I HAVE thought it no more than right, my son, to present you with a
pleasant, but very exact picture of the distinguished officer of
engineers, to whose skill we are indebted for the forts that more
than once saved Washington. I do this out of respect to the truth of
history, and from an apprehension that there are others, perhaps,
higher in rank, who may lay claim to the honor, at some future day.
I have also presented you with a more extended and complete portrait
of him in the frontispiece of this work. He appears here in his
usually calm, meditative mood, with his pipe and Professor Mahan's
last great work on fortifications. He is, I must tell you, my son, a
man of large brain, and generous nature, fond of his joke, and very
fertile in the art of rearing earthworks. In figure he is
Falstaffian, and when on his rounds among the fortifications wears
immense canvas-legged boots, and a hat with a high crown and
extremely broad brim. Indeed, his figure is what may be called
formidable, and there would be no mistaking him were you to meet him
on the road. And, notwithstanding his peaceable disposition, and his
scrupulous regard for the rights of others, the farmers round about
Washington regard him with fear and trembling.
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