Notes on Sea-Coast Defence: Consisting of Sea-Coast Fortification, the Fifteen-Inch Gun, and Casemate Embrasures

In the war with Mexico (1846–48), Barnard oversaw the construction of the defenses of Tampico and surveyed battlefields around Mexico City. He was the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy in 1855 and 1856. As Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac, 1861–62, Barnard’s most important assignment was to construct the defenses of Washington and its environs. During the Civil War President Abraham Lincoln offered him the position of Chief Engineer, which Barnard declined. His reasons are not known with certainty, but contemporaries believed that he preferred not to be elevated over officers senior to him. Barnard was a prolific author, having written several works on a variety of topics, including the gyroscope, mathematics, seacoast defense, the North Sea Canal in the Netherlands, and the defenses of Washington and New York City. General Barnard received several honors, such as honorary degrees from the University of Alabama (1838) and Yale College (1864). He was also an incorporator of the National Academy of Sciences (1863). The notes on Sea-coast defence covers the design of masonry fortifications, the application of large 15-inch Rodman guns, and innovative casemate embrasures, which were crucial against modernizing naval technology. Some pages and covers stained from what looks like an old liquid stain. Binding is solid but cracked at front hinge pastedown. Book is complete with fold out illustration. Signed by the author on title page. 6" - 9".…