Civil War Defenses of Washington Historic Resource Study

April 9, 1861–Department of Washington created by GO 9, AGO, to consist of State of Maryland and the District of Columbia

April 10, 1861–Bvt. Col. Charles F. Smith arrives at hdqrs of dept per GO 9, AGO

April 15, 1861–Lincoln calls for volunteers to protect the capital–calls for 75,000 militia

April 17, 1861–Virginia no longer part of the Union–State ratified the ordinance of secession

April 1861–Created Potomac flotilla

April 19, 1861–troops began to arrive from the north

April 19, 1861–states of Delaware and Pennsylvania added to dept.–GO 3, Hdqrs of the Army

April 19, 1861–after April 19, several small river steamers and tugs were employed in patrolling the Potomac River–Potomac Flotilla–[E.E. Billings, "Mil Activities in Washington in 1861,"RCHS, 1962-63, p. 131]

April 22, 1861–In obedience to General Orders, No. 3, from the Headquarters of the Army, Washington, dated 19th instant, (*)Major-General Patterson assumes command of the Military Department of Washington, which "is extended so as to include, in addition to the District of Columbia and Maryland, the States of Delaware and Pennsylvania."

April 26, 1861–Breakthrough of 7th NY, 8th Mass. And 1st RI to Washington

April 27, 1861–Col. J.F.K. Mansfield put in command of Department of Washington to consist of District of Columbia, Fort Washington and the country adjacent, and the State of Maryland as far as Bladensburg, inclusive–GO 12, AGO

April 28, 1861– Maj. J. G. Barnard, of the Corps of Engineers, having been assigned to this department for duty by order of the lieutenant-general commanding the Army, he is hereby attached to these headquarters as chief engineer of this department. First Lieut. F. E. Prime, of the Corps of Engineers, will report to Major Barnard for duty. By order of Colonel Mansfield–GO No. 11, Dept. Of Wash.

May 1861–Early in May, Commander J.H. Ward assigned to command of the Potomac Flotilla–[E.E. Billings, "Mil Activities in Washington in 1861,"RCHS, 1962-63, p. 131]

May 23, 1861–Virginia ordinance of secession approved by public referendum–at 2 am on morning of 24th, Union troops move across Potomac into Virginia, occupy the heights and begin erecting fortifications on morning of 24th– began a seven week concentrated effort to erect these fortifications–Forts Runyon, Ellsworth and Corcoran first built–Fort Runyon's perimeter exceeded that of any subsequent work–Forts Albany, Haggerty, Bennett

May 27, 1861–GO No. 26, AGO–All that part of Virginia east of the Allegheny Mountains and north of James River, except Fort Monroe and sixty miles around the same, will for the present constitute a new military geographical department, under the command of Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell, U.S.A., whose headquarters will be movable according to circumstances.

May & June, 1861–Engineers had surveyed the topography of the northern approaches to Washington

June 1861???–McDowell command troops in area including defenses

July 8, 1861–house resolved that sect war should furnish plans and estimates for the completion of a chain of defenses to guard Washington from attack from the south and also report on the expediency of constructing fortifications north of the Potomac

July 21, 1861–defeat at Bull Run and ensuing panic spurred additional construction–Johnston wrote "fortifications upon which skillful engineers had been engaged" deterred him from attacking city

July 25, 1861–adds counties of Prince Georges, Montgomery, and Frederick, MD to Dept. And all Attached to the Division of the Potomac–GO 47, AGO

July 27, 1861–McClellan assumed command of the forces around Washington on July 27–McClellan becomes c & c of Army and champions a fortification system –found 50,000 inf.–less than 1000 cavalry–650 arty organized into nine imperfect batteries of 30 pieces, GO 1, A of P

August 1861–Mac put J.G. Barnard in charge of construction–began creation of a really complete system of defenses

August 17, 1861–Departments of Northeastern Virginia, Washington, and of the Shenandoah merged into the Department of the Potomac [GO 15, Hdqrs of the Army] [The Departments of Washington and Northeastern Virginia will be united into one, to which will be annexed the Valley of the Shenandoah, the whole of Maryland and of Delaware, to be denominated the Department of the Potomac, under Major-General McClellan–head-quarters Washington–who will proceed to organize the troops under him into divisions and independent brigades]

August 20, 1861–GO No. 1, A of P, The following-named officers are attached to the staff of the Army of the Potomac: Maj. J. G. Barnard, chief engineer, Brig. Gen. W. F. Barry, volunteer service, chief of artillery, Maj. J. N. Macomb, chief topographical engineer–by order of Mac

August 25, 1861–Provision al Brigades organized under Fits John Porter in the Department of the Potomac [Welter, I, 170]

August 30, 1861–Maj. Abner Doubleday will immediately take charge of all the heavy artillery defenses from the Long Bridge to Fort Corcoran, and in case of an attack will take the best position to command the whole, GO 16, A of P

