Living History Military Engineer

Fraunce's Tavern, NYC

2011-11-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Mumford Inn, KY, 1800

2011-11-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

Stone Bridge, Park, New Britain

2011-11-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

Willamantic small bridge

2011-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

Foot Bridge

2011-11-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Packerville Bridge, Downstream side

2011-11-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Willamantic or "Frog" bridge

2011-11-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Packerville Bridge Upstream side

2011-11-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Chiselville Bridge, Vermont

2011-11-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Columbia River Stern Wheeler -- "Gene"

2011-11-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

Quinnebaug River Dam, Putnam, CT

2011-11-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Butchering Shed, Ohio, 1815

2011-11-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

Stone Pier

2011-11-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Evolution of the Plank Road -- #5 Average U.S. Plank Road

2011-11-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

Evolution of the Plank Road -- #4 First Plank Highway, Canada, 1836

2011-11-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

Evolution of the Plank Road -- #3 Hewn Plank Road

2011-11-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Evolution of the Plank Road -- #2 Corduroy Road

2011-11-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Evolution of the Plank Road -- #1 Tree Ford

2011-11-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

Packerville Stone Bridge

2011-10-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Chase Farm (Cheat Mountain) Sept. 16-18, 2011

2011-09-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Lt. General U. S. Grant Commander All Federal Forces  Brig. General M. Burbank Commander New England Brigade  Major D. Erickson Commandant (acting) U. S. Corps of Topographical Engineers  Honored Gentlemen;  I beg your most kind indulgences to make my activity report.  Topographical Engineers present at the reenactment:  --Ian Mckay, Brigadier General of Engineers (by brevet); --Captain Ray Germain; --Captain Norbert Reicke (seconded to the 9th Mass. Art.); --Lt. Greg Webster (seconded to the 9th Mass Art.); --Corporal M. Grossman, (Pioneers, 25th Inf.); --Lady Heidi Webster (seconded to the 9th Mass Art.); --Lady Maryanne Germain (Civ. Artist); --Lady M. Mathews (Purser and Teamster).  Upon orders sent to General McKay, from the U. S. Grant Headquarters,  I departed the New London area in the fast dispatch schooner moored at  Fort Trumbull, New London, CT. We reached the city of Providence, R.  I. in good time and from there took a carriage to Lincoln, R. I. and  from there on to the Chase Farm, arriving in the early afternoon. I  found Captain Germain already there and set up. Together we set up  the Engineering Field Office. . Burbank came over to discuss the  fortifications planned for the battlefield. He generously took me to  the site and explained what he wanted to do with the materials which  were available.  Upon return to camp, I designated Captain Germain to supervise the  construction to the gun emplacements and the field fortifications.  Corporal Grossman arrived at the field office and I gave him his  drawing packet.  Lady Mathews departed to make arrangements with the family who had  offered us refuge for the nights. When she returned, the Germains,  Lady Mathews and myself enjoyed a sumptuous supper at a small Inn at  the top of Breakneck Hill near the farm.  On Saturday morning a work party of about 60 men was gathered to build  the fortifications and gun emplacements. Corporal Grossman came by to  pick up some tools for the work ahead. I designated Captain Germain  to make a copy of the battlefield and fortifications for the unit  files. Lady Germain was asked to draw the Confederate Camp on the far  hill. I busied myself in constructing a model of a corduroy road from  downed limbs under the trees near to the field office. I was relieved  of the task of battle narration because a professional speaker had  been appointed by the Chase Farm to undertake those tasks.  When the fortifications were finished, Corporal Grossman returned the  borrowed tools, and Captain Germain showed me his rough sketch of  fortifications for approval. I approved the rough drawing. Captain  Germain and I spent most of the rest of the day; he finishing his  drawing, and I working on the model. Lady Mathews returned in the  early evening and the Germains, Lady Mathews and I retired to the inn  on the hill for a second sumptuous dinner, then back to the house in  Lincoln.  Sunday morning we were back in camp by 8:00 A.M. and began working on  the model again. On Saturday and Sunday Captain Germain and I spent a  good deal of time meeting and greeting the various spectators,  answering their questions and telling them about the engineers, who  they were, what their purpose was, and discussing the displays  provided. Of all the displays , the caltrops were by far the most  questioned item. Lt. Wester and Lady Webster came over to the Field  Office and spent some time there during a lull in the artillery  drill / practice. By midday the model of the corduroy road was  finished and I had explained the use of that construction to several  spectators.  After Sunday's skirmish the word was given to break camp, and the next  hour was spent in packing the wagons. The Germains, Lady Mathews and  I enjoyed a late afternoon meal at the Inn on the hill and made our  way back to New London as we had come.  The weather was splendid over the weekend, if somewhat cool in the  mornings. The Union HQ camp was on the edge of the bluff above the  Chase Farm and the battlefield was marked out between the rising hill  to the right and the great pond to the left. The Union camp was laid  out along the access road to the far right of the upper fields.  Between the Union camp and the battlefield was a rising mound which  afforded a good view of the battlefield for the spectators.  Respectfully Submitted;  Your Servant  Ian McKay, Brigadier General of Engineers (by brevet); Chief of Staff (acting) Chief Engineer, 25th Corps Lt. Gen. U. S. Grant's personal and military staffs 
__._,_.___
,___

'USS Mississippi"

2011-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

Union gunboat at anchor.

