Jos. K. F. Mansfield to J. K. F. M, May 3, 1861

May 3, 1861.

May 3, 1861. Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD Scott, Commanding the U. 8S. Army:

Sir: Agreeably to the deliberations of last evening I now submit to you the following on the defenses of this city:

Ist. On the side of the navy-yard and bounded by the Anacostia River, I have simply to say that with ample troops in the city at command there ean be no difficulty in crowning the heights on the opposite shore, and affording a complete defense from an enemy approaching from that quarter to attack the city or the navy-yard.

2d. That part of the city between the Anacostia River and the Potomac can readily be fortified at any time by a system of redoubts eneircling the city. This is always in our power.

3d. We now come to the city and Georgetown and arsenal, exposed

With this view of the condition of our position, it is clear to my mind that the city is liable to:\be bombarded at the will of an enemy, unless we occupy the ground ‘which he certainly would occupy if he had any such intention. I therefore recommend that the heights above mentioned be seized and secured by at least two strong redoubts, one commanding the Long Bridge and the other the Aqueduct, and that a body of men be there encamped to sustain the redoubts and give battle to the enemy if necessary. I have engineers maturing plans and reconnoitering further. It is quite probable that our troops assembled at Arlington would create much excitement in Virginia, yet, at the same time, if the enemy were to occupy the ground there a greater excitement would take place on our side, and it might be necessary to fight a battle to disadvantage.

I know not exactly how many troops we have at command. I pre: sume the enemy might bring 10,000 troops into the field in a short time on such an oceasion. I would not urge any premature movement in this quarter, yet one taken too late might cause much bloodshed.

All which is

respectfully submitted.

Colonel, Commanding Department.
P. S.—I should have said in the body of this report that I have been
in consultation with my chief engineer, Major Barnard, in all these
views, and his services have been and are very valuable to me.

Colonel, Commanding Department.