A Treatise on the Tactical Use of the Three Arms: Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24765

Title

A Treatise on the Tactical Use of the Three Arms: Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Francis J. Lippitt's 1865 treatise offers a tactical guide for combining infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Written by an ex-colonel, the text argues for bayonet charges over distant fire, the superiority of columns over lines, and the critical roles of light cavalry and artillery support in securing battlefield victories.

Summary up to 500 words

In his 1865 treatise, Francis J. Lippitt, an ex-colonel of the California Volunteers, systematically analyzes the tactical employment of the three arms of the army: infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Lippitt argues that victory belongs to the commander best acquainted with their combined use, emphasizing that a complete military force relies on their united action. Regarding infantry, he contends that attacks are most effective with the bayonet rather than distant fire, as capturing or driving off the enemy requires close contact. While acknowledging the vulnerability of close columns to artillery and sharpshooter fire, Lippitt advocates for advancing in loose order before deploying into columns near the enemy to mitigate these risks. He suggests that preparatory fire, ideally from artillery, should shatter enemy masses to facilitate infantry advances, noting that indecisive battles in the Civil War often resulted from opposing battalions firing at each other at a distance until ranks were weakened. On artillery, Lippitt emphasizes its primarily defensive role in protecting infantry and cavalry, yet highlights its offensive value in shattering enemy formations. He details how batteries should be posted to command the field, avoid enfilade, and support infantry flanks, warning against posting them on stony or muddy ground. The text extensively covers cavalry tactics, distinguishing between heavy and light cavalry. Lippitt contends that while heavy cavalry is formidable in open plains, the Civil War's rugged terrain and rifled arms made light cavalry indispensable for reconnaissance, scouting, and protecting communications. He describes specific methods for attacking infantry squares, noting that cavalry must attack at angles and often requires artillery support to break the formation. Lippitt concludes that artillery prepares the victory, infantry achieves it, and cavalry completes it by dispersing the defeated enemy and securing strategic objectives. Throughout, he draws on historical examples from the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War, such as Waterloo, Murfreesboro, and Gettysburg, to illustrate his points on formation, fire superiority, and the necessity of light cavalry for intelligence and army subsistence.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Military Science