Redrawn by Ian McKay, CE

United States Ford -- Rappahannock River

2011-08-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

USS ford was a large stretch of shallows, in the river, which was used for years by the local traffic. During the Civil War this road was a major crossing point from the North into the South for the Union Forces and became a much traveled ford for both infantry and cavalry on both sides of the conflict.

Sprague, CT Encampment, 2011

2011-08-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Bob Nucci's tent and fly, Sprague, CT Encampment, July, 2011

2011-08-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ian Mckay, Brigadier General of Engineers (by brevet)

2011-08-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

This is the New England Brigade Engineering Field Office set up at the 150th anniversary of the founding of Sprague, CT. The general is facing a table with a display of period fighting knives.

Sprague, CT, 07/29-31/11

2011-08-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

The New England Brigade Engineering Field Office at the Sprague, CT 150th Anneversery Encampment.

Civil War Siege Map of Jackson, Mississippi

2011-08-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Drawn By 2nd Lt. Greg P. Webster

Blackstone and Vicinity

2011-08-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

This is a map-sketch of the Vicinity North of the Daniel's Farmstead.

Fort Trumbull Working Party, AAR, Monday, 06/27/11

2011-08-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

In a message dated 6/28/2011 1:06:32 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, JLMTopog@comcast.net writes:
Lt. General U. S. Grant
Commander
All Federal Armies

Brig. Gen. Burbank
Commander;
New England Brigade

Major D. Erickson
Commandant (acting);
U. S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

I beg your kind indulgence to make my Chief Engineer's Report on the
subject activity in New London, CT. The work party was scheduled for
10:00 A.M. this morning and at 8:00 A.M. I visited the Engineer's
supply store in New London for some last minutes needed materials. At
9:30 A.M. we arrived at home to find that Captain Ray Germain and Lady
Germain were waiting at my home. We set up the tools needed and
brought forth two metal shelving stands to repair, strengthen, and
relieve them of their accumulated rust, and then give them a coat of
paint.

By 11:30 we had completed work on the two shelving stands, and Sgt.
Proctor arrived ready for the working party as he works nights and
usually comes about this time. With him, he brought a refurbished
display case which had been donated previously to the fort. The
restoration was really an excellent job of refinishing and that
display case now has a prominent place in the Engineer's Mess and
Bedroom.

With The Sgts. arrival we pulled two more shelving stands from my
garage where they have been stored and in another hour or so had
completed all work on the four stands. We then loaded the four stands
and the display case on three wagons and drove over to New London to
deliver the to the fort storage area, together with the previously
purchased cloth curtains and shelving cover material

We unloaded the four stands from the three wagons into the Fort
storeroom, together with the previous lumber and fasteners purchased
to replace the used material in making rifle boxes at a previous work
party. The cloth, shelf covers, display case and fasteners were
placed in the closet in the engineer's mess and bedroom.

When we had finished all the work, we adjourned the work party and
went to enjoy a nice lunch at our favorite restaurant.

Your Most Humble and Enduring Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brig. Gen. of Engineers (by brevet);
Chief Engineer
Chief of Staff (acting)
Lt. Gen. U. S. Grant's Military and Personal Staffs

Work Party, Fort Trumbull, AAR, 07/18/11

2011-08-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

From: James Mathews
To: NewEnglandBrigade@yahoogroups.com; NMLHA@yahoogroups.com; unicorn628@comcast.net; Ulysses Grant ; Aula Decia Scriptrix ; ACWCalligrapher@aol.com; ByzantiumNovumMilitarium@yahoogroups.com; ByzantiumNovumCulture@yahoogroups.com; Christer Edling ; CivilWarEvents@yahoogroups.com; Felinitye ; Bill Gawne ; Jonathan.Lincoln@po.state.ct.us; J. C. Smith ispán ; Q. Fabius Maximus ; NewRoman@yahoogroups.com; Matyas Clark OSB ; Robert Woolwine
Sent: Tue, July 19, 2011 12:25:28 PM
Subject: Fwd: [TopogEng] Work Party Monday the 18th, July, 1863 (#071811)

Begin forwarded message:

From: James Mathews
Date: July 19, 2011 12:09:38 PM EDT
To: TopogEng@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [TopogEng] Work Party Monday the 18th, July, 1863 (#071811)

Lt. General U. S. Grant
Commander
All Union Armies

Brig. Gen. M. Burbank
Commander
New England Brigade

Major D. Erickson
Commandant (acting)
U. S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Honored Sirs:

I beg your kind indulgence to bring to you the Chief Engineer's report of the volunteer work completed at Fort Trumbull, New London, Ct. on July 18. 1863.

Engineers Present:

Ian McKay, Brig. Gen. of Engineers (by brevet);
Major James Duarte;
Capt. Raymond Germain;
2nd Lt. Greg Webster;
Lady Webster (artist);
Lady Mathews (teamster).

The Morning began at the Fort Trumbull Parking Lot at 10:00 A.M. All were gathered there and proceeded to the fort interior. Being brought into the fort were the following items:

--Donated 1/2 horse Table Saw;
--Three sewn cases for bunk displays;
--Paint, Brushes and material for work on metal stands;
--Stencils for Rifle boxes.

