The French infantry soldier averaged about five feet five or six in
height; in build they were much about what they are now, perhaps a
little broader over the shoulder. They were smart, active, handy
fellows, and much more able to look after their personal comforts than
British soldiers, as their camps indicated. The uniform of those days
consisted in a schako, which spread out at the top; a short-waisted,
swallow-tailed coat; and large, baggy trousers and gaiters. The
clothing of the French soldier was roomy, and enabled him to march and
move about at ease: no pipeclay accessories occupied their attention;
in a word, their uniforms and accoutrements were infinitely superior to
our own, taking into consideration the practical necessities of
warfare. Their muskets were inferior to ours, and their firing less
deadly. The French cavalry we thought badly horsed; but their
uniforms, though showy, were, like those of the infantry, comfortably
large and roomy.
I have frequently remarked that firearms are of little use to the
mounted soldier, and often an incumbrance to man and horse. Cavalry
want only one arm--the sabre. Let the men be well mounted and at home
in the saddle. It requires great knowledge in a Commander-in-chief to
know when and how to use his cavalry. It has been my misfortune to
witness oft-repeated blunders in the employment of the best-mounted
regiments in the world. I consider the French generals had more
knowledge of the use of cavalry than our own, when a great battle was
to be fought.