The Engineers or lack of them

[richard]

So much has been said and written about the General Officers of both Armies but very little has been said about the men who provided critical support for these armies.

General Forrest issued great challenges to the Union Engineers by his habit of destroyed the railroads in Tennessee. Those challenges were answered time in again by the Union Engineers. But were the Confederate Engineers also challenged? What were some the challenges facing those engineers

 

[M E Wolf]

Dear Richard,

Excellent question.

In researching my own area history, (Annandale, Virginia); the Confederates at first had a jump on the Federal/Union Army; as they were in familiar territories. So, they were able to make crude maps but; also the accuracy of them were often off. This was a problem with many maps. General Early's Map and General McDowell's Maps, though crude were provided by engineers; in which their armies moved on the intelligence gathered as far as roads, trouble spots and the enemy's position.

But, engineers also helped use the land in their favor as far as weaponry effectiveness and troop movement and or masking troop movements.

I will start digging in the files I have, as to address the railroads and their bridges, as it seemingly is the focus at the moment. The Union had General Haupt to keep the Union Military railroads functional. I haven't come across a Confederate General to whom did the engineering tasks as Haupt--not saying there wasn't one but, I haven't found him yet.

I will add finds when I get them sir.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 1 [S# 1] CHAPTER I.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ORDERS RELATING SPECIALLY TO THE OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR FROM OCTOBER 31, 1860, TO APRIL 14, 1861.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.,(*)--#1
HDQRS. ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA,
Charleston, S.C., March 6, 1861.
Capt. FRANCIS D. LEE, Corps of Engineers:
CAPTAIN: Your communications of the 5th and 6th instants(*) have been received at these headquarters, and I am instructed by the general commanding, in acknowledging their receipt and thanking you for them, to say that the first is now under consideration, and that the last is approved, and you are hereby authorized to carry into execution what you therein propose. The general had determined last night on a similar project. The order for the guns to which you refer, and which are to be placed as designated yesterday, has already been issued.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. W. FERGUSON,
Captain Infantry, and Aide-de-Camp.
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{Proves there were Engineers of important levels in the CSA early in the War}
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 2 [S# 2] -- CHAPTER IX.
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#2
HEADQUARTERS, Fredericksburg, Va., May 8, 1861.
Col. R. S. GARNETT,
Adjutant-General Volunteer Forces, Richmond, Va.:
SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the commanding general, that I located a battery at the Aquia Creek Railroad Landing this morning, and placed it under the charge of Maj. T. H. Williamson, Engineers, for completion.
In the absence of Captain Lynch, of the Navy, for whom I have dispatched a messenger, I have directed Captain Thorburn to put the guns in position and make the necessary preparation for service. It is my expection that the battery will be in a measure completed within forty-eight hours. Measures will be taken to give the requisite protection.
I respectfully recommend that a battery of four 32-pounders be established on the Rappahannock River, at Bristol Mines or Tappahannock, with as little delay as is practicable.
I transmit a memorandum of a statement made yesterday by Messrs. John T. Washington and John H. Stuart, of King George County, Virginia. Measures were taken immediately by dispatching mounted men to intercept and recover the slaves supposed to have escaped, but thus far without satisfactory results.
Repeated applications have been made to me from counties bordering on the Rappahannock on both sides, along the Northern Neck, for instructions preliminary to enrollment as volunteers, from the fact, doubtlessly, that they were within my original jurisdiction. I am instructed by General Cocke to embrace my original limits until further orders.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DANIEL RUGGLES,
Brigadier-General Volunteers, Commanding Forces.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME IV [S# 4] CHAPTER XI.
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Texas, New Mexico, And Arizona From June 11, 1861-February 1, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, Etc.
OFFICE TEXAS AND NEW ORLEANS R. R. Co.,
Houston, Tex., December 16, 1861.
General P.O. HÉBERT,
Commanding Department of Texas, Galveston, Tex.:
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that, on receipt of your telegram and order on Maj. J. B. Likens, commanding at Sabine Pass, received on the 8th instant, p.m., I at once proceeded to Beaumont with a sufficient force of engineers, machinists, laborers, &c., to accomplish the object. The agents of the company there were loth to give any assistance, as they deemed the town (Sabine Pass) and the railroad perfectly safe from any foray of the enemy. Major Likens promptly co-operated with me in removing the rolling stock up to a point of temporary safety and within reach of protection. The company have so neglected and abused their engines that they are comparatively useless until in the hands of skillful mechanics for a day or two. The rolling stock in working order, or which I put in rolling order, consists of seven platform cars and three house cars. I also found eighty-four wheels and axles, and all the furnishings to put them up, sufficient for twenty-one cars, which would give capacity in order for the transportation of from 1,000 to 1,500 men. I removed these wheels and axles 21 miles north of Beau-mont. I also towed one engine out of order to a distance of 6 or 7 miles north of Beaumont and the other engine I removed north of Taylor's Bayou (a draw-bridge), at which
point it broke down or failed to operate. On each engine I left a detail of two men, with a sergeant in charge, as a guard, furnished by Major Likens, and to report to him. On my return here yesterday I dispatched my master machinist, with some men, to put one engine in order and fix up a train, so that either the Eastern Texas Railroad Company or the military authorities could have some transportation facilities in case of emergency. I am sorry to report that the employees of the road, although they volunteered to assist in the accomplishment of the end desired, evinced a disposition to try and so injure the only engine they had in order to move as to defeat the securing of the rolling stock, and, by carelessness or malignity, partly succeeded; but by this time it is all rectified by my men. Should a more detailed report be desired, I will furnish it cheerfully.
I beg to make two suggestions in the matter. First, that a train be put in order on the road, either to be at the order of the commanding officer at Sabine Pass or the railroad company, subject to his protection and control. Second, that a sufficient amount of rails be shipped from Galveston to Liberty (which the company have in Galveston), to enable them to lay their track up to the junction with the Texas and New Orleans Railroad at Beaumont, which will give you rail connection from Galveston and this place to Sabine Pass. It will only require about two hundred tons of rails, and the connection can be made in five or six days after the arrival of iron at Liberty.
I remain, yours, with much respect,
A. M. GENTRY,
President, &c.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME IV [S# 4] CHAPTER XII.
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Kentucky And Tennessee From July 1 To November 19, 1861.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#2
COLUMBUS, KY., September 25, 1861.
General COOPER:
The necessity of engineers is pressed on my attention by the wants of every hour. Can they be furnished? If not, can I muster the engineers of Tennessee, if to be had? Please give prompt reply.
A. S. JOHNSTON, General.
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RICHMOND, September 25, 1861.
General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Columbus, Ky.:
Captain Alexander cannot be spared from Manassas. I have tried to find you an officer, but have faded. There are but few in the corps, and they are on important duties. You must have several graduates in your command, some of whom will answer the purpose.
S. COOPER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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Captain E. Alexander, would become the Colonel E. Alexander in charge of Longstreet's artillery cannonade at Gettysburg and would make the rank of General at the end of the CW
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME IV [S# 4] CHAPTER XII.
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Kentucky And Tennessee From July 1 To November 19, 1861.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#2
RICHMOND, September 26, 1861.
General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Columbus, Ky.:
Do the best you can in respect to engineers. Employ any officers you can find. The law, however, does not authorize the President to appoint, but they can be compensated.
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
----------------------------------------------------
RICHMOND, September 27, 1861.
General A. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, Columbus, Ky.:
SIR: The President has communicated to me your request for small-arms, supposed by you to have arrived per Bermuda at Savannah.
The whole number received by us was 1,800, and we purchased of the owners 1,700, making in all 3,500 Enfield rifles, of which we have been compelled to allow the governor of Georgia to have 1,000 for arming troops to repel an attack now hourly threatened at Brunswick, Ga. Of the remaining 2,500 I have ordered 1,000 sent to you, leaving us but 1,500 for arming several regiments now encamped here, and who have been awaiting their arms for several months. I state these facts to evince our solicitude to furnish you every aid in our power and our disposition to share with you all our resources.
We are hourly in hope of hearing of the arrival of small-arms, and the arsenal here is now turning them out at the rate of 1,000 per month. We will receive the first delivery in about ten days. I have ordered 1,200 Texan Rangers under Terry and Lubbock, fully armed and equipped, to report to you for service, understanding from them that you can furnish horses, which is out of our power.
We have not an engineer to send you. The whole Engineer Corps comprises only 6 captains, together with 3 majors, of whom i is on bureau duty. You will be compelled to employ the best material within your reach by detailing officers from other corps and by employing civil engineers, for whom pay will be allowed.
Your obedient servant,
J.P. BENJAMIN,
Acting Secretary of War.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 5 [S# 5]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Maryland, Northern Virginia, And West Virginia From August 1, 1861, To March 17, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#6
WINCHESTER VA.,] February 24, 1862.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON:
GENERAL: First Lieutenant James K. Boswell, of the Provisional Engineers, is directed to report to me for duty. I have plenty of work for him, but if you desire additional fortifications constructed for the defense of Winchester, please state what shall be their character, and I will put him at work immediately after his arrival. The subject of for.tifying is of such importance as to induce me to consult you before moving in the matter. If you think that this place will be adequately re-enforced if attacked, then it appears to me that it should be strongly fortified. I have reason to believe that the enemy design advancing on this place in large force. The Seventh and Fourteenth Tennessee Regiments left, via Snicker's Gap, for Manassas on the 22d. The remaining part of General Loring's command can move at any time, but I deem it prudent to retain them until other troops arrive, or until something further is heard from you respecting their marching. The Third Arkansas Regiment left here on the 22d for the purpose of taking the cars at 7 a.m. this morning, at Strasburg, en route for Fredericksburg. General Holmes requested that the Seventh and Fourteenth Tennessee Regiments should move to Manassas, where they should halt until they should receive orders to go to Evansport.
I am making arrangements to construct, if practicable, a raft bridge at Castleman's, so the troops at Leesburg and this place can co-operate with the least loss of time. If the two places were connected by telegraph several hours would be saved. From last advices 3,000 of the troops that were at Patterson's Creek had gone west, and I suppose that their destination was Kentucky. I have understood that a large force is being sent to that region from the Federal Army of the Potomac. My opinion is that Lander relies on Banks for re-enforcements since the completion of the railroad to Hancock, and that the boats of which I recently spoke to you answer the double purpose of receiving re-enforcements and also of retreating to the north side of the Potomac in case of a reverse.
From last advices there were about 600 of the enemy at New Creek and Piedmont; only guards at Cumberland, Patterson's Creek, and North Branch Railroad Bridge below Cumberland; about 400 are near the mouth of the South Branch recruiting, moving from farm to farm as they consume the forage.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. J. JACKSON,
Major-General.
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Note Boswell would be killed when Jackson was shot, arm amputated and later died.
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I am having difficulty finding engineers as far as railroads go--seemingly they are all for defenses, forts, shipping and artillery/ordnance engineers; as well as Topographical Engineers but, having little amount of hits as far as reconstructing bridges. I am wondering (outload/text form); if they left these repairs to the railroads themselves. Union, on the other hand are well documenting various activities in detail as far as engineers and their reports are in a bigger ratio than CSA engineer reports of any kind.

