192 NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 
In connection with the construction of this great work, Colonel 
Totten instituted extensive investigations into the qualities and 
strength of materials, the expansion and contraction of building- 
stone through variations in temperature, the composition of 
mortars, and many other matters of importance in engineering 
operations. 
While engaged in the construction of Fort Adams, Colonel 
Totten also served as a member, and for six years as President, of 
the Board of Engineers whose duty was to plan new works 
authorized by Congress. His advice was also sought in con- 
nection with various harbor improvements, chiefly on the Great 
Lakes. 
When Fort Adams approached completion in 1838, Totten 
was appointed Colonel of the Corps of Engineers and Chief 
Engineer, with headquarters in Washington. While occupying 
this high office he directed his energies toward the development 
of the system of coast defences, especially in the South, and 
personally inspected every fort in the United States at intervals 
not exceeding two years. 
During the Mexican War, Colonel Totten directed the 
engineering works at the siege of Vera Cruz, and on March 29, 
1847, was brevetted a brigadier-general for gallant and merito- 
rious conduct. In 1855 General Totten, Commander Charles H. 
Davis and Professor Bache, by invitation of the State of New 
York, served as an advisory commission on the preservation of 
the harbor of New York. The members of this commission had 
previously reported on Cape Fear River and harbor, and on the 
harbor of Portland, Maine, and later rendered similar service 
to the State of Massachusetts relative to the port and harbor of 
Boston. 
To General Totten is due the credit of perfecting the case- 
mated battery and casemate embrasures. He was a member of 
the first Lighthouse Board and while serving in this capacity 
induced the board to accept his views regarding the proper site 
for the Minot’s Ledge lighthouse, prepared the plan for its 
construction, and selected the engineer to build it. He was a 
