The cavalry or "Horse Soldiers" of the Civil War were the "eyes" of the army and it was his duty to keep his commander-in-chief informed of his opponents' maneuvers, and at the same time screen the movements of his own army. In addition to guarding his army's flanks, he was a mobile striking force, attacking the enemy communications, supply lines, and trains. The cavalry of both North and South fought with carbine or rifle and saber, mounted or on foot.
|
