U.S. Cavalry Manual ‘Quoted’ In Ulzana’s Raid

[logan]

In the film Ulzana’s Raid, the commander of the post picks up what appears to be a U.S. Cavalry manual and quotes from it, but there didn’t appear to be such a manual in existence at the time dealing with instructions to be followed when dealing with tribes either during the conflict or how to pursue those who had fled the reservations, as is depicted in this film. I remember being informed it was more likely a cavalry manual from the American Civil War used as a basis, but adapted/added to for these new circumstances ?

[tubman13]

You have answered your own question.

Regards,
Tom

[montrose]

Cooke's Cavalry manual of 1861 was still in use. Upton wrote the new manual adopted in 1874.

www.11thovc.com/Cavalry

openlibrary.org/books/OL6025327M/Cavalry_tactics_United_States_Army

The manuals are simple drill and ceremony and movement. There is nothing adapted to specific enemies. Caldwell was a Brit, and we had no equivalent until the following century.

drillnet.net/Uptons.htm is easier to follow, but the infantry version.

[logan]

Interesting thanks. I’m finding it difficult too, finding a decent manual for use by mounted men/cavalry when fighting native tribes in South Africa, so much more different than two armies of reasonably equal ability and weaponry, instead of more unpredictable fluid engagements.

I’ve seen a couple of excellent horsemanship training on YouTube videos from WW1, showing the men dismounting and creating a skirmish line, horse holders to the rear, but also fascinating to watch them as they control their horses on really bad uneven ground, much like would be faced against warriors who appeared to ‘come out of the very ground in front of us’