John G. Barnard to Samuel P. Heintzelman, June 6, 1863

Maj. Gen. S. P. HEINTZELMAN, Commanding Department of Washington :

GENERAL : I inclose for your perusal a copy of a communication from Col. B. §. Alexander, whichis worthy of your attention. There are one or two points which require explanation.

ing that it would amount to little, and yet that there might possibly be points where a judicious commander might do something useful, T recommended, as I could not have a particular examination made in each case, that the commanding officers be directed to obstruct, where it might be advisable, roads or paths in front of their forts. The result has shown what should, perhaps, have been expected. Those thus ordered, think it necessary to do something, and are as apt to do what is mischievous as what is useful.

I must call your particular attention to the case of Fort Craig. The commanding officer has taken upon himself to denude the fort of its essential defenses. I think the case demands a pointed notice on the part of the commanding general. No officer capable of commanding a fort could be guilty of such an act, and, if it is passed over, we shall have our batteries shipped next, to arm the rifle-pits of Alexandria.

In reference to this city, I remark that no reference of any kind has been made to me, no advice asked for, no explanation of the object of existing works.

Ido not object to temporary arrangements around storehouses, &c., to be defended by those permanently assigned as guards to such buildings, but I do object to such work being undertaken as the riflepits described. They are demoralizing to the front lines, and are, besides, the fruitful source of withholding from their defense the men who should be there.

The work that has been thus done, would have finished the line of rifle-pits and obstructions intended by me across the Hunting Creek Valley.

In reference to Colonel Alexander’s criticism of the location of block-houses at the bridge near Hunting Creek, I would remark that I was ordered to send an officer there, and sent the only one available. Whether the faulty location is his fault, or whether it is faulty, I am unable to say.

very respectfully, your most obedient servant,