Elements of Military Art and Science / Or, Course Of Instruction In Strategy, Fortification, Tactics Of Battles, &C.; Embracing The Duties Of Staff, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, And Engineers; Adapted To The Use Of Volunteers And Militia; Third Edition; With Critical Notes On The Mexican And Crimean Wars.

by H. W. Halleck

"This would seem to be the proper place to notice a popular fallacy,

which, for a time at least, gained extensive credence. It was, that the

siege of Sebastopol proved the superiority of temporary (earthen)

fortifications over those of a permanent nature. It is easy to show that

it proved nothing of the kind; but that it only proved that temporary

works in the hands of a brave and skillful garrison are susceptible of a

longer defence than was generally supposed. They were attacked as

field works never were before, and were defended as field works never

had been defended. The main difference between properly constructed

permanent fortifications (intended to resist a siege) and temporary