Still searching...will add more to the thread when more railroad/CSA engineer reports are found sir.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/2 [S# 11]
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM MARCH 4 TO JUNE 10, 1862.--#2
HDQRS. SECOND GRAND DIV., ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Corinth, Miss., March 18, 1862.
Col. THOMAS JORDAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Miss., Jackson, Tenn.:
COLONEL: On the receipt of your dispatches of the 15th and 16th, the evening of the latter I made immediate dispositions to concentrate my forces here as rapidly as possible, my information leading me believe to the enemy had not landed in the force previously reported, and that if he had, by no possibility, in the present state of the roads, could he advance with artillery and baggage upon Corinth or Bethel. There is no question of a large force on the Tennessee, watching an opportunity to strike.
The disorganized and demoralized condition of our forces from the right and left gives me great concern. There is some discipline left in those from the Gulf, but none whatever in the others; and the pressure upon us leaves little time to give it and restore confidence. We are much distressed and disappointed, and shall be seriously damaged by the result at New Madrid.
The whole country seems paralyzed, and the difficulties of operation become infinitely greater thereby. Nothing is brought to us for sale, and it is most difficult to procure supplies.
The unrestrained habits of pillage and plunder have done much to produce this state of affairs and to reconcile the people of the country to the approach of the enemy, who certainly do them less harm than our own troops.
Our whole railroad system is utterly deranged and confused. Wood and water stations are abandoned; employés there and elsewhere, for want of pay, refuse to work; engineers and conductors are either worn down, or, being Northern men, abandon their positions, or manage to retard and obstruct our operations. Our troops, too, monopolize or plunder the eating and sleeping houses on the road, so that these people are really unable to live. These are distressing facts it is useless to conceal, and all owing to a want of system and discipline. I dare not hope to overcome them, but I will struggle as long as a chance remains.
I do not find on any of my maps the second point the general indicates as of strategic importance— Chamberlain. May it not have changed name or lost its place on the maps in these railroad days?
Unless something is done speedily for the defense of Fort Pillow I-fear we shall lose the Mississippi— f more importance to us than all the country together, and its fall involves that of Van Dorn.
In the present condition of this army, without transportation, supplies, discipline, or organization, no move toward the enemy can be made. We can only try and keep him in check whilst we labor to correct these radical defects.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRAXTON BRAGG,
Major-General, Commanding.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/2 [S# 11]
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM MARCH 4 TO JUNE 10, 1862.--#5
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Knoxville, April 14, 1862.
Brig. Gen. D. LEADBETTER,
Commanding, Chattanooga, Tenn.:
GENERAL: Four regiments from South Carolina, under command of General Donelson, have been ordered to Chattanooga.
Colonel Reynolds leaves this morning, and will report to you for orders. Set him immediately to work drilling and disciplining the two regiments of his command.
Give directions for the immediate repair of the bridge over Widden's Creek. The company should construct it, with the assistance of your command, under the directions of their engineers. A trestle ought to be completed in a week's time. Would it not be well for the Nashville and Chattanooga Company to take immediate steps in Georgia for the reconstruction of the bridges over their road. If the timber and iron work is prepared it will take but a short time to transport and put up the bridges. That road will be needed for our operations after the enemy has been defeated at Corinth.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major-General, Commanding.
E. KIRBY SMITH,
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/2 [S# 11]
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM MARCH 4 TO JUNE 10, 1862.--#7
HEADQUARTERS, Richmond, Va., April 26, 1862.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Army of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: I have the honor to state, in reply to your telegram to General Cooper of the 23d instant, that Maj. Gen. Sam. Jones has again been ordered to turn over the command at Pensacola to General Forney, and report to you without delay.
As regards engineers, there are none of the regular corps now available to be sent you. Col. John Pegram has been selected as one well qualified for engineer or other duty and ordered to you, with a view to his usefulness as an engineer or in any other capacity in which you may see proper to employ him.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General
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[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#4
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Huntsville, July 5, 1862.
Brigadier-General NELSON,
Commanding Fourth Division :
The general commanding directs that you furnish such details of men as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of rebuilding and reconstructing the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad to Lieutenant-Colonel Hunton, of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, who has the work in charge.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[J. M. WRIGHT,]
Aide-de-Camp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
HEADQUARTERS,Huntsville, July 8, 1862.
Colonel BUCKLEY, Stevenson:
One regiment sent by General Johnson has gone to Bridgeport; one has been ordered to advance and assist the engineers in repairing road north of Stevenson. Stockades are to be built for the defense of every bridge, and the other two regiments will be engaged in this work. Take these two regiments on the cars up to the first break on the Nashville and Chattanooga road, and when there send one regiment to the north as far as Elk River to erect the stockades in that direction, and one back toward Stevenson to erect them in that part of the road. When a stockade is completed a company will be left at it until it is relieved, which will be in a few days, as a regiment (Twenty-fourth Illinois) is designated for that duty. Captain Morton and Captain Bankhead, from this staff, are ordered to superintend the erection of stockades, and will be obeyed accordingly,
JAMES B. FRY.
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REYNOLDS' STATION, July 10, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
Average weight of subsistence carried by wagons from 2,100 to 2,200 pounds. Bridge over creek here will be completed by Monday next. Three companies of Michigan Engineers are at work at Elk River Bridge and three more will meet this detachment at trestle work this side of river.
EDWARD M. McCOOK,
Colonel.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#13
DECHERD, August 12, 1862.
General BUELL:
Have any of the Mechanics and Engineers been ordered to Manchester to repair the railroad bridge to McMinnville? Colonel Wagner will march early to-morrow morning; General Wood next day. He will have to remain here to-morrow to complete the repairs to his wagons and draw rations. He will march direct to Manchester; and thence along the railroad to McMinnville.
GEO. H. THOMAS.
