Company "A" Corps of Engineers

Though West Point had graduated many engineers since its founding, the US Army did not have an engineer company.  In response to the Mexican War, a company of engineers was authorized.  Captain Alexander Swift was selected to command.  His company would consist of 10 sergeants, 10 corporals, 39 artificers, 39 second class privates, and two musicians.  Lieutenant Gustavus Smith and Lieutenant George B McClellan were also attached to the company.  In September 1846, the company departed New York en route to the Rio Grande.  The Battle of Monterrey having already been fought, the company spent its time in drill and training.  They were derided as the "pick and shovel brigade."  Not until December did the company have an opportunity to demonstrate its value.  By then, Captain Swift was incapacitated by illness, and it was Lt. Smith who took command.

The first challenge for the company was to upgrade the road from Matamoros to Victoria so that artillery could be moved.  Next, the narrow mule track from Victoria to Tampico had to be widened, again for the artillery.  When the Siege of Vera Cruz was undertaken, it was the engineer company that built the emplacements for the artillery.  Also at Vera Cruz, Captain Swift was too ill to continue in command; he was sent back to the United States.  At Cerro Gordo, the engineers hauled a cannon up a steep incline.  When the army began its drive to Mexico City, the engineer company was often in the van, providing reconnaissance and pointing out weaknesses in the enemy lines and defenses.  They received high praise for their service.

Once the city was captured, Lt. Smith was still in command of the company.  Through casualties and ending tours of duty, the company had fewer than 50 men.  He wanted to return to the US to do some recruiting.  This request was repeatedly refused.  In March 1848, peace was at hand.  By June, the company was back at West Point and a new captain had been assigned; Swift had died shortly after returning to the US.  Lt. Smith took a six month leave of absence and, upon his return to duty, did not rejoin the engineer company.

Here is a different look at the war, one that looks at solving logistical issues, constructing defenses, and finding ways to breach defenses without mad bayonet charges.  Of note, Smith joined the Confederacy while McClellan was with the Union.  Captain Robert E. Lee, who was also an engineer though not part of Company A, appears several times in the book.

Recommended.