Items Completed:

--Rifle Box (finished carpentry work and stenciled both sides of the box) ;
--Table top extension;
--Painted four upright metal stands white;
--Constructed and painted black two sets of fire-place andirons (dogs) of wood, to support the fireplace logs.

Your Most Dedicated Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brig. Gen. of Engineers (by brevet);
Chief Engineer;
Chief of Staff (acting)
Lt. General U. S. Grant's Personal and Military Staffs

Fort Trumbull Working Party, Monday, 08/01/11

2011-08-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

Lt. General U. S. Grant
Commander
All Federal Armies

Brig. Gen. M. Burbank
Commander
New England Brigade

Major D. Erickson
Commandant (acting)
U. S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Most Esteemed Sirs;

I beg your kind indulgence to make my Chief Engineer's Report on the subject activity at Fort Trumbull at New London, CT.

In Attendance:

--Brig. Gen. Ian McKay;
--2nd Lt. Greg Webster;
--Lady M. Mathews.

I visited the local materials supply store this morning for some last minute needed materials and then proceeded to the 10:00 A.M. rendevouz with the unit. The following members were indisposed and were excused:

--Major Duarte;
--Capt. Lafleur;
--Sgt. Proctor;
--Corp. Grossman;
--Lady Webster.

Upon reaching the fort, we immediately started to work. In accordance with the desires of the Fort Ranger, we moved four of the newly renovated and painted metal shelving stacks into place in front of two windows in the Engineer's Bunk Room, one window in the Display Room, and one window in the Chief Engineer's Office. Once placed, we filled each shelf visible from outside the rooms with various engineering models. The shelf models in the display room were rearranged.

Lt. Webster then went to work completing the partially built wine rack that Major Duarte had begun at an earlier work party. The wine rack was finished and BG McKay placed the special labels (provided by Lady Germain) on the wine bottles that had been provided that morning. The wine rack and wine bottles were placed near the outside fireplace in the Bunk-room. BG McKay also crushed a large bowl of charcoal into powder to simulate the gunpowder in the magazine being used to fill artillery cartridge bags. The wooden powder bowl is now full of the simulated gunpowder topped with a wooden ladle.

When the charcoal crushing, and wine rack were finished, Lt. Webster and BG Mathews undertook to paint the remaining two steel shelving stands that will be utilized in the dining room. The Fort Trumbull Maintenance Supervisor was working in the fort and I mentioned to him about the interior access doors sticking due to moisture swelling, and the problem with the apparent lock's not opening fully. Also the door handle to the Magazine and Jail area fell off in my hand as I was trying to open the door. He said that he would look into the problem. Later he came back and notified us that the magazine door was open so I could put the crushed charcoal in the wooden powder bowl.

Lt. Webster had some additional duties to fulfill, so we completed the above work early and enjoyed a nice lunch together with Lady Mathews at a favorite restaurant.

Your Most Humble and Enduring Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brig. Gen. of Engineers (by brevet);
Chief Engineer
Chief of Staff (acting)
Lt. General U. S. Grant's Personal and Military Staffs
On Jun 28, 2011, at 1:12 AM, James Mathews wrote:

Sprague, CT, AAR, 07/29-31/11

2011-08-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Lt. General U. S. Grant
Commander
All Federal Armies

Brig. Gen. M. Burbank
Commander;
New England Brigade

Major D. Erickson
Commandant (acting)
U. S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Most Esteemed Gentlemen;

--Engineers In Attendance:

--Major James Duarte;
--2nd Lt. Greg Webster;
--Lady M. Mathews.

--Engineers Excused:

--Capt. W. Lafleur;
--Capt. Germain;
--Lady Germain;

I beg your kind indulgence to make my Chief Engineer's Report for the subject event. My teamster and I arrived at the River Park in Sprague, CT on Wednesday last to review the planned encampment site and choose an area to set up. This was to be a time-line event and so the CW Engineering Field Office would need to be offset from the other locations to some small degree. A brief sketch of the park was dawn and a location decided upon and we made our way home. We again arrived at about 2:00 P.M. on Friday to set up the CW encampment. We set up only the fly and tables as there was some concern about security arrangements for the event. On Saturday we arrived early in the morning, (before 8:00 A.M.) and set up the office and displays. The displays consisted of weapons, instrumentation, maps, and accouterments.

The visitor numbers were light on Saturday all day (about one and one half dozen people). The reason appeared to be that the bulk of the town's anniversary was centered on a park area about one half mile away, and the advertised shuttle bus did not run often. However, the location under the trees was quite pleasant and the consistent breeze down the river was a real pleasure in the heat of the day. During the morning, I had drawn up a more specific sketch-map of the park and 2nd Lt. Greg Webster joined me in the after noon. I gave him my sketch of the park with the instruction to make a more detailed recon. of the area and upgrade the sketch to a regular map of the area. At about five o'clock, after Lt. Webster had left, I was invited to a late afternoon meal put together by Mr. Steve Topliff. He served a very sumptuous Venison Stew and fresh baked rolls. The meal was welcome and delicious.