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Seems the Confederates destroyed and Union built, from what I am finding so far Richard.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING SPECIALLY TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA FROM AUGUST 20, 1862, TO JUNE 3, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#9
ENGINEER BUREAU,
April 7, 1863.
Respectfully returned to the honorable Secretary of War.
The condition of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, as represented, seems to demand that a portion of the iron taken from other roads (if it be decided to take it) should be applied to its wants. The removal of the rail from the York River road is now in progress, and it is hoped some will soon be obtained from the Norfolk and Petersburg road. In exchange for good iron the Government should have an amount of worn iron equivalent in value.
J. F. GILMER,
Colonel of Engineers and Chief of Bureau.
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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF RICHMOND,
April 6, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. JAMES LONGSTREET, Commanding:
GENERAL: I received your note this evening and hasten to answer it. The proposed diversion on the Peninsula can be made. Owing to the continually threatened riots in Richmond it would not do to move any of Rhett's command. It must be done with Wise's brigade. He has on the Pamunkey 380 men guarding and supporting the engineers in tearing up the railroad iron from West Point to White House. This cannot be disturbed. He has then left 1,563 infantry and 412 cavalry and two light batteries, making a force of 1,975 and two batteries. This, deducting camp guards to be left at Chaffin's farm, will constitute the expedition under General Wise. I shall start him down the Peninsula Wednesday morning unless I receive contrary instructions from you by telegraph. There is a force at Yorktown of from 3,000 to 5,000 men. Of course Chaffin's and Drewry's Bluffs will be left without any infantry. I do not think it will be well to go far beyond Yorktown unless the force up to that point is met and whipped. Fort Magruder, you are aware, will have to be carried or the garrison forced to retire before proceeding to Yorktown. Wise has been chafing for a chance and I am glad he has got it. He knows the country thoroughly and no doubt will do well.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
ARNOLD ELZEY,
Major-General.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVIII [S# 26]
APRIL 11-MAY 4, 1863.--Siege of Suffolk, Va.
No. 24.--Reports of Maj. Gen. Samuel G. French, C. S. Army, commanding the Department of Southern Virginia.
ENGINEER BUREAU, June 9, 1863.
Respectfully returned to the honorable Secretary of War. No effort was spared to remove the iron from the Norfolk and Petersburg road and from the Seaboard road while General Longstreet was in command; but his efforts, assisted by the engineers under his control, were given to the collection of supplies for the army, these being considered of the first importance. Everything possible with the engineers has been done to save the iron in question, and I am now able to report that a large part of' the iron from the Seaboard Railroad is on the right bank of the Blackwater.
J. F. GILMER,
Colonel of Engineers and Chief of Bureau
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XIX/2 [S# 28]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From September 3 To November 14, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#6
Richmond, Va., November 17, 1862.
Maj. JASPER S. WHITING,
Assistant Adjutant General:
An engineer officer, with a working force of negroes, will be sent with the least possible delay to put the wagon road from Gordonsville to Richmond in a state of good repair. All engineer officer can be assigned to direct the breaking up of the Fredericksburg Railroad from Fredericksburg to Hanover Junction when this is decided upon; but the working force should be supplied by details of troops.I return herewith General Lee's letter to Secretary of War of 14th instant.
J. F. GILMER,
Colonel and Chief of Engineers.
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ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Richmond, November 17, 1862.
General R. E. LEE,
Commanding Department of Northern Virginia :
GENERAL: Your letter of 14th instant, received this morning, was at once submitted to the President, who returned answer:
General LEE:
Better to make the needful preparation to expedite the destruction of railroads when necessary. Concur in reluctance stated. See Colonel Gilmer for answer about wagon road.
Colonel Gilmer will have an engineer officer, with a working force of negroes, sent, with the least possible delay, to repair the wagon road from Gordonsville to Richmond. He also reports that he can supply an engineer officer to direct breaking up the railroad from Fredericksburg to Hanover Junction when this course is decided upon, but that the working force should be supplied by detail of troops.
I take this occasion to mention to you that General Randolph has resigned his position of Secretary of War, and that Major-General Smith has assumed the position temporarily.
I am, general respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XX/2 [S# 30]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia From November 1, 1862, To January 20, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3
ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., December 7, 1862.
Indorsement on letter of General Bragg, calling attention to verbal application when in Richmond for a chief of engineer department; requests that Captain Harris, Engineer Corps, be returned to him, &c.
The Corps of Engineers in the Army of the Confederate States embraces--colonel, 1; majors, 4; captains, 8; total, 13. Of this number, 7 have been assigned to duty beyond the line of their immediate profession, leaving but 6 for engineer service, and these are in charge of operations from which they cannot be relieved without serious risk to the country. Recently Brigadier-General Leadbetter has been sent to Mobile on engineer duty, and now directs the works for the defense of that place. To supply General Bragg, it became necessary to make a selection from the officers of the Provisional Corps of Engineers. Major Nocquet has had more experience as a military engineer than any one serving in the Western Department, and is intelligent in his procession. There is no available officer of sufficient experience to replace him.
J. F. GILMER,
Colonel of Engineers and Chief of Bureau.
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[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XX/2 [S# 30]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating Specially To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia From November 1, 1862, To January 20, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#5
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,
Dublin, January 1, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Knoxville:
