In order to form ice-breakers and prevent a lateral motion of the bridge, an inclined brace was placed above each row of piles, the larger end being spiked to the cap and the other end chained to a pile fifty or sixty feet above the bridge, the pile being sawed nearly through before driving, and so arranged as to break off just above the chain. Near the draw similar braces were placed on the lower side also to give additional strength. The roadway is concentrated in the ordinary manner, with caps, stringers, and three-inch plank. The draw was constructed of three wood slighter, which were all that could be obtained at the time. The bays being very wide, light trusses were used to prevent sagging. The ends of the draw are connected with the bridge by aprons, which allow for rise and fall of tide. These are entirely lifted from the bridge by ropes and levers when the draw is to be opened, and the latter is maneuvered by means of a small chain which passes over a windlass on the draw, and when the draw is open sags down to allow vessels to pass over it. It may be proper to state that the entire cost of this bridge to the Government was about $750, the labor, including sawing of plank and hewing of timber, having been performed by enlisted men. But for the delays caused by freshens and the non-arrival of boats for the draw, the bridge would have been completed within fifteen days from the time it was commenced.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. R. KING,

First Lieutenant U. S. Engineers, Actg. Chief Engineer Dept. of Virginia.

(During the month of January, 1865.)

Major General J. G. BARNARD,

Chief Engineer Combined Armies.

No. 178. Medals of Honor awarded for distinguished services under Resolution of Congress, No. 43, approved July 12, 1862, and section 6 of Act of Congress, approved March 3, 1863.

Name. Rank and Date. Awarded for-

organization.

Caldwell, Sergeant, Company 1865. Capture of flag

Daniel H, 13th at Hatcher's Run,

Pennsylvania Feb. 6 Va.

Cavalry

Carter, Captain 3rd March 25 Distinguished

Joseph F Maryland Infantry gallantry in

action at Fort

Stedman, Va.

Chambers, Private, Company March 25 Capture of colors

Joseph B F, 100th of 1st Virginia

Pennsylvania Infantry at

Infantry. Petersburg, Va.

Coey, Major 147th New Feb.6 Distinguished

James York Infantry. bravery in the

battle of

Hatcher's Run, Va.

McDonald, Private, Company March 25 Capture of flag

George E L, 1st at Fort Stedman,

Connecticut Heavy near Petersburg,

Artillery. Va.

Murphy, Private, Company March 25 Gallantry in

James T L, 1st action before

Connecticut Heavy Petersburg, Va.

Artillery.

Oliver, Sergeant, Company March 25 Capture of flag

Charles M, 100th of 31st Georgia

Pennsylvania Infantry at

Infantry. Petersburg, Va.

Sands, First Sergeant Feb.6,7 Distinguished

William Company G, 88th gallantry at the

Pennsylvania battle of

Infantry. Dabney's Mill,

Va.

Spillane, Private, Company Feb.5-7 Gallantry in

Timothy C, 16th action at

Pennsylvania Hatcher's Run, Va.

Cavalry.

Tompkins, Corporal, Company March 25 Capture of flag

George W F, 124th New of 59th

York Infantry. Petersburg, Va.

Vandersli- Private, Company Feb.6 Distinguished

ce, John M D, 8th gallantry in

Pennsylvania action at

Cavalry. Hatcher's Run, Va.