GDG- RE:Lane & Squares

[Chris Army]

Esteemed Member Jim Cameron wrote:
>>Laurie, J.D., or Chris,

At the risk of betraying my relative lack of expertise in cavalry matters 
(notice I said "relative", not wanting to admit to a complete lack of 
same),please refresh my memory.  At the time Lane, or one or another of his 
regiments,was allegedly forming square, what exactly was Gamble doing?  Did 
he have his troops mounted and arrayed so as to threaten a mounted charge, 
or, were they fighting dismounted at the time?

If Gamble looked like he was threatening a mounted charge, then I could at 
least see Lane's troops forming square, as an appropriate formation to 
defend against that specific threat.  If, however, Gamble's men were 
fighting dismounted, and perhaps, not even clearly identified by Lane's men 
as cavalry, I doubt they would have formed square, although depending on the 
amount of fire being exchanged, and the relative locations of the two 
forces, I could certainly see Lane's troops refusing a flank.<<

I join you in having a less than spectacular grasp on all thing Cavalry Jim!

My understanding and interpretation is that the right of Gamble's line was 
dealing with the right of Perrin's brigade, and the extreme left of Lane. 
I'm traveling so I don't have any reference of what regiment it was, but the 
37th NC comes to mind. As the collapse of the Union line happened I believe 
that Gamble was reformed down the slope back towards CH - Long Lane maybe?

Two things occurred that took Lane out of the action - one being the amount 
of ground he had to cover compared to Scales & Perrin, thus reducing his 
effectiveness. By the time Lane's right hit the Union line, the brigade 
left, Scales was halted by the artillery and Perrin was breaking through. 
Pender was focused with Scales & Pender so he was unable (or didn't) 
participate in having Lane continue on. Thus the attack, best I can tell, 
was halted near Sal's house & the McMillan house, the rest of Gamble's men 
having withdrawn. Once on that rise the men of Lane's brigade were able to 
look down on what was likely a very strong reformation of Gamble's men, 
mounted.

Pretty much how you see it JD & Laurie?

Regards,
Chris