GENERAL: Your telegram of the; 29th was received about 10 o'clock the next morning. One from Brigadier General Marshall was received at the same time. I immediately ordered all my available troops, Brigadier-General Marshall commanding, to Bristol, and communicated the information to Brigadier-General Floyd. Marshall reports that he is in pursuit of the enemy. Floyd is also moving against them, and if they attempt to escape into Kentucky by way of Pound Gap, I have strong hope that they will be overtaken and severely punished. I regret exceedingly that I did not receive earlier information of this movement of the enemy, and of your inability to meet them with a sufficient force. I was under the impression that one of your general officers was commanding at Cumberland Gap, and I supposed with a sufficient three either to have prevented the passage of so large a body of cavalry so near the gap or to have given information of their approach. On the 19th instant I addressed a letter to Brigadier-General Heth, commanding Department of East Tennessee, suggesting that it was desirable I should have the earliest information of any movement of the enemy in that direction, and asking that he would keep me advised on that point, but have not heard from him in reply. I shall send, by the train to-day, to Bristol Captain Robinson, of the engineers, on my staff, to examine and report the extent of the damage done the railroad in East Tennessee, and to make an estimate of the time and cost of repairs. I am sure you will pardon me for sending an officer into your department on that duty. The interest of the service seems to me to require it. Captain Robinson is an accomplished engineer, and he will, of course, not interfere with any one you may have sent on the same duty.
Very respectfully, &c.,
SAM. JONES,
Major-General,
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BRISTOL, via ABINGDON, January 1, 1863.
(Received at Dublin, January 1.)
Maj. Gen. SAMUEL JONES:
GENERAL: The enemy burned the Watauga Bridge last night, according to report, and to-day has crossed the Holston to the neighborhood of Blountsville, 10 miles from this place. I have commenced a move on Blountsville at dusk to-night, and, though my force is inferior, will bring him to action, if I can. I arrested the telegraphic operator here, and have to send this by courier to Abingdon.
Yours,
H. MARSHALL,
Brigadier-General.
-------------------------------------------------------------
ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, January 5, 1863.
Capt. L. P. GRANT,
Provisional Engineers, Atlanta, Ga.:
CAPTAIN: The exigencies of service force me to call on you for additional duty. The destruction of the Watauga and Holston bridges, East Tennessee Railroad, breaks a line of military communication vital to the army in the West. It is essential that these bridges should be rebuilt in some form, at the earliest possible moment. I rely upon you to accomplish this. You will please proceed to the ground without delay, and make all needful arrangements for the reconstruction, and employ bridge-builders and other men of skill to do the work. You will procure materials from every possible source, and appeal to the railroad companies of Georgia and Tennessee to aid you in every possible way within their power. The expenses of construction will be paid by the Government, and to this end funds will be placed to your credit at an early day at Chattanooga, Tenn. You are authorized by the Secretary of War to do everything that will hasten the completion of the bridges. Appeal to other roads for assistance; urge full concert of action with you upon the East Tennessee Railroad Company to impress materials and labor, and call on the commanders of troops for details of men, if necessary.
An assistant engineer will be sent to you at once. As soon as you can get the bridges under full construction, you will meet Professor Thomassy at Atlanta, to receive his views in detail, with drawings of the works necessary to the production of salt by solar evaporation. The professor then will go to Europe, by authority of the War Department, to employ persons skilled in the manufacture of salt.
You are authorized to employ an assistant engineer to perform the local duties in preparation for the salt works.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. F. GILMER,
Colonel of Engineers and Chief Engineer Bureau.
(Copy of the above sent to Lieut. Gen. E. K. Smith, commanding Department of Tennessee.)
---------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#2
CHATTANOOGA, March 6, 1863.
General BRAGG, Tullahoma:
What was your engineer's estimate of the cost of repairing the Columbia and Decatur Railroad? Had not the work better be done? The Engineer's Department offers $10,000 toward defraying expenses. Have you the law in regard to the authority ordering courts where commander of department prefers charges
J. E. JOHNSTON,
Genera/.
-----
CHATTANOOGA, March 6, 1863.
Col. J. F. GILMER, Chief of Engineers, Richmond:
Your letter of the 19th of February just received. General Bragg's engineer examined the road two months ago. Says the bridges will require at least two months. General Bragg ordered timber to be prepared. I telegraphed on the subject to him. J. E. JOHNSTON,
General.
----------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#5
ENGINEER'S OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Knoxville, April 5, 1863.
Maj. J. G. MARTIN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
MAJOR: In compliance with the suggestions of the letter from Col. B. S. Ewell, assistant adjutant-general, expressing the opinion of General Johnston that the works in progress for the defense of the bridges in this department are "too extensive," I have reduced their extent at Charleston (Hiawassee River) as much as possible. When completed, the works at this point can be fully manned by 100 men. Unless both ends of the bridge are attacked at the same time, 75 men would be ample for the defense. Provision is made for two pieces of artillery only.
At Loudon (Tennessee River) the stockade at the east end is now nearly complete. At the west end the work, as originally designed, is as contracted as I think will afford a sufficient defense even against a raid. I would urgently recommend that the works at this point be completed as originally designed. The bridge is the longest and most costly on the whole line of road. To man the works fully, 400 men would be required, but unless the attack was made at both ends of the bridge at the same time, 200 men would be sufficient. A foot-way is to be prepared through the bridge for communication.
At Strawberry Plains (Holston River) the works at the east end are already far advanced, and the timber for the entire work is nearly all provided. Owing to the peculiar construction of this bridge, I do not think the force for its defense can, with safety, be reduced to less than 300 men. At each end there are a number of small piers, not more than 20 feet high, located on dry land, any one of which an enemy could climb and fire the bridge. To prevent this, I propose a small shelter for three or more men on each pier in the interior of the bridge-truss, with a footwear communicating through the bridge with the block-houses at the ends. This bridge, like those at Loudon, Mossy Creek, Carter's Depot, and Zollicoffer, is one of the form known as "deck bridge," trains running upon the roof or upper chord instead of the interior or lower chord, as is the case with all others on this line.
At Flat Creek, Mossy Creek, Lick Creek, and Limestone the works are very small, and are already far advanced. The estimate of force required for these points was very full, allowing one man for each linear yard in the outline of the works. The number can undoubtedly be much reduced with safety, as it is very unlikely, and in most cases impossible, that at any point the works will be entirely surrounded, and attack made from all directions at the same time.
At Carter's Depot (Watauga River) the works are very nearly completed. For the same reasons as expressed above, the force at this point can be reduced with safety to 200 men.
At Zollicoffer (Holston River) the work will consist entirely of blockhouses. The estimate of force required (300 men) was for fully manning them, and for the same reasons as given above the force may be reduced one-half. I would not, however, recommend that it be done, as it is a point much exposed to cavalry raids.
Very respectfully,
W. F. FOSTER,
Captain and Chief Engineer Department of East Tennessee.
-------------------------------------------------------

