Cadet Life at West Point

INDEX.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

CADET LIFE AT WEST POINT

CHAPTER I. THE APPOINTMENT. — THE APPOINTMENT.

I was not more than eight years old when I first heard about West Point, and then I was told that it was Uncle Sam’s Military School; that the young men there were called cadets; that they were soldiers, and that they wore pretty uniforms with brass buttons on them. The impression made upon me at the time was such that I never tired talking and asking questions about West Point. I soon learned to indicate the site on the map, and I longed to go there, that I might be a cadet and wear brass buttons. I talked about it so much that my good mother made me a coat generous with brass buttons. I called it my cadet coat, and wore it constantly. Ah! for the day I should be a big boy and be a real cadet. With a wooden gun I played soldier, and when the war broke out and the soldiers camped in our old fair grounds, I was in their camp at every opportunity. The camp was about half-way between our home farm and father’s store in town, and many is the time I have been scolded for being so much at the camp. My only regret at that time was that I was not old enough to enlist, for I loved to watch the drills and linger around the camp-fires, listening to stories of the war.

I learned a good deal from the soldiers about West Point. They told me that I could not go there until I was seventeen years old, and not then unless I was appointed as a cadet by my congressman. They also told me that I must be a good boy at school and study hard, for the reason that after securing the appointment I would have to pass a rigid examination at West Point before admission. This was bad news to me, because we farm boys never attended school longer than four or five months in a year. Fortunately, however, the family moved to “town” when I was fourteen years old. I was then assured that I would have my wish, and I never missed a day at school. I was so anxious to learn rapidly that I overtaxed my eyes, and was in a dark room for nearly a year. Still I did not give up hope, and when my eyesight permitted I returned to school again.

I found out that there could be only one cadet at a time at West Point from the same congressional district, and also that there was then a young man there from my district; still I had hopes of getting there myself before I got too old, that is, over twenty-one.[1] Then there was no book published about West Point, and magazines and newspapers never described it.

“MIGHT BE A CADET.”

One day I saw by the paper that the Hon. G. W. Julian was at home on a short visit, and I knew that he was my congressman; hence I wanted to go at once to see him. I confided in my mother and obtained her permission to be absent from school that afternoon. So I saddled old John, my favorite horse, and rode six miles to Mr. Julian’s house. He was at home, and was very kind to me. He asked my father’s name, and also my name and age, and he made a note of my address, saying that he might write to me from Washington. He also said that there would be a vacancy at West Point, from his district, the next year in June, and that he would make the appointment soon; that I was the first young man to apply for the place, but if any one who had served in the war applied for the cadetship within the next few weeks he would appoint him—that such a person could be just under twenty-four years of age. Nevertheless, if no old soldier applied, he would appoint me, as he knew my father well. He then said that if he did appoint me I must be a good student the next year, and prepare for the examination at West Point. Upon my return home I did not talk about West Point any more, nor did I speak to any one except my mother about having seen Mr. Julian, and I had five brothers and a sister, too!

About two months after my visit to Mr. Julian, I received a letter from him, taking it myself from the postoffice, but alas! the writing was such that I could not read it, although there were but eight words in it, so I hastened with it to my mother, but she could not read it, either. Then as I must confide in another person, I decided to speak to my father, and ask him to read the letter, under promise that he would not talk about West Point with any one except my mother and myself. He read the letter at once, and said that the writing was all right, but that the letter did not mean anything, as Mr. Julian had probably written the same to other boys. I did not believe this, and was surer than ever of obtaining the appointment. Many years have passed since then, but the words of that letter are still fresh in my memory. They are:

“Please inform me in reply your exact age.”

I wanted my father to write Mr. Julian in my behalf, but he declined to do so, saying that he did not want me to go to West Point. I then got him to promise not to write “that” to Mr. Julian, and I myself answered the letter by return mail.

