Battle Tactics
Musketeers carried a matchlock. Although the matchlock was not very accurate it could kill a man from three hundred yards. Because of the state of medical welfare at that time, any shot wound would probably result in the soldier dying. The main disadvantage of the matchlock was the time it took to reload after each shot. To solve this problem, musketeers in the front line fired their matchlocks and then they retired to the back to reload. Another strategy involved the musketeers in the first line kneeling, the second line crouching and the third line standing. The three lines of musketeers all fired at the same time. After firing, these men went to the back and were replaced by the next three lines of musketeers. The men in the cavalry also carried either a short-barreled musket or a flint-locked carbine. The main strategy was to advance at a quick trot until in range of the enemy. The men in the front fired, then wheeled away. In their second charge they advanced at full gallop using either a short sword or cutlass. Soldiers would make their muskets have carved barrels, and special bullets. The carved barrels allowed the new bullets, to escape the musket spinning fast and accurately. The bullets were made for accuracy and damage. They were called "MiniBalls". They used telegrams to communicate, and create strategic plans.