The required hours of attendance at the event was concluded at 5:00 P.M. and I was picked up at 6:00 P.M. and taken to a nice local inn for a good night's rest.

Sunday morning's return to the encampment found Major Duarte had already arrived and had pulled away last night's table coverings and the tables were again ready to receive the displays which had been put in the car for security over the evening hours. Major Duarte was just back from a brief visit to Fort Jefferson to review it's progress of construction, and taking measurements for the planned new weapons that would arm the large fortification. Sunday was slightly cooler than Saturday, but the river breezes were, throughout the day, somewhat less freshening. The great bridge which was just a few paces from the encampment was very well constructed, and more than suitable for all variety of military vehicles. During the day on Sunday, I was pleased to make a detailed sketch of the bridge. The river was the Shetucket River, and it was interesting to note that the river edge was much wider than the stream running through it. The reason was revealed by a local resident who told us of a large dam upriver. When that dam releases the rainwater from the Spring rains the river is considerably higher that during the Summer. We will have to visit that area to make sketches of the upriver dam and the area surrounding it. Sunday's visitor's were slightly more numerous, about three dozen people. However, the people who visited the encampment seemed more interested in what was on display than the normal visitor public, and they were as a result, a real pleasure to talk with.

Mr. Topliff served all another delicious repast as a late breakfast of venison hash, which was very like a British Shepard's Pie missing only the crisp topping of mashed potatoes. This time the engineers had been warned and were able to contribute a can of beans and some dinner rolls to the feast. The food was again very delicious.

The river near the bridge was said to be fordable, except for the steep bank on the far side. On the near side of the river there was a road down to the river-edge where boats could be put in the water, as well as removed. Just beyond the bridge downriver, began a large pond, created by a second dam downstream about two or three miles at the town of Occum. Upstream from the River Park the river ran through a narrow wooded valley and then it spreads out at the Scotland Historical Farm where several reenactment events and Scottish musters have been held in the past, not too far from the small town of Scotland, CT. I will be drawing a vicinity map which will encompass all the places mentioned here around this area, as it seems very interesting and quite beautiful in its summer foliage.

At three P.M. the event was concluded and my teamster arrived on the dot, to pull down the tent and pack up all the gear. Major Duarte Lady Mathews, and I were busy for about an hour breaking down the camp and field office, and were then off back to the New London area and good meal of barbecued pork ribs (baby back) from one of the best barbecue restaurants in the state.

Were the Topographical Engineers asked again to be a part of such an event, I should be most pleased to consider the invitation seriously. It was a "laid back" event, and one which was most enjoyable over all.

Your Most Humble and Enduring Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brig. Gen. of Engineers (by brevet);
Chief Engineer;
Chief of Staff (acting);
Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant's Military and Personal Staffs

Stone River Attack; Map Legend

2011-07-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Confederate Flank Attack at Stone River

2011-07-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Winchester, VA

2011-07-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

Fort Adams, July 8-10, 2011, AAR

2011-07-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Lt. General U.S. Grant
Commander
All Federal Armies

Brig. Gen. M. Burbank
Commander
New England Brigade

Major D. Erickson
Commandant (acting)
U.S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Honored Sirs;

I beg your kind attention to forward to you my engineering report of the subject event. My driver and I arrived by coach after a hot and bumpy ride from Fort Trumbull. When we arrived we were greeted by my contact at Fort Adams (Mr. McCormick) and welcomed in the most polite way. We were checked into the fort, the gate was opened for us, and we entered to find Captain Germain and his lovely wife Mary Anne had proceeded us, and were setting up there living area in the Western End of the Northeast Casemate. We unloaded the carriage and set up the requested engineering display and field office. The display consisted of six tables of tools, weapons, instrumentation and maps showing the various items and tasks of the engineers.

The afternoon on Friday was utilized in setting up the display. Three tables were furnished by the fort for the display. The remainder of the display was on tables furnished by the engineers. My driver (Mrs. Mathews) and I spent the night at an inn in the small town of Newport and breakfasted well before returning to the fort proper. I enjoyed a long discussion with Captain (by brevet) Wayne LaFluer ("Flapjack"), and he accepted some unit drawings to offer for sale to fort visitors.

Saturday morning was quite busy, as the fort was flooded with young visitors, and we were kept busy discussing with the visitors the various items of display. The weapons section of the display was by far the most popular portion of the lay-out. At 11:30, I gave my requested presentation on Fort Adams covering some of the fort history, purpose, strength, mysteries, and viability of the fortress during the Civil War and it's purpose in later years. 2nd Lt. (by brevet) Greg Webster and his lovely wife Hiedi arrived and he contributed to the display several "infernal machines" (mines -- grenades) which made up a seventh table of displays. He also offered several aditional drawings for approval and copy. Out in front of the entrance to the casemates, the Topographical Pioneer, Corporal Michael Grossman set up two sets of Cheveaux-de-Frise (personnel barriers) out in front of the entrance to the casemates. These together with the engineering flags, rank and position flags as well as signage for the engineers, provided an excellent prelude to the display inside the casemate.

Following the presentation was a skimish which was conducted on the front lawn at the North end of the fort.

Following the skirmish there was another full period of visitors to the casemates.