About ten days after this I received another letter from the congressman, a great large one, in a long envelope, and all I could read of that was “I have recommended you”; but that was enough, as the appointment itself was enclosed, and I could read it, and I was a happy boy. I ran home to show the appointment to my mother, and then to the store to show it to my father, and also to get him to read the letter to me, which was as follows:

CHAPTER II. THE PREPARATION.

After examining the papers received from the War Department, I found one that required my father’s signature before I myself could accept the appointment. My parents both objected to my leaving home, and therefore did not wish me to go to West Point. I argued that I wanted to go to college somewhere, and why not let me go where Uncle Sam paid the bills. At last I won my mother on my side, and then my father, seeing that my heart was so fixed, signed the paper requiring his signature, and mailed it to the Honorable Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. This done, I let the secret out, and all of my boy friends wanted to know how I had gotten the appointment. I told part, but I did not tell just how I did get it.

After seeing the kind of examination[5] I would have to pass at West Point the next year, my father decided to send me to the High School at Ann Arbor, Mich., and to send my brother Charley there with me to prepare him for the University of Michigan. We entered the High School early in September. About two weeks afterward the University of Michigan (also at Ann Arbor) opened, and we observed that many of the candidates for the freshman class seemed no farther advanced than we thought ourselves, so we applied, were examined, and admitted to the University. I thought that if I failed at West Point I could return and graduate at the University in three instead of four years.

There was a tall young man from Tennessee, who entered the High School with us, and afterward entered the University, too. He, like myself, had an appointment to West Point, and was going there the next June, so we became friends at once, and he and I agreed to study after Christmas for the West Point examination. After the sophomores quit hazing, all went well with us, and the year soon passed. I left Ann Arbor on the last day of April to return home via Lakes Huron and Michigan, and went to Detroit to take the first steamer of the season around the lakes to Chicago. Upon arriving in Detroit, I heard that there was to be a muster and inspection of a regiment of United States troops out at Fort Wayne, a short ride from Detroit, and as I was to be a soldier, I went to see the sight. As I looked at the troops (the First U. S. Infantry), I thought that I would like to be an officer of that regiment when I graduated from West Point, and singularly enough my wish was gratified. I remained so long at Fort Wayne that the boat had departed when I returned to Detroit, so I took train and overtook the boat at Port Huron. While there I went to see Fort Gratiot, and strange to say, that was subsequently my first army station. When the steamer stopped at Mackinaw I visited the fort that was there at that time.

After my return home I reviewed the studies I was to be examined on in a few weeks, and then started east. I promised my father if I failed to pass the examination that I would return home at once. Arriving in the great city of New York, I took passage on the day steamer “Mary Powell,” and was charmed with the scenery along the Hudson. The first stop was at the south landing at West Point. I was on the upper deck at the time, and after seeing my trunk put ashore, I walked leisurely downstairs to disembark and to my great surprise the boat was fifty feet or more from shore when I got down. I thought that all steamers made long stops, for the only other boat that I had ever been on stopped for many hours every time she landed. The captain would not let me off, and said that I could get off at Cornwall and take a down boat the same evening. I was satisfied and went on the upper deck again and saw the passengers who had landed get into the West Point Hotel ’bus. All the trunks except mine were put on the top of the ’bus, and it was then driven up the hill, leaving my trunk all alone on the dock.

When the steamer stopped at Cornwall I this time promptly stepped ashore. It was about sunset. There were not more than half a dozen buildings in sight, and not a soul at the dock, and I was the only passenger landing at that point. I went to one of the houses and inquired the location of the hotel, and I was informed that it was not open, as it was too early for summer visitors. I then asked what time the down boat was due, and was informed that it would be along soon, but that it would not stop. The West Shore Railroad was not built at that time, and as there was no stage line over the mountains nor ferry on the river, I began to fear that I could not get away by the tenth of June, the last day for me to report. This bothered me more than the hotel accommodations, but I soon found obliging people and arranged for my lodging and breakfast, and also to be rowed to my destination the next day.

Transcriber’s Note: Image is clickable for a larger version.

