Dale,

I am also enjoying the discussion and don't disagree with you.

For me it is the surprise in rounding the corner that somewhat validates Asboth's further actions. I agree with Zulavsky's criticism, but I can see why Asboth would have reacted as he did. On a cavalry raid, bold movements were most often best. Hesitation gives the defender time to consolidate scattered forces. (Or maybe Asboth had too much of the same Hungarian cavalry tradition as Zagonyi?)

One thing I am wondering about is where would have been the best place to position the artillery at the time to break up the defenders? Could it have been placed far enough away with line of sight so that it wouldn't be exposed to musket fire? (Say 300+ yards?) Or would trees or terrain have interfered with its line of sight if on the other side of the bend but at an adequate distance? If so, then perhaps the artillery would have been better positioned in the direction where the other prong of the attack eventually approached.

I actually was able to make a quick side trip through Marianna while passing through the region, but without a period map of trees, roads and structures I can only guess about what it looked like then.

Changing the whole mode of the operation in mid-course would have posed difficulties. It was risky for his other wing because he would not be able to communicate this immediately. In hindsight it probably wouldn't have been a problem for them, but Asboth couldn't know that at the time.

Changing to long range dismounted skirmishing with rifled carbines would still have been in his favor against the indifferent weaponry of the defenders. But it also would have used a lot of ammo, something such an expedition might have been concerned about. However, since Marianna was the destination, using a lot of ammo then should not have put the raid in jeopardy from a logistical standpoint.

One has to give Marianna's defenders a lot of credit. Many scratch forces would have collapsed as soon as their cavalry were dispersed, but they held on stubbornly.

On the other hand, while the casualties in Asboth's officer corps were heavy, the total losses were reasonable for accomplishing the primary objective of the raid.

Best regards,

Shawn