Mounted Union Cavalry Tactics

[wtexas]

I am research Federal cavalry tactics late in the war (1864) and am trying to find information on whether Union cavalry using breech loading carbines would engage in fire combat while mounted? I'm not talking about close in combat with pistols and sabers but firing from 100 to 200 yards away with carbines while mounted? Never done? Rarely done? Occasionally done? Routine?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[RedRover]

Deploying a mounted unit as "Skirmishers"

From the 1841 cavalry tactics, when prepared for skirmishing, the men load their arms, etc.

...
The troopers about 5 paces apart in the drill... but the interval could vary.

A sketch by A.R. Waud.

Edwin Forbes' drawing "advance of a cavalry skirmish line" also shows an advance carbines in hand.

In a general action, the cavalry could charge "as foragers" dispersed in something like the above skirmish lines, and capable of handling their guns if necessary. From the 1841 cavalry tactics...

Sheridan, in his memoirs, vol. 2, p. 115 mentions troops acting as foragers in action later in the war.

The Rebs did the same as necessary. From the History of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry...

Major Louis H. Carpenter, 5th Cavalry, in this post-war article explains that in the cavalry operations around Richmond in 1864, the wooded terrain made mounted action more difficult, and they more often dismounted to skirmish etc. on foot.

p. 301-302:

Journal of the United States Cavalry Association

www.google.com

 

[danny]

Step 1-learn how to fire the repeating rifle

Game over!