My driver and I spent the night again in town and the next morning arrived at the fort. I was informed that our Logistics Officer Capt. LaFluer had sold many of the maps earlier afforded to him and the money was donated to the Topog Fund in the amount of $35.00. This was a nice addition to The Topog Treasury. Sunday morning until about 11:00 A.M. was quiet and in that period Captain Germain and I worked on some drawings and plans to be shown in display.

At 11:30 A.M. I again gave my presentation on Fort Adams, and was quite surprised to have a young man of approx. 15 years, approach me and congratulate me on the best presentation on Fort Adams he had ever heard. It is very impressive to know that at least a few of our young people are interested in the military history of our nation.

After the afternoon skirmish in which the concussions of the field artillery rattled the casemates as must have happened in the past it was time to pack up the display and go back home. My extreme thanks to the Germains for their assistance in packing up and laying out the engineering display. I doubt that it could have been done without their assistance. My thanks also to the 9th Mass, Arty for their assistance with the heavy tool chest. I would be remiss were I not to thank the Fort Adams Org. for their generous loan of the display tables, together with the very welcome hospitality of the McCormick's, both father and son. Their welcome and distinct help together with my love of the old fort insure that any future invitation for a military event from them I shall be pleased to give my full attention.

Your Most Diligent and Dedicated Servant;

Very Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brig. Gen. of Engineers (by brevet);
Chief Engineer
Chief of Staff (acting)
Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant's Personal and Military Staffs

Vicinity of Blackstone , Mass. and Environs to the North of the city

2011-06-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

This map goes with the Daniel's Farmstead Map and the Engineer's report of the event. (see the blog archive to the right of the map)

Jim Mathews
Cdr. -- NETE

Daniel's Farmstead, Blackstone, Mass.

2011-06-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

This map goes with the Engineer's Report placed on this blog a few days ago. A copy of the map will be in each member's drawing envelope.

Respectfully;

Jim Mathews
Cdr. -- NETE

General Hood's Battle Plan (Atlanta)

2011-06-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

After Action Report, Daniel's Farmstead, Blackstone, MA

2011-06-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Lt. General U. S. Grant;
Commander, All Federal Armies;

Brig. Gen. M. Burbank
Commander, New England Brigade;

Major D. Erickson
Commandant (acting),
U.S. Corps of Topographical Engineers

Esteemed Gentlemen;

I beg your kind indulgence to make my Chief Engineer's Report about the subject event. We arrived in Blackstone, Mass. in the early afternoon of June 10, by canal boat (Blackstone River Canal) from Providence, R.I. From there to the Daniel's Farmstead we went by coach. We found Captain Germain and Maryanne Germain just putting the finishing touches on their camp. Within the hour, the Engineering Field Office was up and operating. The day was cool and cloudy but the predicted rain held off through the afternoon and evening. The Federal Camp was set up at the extreme South end of the Farmstead, and there were many indications that the Confederate force controlled the Northern end and the woods around that area. We were notified that Gen. Grant would not be in attendance because of other more pressing engagements, and we would represent his Staff.

Mrs. Mathews and I enjoyed a very nice meal in Woonsocket and returned to camp. Captain Germain and I enjoyed a very long and many subjected conversation. That night I enjoyed a comfortable stay in an Inn on the outskirts of Blackstone City.

Saturday morning dawned wet and rainy. We arrived back in camp about 8:00 A.M. and went immediately to work to establish a rough sketch map for the Brigade Commander's use. He had asked for such on previous occasions in order to plan his operations for Saturday and Sunday, and the Lt. General's Staff work is usually shared with the area Commander, as a courtesy, when requested, or when in the necessity determined by the Chief Staff Engineer, such material is needed or required. The sketch map was finished well before noon and sent on to Brigadier Burbank, in a very temporary, unfinished, and uncolored format in order to get the drawing to him before finishing the smooth drawing. After the completion of the rough sketch for Gen. Burbank. I finished the smooth sketch for my portfolio, and then drew some other features which may be useful in the future (house, barn, and supply sheds).

The farmstead lies directly along a farm-road which extends out to the North, through and amid a forest of second growth timber, most of which is of the hardwood varieties of woodland. The farmstead is aligned North and South along the right hand side of the road. From the southern end of the cleared property to the farmhouse and barn it is approximately 250 yards, From the farmhouse to the northern end of the cleared property is about 175 yards. The property narrows in the middle to about 50 to 75 yards in width, and then swells somewhat in the shape of a peanut, to about 150 yards at both ends. A double stone wall runs from the house and barn area, slightly skewed southward, to the forest edge.

At the first call to arms, on Saturday afternnon, for a possible Confederate attack, the artillery had been placed at an approx. halfway position between the Federal Camp and the double stone wall. The Federal Infantry Force took up their first position there and sent out skirmishishers to determine the enemies strength. The double stone wall was used by Confederate skirmishers to get close to the Federal artillery. I was not asked to narrate the battle due to a lack of transportation to the Spectator Line, and the threat of rain. My description of the battle must therefore rely upon eye witnesses. The Brigade Commander did not discuss with me his plans before the skirmish, and therefore I did not have the chance to draw up the normal campaign plan for his consideration.

