a mystery to me

[David R]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

Thank-you David. I have no idea what a Hall Carbine is.
While we are straying from my initial post I am curious to understand why they had difficulty with edged weapons. What was the weapon of choice for cavalry then?
I really don't fancy the idea of going up against lancers from horseback with a sabre.

Back in the Napoleonic wars a bunch of poorly trained cavalry stood off a charge by following orders. They drew swords, and leaned over their horses necks with sabres extended as a hedge of blades, without moving.
I think the US problem was a matter of training and inclination, guns being preferred. In Europe Cavalry trained heavily with swords, and had confidence in their effectiveness, perhaps too much so. Lances were also a weapon they were familiar with, and again trained to deal with them.