Author: United States. Army. Corps of EngineersPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Armor-plate
Languages : en
Pages : 330
Book Description
Introduction. Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, D.C., May 26, 1870. Sir: In the latter part of July last, after the receipt by the Board of Engineers for Fortifications of the instructions from this office of May 11, postponing the application of iron constructions to our harbor defenses, * * * this Board suggested a personal examination, by one or two of its members, of the condition of the problem abroad, where it is well known long series of experiments have been made, and the ablest men of science have been engaged in analyzing and applying the results. This course seemed to commend itself by considerations both of economy of time and expense; and since the projects for strengthening the defense of the chief ports, by barbette and mortar batteries for the largest calibers, are now well advanced toward completion, the time seems suitable for these examinations to be made, and I accordingly recommend that Brevet Major General J. G. Barnard, Colonel of Engineers, and Brevet Major General H. G. Wright, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers, be ordered to proceed to England, France, Belgium, Prussia, and Russia, for the purpose of collecting information upon the fabrication of iron for defensive purposes, and its uses in modern fortifications, and especially in works for coast defense, their absence from this country not to exceed a period of four months. * * * These officers should receive instructions from the Chief of Engineers, and report the progress of their examinations to him from time to time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. Humphreys, Brigadier General and Chief of Engineers, B'vt Maj. General.