Topographical Sketch of WEST POINT

CHAPTER III. THE CANDIDATE.

It was about ten o’clock in the morning of June 8, 1869, when I stepped from a rowboat on the dock near the Sea Coast Battery at West Point. The weather was perfect, and my heart was light and free. As there was neither any person nor conveyance at the dock, I followed the road winding up the hill to the plain. I stopped to admire the scenery. In front I beheld a level green plain of one hundred acres or more with massive buildings peeping through the large elm trees that fringe two sides of the plain; on either side were high hills; in my rear rolled the majestic Hudson between the Highlands, with Siege Battery at my feet. As I gazed around it was to me then, as it is to me now, the most beautiful of places.

I found my way to the Adjutant’s office in the Administration Building[6] and reported. I was courteously received and handed the “Instructions to Candidates” to read. I stated the fact of my trunk having been put ashore on the south dock and of the Mary Powell carrying me to Cornwall the previous evening, and I was told that my trunk had undoubtedly been taken to the hotel, as there was then (and now is) but one hotel at the Point. And I was also informed that my trunk would be sent to the Cadet Barracks. After I had complied with the instructions, an orderly, at the sound of a bell, entered and was directed to escort me to the barracks. In going through the area we passed some cadets and I overheard such remarks as “He’ll learn to button his coat.” At the orderly’s suggestion I buttoned my coat. He took me into a hall, said “This is the door,” laid down my valise, and left me. The door was the first one on the right of the eighth division—how well I remember it! I knocked on the door, and heard a commanding voice say “Come in!”[7] With valise and umbrella in one hand and cap in the other, I entered. There were two cadets in the room, seated near a table, and before I had a chance to speak, I was greeted about as follows: “Leave your things in the hall. Don’t you know better than to bring them in here?” I stepped into the hall, left the door open, and while looking for a suitable place to put my things (for there was neither a hook nor a table), one of these two cadets cried out: “Lay them on the floor and come in, and don’t be all day about it, either. Move lively, I say. Shut the door. Stand there. Come to attention. Put your heels together, turn out your toes, put your hands by your side, palms to the front, fingers closed, little fingers on the seams of the trousers, head up, chin in, shoulders thrown back, chest out, draw in your belly, and keep your eyes on this tack.” While one cadet was giving commands with great rapidity, the other one fixed my feet, hands, head and shoulders. “What’s your name? Put a Mr. before it. How do you spell it? What’s your first name? Spell it. What’s your middle name? Have none? What state are you from? What part? Put a sir on every answer. Where’s your trunk? Don’t know? Didn’t you bring one? Put on a sir; how often do you want me to speak about it?” I explained how my trunk and I had arrived at different times. “You’re too slow. You’ll never get along here. Keep your eyes on that tack; turn the palms of your hands squarely to the front. Did you bring all of the articles marked ‘thus’? You don’t know what they are? Put on a sir, I tell you. Didn’t you get a circular telling what articles you should bring? Didn’t you read it? Now answer me; did you bring the articles marked ‘thus’? Well, why didn’t you say so at first? Keep your eyes on that tack.” A wagon drove up and put a trunk on the porch near the window. “About face! Turn around the other way. Don’t you know anything? Is that your trunk? It is, is it? Now, let’s see you ‘about face’ properly. Steady. At the word ‘about’ turn on the left heel, turning the left toe to the front, carrying the right foot to the rear, the hollow opposite to and three inches from the left heel, the feet perpendicular to each other. Don’t look at your feet. Head up. Stand at ‘attention’ till I give the command. Now, ‘about’ (one of the cadets fixed my feet); at the word ‘face,’ turn on both heels, raise the toe a little, face to the rear, when the face is nearly completed, raise the right foot and replace it by the left. Now, ‘face.’ Ah! turn on both heels. Fix your eyes on that tack again. Draw in your belly. Throw back your shoulders and stand up like a man. Now, ‘left, face.’ Don’t you know your left hand from your right? Face that door; open it. Ah! why don’t you step off with the left foot first? Pick up your things, follow me, and move lively.” My back was nearly broken, and I was glad to get out of that room. After going a few steps on the broad porch on the area side of barracks, a young man in civilian clothes came out of the next hallway carrying the palms of his hands to the front. “Come here, Mr. Howard, and help your room-mate carry his trunk upstairs; step lively, now.” With that introduction Mr. Howard and I took hold of the trunk. Just then the tall young Tennesseean, whom I knew at Ann Arbor, passed, carrying the palms of his hands to the front. We exchanged knowing winks, but did not venture to speak. “What’s the matter with you? Don’t be all day carrying that trunk upstairs.” Howard and I tugged away and finally got the trunk upstairs and into the room designated. Candidates Howard and Knapp had already been assigned to the same room. “Stand attention, Mr. Knapp. Don’t you know enough to stand attention when I enter the room? Palms to the front. Put the trunk over there. Mr. R⸺d, open your trunk and valise and take out everything and make a list of all you have. Stand attention, Mr. Howard. Take out your things first and make a list afterward. Put the small articles on this part of the clothes-press, hang your clothes on those pegs and put your bedding over there. Study the regulations. Fold your things properly, put them in their places, and the next time I come in I want to see everything in place. What did you bring that umbrella for? You will never need it here. Mr. R⸺d, post your name over there on the ‘alcove,’ put it on the ‘Orderly Board’ under Mr. Knapp’s name, and put it there on the clothes-press. Whenever you hear the command, ‘Candidates, turn out,’ button your coats, hasten downstairs and ‘fall in’ in the Area.” Cadet Hood left the room then, and we sat down, prostrated. Then we proceeded to get acquainted with one another, and on comparing notes we found that each one of us had had about the same reception. As Howard and Knapp had reported the day before, they gave me many pointers, which I appreciated.