Late Summer and Fall of 1861–Low water in Potomac River panicked city so Mac hurriedly threw up works – securing of roads first concern

September 30, 1861–GO No. 18, A of P, the 32 forts in the defenses officially received names

October 18, 1861–Starting on this date–McClellan directed Barnard and Barry "to determine the minimum strength of garrisons–artillery and infantry–required for the various works in and about Washington to satisfy the conditions of a good defense."–within a week they reported a need for a total force of 33,795 (both garrison and reserve)–based estimates on Lines of Torres Vedras

Oct 22, 1861–1st report from Barnard & Barry about numbers necessary to man defenses

Oct. 24, 1861–Further report on forces necessary to man defenses

Nov 1, 1861–Scott retires

December 10, 1861–Bernard made a report on the defenses to Congress which they had requested on July 8, 1861

Dec 11, 1861– SW, Cameron, to Hon. SPEAKER, OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, I have the honor to transmi herewith a copy of a letter of Brig. Gen. J. G. Barnard, chief engineer of the Army of the Potomac, setting forth th necessity for an early appropriation of $150,000 for completing the defenses of Washington. In view of the urgenc of the case, as expressed by the commanding general of the Army in his indorsement submitting the letter to thi Department, I commend it to the early and favorable action of Congress.

Jan 9, 1862, Totten to SW–have honor to transmit, herewith, a report from Major J.G. Barnard, Brig General and Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac, in response to the Resolution of the House of Representatives of 8th July 1861, calling for information respecting the defences of the city" info is important and confidential–stay with committee Totten concurs with Barnard

January 13, 1862–Barnard wrote "I look upon the garrisoning of these works–that is, with artillerymen–as under all circumstances indispensible, and an absolutely necessary preliminary to any offensive operation of the Army."[or, I, 5–671-72, 677-85, 699

January 31, 1862–Lincoln stipulated that Washington must be left secure against attack

Feb 13, 1862–Appropriation of 150,000. approved February 13, 1862. 2. AN ACT making an appropriation for completing the defenses of Washington, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for completing the defenses of Washington: Provided, That all arrearages of <ar122_889> debts already incurred for the objects of this act shall be first paid out of this sum: And provided further, That no part of the sum hereby appropriated shall be expended in any work hereafter to be commenced.[U.S., Treasury Department. . . . Statement of Appropriations and Expenditures for Public Buildings, Rivers and Harbors, Forts, Arsenals, Armories and Other Public Works from March 4, 1789, to June 30, 1882, Senate Executive Document No. 196. 47th Congress, lst Session, 1882, page 540]

Feb 26, 1862–RG393, Part II, Vol 7/48, 1 AC, General Os & SOs, E 3722, Feb 1862-p. 337, Hdqrs, Mil. Def. North of the Potomac. Feb. 26, 62, GO No. 1, In pursuance of SO 54, from the Hdqrs, A of P, A. Doubleday assumes command of "all the Military Defences in this vicinity, North of the Potomac."

March 8, 1862–Lincoln's General War Order No. 3–army would make no change in base of operations "without leaving in and about Washington such a force as, in the opinion of the General-in-Chief and the commanders of army corps, shall leave said city entirely secure."

March 13, 1862–GO 101, A of P, In compliance with the President's War Order, No. 2, of March 8, 1862, the active portion of the Army of the Potomac is formed into army corps,

March 13, 1862–McClellan and corps commanders decided that between 25,000 and 40,000 men were required to man the defenses

March 16, 1862–Macs instructions to Wadsworth about defenses after he moves the troops

March 17, 1862–Brig. Gen. J. S. Wadsworth, having been assigned to duty by the direction of the President as Military Governor of the District of Columbia, will, besides the military command of the city of Washington, assume the charge of the defenses north and south of the Potomac in the vicinity of Washington. The limits of his command will embrace the District of Columbia, the city of Alexandria, the grounds in front of and in the vicinity of the defensive works south of the Potomac from the Occoquan to Difficult Creek, and the post of Fort Washington. He will have charge of the provisional brigades comprised of new troops arriving in Washington and will exercise supervision over troops temporarily in the city. SO No. 83, A of P

March 17, 1862–SPECIAL ORDERS No. 83., AOP–Brig. Gen. James S. Wadsworth, having been assigned to duty by the direction of the President as military governor of the District of Columbia, will, besides the military command of the city of Washington, assume the charge of the defenses north and south of the Potomac in the vicinity of Washington–The limits of his command will embrace the District of Columbia, the city of Alexandria, the ground in front of and in the vicinity of the defensive works south of the Potomac from the Occoquan to Difficult Creek, and the post of Fort Washington. He will have charge of the provisional brigades, composed of new troops arriving in Washington, and will exercise supervision over troops in the city.