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.--#11
EN ROUTE, FOUR MILES FROM JASPER,
July 4, 1863--7 p.m.
Captain JACK, Assistant Adjutant-General :
CAPTAIN: I have received your note. I did not design, by my remarks to General Polk's staff officers, to convey the idea that General Polk's troops were to guard the bridge. I did not think any guard necessary. I asked that the bridge might be held--not destroyed. I have notified the engineers that I would not require the bridge.
Very respectfully,
W. J. HARDEE,
Lieutenant-General.
----------------------------------------------------
HEADQUARTERS POLK'S CORPS,
July 5, 1863--5 a.m.
Brigadier-General MACKALL:
GENERAL: Your order of yesterday (5 p.m.) did not reach me in time to leave a brigade on the other side of the river. My troops are now awaiting orders. Most of them bivouacked near the railroad. I respectfully request orders, and, as I am camping with Withers' division, 6 miles in advance of Cheatham, I shall thank you to send my orders for Cheatham through him, in order to save time. Withers is at Shellmound; Cheatham between Shellmound and Bridgeport.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
L. POLK,
Lieutenant-General, Commanding.
-----
HEADQUARTERS POLK'S CORPS,
July 5, 1863---5 a.m.
Major-General CHEATHAM:
GENERAL: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you halt your troops near the railroad, and await further orders.
Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
[THOMAS M. JACK,]
Assistant Adjutant-General.
============================================