The battle was a very good one as reported to me by Captain Germain who was close by the rear of the Fed. army making battle sketches. In my sight line the Confederate Skirmishers tried a flank attack around the left flank of the Federal position. This was met with A Federal defense as the left flank of the Federal line hurried to make a strong defense. This placed the Confederate Skirmishers on open ground, and they formulated and carried out a charge on the Federal defense line. This resulted in a hand-to-hand skirmish and the defeat of the Confederate attacking flank force. The remainder of the battle must rely on others, who enjoyed a more comprehensive visual sighting.

After the battle there were several spectators who strolled our way and I had a very nice lengthy discussion with a civilian engineer who had previous military experience. We offered a small display of period weapons and period instrumentation, as well of cloth and paper maps, and letters and drawings outlining previous suggestions for fortification and campaigns..

In the evening, we again moved to the Inn for our evening meal (very enjoyable) and then early to bed, as the previous day and night had been exhausting and short on sleep. We awoke on Sunday to rain, and the roads were literally soaked. I was very fearful of what nature had done with the Federal Camp and the town of Unity. We got to camp at between 7:00 and 8:00 A.M. We found the camp being folded away and the Brigade Commander already gone. Apparently the heavy rain all night had flooded out most of the encampment, and the rain was threatened to continue very heavy all day, so the event was cancelled early.

The Germain's were kind enough to delay their departure while they helped me to take down the Field Office, and The Provost Marshall was very kind to send three of his men to assist us. We were packed and on our way within 45 minutes of our arrival in the site. My most enthusiastic thanks for the loan of the Provost's men at this time. They were very active and eager to please and my thanks to each one of them. It would have been a long and wet job without their assistance.

Respectfully Submitted;

Ian McKay, Brig. General of Engineers
Chief Engineer;
Chief of Staff (acting);
Lt. Gen. U. S. Grant's Personal and Military Staffs

Battlefield at Brimfield--Pine Trees at the pond shoreline

2011-06-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Apparently the tornado uprooted several trees, and broke off some others. These are all that are left. I will probably use this picture in forthcoming mapping projects in that area.

Jim Mathews

General Hood's Battle Plan (Atlanta)

2011-06-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

USS Covington

2011-06-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

History:--

Served in the Tennessee River to convoy Union Army transports (1863). Transferred in June of that year to the Mississippi River for similar duty there, and also for duty on the Black, Red and White Rivers.

In April of 1864, while escorting the army transport down the Red river, the Covington was engaged by a Confederate force on shore which severely damaged the vessel with gunfire. The crew then burned the vessel to avoid it from falling into Confederate hands, and escaped capture y fleeing to a Federal command.

Ship Information:--

Displacement -- 224 tons;
Length -- 126 ft. (38m);
Beam -- 37 ft. (11m);
Depth of Hold -- 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98m);
Propulsion -- Steam Engine; side wheel prpelled;
Speed -- unknown;
Complement -- 76;
Armament -- 2, 30 pdr. rifles; 2, 50 pdr. rifles, 4, 24 pdr smoothbores;
Armor -- Tin Clad.

Union Sea Blockade

2011-05-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

US Gunboat,"Albatross"

2011-05-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

The drawing was originally made by William M. C. Philbrick as the gunboat served off the Southern US Coast near Mobile Alabama. The drawing is dated September 26, 1863

Union Blockade --Savannah, GA

2011-05-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Union Blockade -- Pensacola, Fla.

2011-05-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Union Blockade -- Wilmington, NC

2011-05-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Fort Jefferson / Garden Key Sketch

2011-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Key to Fort Jefferson Sketch

2011-05-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

Steamship, "SS Eastern City"

2011-05-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Union Bridge, Copper Creek

2011-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sketch of McDowell and Environs

2011-05-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

13 inch Siege Mortar -- Civil War

2011-05-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

Coal Bomb, Civil War

2011-05-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hand Grenades, Civil War

2011-05-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Jefferson County Courthouse

2011-05-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

New Britain and Vicinity -- Stanley Qtr. Park Event

2011-05-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Union Blockade--Mobile Bay

2011-05-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

AAR, New Britain, April, 2011

2011-04-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

Subject: New Britain, AAR, April, (afternoon) 15-17, 2011

Lt. Gen. U. S. Grant, Commander, All Federal Armies;

Brig. General M. Burbank, Commander, New England Brigade (NEB);

Rear Admiral Lee, Commander of the Northern Blockading Fleet;

Captain Erickson, Commandant (acting)
U. S. Corps of Topographical Engineers.

Honored Sirs;

I beg your indulgence to receive my report of the above activity I was notified at my office at Fort Trumbull, in New London, CT to be on station at the indicated location at the above time and date. I made arrangement to go by sea in the dispatch schooner assigned to Fort Trumbull and sailed down the coast of Long Island Sound and then up the Connecticut River, where we landed at Wethersfield Pond. From there we went on by horse and carriage to the Stanley Park in New Britain. The Union Forces were set up at the southern end of the pond, close by the waters edge, just North of the Stanley Park Road Bridge (Known locally as the Bass Brook Bridge No.1). By late Friday afternoon the Engineer's Field Office was set up and displays of maps, surveying equipment, and some "infernal devices" were on display.

