Michigan Engineers Original Field Works

Michigan Engineers Original Field Works. . The depression in front of you is the remnant of trenches dug by the 1st Regiment Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. In addition to field works such as trenches, the members of the regiment built bridges, warehouses, and blockhouses. Perhaps most importantly, they were experts at the repair, construction, and even the destruction of roads and railroads. Mustered into United States service on October 29, 1861, they carried weapons to defend themselves, but were generally not used as front line troops., On March 19, 1865, while on detached service with the 20th Corps, Maj. Gen. Alpheus Williams ordered the 1st Michigan Engineers to be placed here to help extend his defensive line. This was an extraordinary assignment for the Michiganders, who were unaccustomed to being deployed in such a manner. It was during that time that they dug these trenches., Field works provided exposed infantry with excellent protection from small arms and artillery fire. Troops constructed them quickly, with little supervision from an engineer officer. Using picks, shovels, tin plates, cups, bayonets, and even their hands, soldiers dug on each side of and threw dirt on piles of logs. Head logs might be placed on top, with small openings between the bottoms of the logs and tops of the trenches. These allowed soldiers to discharge their weapons without exposing their heads to enemy fire., Unfortunately, natural and man made erosion has destroyed most of the original field works at Bentonville. In order to protect these priceless remnants of the battle, we request that you stay off of them., The instant our line halted, knapsacks were flung off and the rear rank, supplied with axes and spades, used them with marvelous energy and effect. Small trees were quickly felled, cut into logs and carried to the line, where a ditch was begun and dirt thrown over the logs to form a parapet. In forty minutes from the halt, a line of earthworks had been built from which it would have been a costly effort to dispossess their defenders. , - 22nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantryman William McIntosh, whose unit was next to the 1st Michigan Engineers.