March 29, 1862–inspection of forts on south side disclosed some problems

Late March 1862–Mac reported 73,456 men and 109 pieces of light artillery before his departure on April 1–included 35,467 men in the Shenandoah

Spring 1862–23 forts on VA side of Potomac and 14 forts and 3 batteries from the Potomac around by the north and east of the city to Anacostia, and 11 forts south of the Anacostia–Runyon was largest with perimeter of 1500 yards–armament of forts principally 24 and 32 pounders with a few lighter field guns

April 1 or 2, 1862–BG James Wadsworth reported he had a total force of 19,022 "new and imperfectly disciplined men fit for duty" in the Military District of Washington

April 3, 1862–Lincoln ordered that Sect War would order one or the other corps of McDowell and Sumner to remain in Washington, DC for protection–McDowell's corps kept back Congress appropriated $150,000 to complete the defenses with the stipulation that the money could not be spent on new ones

April 17, 1862–Mac began embarking troops at Alexandra for the Peninsula–Spring 1862–McClellan sought to move an army south toward Richmond

April 19, 1862–Stanton ordered a mock alarm for the defenses on that day to test readiness

May 9, 1862–RG77, E-554, p. 40, May 9, 1862, Whipple to Lt. Col. Littlefield, 9th Regt. NY Vols., Cmdg. Ft. Lyon "Mr. E. Frost been reassigned to duty as Engineer of Fortifications upon this side of the Potomac, you will please afford him and his party the necessary facilities for enabling him to repair the Magazines and such parts of the parapet as have been damaged; also, to complete the defensive works in accordance with the original designs of the Engineer Department. Should he require a small detachment from your command–page 41–to assist in these repairs, you are requested to furnish daily details."

June 18, 1862–forces in and about Washington grouped into a corps under BG Samuel D. Sturgis and Wadsworth reverted to merely a military governor of the District of Columbia

June 22, 1862–RG393, Pt. II, Military Dept of Wash, E-642, Letters Sent, 1862-64, Vols. 98-100 DW, Vol 98, p. 148,

June 22, 1862, Gove to Maj. Samuel Breck?, AAG–Manassas "I have been relieved of my Military Command. It has been turned over to Genl Sturgis who is to command all the troops in and about Washington except the Provost Guard."

June 26, 1862–Pope placed in command of Army of Virginia and its main task was to protect Washington, DC

June 28, 1862–RG 77, Entry 6, Letters, Reports, and Statements Sent to the Secretary of War and Congress, 1836-68, Vol. 10, Apr. 22, 1859-Jan. 12, 1863, p. 431, Totten to SW, June 28, 1862–"In answer to the verbal inquiry you addressed to me yesterday, I have to say that Bvt Capt Merrill of the corps of Engineers may be relieved from his present duties here and assigned to Genl Pope's command. He should be directed to place in the hands of his civil assistants with full instructions as to their prosecution and preservation, the works and public property in and near this City that are now under his care."

June 30, 1862–AGO, SO No. 148, Extract, Para. 9 "Brevet Captain Wm. E. Merrill U.S. Engineers is relieved from his present charge of the fortifications around Washington, and will report to Major General Pope for duty in his command. Captain Merrill will place in the hands of his civil assistants the works and public property now under his charge and full instructions as to their prosecution and preservation." Sent to BG Wadsworth

July 4, 1862–RG77, Entry 18, LR, M 4160, July 5, 1862, Rec. On July 8, 3 enclosures, Brvt. Capt. Wm. E. Merrill to Mr.

Frost–July 4–In accordance with SO 148, AGO, June 30, I hereby turn over to your charge all the Fortifications on the South Side of the Potomac, and all the Engineer and Quartermaster property pertaining thereto. You will cause the usual receipt and invoice to made out as soon as practicable. Unless ordered by Competent Authority the Operations and roll of Employees will continue as at present. You will report as soon as practicable to Genl Sturgis, Commanding the Defenses of Washington, and wherever the Assistance of an Army Officer is necessary for the proper prosecution of your labors you will call upon Genl Whipple for such aid as may be necessary. To Mr. Gummell, July 4–In accordance with SO 148, AGO, June 30, I hereby turn over to your charge all the Fortifications on the North Side of the Potomac, and all the Engineer and Quartermaster property pertaining thereto. You will cause the usual receipt and invoice to made out as soon as practicable. Unless ordered by Competent Authority the Operations and roll of Employees will continue as at present. You will report as soon as practicable to Genl Sturgis, Commanding the Defenses of Washington, and wherever the Assistance of an Army Officer is necessary for the proper prosecution of your labors you will call upon Lieut. Col. Haskin, A.D.C. to help you.

