James Mercur
Attack of Fortified Places. Including Siege-works, Mining, and Demolitions.
Prepared for the use of the Cadets of the United States Military Academy
"Attack of Fortified Places: Including Siege-works, Mining, and Demolitions" by James Mercur is a military engineering manual written in the late 19th century. It serves as a comprehensive guide for cadets at the United States Military Academy, detailing modern methods for attacking fortified positions, including various strategies and the construction of defenses. The focus of the book is on the technical aspects of siege warfare, as well as the appropriate application of artillery, trenches, and other fortifications. The opening of the book presents a preface that outlines its purpose: to provide an outline of best practices in military engineering for besieging fortified locations. Mercur emphasizes the need for careful planning and construction to adapt to the advancements in weaponry that have rendered older tactics obsolete. He discusses various attack methods such as blockades, surprise assaults, bombardments, and regular sieges, setting the stage for detailed examination in subsequent chapters. This portion highlights the importance of adapting strategies based on the conditions and technologies of modern warfare, making it a valuable resource for both historical study and practical military application.