The room was good-sized, with two alcoves at the end opposite the window; but, oh! how uninviting it seemed. No bed, no carpet, no curtains, and not even shades. The furniture that was in the room consisted of a clothes-press, that is, shelving arranged for two cadets, but to be used by three or four candidates, two small iron tables, a wash stand, an iron mantel and a steam coil with a marble slab on it. H⸺rd and K⸺p had already carried from the Commissary certain articles for use by all occupants of the room, as follows: A looking-glass, a wash basin, a water bucket, a cocoanut dipper, a slop bucket and a broom. They had also obtained such other articles as were required for their personal use, such as a chair and a pillow.

The following extract from the “Blue Book” shows the arrangement of rooms, etc.

White Helmet.—On the clothes-press.

Dress Hat.—On the gun-rack shelf.

Cartridge Box and Bayonet or Sword.—On pegs near gun-rack.

Caps and Sabres.—On pegs near gun-rack.

Rifle.—In gun-rack.

Spurs.—On peg with sabre.

Bedstead.—In alcove against side wall of room, head against rear wall.

Bedding.—Mattress, folded once; blankets, comforter and sheets, folded separately, so that the folds shall be the width of the pillow, and all piled against the head of the bedstead, thus: mattress, sheets, pillow, blankets and comforter; the end of the pile next to the alcove partition to be in line with the side of the bedstead; this end and the front of the pile to be vertical.

Clothes-Press.—Books on top against the wall, backs to the front; hair and clothes brushes, combs, shaving materials, such small boxes as are allowed, vials for medicines, etc., on top shelf; belts, collars, gloves, handkerchiefs, socks, etc., on second shelf from the top; sheets, pillow cases, shirts, drawers, pants, etc., on the other shelves.

Text-Books.—Those in daily use may be upon the tables, except during Sunday morning inspection.

Arrangement.—All articles of the same kind to be neatly placed in one pile, folded edges to the front and even with front edge of the shelves. Nothing to be between these piles and the back of the press, unless want of room renders it necessary.

Soiled Clothes.—In clothes bag.

Shoes.—To be kept clean, dusted and arranged in line, toes to the front, along the side near the foot of the bed. Shoe brush in the fireplace.