August 1862–Defenses North of the Potomac –Military District of the Defenses of Washington, Army of the Potomac organized [Welcher, I, 168]

August 3, 1862–Halleck orders Mac to move A of P to bring army back to Alexandria to aid in defense of DC

August-September–Lee moves north after 2nd Bull Run and panic once again hits Washington

August 20, 1862–In virtue of Special Orders, No. 196, from the Headquarters of the Army, dated at Washington,

August 19, 1862, Brig. Gen. J. G. Barnard assumes the command of the fortifications of Washington and troops assigned to the defenses. GO No.1 , Defenses of Washington–The fortifications and troops on the south side of the Potomac will remain under the immediate command of Brig. Gen. A. W. Whipple; those on the north side under charge of Lieutenant-Colonel Haskin, aide de-camp, through whom all orders will be transmitted and to whom commanding officers will make their usual reports.

August 28, 1862–Barnard to Henry Halleck–serious attack could not be met–garrisons withdrawn and sent into the field about a week earlier

August 30, 1862–RG77, Entry 18, LR, SW 3912, Aug 30, 1862, Stanton to C of E, Authorizes the Engr Dept to apply from the appropriations for Contingencies of Fortifications whatever funds are necessary in the opinion of the Officer Commanding the Defenses of Washington for increasing or strengthening the Defensive works, to the extent of $50,000.

August 30, 1862–In consequence of the report made to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Webb, who has just completed an inspection of the works from Ethan Allen to Pennsylvania, I recommend as follows, viz: That at least ten well instructed artillerymen and an officer from the Second Pennsylvania Artillery be sent to Battery Vermont, and at least ten artillerymen belonging, respectively, to the same companies, with the officers now sent from the Second Pennsylvania to Battery Cameron and Fort Gaines, be <ar107_769> sent to these two works. That Captain Ellis be held responsible for the destruction of Chain Bridge should the necessity arise, and that he be provided with hay and tar for that purpose. From Mac

September 1862–RG393, PI 172, Pt. 1, E5385, Vol. 1–55A, Gos Department of Wash., 1862–No. 3, Sept. 1862 [HDQRS, Defences of Washington, I. "The Military Governor of Alexandria will immediately organize a camp of convalescents, stragglers, and recruits, under the following regulations: VII. All recruits arriving, for regiments which are not near Washington, will be sent to the Convalescent Camp."

September 2, 1862–GO 122, AGO, MG McClellan will have command of the fortifications of Washington and of all the troops for the defense of the capital

September 2, 1862–GO No. 6, Defenses of Washington, The command of the fortifications of Washington and of the troops assigned to the defenses having been assumed by Major-General McClellan, the commanding officers of the troops within this command will receive their orders from and report to him through the usual channels.

September 2, 1862–Pope ordered his men to pull back into the Washington area entrenchments

September 2, 1862–I inclose you a copy of the order I have just issued, relinquishing command, &c. A detailed statement will be sent of troops and positions, but for your present convenience I would state that at the present moment the state of things is this: General D. P. Woodbury is in command of forts and troops from Fort Blenker to Fort Lyon. In Fort Lyon is the Third Battalion New York Artillery and the Twenty-fourth Michigan (raw). In Forts Ellsworth, Ward, and Blenker is part of Colonel Tyler's regiment. The other troops assigned to Woodbury are: Engineer Brigade, Colonel Allabach's four regiments, General E. B. Tyler's brigade, Sixteenth Connecticut Regiment (in or near Fort Worth). Brig. Gen. A. W. Whipple commands forts and troops from Four Mile Run northward, including the Chain Bridge. A statement already in the hands of General McClellan gives a list of garrisons and troops. The Fifteenth Connecticut is to be added (by your orders), and is now over there. Colonel Doubleday has immediate command at the Chain Bridge, under General Whipple. The forts and troops north of the Potomac are in charge of Colonel Haskin, aide-de-camp. A list of the garrisons and troops is in the hands of the major-general commanding. J. G. BARNARD.

September 3, 1862–N.P. Banks letter to S. Williams–Upon further consultation with the General-in-Chief, he has authorized me to assign General Barnard to duty as chief engineer of all the defenses from the 3d instant, leaving the question of command on the north side as it was previously under Woodbury and Haskin. I have today issued orders to that effect. In regard to General Barnard, the arrangement now conforms to the wishes of the commanding general.

