These files are made available through the kind cooperation of Bolling Smith, of the Coast Defense Study Group, to whom I say thank you very much.

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First published in Scribner's Magazine, in January 1887, this article written by F.V. Greene, Captain US Engineers, begins:

"The question is not a new one.  It was vigorously debated after the War of 1812; and in 1816 a competent board of engineers was appointed, who laid down the fundamental principles on which a system of coast 'defences' suited to our needs should be constructed..."

Our 'Defenceless' Coasts.pdf      1.16 megs

Written in 1886 by 1st Lieutenant Solon F. Massey, these essays begin:

"Assuming the present 'defenceless' condition of the sea-board of the United States, what military policy and action should obtain in the event of a sudden declaration of war by a foreign power"

Massey Essay 1886 Part 1.pdf     1 meg
Massey Essay 1886 Part2.pdf      1 meg

More pages from the Coast Defense Study Group