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#18

RICHMOND, August 6, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON:
Cannot you direct the engineer of your command to rebuild tempo-tartly and promptly the bridge over Pearl River, at Jackson, with a view to saving the rolling-stock and a portion of the iron rails of the Mississippi Central Railroad? Those articles will be of great value to the Confederacy. J. F. GILMER,
Colonel Engineers.
-----

WAR DEPARTMENT, ENGINEER BUREAU,
Richmond, Va., August 8, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,
Comdg. Western Department, Enterprise, Miss.:
GENERAL: To keep in repair the main lines of railroad essential to the support and transportation of our armies, iron, rails, and rolling-stock must be obtained from every available source. Will it be possible for the engineers serving in your department to build a temporary bridge over the Pearl River, at Jackson, and make such other repairs as will enable them to save the engines, cars, and a part of the rails from the Mississippi Central road? Major [Minor] Merriwether, Captain [J. A.] Porter, and other engineers with your command have had much experience as civil engineers, and can direct all the operations, if by your authority the requisite labor and materials can be obtained. It is hoped slave labor can be obtained; if not, the work might possibly be accomplished by details from the troops.
Will you please to inform this bureau whether the branch railroad to Marion, Ala., known as the Cahaba, Marion and Greensborough road, is important in any way to the operations of the army under your command? If not, the want of railroad bars for repairing the main lines is so great, it is proposed to remove the iron from the branch.
I am, general, very respectfully: your obedient servant,
J. F. GILMER,
Colonel of Engineers and Chief of Bureau.
-----
HEADQUARTERS, Morton, Miss., August 8, 1863.
Brigadier-General JACKSON, Commanding:
GENERAL: As the inclosed report shows that our cavalry can find subsistence in the districts referred to, General Johnston directs that you occupy the country south of the Jackson and Vicksburg road with a strong body of cavalry, and north of that road with another. The first-named to send a strong reconnoitering party near the Mississippi River, at Grand Gulf, to go down by Rodney, as near as may be safe toNatchez, to burn cotton, awe unruly negroes, and give confidence to inhabitants.
By command of General Johnston:
T. B. LAMA.R,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
================================

 

[ole]

Engineers provided a critical role in designing fortifications and entrenchments. Only the top grads of the USMA got to be engineers.

Every commander had a chief engineer who would direct defenses.