September 3, 1862–Barnard says he relinquished command of the Defences of Washington on the 3rd [RG77, E18, B9332]

September 7, 1862–During the absence of the major-general commanding from Washington the immediate command of the defenses of the capital is assigned to Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, who while exercising said command will be relieved from the command of his corps, SO 4, Hdqrs of the Army

September 7, 1862–S) 4, AOP, I. BG D.P. Woodbury is assigned to the command of all forts beyond the Eastern Branch, north of the Potomac

September 8, 1862–GO 1, Defenses of Wash., In compliance with Paragraph VII of Special Orders, No. 4, of the 7th instant, from the headquarters of Major-General McClellan, the undersigned hereby assumes the immediate command of the defenses of the capital during the absence of the general commanding from Washington

September 9, 1862–Maj. Gen. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Fort Lyon, By direction of the President, you will at once assume command of all the troops for the defense of Washington south of the Potomac, under the general order of the major-general commanding the Defenses of Washington. The General-in-Chief desires that you will establish your lines of battle in addition to the defenses of the works, and will see that lines of communication are kept open in their rear, so that any point of attack may be readily re-enforced. Great care should be taken to establish the outposts, and to have the picket service efficiently performed. Please acknowledge. By command of Major-General Banks:

September 11, 1862–RG 77, E-553, Letters Sent, Vol. 1, p. 60-61, Barnard to Ripley, Sept 11, 1862, Haskin in command of all the forts on the [p. 61] North of the Potomac and north of Eastern Branch; Genl Woodbury of forts East of Potomac & Southeast of Eastern Branch & Genl Porter or Col Tyler of those on the Southwest of the Potomac

Sept. 12, 1862–Brig. Gen. J. G. Barnard is assigned to the command of the troops for the immediate defense of Washington north of the Potomac. Brig. Gen. D. P. Woodbury, commanding defenses east of the Eastern Branch, and Lieut. Col. J. A. Haskin, commanding defenses west of the Eastern Branch, will at once report to General Barnard for orders, Defenses of Wash., SO No. 3, by Banks

September 13, 1862–N.P. Banks letter to S. Williams–Upon further consultation with the General-in-Chief, he has authorized me to assign General Barnard to duty as chief engineer of all the defenses from the 3d instant, leaving the question of command on the north side as it was previously under Woodbury and Haskin. I have today issued orders to that effect. In regard to General Barnard, the arrangement now conforms to the wishes of the commanding general.

Sept. 13, 1862–SO No. 4, HDQRS, Defences of Wash.–Barnard assigned as Chief Engineer [RG77, E18, B9332]

Sept. 15, 1862–SO 242, AGO, III. Brig. Gen. W. F. Barry, U.S. Volunteers, inspector of artillery, his assistant and staff, are assigned to duty in the city of Washington, D.C., to date from 1st instant.

September 16, 1862–SO 244, AGO, IV. Barry, in addition to other duties, will report to MG Banks, as chief of Artillery of the Defenses of Washington

October 1862–Casey's Division, under the command of Silas Casey, organized in October 1862 [Welcher, I, 167]

October 1862–Abercrombie's Division, under the command of John J. Abercrombie, organized in October 1862 [Welcher, I, 166]

Oct. 21, 1862–Barnard Recommends the appt of a Commission, MG Banks, BG Totten, BG Cullum, BG Barry, to examine the Defences of Washington. Appointment by SW and order issued to AG, Oct 22, 1862

October 22, 1862–ordered the creation of a commission to study the fortifications and submit a report

October 22, 1862–RG77, E18, Letters Rec., SW3921, Stanton to C of E, Oct. 22, 1862–"The Chief Engineer, Defences of Washington is authorized to expend $50,000 on those defences from the appropriation for Contingencies of fortifications including filed works, over and above the amount previously authorized."

October 23, 1862–RG77, Entry 18, LR, SW 3921, Oct. 23, 1862, received on the 23rd, Stanton to C of E, authorizes Chief Engr. Of Defenses of Washington to expend $50,000. On the defenses from the appropriations for Contingencies of Fortifications including field works, the amount previously authorized

October 25, 1862–Sect War creates a commission to study and report on defenses–Totten, Barry, Barnard, Meigs, Cullum [SO 312, AGO, Oct 25, 1862

October 27, 1862–General Banks leaves this evening for the North and during his absence, General Heintzelman will exercise his command [message from Halleck to McClellan, Oct. 27, 1862, Ors, I,19, Pt. 2]

November 1862–Artillery Defenses of Alexandria organized under Robert O. Tyler in the Military District of the Defenses of Washington, Army of the Potomac [Welcher, I, 169]

December 1862–the defenses were "far from satisfactory"–then 53 forts and 22 batteries, entire perimeter was 37 miles, 643 guns and 75 mortars in defenses

December 6, 1862–GO 11, Def of Wash., I. pursuant to instructions from the commanding general, the District of the Defenses of Washington south of the Potomac will be discontinued

December 6, 1862–RG393, PI 172, Pt. 1, E5385, Vol. 1–55A, GOs Department of Wash., 1862– No. 11, Dec. 6, 1862–I. Pursuant to instructions from the Commanding General, the District and Defences of Washington, south of the Potomac, will be discontinued.'

