It was wonderful how quickly they could in this way construct defences of considerable strength.

When a halt was made with the view of assaulting the enemy, or in his presence, these would be strengthened or their positions changed under the direction of engineer officers.

The second was, the use made of the telegraph and signal corps.

Nothing could be more complete than the organization and discipline of this body of brave and intelligent men.

Insulated wires--insulated so that they would transmit messages in a storm, on the ground or under water--were wound upon reels, making about two hundred pounds weight of wire to each reel.
Two men and one mule were detailed to each reel.