Breastwork/defense construction regs manual?

[Eric Burke]

Sorry, I'm a little new to the world of digging trenches and breastworks, but I'm very interested in learning the correct types of defenses to construct as well as the proper ways to do so. I'm sure this question has been asked on the old boards, but since the databases are still down, I'm forced to ask here.

Which regulations manual should I be looking at to find breastwork construction infromation (mid-late war)? I appreciate any help I can get here.

Thanks in advance!

[cssrichmond]

Eric,
Check this web page:

http://civilwarfortifications.com/library/library.html

It has a few links to military texts on fortifications in use around the world in the mid-Nineteenth Century, including some by Mahan, and one of Jomini's (not sure if I am spelling that correctly).

Also, there is a manual that was in use by Northern forces called "Manual for Engineer Troops" by Captain James C. Duane. It has detailed directions for making gabions, fascines, abatis, pontoon boats and bridges, etc., etc. Like most any manual from the period, it can be difficult to understand until you sit there and work out the text, but it is invaluable!

Also, you can't go wrong studying the photos of Centerville, Washington, D.C., Vicksburg, Atlanta, Petersburg, and the like. From what I've been able to figure out, just like everything else in the area of our study, what the books say, and the actual pratice in the field can vary quite a bit. The terrain, resources at hand, circumstances, and the officers and men on the ground in a given region all influenced the construction of works as much as the direction given by manuals. These pictures, and there are tons, give you a good idea of what was happening in the field. If you really get into it, you'll notice patterns develop in particular campaigns until you can almost tell at a glance where the photo was taken without any other information.
This is an absolutely fascinating facet of the War, and the above sources barely scrape the surface. Good luck in your search, and let me know if you need any further help.
Cheers,
Brett Silver

[Eric Burke]

Brett, thanks for the info!

[Matthew.Rector]

Here is another source.
Chapter 9; Field Fortifications (page 92)
of the
Handbook for Active Service; Containing Practical Instructions in Campaign Duties. For the Use of Volunteers.
by Egbert L. Viele
New York: D. Van Nostrad, 192 Broadway
1861

Reprinted by
INVICTUS
Johnson Graphics
P.O. Box 317
Decatur MI 49045
(616) 423-8782

Sullivan Press might carry this publication.

[coffee boiler]

Try "History and Handbook for the Engineer Reenactor" by Charlie Jernigan and Reed Settle. This will cover all the basics that you are looking for.

The Official Military Atlas of the Civil War also contains some nice diagrams and photos of defensive works.

Good luck and have fun with your research.