sively. The most dashing riders, or those mounted on the swiftest
horses, will naturally arrive first, and be overpowered by numbers.

4. A charge _in deep column_ is also objectionable; its long flank
exposing it too much to artillery fire and to the enemy's cavalry.

But when cavalry is surprised, it must charge at once, in whatever order
it happens to be, rather than hesitate or attempt to manoeuvre, for
this would expose it to destruction.

5. A prompt and unhesitating obedience to the command to charge, without
regard to the circumstances under which it is given, may sometimes lead
to results _unexpected even to the charging troops themselves_.

One instance of this was related to me by an old officer of Napoleon's
favorite Fifth Cuirassiers. The regiment was on the left of the line of
battle. Directly in front of it was an extensive marsh; beyond which
rose an eminence, abrupt in front, but sloping gently towards the rear,
the crest of which was crowned by formidable Austrian batteries. For two
hours the cuirassiers had been standing in line, listening to the roar
of battle on the right, and eagerly expecting a summons to go
_somewhere_ to engage the enemy. The very horses were neighing and
pawing the ground, in their impatience to be off. Just then galloped up
one of the Emperor's aids, saying, "Colonel, the Emperor desires you to
charge directly on the enemy's batteries opposite your position." The
brave colonel, who was one of Napoleon's personal favorites, though
chafing at the prolonged inaction of his command, pointed to the marsh,
and requested the officer to inform the Emperor of the obstacle in his
front, with the existence of which his majesty, he said, was probably
unacquainted. In a few minutes the officer came riding furiously back
with a message to the colonel, that "if he did not immediately charge,
the Emperor would come and lead the regiment himself." Stung by this
reproof, the colonel plunged his spurs into his horse's flanks, and
giving the command "Forward," led his regiment, at full gallop, directly
through the marsh upon the point that had been indicated.

The charge itself was, of course, a failure. The regiment finally
struggled its way through the marsh to the opposite side, but leaving
behind it a large number of gallant officers and men, who had sunk to
rise no more; my informant being of the number who escaped.

But the result of this demonstration was most decisive. Seeing that the