December 6, 1862–GO 11, Def of Wash., III. BG JJ Abercrombie may transfer his headquarters to the Arlington house

December 24, 1862–Commission to study and report on the defenses reports

Dec. 30, 1862, Barnard to Stanton, transmits report of Commission,

Early 1863– pursued recommendations of Commission

1863–Barnard, on July 7, 1863, wrote: To carry out these suggestions (approved by the War Department), I asked for and obtained an appropriation of $200,000. [ORA, I, 27, Pt. 3, Serial 45, page 596

Jan 5, 1863–RG 77, E-553, Letters Sent, Vol. 1, p. 156–Barnard to Frost, Jan 5, 63–"Your services will be no longer required. Please turn over your work and accounts to Mr. Childs who will be directed to assume charge of them."

Jan 10, 63–RG 77, E-553, Letters Sent, Vol. 1, p. 157–Barnard to Childs, Jan 10, 63–You will please take charge of the Engineer forces and works on the South side of the Potomac so far as they were under the charge of Mr. Frost

Feb 2, 1863–Department of Washington [22nd Corps] created to consist of district north of the Potomac River from Piscataway Creek to Annapolis Junction and to the mouth of the Monocacy; and south by Goose Creek and Bull Run Mountains to the mouth of the Occoquan, GO 26, AGO–ORA, I, 25, I, page 1–Feb. 2, 1863–The Dept of Wash recreated, the troops constituting the 22nd A.C., P. 2, Heintzelman assumes command of Dept of Wash

Feb 2, 1863–John P. Slough, commander of District of Alexandria till Nov. 21, 1864 [Welcher, I, 162]

Feb. 2, 1863–Artillery Defenses of Alexandria, Department of Washington created from Artillery Defenses of Alexandria in the Military District of the Defenses of Washington, Army of the Potomac–Robert O. Tyler remained in command [Welcher, I, 169]

Feb. 2, 1863–Defenses North of the Potomac, Twenty Second Army Corps, organized in newly created Department of Washington, commanded by Joseph A. Haskin [Welcher, I, 168]

Feb 2, 1863–John H. Martindale, commander of District of Washington till May 2, 1864 [Welcher, I, 162]

Feb 2, 1863–Casey's Division became Casey's Division, 22nd Army Corps [Welcher, I, 167]

Feb 2, 1863–Abercrombie's Division became -Abercrombie's Division, 22nd Army Corps [Welcher, I, 166]

Feb. 2, 1863–Provisional Brigades became Provisional Brigades, 22nd Army Corps under command of Silas Casey until discontinued on March 24, 1865 [Welcher, I, 170]

Feb. 5, 1863–Pennsylvania Reserve Corps ordered to Washington and soon became Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, 22nd Army Corps [Welcher, I, 171]

Feb. 7, 1863–MG A.P. Heintzelman assumed command of the re-created Federal Department of Washington

Feb. 20, 1863–Date of Act making appropriation for completing fortifications and erecting new ones for the Defenses of Washington, DC, $200.000. [U.S., Treasury Department. . . . Statement of Appropriations and Expenditures for Public Buildings, Rivers and Harbors, Forts, Arsenals, Armories and Other Public Works from March 4, 1789, to June 30, 1882, Senate Executive Document No. 196. 47th Congress, lst Session, 1882, page 540] Barnard, on July 7, 1863, wrote: To carry out these suggestions (approved by the War Department), I asked for and obtained an appropriation of $200,000. [ORA, I, 27, Pt. 3, Serial 45, page 596; Years appropriation of $200,000 reduced due to other exigencies

March 9, 1863–Ordered, first, that Brigadier-General Canby cause an immediate inspection to be made, by a competent officer, of all the fortifications and defenses around Washington, and that he make a detailed report of their condition for defensive purposes, and in respect to supplies, [p. 661] ammunition, and forces; also as to the condition of the roads leading from Washington to the defenses, and of all roads necessary for the military operations of the fortifications. Second, that he cause similar inspections to be made every week, and present to the Secretary of War in person a report on Wednesday until further orders, the first report herein directed to be made on Monday next, the 14th instant. Issued by Stanton

April 17, 1863–Defenses of Washington South of the Potomac created from Artillery Defenses of Alexandria, commanded by Robert O. Tyler [Welcher, I, 169] [Dyer, 380 says April 15, 1863]

April 26, 1863–Thomas R. Tannatt assumed temporary command of the -Defenses of Washington South of the Potomac [Welcher, I, 170]

May 25, 1863–GO 1, Defences South of the Potomac, In compliance with orders received from headquarters Department of Washington, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the Defenses of Washington South of the Potomac. G. A. DE RUSSY, Brigadier-General. [Welcher, I, 170]

Demand necessary for defenses of Potomac in 1863–work on Battery Rodgers and Fort Foote

Gettysburg campaign once again panicked city–some troops withdrawn

July 15, 1863–Rufus King assigned command of all infantry then in Washington awaiting transportation to Frederick, MD. And was ordered to organize then into a division [Welcher, I, 172]

