MEIGS, MONTGOMERY CUNNINGHAM ( 816 :12 ). An American soldier and military engineer. He was born in Augusta, Ga., studied for a short time at the University of Pennsylvania, graduated at West. Point in 1836, and imme diately afterwards became second lieutenant in an artillery company. In 1837 he was trans ferred to the Corps of Engineers, in which he became a lieutenant in 1838 and captain in 1853. From 1836 to 1852 he was employed by the War Department. on various important engineer ing works. Between 1852 and 1860 he super intended the construction of the Potomac Aque duct from the Great Falls in 'Maryland to Wash ington, D. C.. the erection of the Capitol exten sion in Washington, the Post-Office extension, and the great iron dome of the Capitol. In the winter of 1860-61 he was engaged in placing Fort Jefferson. Fla., in a condition for defense, and in April, 1861. organized and eondueted the Fort. Pickens relief expedition. on Slay 15th
he was appointed Quartermaster-General of the United States Army, with the rank of brigadier general. In this important. position he had the direction of the supply and equipment of the United States forces in the field during the continuance of the war. Though generally sta tioned at Washington, he frequently made per sonal inspections of the quartermaster's depart ments of the various armies during siege and field operations. 1 in July 5, 1864, he was brevetted major-general for 'distinguished and meritorious services during the Rebellion.' After the war until his retirement in 1832, he was a member of ninny important boards and ronnissions in connection with the War Department. After his retirement until 1887 he was employed as architect on the construction of the Pension Bureau Building in Washington.