Waitt, Ernest Linden, History of the Nineteenth regiment, Massachusetts volunteer infantry , 1861-1865

[46] nature to preclude the possibility of drill. It had 13 miles of the Potomac, from Great Falls to Seneca Falls to picket, three defensive blockhouses to build, 48 feet each way, of the shape of a Greek cross, four feet thick, twelve feet high, with loopholes for infantry arms, roofed with logs three feet thick and covered then with three feet of earth. Two hundred and twenty five officers and men of the regiment were engaged in this work. All the logs used in the construction had to be felled and squared with common axes, hauled to the different eminences on which the buildings were to be erected, and then placed, each log being fitted and pinned with treenails. These were to protect the ford and lock at Whitehouse on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Long after the regiment left this vicinity, these blockhouses played a conspicuous part in preventing raids across the river.

As two towns, Rockville and Darnestown, required a provost guard, Company A, Capt. Merritt, was given the duty. In addition the camp and stores of the regiment demanded a quarter guard. A bakery for the regiment was erected and flour instead of stale bread, was drawn from Poolesville, Levi Woofindale, of Company G, being appointed regimental baker

The headquarters of the regiment were located in an old wooden building and here also were the quarters of the Adjutant, Quartermaster and Surgeon. Tents scattered about the building were used for the non-commissioned staff and men detailed at headquarters. The balance of the regiment were housed in tents. Guard mounting took place each morning. The band was still with the regiment, and the players had a hard time in keeping their fingers warm during inspection and review. This guard mounting, being all the military duty there was to do, was made much of. The weather was very bad and many were sick. Mud and rain, snow, fever, flux and death seemed to be everywhere in abundance. Heavy artillery and musketry fire was heard every few days at distant points and the men grew impatient to go forward.

While at Muddy Branch, the adjutants of regiments were ordered to instruct the color sergeants in the use of the flag for signalling by day and of signal cartridges by night. The signal