July 18, 1863–King assumed command of King's Division, 22nd Army Corps [Welcher, I, 172]

October 14, 1863–MG C.C. Augur takes command of Department of Washington

October 17, 1863–Michael Corcoran assumed command of King's Division which became known as Corcoran's Division until Dec. 30, 1863 [Welcher, I, 172]

Oct 27, 1863–Barnard suggest the organization of an ordnance board to study artillery emplaced in defenses–to Hdqrs of Army

November 9, 1863–ordnance board constituted to examine the status of the fortress artillery in the defenses–Cullum, Barry, Barnard, G.A. DeRussy, B.S. Alexander [or, I, 29, pt. 2, 394-95, 443], SO 497, AGO

December 30, 1863–Robert O. Tyler was ordered to report to CC Augur [Welcher, I, 172]

Jan. 1, 1864–Tyler's Division, 22nd Army Corps was created from Corcoran's Division [Welcher, I, 172]

January 15, 1864–I respectfully request to be relieved from duty at this place and assigned to duty in the field. Barnard

Feb. 2, 1864–GO 42, AGO, issues The following regulations for the care of field-works and the government of their garrisons, prepared by Brigadier-General Barry, inspector of artillery, U.S. Army, are published for the government of all concerned

Spring 1864–Grant moves south and significantly reduces the defenses of Washington, particularly of infantry, some of which were replaced by men from the Invalid Corps

March 1864–Stanton ordered a full-scale inspection of the defenses by BG E.R.S. Canby

March 9, 1864–Lt. Gen. Grant assumed c & c of Army

March 25, 1864–The chief of artillery reports that 1,800 men can be immediately spared from the defenses of Washington, and it remains to be determined whether they shall be organized into field batteries or sent to the field as heavy artillery. Either will be done as you direct. Halleck to Grant

May 1864–Defenses of Washington South of the Potomac was changed to De Russy's Division but it had unofficially been called De Russy's Division since Nov. 1863 [Welcher, I, 170]

May 2, 1864–Moses N. Wisewell replaces John H. Martindale in command of the District of Washington [Welcher, I, 163]

May 18, 1864–The designation of Joseph A. Haskin's Defenses North of the Potomac was changed to Haskin's Division, 22nd Army Corps [Welcher, I, 168]

May 18, 1864–I have the honor to transmit herewith a report [dated May 17] of the inspection of the defenses of Washington, made by order of the Secretary of War. AP Howe, Inspector of Arty to Halleck Wilderness and Spottsylvania losses required some of artillery in Defenses of Washington to be sent south also–nearly 18,000 men–some replacement by 100 days men

June 1, 1864–RG77, E18, A2004, Alexander to Totten, July 5, 1864–"I have the honor to report that on the 1st of June Gen. Barnard was relieved from duty as Chief Engineer of the Defences of Washington, and ordered to report to Head Quarters Army of the Potomac, and that since that time I have been in charge of these Defences."

June 21, 1864–Dept of Washington consists of that part of Maryland south of a line from the mouth of the Monacacy to Annapolis Junction and west of the Patuxent River, the District of Columbia, and the district of country in Virginia by Goose Creek and Bull Run Mountains to the mouth of the Occoquan–GO 214, AGO

July 1864–Jubal Early's troops in vicinity cause panic and his approach to city caused even more

July 2, 1864–The following acts and resolutions of Congress are published for' the information of all concerned: I. PUBLIC–No. 180. AN ACT making appropriations for the construction, preservation, and repairs of certain fortifications and other works of defense, for the year ending the thirtieth of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-five. $300,000.For providing obstructions to be moored in the Potomac River, to render the shore batteries more efficient for the protection of Washington against maritime attack, three hundred thousand dollars. For completing and rendering more permanent the defenses of Washington, three hundred thousand dollars. Approved July 2, 1864. $300.000. GO 231, AGO, July 18, 1864 [U.S., Treasury Department. . . . Statement of Appropriations and Expenditures for Public Buildings, Rivers and Harbors, Forts, Arsenals, Armories and Other Public Works from March 4, 1789, to

June 30, 1882, Senate Executive Document No. 196. 47th Congress, lst Session, 1882, page 540]

July 6, 1864– In compliance with your instructions of yesterday I proceeded last evening to make an examination of Chain Bridge and Aqueduct Bridge, and this morning I sent Mr. Childs, our civil assistant in charge of the works south of the Potomac, to make an examination of the Long Bridge, and I now have the honor to submit the following report on the defenses and guards of the three bridges across the Potomac, viz, Barnard, Chief Engr. Of Defenses to Halleck

July 9, 1864–Martin D. Hardin took command of Haskin's Division, 22nd Army Corps and the command then became known as Hardin's Division [Welcher, I, 168] [Dyer, 379 says July 8, 1864 and still refers to command as Defences North of the Potomac]]

