John Gross Barnard was a career engineer officer in the U.S. Army, serving in the Mexican-American War, as the superintendent of the United States Military Academy and as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served as Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac, 1861 to 1862, Chief Engineer of the Department of Washington from 1861 to 1864, and as Chief Engineer of the armies in the field from 1864 to 1865. He was also a distinguished scientist, engineer, mathematician, historian and author.
Washington Washington, October 18, 1861. Brig. Gen. J. G. BARNARD, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac : GENERAL: Major-General McClellan directs that yourself and General Barry proceed as soon as…
HEADQUARTERS CHIEF ENGINEER OF DEFENSES, Washington, June 6, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. G. BARNARD, Chief Engineer, Defenses of Washington : Sir: I have during the last few days inspected our…