Woolen Clothing, Dressing Gown and Clothes Bag.—On pegs in alcove, arranged as follows: Overcoat, dressing gown, uniform coats, jackets, gray pants, clothes bag and night clothes.

Broom.—Behind the door.

Candle Box.—In fireplace.

Tables.—Against the wall under gas jet or near the window when the room is dark.

Chairs.—From 8 a. m. to 10 p. m. against the tables when not in use.

Mirror.—At center of mantel.

Wash Stand.—In front of and against alcove partition.

Wash Basin.—Inverted on top of wash stand.

Water Bucket.—Near to and on side of wash stand opposite the door.

Dipper.—In water bucket.

Slop Bucket.—Near to and on side of wash stand nearest the door.

Curtains.—Regulation only allowed.

Calendar.—A small, plain one may be placed on the wall over the gas fixture.

Clock.—A small plain one may be kept on the mantel.

Bath Towel.—May be hung in the alcove.

Trunks, Pictures, Splashers, Writing Desks, Etc.—Prohibited. There is a storeroom for trunks.

Floor.—To be kept clean and free from grease spots or stains.

Heating Apparatus.—To be kept clean and free from scratches.

Windows.—Cadets are forbidden to sit at the windows with feet on the woodwork, or to appear before windows improperly dressed, or to communicate through windows, or to raise the lower sash more than four inches during “call to quarters.”

Names.—Uniformly printed to be posted over gun-rack pegs, alcove, clothes-press and on orderly board over wash stand.

Hours of Recitation.—To be on the mantel on either side of the mirror.

Academic Regulations, Articles of War and the Blue Book.—To be kept on the mantel.

Laundry.—All clothes sent to the wash to be plainly marked with owner’s name.

Room Orderly.—Is responsible for the cleanliness and ventilation of the room, and that articles for joint use are in place.

After having folded and arranged my possessions according to the Blue Book, as I understood from a hasty perusal of it, I looked out of the window down into the Area of Barracks, where I saw old cadets passing to and fro. They carried themselves so very erect that we could not help but admire them and wish that we too were as straight and walked as well as they. We observed what small waists they had, and we wondered if they laced. Another thing we observed was that the cadets looked so much alike. I had unbuttoned my coat while arranging my effects, and forgot to button it again, when I heard a quick walk in the hall and then a sharp, firm, single rap on the door. We all sprang promptly to attention, palms to the front. Cadet Hood entered and began: “Button your coat, Mr. R⸺d.” He moved several piles on the clothes-press and disarranged my bedding, too, saying, “Not folded properly. Why don’t you study the Blue Book? Mr. Howard, fill your water bucket the first thing every morning. Get the water from one of the hydrants[8] in the Area. The floor is very dirty; sweep it properly, invert your wash bowl, and don’t let me have occasion to speak about these things again.”

The first call for dinner sounded and then we heard, “Candidates, turn out promptly.” We hastened downstairs. The old cadets were gathering in four different groups, while the candidates were being put into another one. Cadets Hood, Allen and Macfarlan were on the watch for candidates, and they began thus:

“Button that coat. Get down here lively. ‘Fall in.’ Fall in in the rear; don’t you know better than to get in front of anybody? Palms to the front. Fix your eyes on the seam of the coat collar of the man in front of you, and at the second call, face to the left.” Some of the candidates faced one way and some another, but we were soon straightened out, and then, “Eyes to the front! What do you mean gazing about in ranks? Each candidate, as his name is called, will answer ‘Here’ in a clear and audible tone of voice.” The roll of the candidates was then called. “Why don’t you answer, Mr. H⸺? Well, then, speak up so that you can be heard. Mr. ⸺, don’t shout,” and so on till the last name was called. We were told how to “count fours,” and after the command came something like this: “Stop counting. Try it over. Count fours. Steady, Mr. ⸺; wait till the man on your right counts. Eyes to the front. Why don’t you count, Mr. ⸺! Speak out. Eyes to the front,” and so on. We were now told how to “wheel by fours,” and at the command, “March,” to step off with the left foot first. There was a great time after the command, “Fours right, march,” was given. The cadets on duty over us were kept busy shouting at and pulling in place, first one candidate and then another, but after a fashion we got started and followed the cadets to the Mess Hall, and those on duty over us were kept busy all the way correcting mistakes made by the candidates.

