MAJOR OF ENGINEERS, U. S. A., BRIGADIER GENERAL AND CHIEF ENGINEER ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 2d Edition. WITH FIVE MAPS. NEW YORK: D. VAN NOSTRAND, 192 BROADWAY. 1862. 832578019 U.S. 53 10.2 '*6 Dec. 23 Gratis' Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, BY D. VAN NOSTRAND, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the C. A. ALVORD, STEREOTYPER AND PRINTER. PREFACE. THE ensuing pages were commenced in February, as a "letter to an English friend." It was soon perceived that they could not retain their original character. Nevertheless the epistolary style was maintained to the end, but extensive interpolations have been made, in which the idea of an epistle was left out of view. So much for the incongruity of style; now for the motive: A main one was to vindicate the battle of Bull Run from the obloquy that had fallen upon it, and to establish a claim for it in the category of well planned and well fought battles. Another motive, and a strong one, was found in our political relations with England. It was a period when English interference was apprehended. Although just representations of the character of "Secession" were not wanting abroad, it struck me that a picture from another point of view, might be useful. The friend for whom it was prepared had the public ear, and it was through him I would reach it. I claim, in all circumstances which, unconsciously |