Interesting read Alan. But it basically shows the same result of Lincoln's army in all branches. More men, more equipment, more food, more more more. It wasn't that Federal cavalry surpassed their Confederate counterparts in skills and tactics. It was actually that they caught up. They "caught up" from being beaten and humiliated on almost every field they ever met their Southern foe. And by the time they caught up the Confederate cavalry force was suffering the same attrition and want for supplies and ordnance that all branches of the Confederate military experienced. No Northern horseman ever surpassed the Southern horseman in zeal and tenacity. He only managed equal or sometimes greater force and effect through shear numbers and superior equipment. Buford bought time at Gettysburg waiting for Reynolds. I don't think you can say that he exhibited any superior tactics during this action. He was basically running and gunning. Here's some more good reading concerning Forrest if you are interested.

http://www.reference.com/browse/Nathan+Bedford+Forrest

Keith