While en route to dinner we were directed to remove our caps just before entering the Mess Hall and to put them on again just after leaving it. Of course we made blunders, and were gently (?) corrected for them. Upon entering the hall we were directed to certain tables, but told not to sit down until the command, “Candidates, take seats,” was given. When each one found a place behind an iron stool (that in my day resembled an hour glass in shape), the command, “A Company, take seats,” was given, and then the members of A Company all sat down promptly; then came “B Company, take seats,” “C Company, take seats,” “D Company, take seats,” and then “Candidates, take seats.” Immediately after the last command something like this came: “Sit down promptly. Do you want to be all day about it? Eat your dinner, and don’t leave the table until the command, ‘Candidates, rise.’”

Dinner was on the table, and there were a good many tables in the big hall. Each table had seats for twenty-two persons, ten on a side and one at either end. There were tablecloths, but no napkins, and one waiter for every two long tables; the waiters did not pass anything, but brought water, bread, etc., when needed. The cadets (and candidates) at the ends of the tables did the carving, while those at the center of the long tables poured the water. At supper and breakfast there were no tablecloths. Tablecloths and napkins are now furnished for all meals, and there are cane seat chairs instead of the old iron stools. The tables of the cadets were divided crosswise in the center by an imaginary line into two parts, and each part was called a table. The cadets had seats according to rank, and they always sat in the same seats. First classmen sat near the end called the head of the table, second classmen next, third classmen (except the corporals) next, and then fourth classmen, the latter being at the center of the long tables. The corporals at the ends of the tables were the carvers, and the fourth classmen poured the water.[9]

After dinner we were marched back to barracks, and before being dismissed the candidates were informed that they could do as they pleased until the bugle sounded “Call to quarters” at 2 o’clock, and then they must repair promptly to quarters, that is, to their own rooms in the barracks. All the time that we were in ranks the usual volleys were fired at us, such as: “Eyes to the front. Head erect and chin in.” After we were dismissed we were constantly reminded to “carry palms of the hands to the front,” notwithstanding the fact that we had been told to go where we pleased for a whole half hour. Some of the candidates went to the sink (i. e., water closet),[10] and some of the old cadets went there, too. A number of them surrounded a poor candidate, called him a plebe or an animal, and fired dozens of questions at him at once. The madder the plebe got the more fun it was for the old cadets. As the candidates were not acquainted with one another, and as they dreaded to meet the old cadets, they naturally drifted to their quarters, thinking that the safest place to be, but, alas! some of the old cadets called upon them there. While they did not mention their names, something like this generally occurred: “‘Shun, squad. Come to attention, plebes. Palms to the front. What’s your name? Spell it; spell it backwards. What state are you from? Who’s your predecessor?’ Say ‘Mr. ⸺.’ Do you think you can pass the ‘prelim’? Where is Newburg? Don’t know? How do you expect to get in here if you don’t know where Newburg is? Climb up on that mantel and be lively about it, too. Now move your arms and say ‘Caw, caw.’ Stop that laughing. Eyes to the front.” And so on, till the old cadets would slip out in time to go to their rooms for “Call to quarters.”

At two o’clock came the call, “Candidates, turn out promptly,” and every candidate turned out and “fell in.” A number were sent back for towels, and upon returning to the Area were sent to the bathrooms, then in the basement of D Company quarters. After bathing, some were sent to the Cadet Hospital for physical examination, and were there told to strip to the skin, then called one at a time before three Army Surgeons, in full uniform, who examined the lungs, eyes, ears, teeth and feet, made the candidates hop first on one foot, then on the other, raise their hands high above the head, cough, bend over forward, etc. When my turn came I did not mention anything about ever having been troubled with my eyes.

