61, 
The indications of an approaching war with England, 
and the obvious inadequacy of existing fortifications, had led 
to renewed exertions, and prompted the works just men- 
tioned and others at all our seaports, so that when the war 
broke out there was not a town of any magnitude upon the 
coast not provided with one or more batteries. But most of 
the works so thrown up before the subject had been studied 
and systematized as a whole were defective in design, small, 
weak, and being built, for present economy, of cheap mate- 
rials and workmanship, very perishable. In the main, how- 
ever, they answered their purpose, — more, perhaps, through 
an undue respect for them on the part of our foe than 
through their intrinsic strength. It was not till after the 
close of the war with England that a permanent system of 
coast defence was entered upon by our government. In- 
deed, without the experience of that war it is doubtful 
whether a measure, always so unpopular, and ‘generally so 
little understood as a national system of fortifications, could 
have gained the support of Congress, and of the people. 
“ Board of Engineers ” was constituted in 1816, with instruc- 
tions to make examinations of the sea-coast, and to prepare 
plans for defensive works, subject to the revision of the Chief 
Engineer and the sanction of the Secretary of War. 
Up to this period the Military Academy had maintained 
sort of embryo existence, without definite form or a pre- 
scribed system. The annual term of study lasted from 
April to November, all the intermediate months being vaca- 
tion. No fixed number of terms was necessary to gradua- 
tion, nor was it prescribed what should be studied. Some 
Cadets remained but a single term before being commis- 
sioned; others, several years. Although this period pro- 
officers who afterwards became highly distinguished 
‘in engineering (as well as in other branches of military art), 
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