But the force of this objection is somewhat weakened, by the consideration that the compact charge of "cavalry of the line" must hereafter be comparatively rare, in consequence of the introduction of rifled artillery and infantry weapons, with their greatly increased accuracy and range; which ought to cause such slaughter in a line or column of charging cavalry, that, if it arrive at all to the shock, it would generally be only in scattered groups. 12. In advancing over wooded, or other obstructed ground, it may be necessary to break the line into _company columns of fours_, as in the infantry manoeuvre of advancing by the flanks of companies. As the cavalry column of fours corresponds to the march of infantry by the flank, the use of this formation in action is open to the same objections that have been already pointed out as applying to flank marches by infantry. II.--Its Strong and its Weak Points. 1. The value of cavalry on the battle-field consists chiefly in its velocity and mobility. Its strength is in the _sabre-point and spurs_. 2. Its charge is accompanied with a _powerful moral effect_, especially upon inexperienced troops. But, 3. Cavalry has but _little solidity_, and cannot defend a position against good infantry. For, if it remain passive on the ground it is to hold, the infantry will soon destroy it by its fire, to which it cannot, with any effect, reply; and if it attack at close quarters, the infantry, by means of its defensive formations, will be able, at least, to hold its ground, and probably repulse its charges by a reserved fire. So that the cavalry will finally have no alternative but to retire. 4. It is exposed and helpless _during a change of formation_; like artillery limbering up, or coming into action. 5. _On its flanks_, it is the weakest of all arms. A single squadron attacking it suddenly in flank, will break and rout cavalry of ten times its number. At the battle of the Pyramids, Napoleon kept a few squadrons in rear of either flank, which, on his line being charged by a formidable body of Mamelukes, vastly superior to his own cavalry in numbers, horses, and equipments, nevertheless suddenly fell on their flanks and destroyed them. 6. Cavalry is never so weak as directly _after a successful charge_; being then exhausted, and in more or less disorder. III.--How Posted. 1. A part of our cavalry must be so posted as to _secure our flanks_; remaining in column behind the wings, till the enemy's movements require its deployment. If one wing is covered by natural obstacles, give the cavalry to the uncovered wing; posting it in rear of the flank battalion of the second line.