In attendance from the Northeast Topographical Engineers (NETE) were the following personnel:

--Brig. General of Engineers, Ian McKay;
--Major James Duarte;
--Captain N. Reicke;
--Captain W. Lafleur;
--Lt. G. Webster;
--Corp. M. Grossman;
--Lady M. Mathews (teamster. paymaster);
--Lady H. Webster (asst. Artist).

Lt. Webster and Capt. Reicke were later detached to the Artillery for duty;
Capt. Lafleur was detached for Logistics duties;
Ladies Mathews and Webster were released for their duties outside of camp;
Corporal Grossman was detached to the infantry as requested by his Company Cdr.

I called on Brig. General M. Burbank to get an idea of what he wished to have from the Engineers. His response was to give me some maps, gained from the town, of the park area and he asked for them to be redrawn and upgraded to the present. Those efforts occupied both myself and Major Duarte for most of the remainder of the day Friday and Saturday. Friday night, Lady Mathews and myself left camp at about 7:00 P. M. for a quiet supper and lodging at a local inn. On Saturday evening, Lady Mathews and I were invited to attend a Birthday Party being celebrated by one of the local townspeople. The party and dinner following were held at a local German Restaurant. The crowd was quite congenial and we spent the night as guests of the town. Early Saturday morning, fortified with a hearty New England Farmer's breakfast, I was in camp and spent the day working the requested map project, and completing a detailed drawing of a large steamship, "Eastern City" which had been converted to a troop ship and equipment hauler for the government. This ship, after moving a number of troops South, just after Fort Sumter, had been given to the Corps of Engineers to establish some storehouses, and repair facilities on one of the "to be captured" offshore southern islands, when they had been taken back from the Confederate Forces. This steamship is currently in port undergoing conversion and upgrade prior to being loaded out. The drawing was requested of the engineers by the ship's Commander.

In addition to the ship drawing and maps, I was asked by one of the Corps of Engineers to produce my idea of a heavy fortress to be considered for construction on one of the southern islands. He asked that I give him a diagram of a medieval castle as his current library is not complete in that area, and he was looking for some new ideas that were not quite as extensive as the French sixteenth century fortifications utilized in european defenses.

In the afternoon, Brig. General M. Burbank and I met to discuss his battle plans for the day. I was honored to be asked to narrate to the crowd of spectators about the progress, tactics, and some basic artillery and infantry information, in order to make the skirmish more understandable and meaningful to them. During the skirmish on the field, just above the park road I was pleased to talk with the spectators there. The number of spectators appeared to be quite large, perhaps as many as some fifteen hundred or more. After the skirmish, Major Duarte and I spent some time answering questions of spectators who visited the Engineering office. The primary items of interest were the "infernal devices" being used and developed by the Confederates, and now also being used by the Federals.

Sunday morning dawned bright and clear after a horrendous rain and wind storm during the night. The Engineering Office fly fell victim to the wind, but some of the NEB staff very kindly put things aright before my arrival. My thanks to them for that extra effort. As a result of the rain, the earlier day's plans for the skirmish had to be revised to some degree and just prior to the skirmish, General Burbank again briefed me on his new plans for the engagement. I took charge of the spectator group, which was somewhat smaller on Sunday, likely because of the previous night's storm. I was joined in this, by a Major of Marines, who was acting as an escort for President Lincoln. I had the honor to meet President Lincoln as he visited the Union camp on Saturday and was very pleased to meet him again briefly on Sunday. The Major of Marines read out his orders to the spectator crowd, and the President Lincoln made a short speech to the crowd as well. The Major and I then went on to narrate the battle as it began.

Apparently, there was a group of Union Ladies who wished, for their own reasons, to visit the Confederate camp, and as they approached the Confederate pickets they were refused entrance, and were finally returned, escorted by two Confederate pickets, to a point midway between the lines. Whereupon, two Union pickets took over the escort duties. The women were very upset over the refusal and made a real fuss over it. Names were exchanged in loud voices and from somewhere there was a shot fired. The Confederate pickets returned fire thinking that the Federals were attacking. This quickly elevated into a full and complete military action with the infantry and artillery fully involved. The Confederates finally gained the high ground along the northern boundary of the pond, after some hard fighting, and were successful in turning the Federal flank. With this advantage, the Confederate's pressed the Federal forces back to the Federal Lines. The only saving grace was that the Federal Artillery, who continued to pound the Confederate's from across the pond was safely out of the way of the Confederate Attack. The Confederate artillery, on their side, also continued the action. However, the Confederate guns were of a smaller type, called Mountain Guns (howitzers), with a shorter overall range.

In the afternoon after the skirmish I was approached by several people who had questions about ancestors who had served in the Civil War. One woman had several items that she needed to have explained, having received some basic comments from historical documents. The remainder of the afternoon was spent answering questions about the engineering materials on display. Finally, when the spectators left, we packed our equipment and took the carriage back to the dispatch schooner and sailed downriver for New London. We had fair winds all the way, and the river was high, so there was no problem in the trip, and we arrived at Fort Trumbull in the early evening. We finished the day with an excellent barbecue dinner and then I sought my bunk for a long nap.

The event was a good one and I and the other engineers enjoyed ourselves immensely. The material done by the engineers, will be shared by all and all who are interested will have copies of the maps, drawings, and diagrams as requested. My personal thanks from the NETE to Marc and to General M. Burbank for a very good event. It was very obvious that a good deal of planning and effort went into this event, and all this work is much appreciated by the Northeast Topographical Engineers (NETE).

