Victor or vanquished, it is of the greatest importance to have a body
of cavalry in reserve, either to take advantage of victory, or to
secure a retreat. The most decisive battles lose half their value to
the conqueror, when the want of cavalry prevents him from following up
his success, and depriving the enemy of the power of rallying.
When a retiring army is pursued, it is more especially upon the flanks
that the weight of cavalry should fall, if you are strong enough in
that arm to cut off his retreat.