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harbors of the United States deemed most important to 
ourselves or most assailable by a naval foe had been, at 
least, partially fortified. At many such points, indeed, no 
new work had been as yet constructed, owing to the ex- 
istence of forts or batteries more or less adequate built 
before or during the war of 1812. These works, where 
Possible, were absorbed into the new system with some re- 
pairs and alterations. Among such points may be mentioned 
the harbors of Portland, Portsmouth, New London, Phila- 
delphia, Baltimore, and Charleston. New and powerful 
Works had, however, been built or far advanced to comple- 
tion, for the defence of Boston, Newport, New York, Hamp- 
ton Roads, the Savannah River, Pensacola, Mobile, and 
New Orleans. But the strictures on the system, to which 
we have before made reference, proceeding from such an 
authority as the Secretary of War and sanctioned by the 
President, had not failed to shake the confidence of Con- 
gress and of the people. For several years the annual 
appropriations had been wholly denied or made so inade- 
quately that the work had languished and at some points 
had been wholly suspended. But however much opposition 
may grow_up in time of profound peace, no sooner is there 
4 probability of seeing a foe at our doors than all eyes are 
turned to these protecting works, and the most urgent de- 
mands are made that our seaport towns shall be speedily 
put “in a state of defence.” Such an impulse was given 
by the Maine boundary and McLeod questions, soon after 
the advent of Colonel Totten to the Chief Engineership. In 
fulfilling the urgent duty which thus devolved upon him, he 
did ot content himself with the mere issuing of orders 
his office at Washington. He made it his business to 
inspect personally the works, and in less than two years, be- 
sides the enormous office labor he found necessary to attend 
4 
