of Austria is famous in keeping this art alive and, the horses they ride are no bigger than the Morgan Horse and or Quarter Horse; around 15.3 hands.


General Longstreet, as did many of the West Point graduates had to do math and how it applied to targets, range, arrival and what the problem with some engaugments; the ground would have little ravines or things the surface survey of the field didn't pick up; for example in Pickett's charge; there was a hollow that wasn't picked up by the 'math' as to time the march; thus the lines broke and weren't dressing off one another; leaving Pickett's brigade unsupported. Fence was another issue; delay and the two drains on either side of the road. Takes just more steps to cross it than plain field walkabout.

Thank you for the information on the weaponry Hanny. Interesting.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

Its never been easy for me to think of Grant as being an acomplished horseman, yet all comment on his skill.

Ive been watching our Ermine street Guard re enactors of late, they do Roman era enactments, and were at a dig i was at, and had a roman cavalry man with 80kilos of mail,vaulting ove rthe hind quarters to remount and go through the evolutions, what was amazing was that the person doing it was female!.

With regard to films, Gods and Generals draws far more from (http://www.amazon.com/Stonewall-Jack...6851)Stonewall Jackosn the man the soldier the legend than it does from Shara, and much of the script is drawn from that book, so when people comment, those words are to be found not in Shara, but sourced in Jobertsons work and used vebatim.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Hanny,

In referencing the movies, such as Gettysburg, I wanted to use it as a means for people to look and perhaps train their eyes in the differences of riding styles. Buford (Sam Elliott) is more cavalry when in real life; General Buford would have ridden identically to Reynolds (in the movie).

It is, perhaps -- my equestian experience, to which I wish to share with those who know little about horses, harness, saddles, Dragoon vs. Cavalry.

For example; in my training from Major Lynch, Ret. Cavalry in the 1970's; we had to ride at one point with the reins in our teeth. By just loosening our jaw was enough to telegraph to the bit. Clenching the teeth, telegraphed to the horse to stop. This left my hands free for saber in the right and revolver in the left. I was a --umm, kind of different sort of student as I wanted to learn the military/combat riding, verses show ring and professional rider styles; which benefited from military cavalry training.

Major Lynch was from the old school, where horses had to lay quiet with their riders as machine guns with live ammo shot over them. If the horse rose up, they were instantly killed. Many a horse perished this way. Better there than in the battlefields of WWI.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

[Dred]

Well.. It's July now, July 6th to be exact. I've been lost in the souther regions of Tejas for the last few days. So what's up for July? I'd rather not go to Getteysburg since there is an entire forum dedicated to it, and We did Vicksburg in May. Any ideas for July?

I was thinking maybe the Seven Day's Battles.. Started June 25th until July 1st... Unless somebody has a better idea.

Last months discussion was great! Learned many things about trop movements and cavalry I never knew. Hopefully we can keep up the good discussions again this month!