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 



