John Newton to Fitz J. Porter, June 25, 1861

Maj. F. J. PoRTER, Assistant Adjutant-General :

Sir: [have the honor to report the result of my examination of Maryland Heights (Elk Ridge).

I ascended first the western slope by the county road leading to Solomon’s Gap; thence I proceeded on the summit four miles to the southern extremity of the ridge. This road requires extensive repairs for heavy hauling for a distance of about four miles.

The top of the ridge is covered with a small growth of timber and brushwood, and is difficult of penetration. An easy defense could be made by cutting down the timber and brush across the summit for about two hundred yards in width, and forming behind this obstruction a light parapet, having the interior slope stockaded, the stockade to be high enough to protect the heads of the men when standing on the banquette, and tobeloop-holed. Otherstockaded parapets may be erected whenever a more minute examination may render it necessary and at

} Onar. IX.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

those points where the access up the sides of the mountain may be convenient to an enemy. The portion of the heights to be occupied by us should extend about one and three-fourths miles from the southern extremity of the ridge, with the object of protecting our supplies of water from the base of the mountain at the foot of the eastern slope and distant about one and one-quarter miles from the southern extremity of the ridge. Our principal defense should be felling trees, &c., on the sides and slopes of the mountain and on the summit wherever an approach would be practicable. We should also occupy below the base of

‘the slope, where our supplies of water are to be drawn. The mountain

affords capabilities for a strong defense, but from the extent of ground to be occupied, the condition of the roads, and the necessity of hauling water and stores up the mountain, much inconvenience may be experienced, and a certain amount of time also will be expended in completing the defenses. _

The ascent of the eastern slope is through Solomon’s Gap, by a road larger and steeper than by the corresponding road from the western side, and also by a road constructed by the enemy and leading up from Sandy Hook. The latter road is not too steep, but is very rough, having large stones five or six feet long in many places directly in the road. The same is true in a measure of all other roads upon the mountain. The rocks are said by those who have made roads on the mountain to be generally detached, and not to form a part of a ledge.

It is impossible to state what amount of force could be detailed from the Army at this period, with the necessity also of watching closely the enemy, to construct the necessary defenses. My estimate is that two thousand men are necessary to occupy the mountain and the eastern slope, and it would require two thousand men to work about ten days in order to put everything in condition to make a vigorous defense.

The extent and rugged nature of the ground examined and the close growth of timber and brush rendered it impossible to take measures, and the distances are accordingly taken from maps, guides, and from personal observation, without the use of instruments.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,