American Civil War Fortifications (2)

An extract from the 'Introduction'

The unsuccessful Union assault on the Confederate field positions on Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg in December 1862 was early evidence of the employment and impact of semi-fortified lines. Union General Joseph Hooker's withdrawal from Fredericksburg towards the Rappahannock was subsequently covered by entrenched positions. In a concentrated position fronting the river, the pioneer brigade of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by General Gouverneur K. Warren, threw up five miles of formidable entrenchments in less than 48 hours. Accordingly, Confederate artillery commander E. P. Alexander commented, ""Our engineers were amazed at the strength and completeness of the enemy's entrenchments. Impenetrable abatis covered the entire front, and the crest everywhere carried head-logs under which the men could fire as through loopholes. In the rear, separate structures were provided for officers, with protected out-looks, where they could see and direct without exposure.""