John A. Dix to E.D. Townsend, August 12, 1861

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army :

COLONEL: The importance of this city, not only in its relations to the State of Maryland, but to the capital of the country, suggested to me at an early day after assuming the command of this department the necessity of a better system of defense than we have now. The few regiments in position here are scattered over too large a surface to support each other, and, with the exception of one within the public grounds which surround Fort McHenry, none of them are covered by defensive works. They occupy eminences, not one of which could be held against a superior force. The hostile feeling which exists in the city, and which does not even seek to disguise itself, indicates the absolute necessity of occupying and fortifying a commanding position nearer than Fort Me- – to assail particular localities without injury to others. I do not underrate the value of this fort. It controls the commerce of the city, and I think it needs to be protected from a possible bombardment from a height about 200 feet more elevated, and about 2 miles distant, in a northerly direction. Of this I shall speak hereafter.

But I desire first to call the attention of the General-in-Chief to the propriety of intrenching Federal Hill He%s no doubt familiar with > ; CHAR. XIV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

the locality. It is about 80 feet above the basin, overlooks it throughout its whole extent, and is about 800 yards from the wharves and the railroad running through Pratt street. About a fortnight ago I re. quested Major Brewerton to survey it, and ascertain its capacities for defense by a strong intrenchment—one which could be held against a large force on the land side and covered on the water side with a heavy battery, overawing the city, and capable, from its proximity, to single out and assail particular localities in case of an outbreak. When I requested Major Brewerton to make the examination the place was occupied by the Eighteenth Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia. It is now oecupied by Colonel Duryea/s Fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers, or the National Zouaves. They have a rifled cannon, three howitzers, and some field pieces, belonging to Fort McHenry. They are becoming well drilled as artillerists, but have no breastworks. I propose, then— 1. That Federal Hill should be strongly intrenched. The Zouaves will do the greater part of the work. _ 2. That the beight before referred to should also be strongly intrenched. It not only commands Fort McHenry, which should be ren-

. dered secure from bombardment, but it commands every other eminence

from which the fort can be assailed and overlooks a part of the city which is rank with secession. This work should be at least as extensive as Fort Corcoran, and should be furnished with a battery of heavy eannon and mortars. This work can be chiefly done by the volunteer regiments, if I can have the force, which in my letter of the 24th of July I considered necessary for the security of the city and State.

I am not quite satisfied with Fort McHenry. It.is very strong on the water side, but, like most of our harbor fortifications, was constructed with no special reference to attack by land. The approach from Baltimore is faced by a curtain, which was only designed forinfantry. Major Morris, who has done all for the work it is capable of, has placed some mortars behind it, but there is no room for cannon. I suggested to Major Brewerton the construction of an outwork between the two bastions which this curtain connects. It should be a permanent work, and, with the prevailing indieations, it would be wise to make preparations for a long-continued contest. If the suggestions I have made are carried out, I think the city of Baltimore can be controlled under any cireumstances. I have thought proper to make them before asking the engineer for plans, for the reason that a gentlemen for whose judgment I have a great respeet thought such indications of a determination to overawe the city would increase the bad feeling existing there. I do not agree with him. I do not think the secessionists could be more intemperate than they are now, and the Union men would be encouraged and strengthened by such à demonstration.

I am, respectfully, yours, :