Ole

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#6
JACKSON, April 11, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Tullahoma:
The following report just received:
Scout [T. M.] Kemp reports near Byhalia, 10th, strengthening guard on Mississippi Central Railroad. Twelve thousand troops passed Memphis, going up river, on 7th. Fifty pieces artillery landed at Memphis same day, and were carried to Memphis and Charleston depot. Part of Grant's army reported to be going to Corinth and down Mobile and Ohio Railroad; balance to re-enforce Rosecrans. Lawson reports near Memphis, 10th, Marine Brigade gone to Cumberland River; also fourteen transports and two gunboats passed up the river night of 7th. Corps of engineers reached Memphis from below, supposed to work on Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad. Pushing work on track from Memphis and Charleston depot to fortifications.
I am collecting troops here. Can send you 4,000 at once, if absolutely necessary?
J. C. PEMBERTON.
---------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/1 [S# 39]
APRIL 21-MAY 21, 1863.--Jones' Raid on the Northwestern (Baltimore and Ohio) Railroad.
No. 9.--Report of Lieut. W. G. Williamson, C. S. Engineers.
HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
May 26, 1863.
GENERAL: The following is a report of my operations during your recent campaign in Western Virginia:
I left camp near Lacey Spring with yourself and staff on April 21, having receipted to Lieutenant [William N.] McDonald [jr.] for ordnance stores suitable for the work I was to undertake.
On April 25, opposite Moorefield, 1 took charge of the pack-mules, and attended to their being packed, and succeeded in getting them started. About the middle of the day I asked for a commissioned officer to be detailed to take charge of these pack-mules. Lieutenant [J. A.] Mohler, Seventh Virginia Cavalry, with a small number of pioneers, was ordered to report to me, and I put him in command. On reaching Greenland, where there was a small force of the enemy making a gallant stand in a log church, I went off on the right of the turnpike, where Lieutenant-Colonel Witcher's battalion was stationed as sharpshooters, and reconnoitered the enemy's position. Came back, and reported to you that I thought I could, with the pioneers, assist you in dislodging the enemy. You then ordered me to be ready, and made the detail of pioneers. You assigned me to position behind Major White's battalion. As soon as everything was ready, we advanced, fording a small creek twice; closed with the battalion on the church, knocked most of the windows out and some of the chinking, and set the church on fire. Soon after this the enemy surrendered. Most of the pioneers behaved very well and came up to their work boldly. I was next called on at Evansville to go to Independence, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, to destroy a small bridge across Raccoon Creek. I took with me Lieutenant Mohler and 4 or 5 of his men, and went with Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall, Seventh Virginia Cavalry, to within half a mile of Independence. There Colonel Marshall detailed Lieutenant [J. G.] Neff, with a detachment of his company, to go with me to the bridge, about a mile above Independence. We destroyed this bridge so as to render it entirely useless and require rebuilding.
On April 29, you ordered me to destroy two railroad bridges at Barrackville. These bridges were wooden, and I burned them. One was only 30 or 40 feet long; the other upward of 100. The same day--after you had captured a force of the enemy (268 in number) at Fairmont--I
was ordered up to destroy the iron bridge over the Monongahela. Captain [John] Henderson, a civil engineer of considerable experience, was with me, and the pioneers not getting up as soon as we could have wished, and re-enforcements having come from Grafton to the enemy, we concluded to set fire to three kegs of powder placed under the iron piers, which we did, and we also set fire to the bridge in three different places. The three kegs of powder exploded, but did not do the slightest damage. After the detachment sent to re-enforce the enemy retired, I told you I thought the most that could be done now with the time we had was to burn up all the woodwork of the bridge. You then ordered details, and said we would try both to burn it up and blow it down. I took charge of the men, who were covering the bridge with rails and timber, while Captain Henderson and yourself went to work with the powder. The second experiment with the powder failed to throw the bridge, which was then on fire from one end to the other, so that I thought it almost impossible to work with a large amount of powder any longer. I then returned to town, where I soon joined you. About dark we heard several reports, and afterward heard that Captain Henderson had succeeded in blowing down the entire bridge.
On the 30th, by your order, I took a company from the Sixth Cavalry (Captain [W. T.] Mitchell) and set fire to some trestling about half a mile above Bridgeport.
On May 1, I repaired the bridge across the Tygart's Valley River at Philippi, the enemy having ripped up the flooring and cut some of the flooring joist.
On May 7, after you had taken Cairo Station, I was sent with a detachment of Major White's battalion to burn the bridges on the North Fork of Hughes River, above Cairo. I burned two, and told the men they might set fire to the centering of a tunnel near by, though I did not think it would do much damage. The destruction of these last bridges wound up my operations. Most of the powder was used up or thrown away through necessity, the males' backs being very sore and the sacks wearing out from the constant jostling of the kegs. The iron tools that I carried out with me were thrown away by your orders, it being almost impossible to carry them.
With great respect, I am, your most obedient servant,
W. G. WILLIAMSON,
Second Lieut. Engrs., Prov. Army Confederate States.
Brig. Gen. W. E.. JONES,
Commanding Valley District.
====================================================
NOTE Best 'detailed' report by a CSA Engineer.
=================================================
[search suspended-]

What I am seeing in a difference, the Union had a dedicated force to do engineering tasks, whereas, I am seeing a small CSA engineer force, to whom looked for help from infantry for 'body' help. That can be an issue right there--where men taken from infantry duty to do engineering duty can weaken an infantry. Union had regiments of engineers & mechanics.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

M. E. Wolf

 

[larry_cockerham]

The Confederate Engineers Corps was woefully undermanned. I don't recall the exact numbers, but I seem to recall just 8 or 9 companies. Most of their work in Tennessee had to do with pontoons and bridge repair, particularly for the AOT. Sherman did a lot of damage to railroads in Mississippi and Alabama that had to be repaired early in the war. The other problem was the simple fact that the Confederacy didn't retain a lot of the most important structures for very long. My grandson has an ancestor Sgt. L.W. Hutton who is listed with the Confederate Engineers as well as with the 36th TN Infantry early in the war. I'm having a considerable challenge finding anything more on him and would really appreciate anything additional. I have plenty of genealogy on his Irish family and have been to his grave in the Hutton cemetery, just east of White Bluff, TN.

