Bibliothèque mondiale du cheval

« The greater portion of this work was written more than a year ago; and since that time many of the improvements suggested, have been partially carried out. But I have preferred publishing it without alteration, as these discrepancies will be immediately apparent. I have entered into no lengthened details.
I merely put forth suggestions, that actual service has shown me to be beneficial, and notice defects which the same trial has made apparent. This work is in fact nothing more than a digest of notes on Cavalry improvement, made during some years of campaigning in different quarters of the globe, and at the actual time when either defects or improvements were developed by the exigencies of service.
In making these notes and forming conclusions, I was often aided by that gallant officer, and much esteemed friend, to whose memory I now dedicate these pages; and also by many other officers of the 12 th Royal Lancers, whose great experience gives value and weight to their opinions. The services of my old corps, within the last eight years, I believe to be unprecedented in our military annals. That good fortune may attend my old comrades, and that their experiences may prove useful to the Army, is the earnest wish of the author. » Présentation de l’éditeur (1858)