If invited next year, or in following years, I would be pleased to accept and attend with an expectation of a good event.

Respectfully;

Ian McKay, Brig, Gen. of Engrs (by brevet)
Chief Engineer, NEB
Chief of Staff (acting)
Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant's Military and Personal Staffs

Cross-roads in the canal days

2011-03-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Specifications of the Farmington Canal

2011-03-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Farmington Canal -- 1840

2011-03-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Farm Punt to Canal Boat

2011-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

"USS Louisville" Mississippi Squadron gunboat

2011-03-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

"USS Tyler" Mississippi Squadron gunboat

2011-03-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

"USS Rattler" Mississippi Squadron gunboat

2011-03-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

"USS Argosy" Mississippi Squadron gunboat

2011-03-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

"USS Prairie Bird" -- River Gunboat, Mississippi Squadron

2011-03-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Fredericksburg

2011-03-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

This map is a map of the skirmish field at Fredericksburg during the Civil War.

"USS Signal", Mississippi Military Steamship

2011-03-08T23:01:00.000-08:00

USS Curlew, River Gunboat, Mississippi Squadron

2011-03-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

New England Barn (about the 1840's)

2011-02-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

The Greenville Bends

2011-02-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

This drawing / map is a part / stretch of the Mississippi River called, as above, the Greenville Bends. It was defended early in the Civil War by Confederate Artillery redoubts as shown on the drawing. The two river boats shown are a part of the U. S. "brown water navy" assigned to patrol the river.

Ellis River Bridge -- 1865

2011-02-27T23:56:00.000-08:00

Covered Bridge such as were designed and built in the Civil War Period. This one appears rather worn as the original drawing was made in the 1960's. This bridge was built over the Ellis River in Maine.

Sketch of Fredericksburg and Environs, Dec. 1862

2010-12-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

Plan of Fort Donelson

2010-12-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

Engineering Field Office, Smith-Harris House Event

2010-10-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Smith-Harris House Event, Oct. 2010. Topographical Engineers Field Office and Buffalo Hunter's tent.

Ian McKay, Brigadier General of Engineers (by brevet)

2010-10-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Smith-Harris House Event, Oct. 2010. Brig. Gen. Ian McKay at his map- drawing table in the Engineering Field Office. Background is the Smith-Harris Barn.

Buffalo Hunter, James Duarte

2010-10-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Smith-Harris House Event, Oct, 2010. James Duarte is portraying the part of a Buffalo Hunter. he has a table of rifles and ammunition as a display. The two people in the background are new members of the Topogs, Lt Greg Webster and his lovely wife Heidi.

Martello Tower, Habitation Level

2010-09-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

Martello Tower, Overlooking the Sea

2010-09-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Martello Tower, Wall Niche, Habitation Level

2010-09-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

Guernsey Tower, Great Britain

2010-09-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

Mortella Tower, Corsica

2010-09-06T03:50:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of one of the original coastal fortifications that gave rise to the whole idea of the Martello Towers in Great Britain and elsewhere. This was the type of tower that stood off two British warships and generated the letter to the Prime Minister, which resulted in a new design, a name alteration and ultimately, the coastal defense of southeastern coast of England

Pre-Martello Tower, 1778

2010-09-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

St, Brelude, Jersey Island, Great Britain

Fort Saumarez, Isle of Guernsey

2010-09-06T03:26:00.000-07:00

This fort design was used prior to the Martello Towers on the Island of Guernsey by the British Army,

Federal Ship SS Water Witch

2010-08-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Pre-Civil War Canal Boat

2010-08-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

This view is along the pre-Civil War C&O Canal. This 180 mile long canal was a tempting target for the Confederates

C.S.S. Manassas

2010-08-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

In the background, one of the "CSS Manassas'" two additional "fleet" vessels during the attack on the Federal Fleet in the Mississippi Passes at the Delta.

Q. E. "pocket pistol #4

2010-08-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Q. E. "pocket pistol" #3

2010-08-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Q.E. "pocket pistol" #2

2010-08-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

Queen Elizabeth I pocket pistol

2010-08-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

This piece of artillery is located on the grounds of Dover Castle in Dover, England. It was and is referred to as the Queen Elizabeth I "pocket pistol," probably because of its length. An approximate measurement of the bore would lead me to believe that it was an 18 or 24 pounder.

General McKay

2010-05-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

General McKay and Capt LaFleur (Flapjack)

2010-05-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is a photo scene from the video on You Tube for a Topographical Engineer's Event in Wrentem, Mass.

Sketching Screen - Second View

2010-05-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

In this view the wire grid can easily be seen.

Sketching Screen

2010-05-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

The Sketching screen is used as an assistance tool for sketching from real life. The screen is centered on the area to be sketched, and then the artist looking through the eye piece draws only what he sees in the small rectangles formed by the wire grid. In this way the artist can concentrate on the specific parts of the area of particular interest.

Mortar Barge -- End View

2010-05-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

Mortar Barge -- Side View

2010-05-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

Many of these Barges were used in the assault on Vicksburg and other river cities during the Civil War.