 

[Belmont]

fort

I believe it was Lee's son Custis who spent some time as the engineer in charge of the construction of Fort Point in San Francisco before the war. It is under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge.

This fort is featured in several scenes in the movie Point Blank, starring Lee Marvin. In one scene, a small helicopter lands and takes off from inside the fort.

 

[JohnDLittlefield]

I am very interested in the work of Captain Francis D. Lee, a captain in the Confederate Provisional (?) Corp of Engineers at Charleston under Chief of Engineers, Echol. I have found the attached information, but have made little sense of it thus far.

Please pardon my ignorance is, but can someone enlighten me as to the distinction(s) between the regular corp and the provisional corp and provide a few details about the provisional corp (e.g., dates of operations, where and why formed, etc.) Also, I have seen several references to Captain Lee as Major Lee, but I haven't yet found evidence of a promotion. Can someone shed a little light on this as well. Thanks in advance.

 

[DaveBrt]

The earliest correspondence mentions Engineers as part of the Provisional Engineer Corps, but by June of '62, Engineer officers were signing with PACS after their names, Provisional Army of the Confederate States.

After the Engineer regiments were formed, there were two sets of officers, though all in the same Department. Most Engineer officers worked without Engineer troops, using hired Civil Engineers and hired hands to do work. The other officers were with the regiments with the armies and performed more tactical and operational work in direct support of the armies.

 

[GELongstreet]

Think this old thread could need a move to the general discussion board; so who is online ... @jgoodguy?

 

[jgoodguy]

Think this old thread could need a move to the general discussion board; so who is online ... @jgoodguy?

done

 

[Ray Ball]

I would highly suggest the book "Engineering the Victory- How Technology Won the Civil War" for a mountain of information on this very topic. So much that goes into the response to this question! In the briefest of terms... The Confederate Engineers often did admirable work but there was a shortage of trained/ capable military Engineer officers in the south and an even greater shortage of the qualified skilled craftsmen that were needed to fill out the units that were called for. The difference is magnified with Union Pioneer Corps pulled from the infantry and often populated by skilled mechanics in their own right. On several occasions line infantry units of the Union army also had tradesmen and often were called upon to provide more than just manual labor. This does not even begin to address the contributions of the several highly skilled, outstanding Volunteer Engineer units that joined the Union ranks. The South simply could not match the amount of skilled mechanics.

 

[Bee]

One of my favourite engineering feats is the cobbled pontoon bridge used to cross the Potomac by the retreating ANV from the Battle of Gettysburg:

By the 13th, the Potomac had fallen and one of Stonewall Jackson's old quartermaster officers, Major John Harman, had rigged a pontoon bridge from disassembled houses and a warehouse. The sections of the bridge were constructed at the source of the supplies and then floated down to the site, where the bridge was quickly thrown across the river. The bridge, described by Lee as a good one, was rickety and swaying, but it held. http://www.civilwar.org/battlefield...ry-articles/battle-of-gettysburg-finale.html#​

 

[Tom Elmore]

Regarding the pontoon bridge built after Gettysburg, Channing Bolton, the chief engineering officer on Maj. Gen. Dorsey Pender's staff, said, "the engineering companies were ordered to construct a pontoon bridge as soon as possible, as our army was held there [Hagerstown] with little or no ammunition. Finding suitable lumber for the boats a short distance up stream from the site selected for the bridge, it was floated down and the bridge completed in about three days."

Private Thomas Bailey of the 47th North Carolina was a member of the pioneer corps detailed to Williamsport on July 7 to build those pontoon boats. Bailey wrote in his diary: [July] "10th had to tote plank ½ mile on our shoulders. [July] 12th finished boats, carpenters took them down to Falling Waters; the pick and shovel hands marched down the canal, made a dirt bank out of it, and dug down the bank of the Potomac River. [July ] 13th finished bridge by 10 a.m."

Prior to Chancellorsville, Confederate engineers were called upon to build a bridge: Capt Frank S. Robertson on J. E. B. Stuart's staff, wrote that "Col. Collins, Lt. Tom Price and myself were ordered to build a bridge across the Rapidan River at Germanna Ford, so 80 infantry mechanics were sent us and the work commenced."

 

[DaveBrt]

Regarding the pontoon bridge built after Gettysburg, Channing Bolton, the chief engineering officer on Maj. Gen. Dorsey Pender's staff, said, "the engineering companies were ordered to construct a pontoon bridge as soon as possible, as our army was held there [Hagerstown] with little or no ammunition. Finding suitable lumber for the boats a short distance up stream from the site selected for the bridge, it was floated down and the bridge completed in about three days."

Private Thomas Bailey of the 47th North Carolina was a member of the pioneer corps detailed to Williamsport on July 7 to build those pontoon boats. Bailey wrote in his diary: [July] "10th had to tote plank ½ mile on our shoulders. [July] 12th finished boats, carpenters took them down to Falling Waters; the pick and shovel hands marched down the canal, made a dirt bank out of it, and dug down the bank of the Potomac River. [July ] 13th finished bridge by 10 a.m."

Prior to Chancellorsville, Confederate engineers were called upon to build a bridge: Capt Frank S. Robertson on J. E. B. Stuart's staff, wrote that "Col. Collins, Lt. Tom Price and myself were ordered to build a bridge across the Rapidan River at Germanna Ford, so 80 infantry mechanics were sent us and the work commenced."

Doing an engineer's job was not the same as being a member of the Engineer Corps. None of those mentioned building the bridge before Chancellorsville were members of the Engineer Corps.