Weekend of July 10-11, 1864–barely 9,000 men manned defenses with about 14,000 men in Early's command

July 11, 1864–Jubal Early and his forces arrive in the outskirts (Silver Spring, MD) of Washington, D.C. about noon and spent the rest of the day reconnoitering

July 12, 1864–reinforcements from 6th and 19th Corps had arrived and were placed in defenses–Early began his retreat that evening

July 12, 1864–In the afternoon of the 11th, Early had decided to attack on the 12th but during the night and in the morning he learned that the reinforcements from the 6th and 19th Corps had arrived and were placed in defenses; Early made a reconnaissance in force towards Fort Stevens and some heavy skirmishing ensued but he began his retreat that evening

July 21, 1864–General Barnard is ordered to report to you Halleck to Grant

July 27, 1864–Halleck took command of the departments around Washington concerned with the defense of the area

July 30, 1864–RG 77, E-553, Letters Sent, Vol. 2– p. 31-32, to Delafield, Aug 2/64–complying with your letter of 30th ulto. Requesting that I relieve J. Eveleth from disbursing funds for D of W, and assigning that duty to myself–attempting to do so–praises Eveleth

August 7, 1864–MG Phil Sheridan assigned command of new Middle Military Div which included the Middle, Washington, Susquehanna and West Virginia departments Threat to capital appreciably decreased following Early's raid Surveys of the defenses conducted before Early's raid pointed out deficiencies and after the raid, work began to make improvements–sodding, bombproof construction, cutting and cleaning of undergrowth, entrenched camps or picket posts in advance of the line S of P

Oct. 14, 1863–Augur succeeds Heintzelman in command of Department

October 24, 1864–Ordered, That during the absence of Major-General Augur in the field, Brevet Major-General Meigs be, and he is hereby, assigned to the command of the defenses of Washington, of the troops of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and all other forces within the city and fortifications; and that he be specially charged with the proper protection of the military stores, depots, arsenals, and other public property within the defenses. He is specially enjoined to see that due measures of vigilance and precaution are used against surprise and attack at all bridges, roads, avenues, and approaches to the city; will make proper inspections of all guards and sentinels and defensive arrangements, and, in general, will take such measures as may be necessary for the efficient protection of the national capital and of the public and private property therein. He will report from time to time to the Chief of Staff, or Secretary of War, for instructions when needed. War Department ordered–memorandum to the AG

November 21, 1864–Henry H. Wells replaces Slough in command of the District of Alexandria [Welcher, I, 162]

December 10, 1864–RG77, E553, vol. 2, p. 107, to Lt James W. Cuyler, Dec 10, 64–in compliance with orders from the Engr Dept, you are assigned as local engineer, in charge of construction of the outer defence, or picket line of the defences on the right bank of the Potomac; work is now in charge of Childs, in charge of defences south of Pot., will relieve him of those duties, do an inspection first, with Childs, report in writing every Saturday

December 10, 1864–District of Washington discontinued [Dyer, 376]

January 1865–John P. Slough replaces Henry H. Wells in command of the District of Alexandria [Welcher, I, 162]

Feb. 28, 1865–$300,000. Date of Act making appropriation for defenses of Washington for 1866. [U.S., Treasury Department. . . . Statement of Appropriations and Expenditures for Public Buildings, Rivers and Harbors, Forts, Arsenals, Armories and Other Public Works from March 4, 1789, to June 30, 1882, Senate Executive Document No. 196. 47th Congress, lst Session, 1882, page 540]

April 9, 1865–Appomattox put end to work on defenses–at that time–68 forts, enclosed forts and batteries and 93 unarmed batteries for field guns–1421 gun emplacements–807 artillery pieces and 98 mortars were actually mounted in emplacements–20 miles of rifle trenches and 30, or 32, miles of military roads –three blockhouses also built

April 26, 1865–Orlando B. Willcox replaces Moses N. Wisewell in command of the District of Washington [Welcher, I, 163] Dyer, 376–says April 25, 1865]

April 26, 1865–John G. Parke replaces John P. Slough in command of the District of Alexandria [Welcher, I, 162]

April 29, 1865–C of E directed Alexander to suspend operations on field fortifications and collect and preserve Engineer equipment

May 6, 1865–Delafield letter to SW recommended abandonment of most of the forts

June 7, 1865–John P. Slough replaces John G. Parke in command of the District of Alexandria [Welcher, I, 162]

June 7, 1865–MG John G. Parke assumed temporary command of Department of Washington by right of seniority

June 19, 1865–GO 315–plan for disposition of defenses

June 23, 1865–GO 89 directed that 25 works should be maintained–other forts be abandoned and land restored to owners

June 26, 1865–Augur resumed command of Department of Washington

June 27, 1865–division of the US into mil. Divisions and depts.

July 14, 1866–Alexander closed books on defenses