Upon returning to the barracks we were sent to the Commissary, where each candidate was given the articles necessary for his own immediate use. As near as I now remember, I got a chair, a pillow, a piece of soap, an arithmetic, a slate, a copybook, a quire of “uniform” paper, a history, a grammar and a geography. Other candidates who, like myself, had brought the articles marked “Thus*” received the same as I, while those who had not brought them got two blankets in addition to what the rest of us got. The books mentioned above are not now issued to candidates. Cadet H⸺d saw to it that candidates rooming together were provided with a wash bowl, a mirror, two buckets, etc. When all were fitted out we took up our loads and returned with them to Barracks, carrying them in our hands or on our shoulders, as was most convenient. This trip from the Commissary store across the grassy plain to Barracks has been described thus:

SETTING UP EXERCISES.

The setting up exercises are now taught by the Instructor of Military Gymnastics and Physical Culture.

Upon returning to Barracks we were ordered to our rooms, and then to the shoeblacks, at that time in the basement of B Company quarters, to have our shoes cleaned and polished, and told to go there, at certain hours, as often as necessary to keep our shoes in proper order. Candidates whose hair was considered too long by Cadet H⸺d were sent to the barber’s, at that time in the basement of C Company quarters. Candidates who had to shave were directed to shave themselves, as the barber was not permitted to do anything but cut hair.

At 4:15 p. m. we were turned out for “Squad Drill.” We “fell in” promptly and were corrected in the manner indicated when we fell in for dinner. Even now I seem to hear Cadets A⸺n, H⸺d and M⸺n shouting themselves hoarse at us poor, stupid candidates. There were about twenty “yearlings,” classmates of Cadets A⸺n and H⸺d, standing around our line, waiting to get a chance at the candidates, so as to compete with them and with one another for “Corporal’s chevrons.” We were separated into squads of four or five to the squad, and a cadet instructor assigned to drill each squad. Cadet H⸺d had the squad I was in. After all details were adjusted, the command, “March off your Squads” was given, and then Babylon was let loose; the candidates could hear the commands of all of the instructors, and they did not know the voice of their own, hence there was much confusion. Some of the instructors acted as if they wanted to terrorize the candidates in their squads, and shouted: “Eyes to the front. Pay attention to me. What do you mean by listening to others? Palms to the front,” and so on, for ten or fifteen minutes, and then we were given a brief “rest.”

Then we were taught how to march and the instructor began thus: “At the word ‘forward’ throw the weight of the body upon the right leg, the left knee straight. At the word ‘march’ move the left leg smartly, without jerk, carry the left foot forward thirty inches from the right, the sole near the ground, the toe a little depressed, knee straight and slightly turned out. At the same time throw the weight of the body forward (eyes to the front), and plant the foot without shock, weight of the body resting upon it; next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as above. Continue to advance without crossing the legs or striking one against the other, keeping the face direct to the front. Now, ‘forward, common time, march.’ Depress the toe, so that it strikes the ground at the same time as the heel. (Palms of the hands squarely to the front. Head up.) When I count ‘one,’ plant the left foot, ‘two,’ plant the right, ‘three,’ plant the left again, ‘four,’ plant the right again, and so on. Now, ‘One,’ ‘two,’ ‘three,’ ‘four,’” etc. “Bring your feet down together. Depress your toes,” and so on.

We were taught many things, such as the facings, the exercises, rests, etc. “In place, rest,” was the most acceptable, but half the pleasure of that was taken away from the candidates by being often told to “keep one heel in place.” That first hour at squad drill is not soon forgotten. My every muscle was sore and I ached all over. Just before we were dismissed we were informed that we could go anywhere we pleased on Cadet Limits, so long as we were back a little before sunset, in time for dress parade. This seemed a great privilege, but wherever candidates went some old cadets were already there, and greeted them with “Depress your toes, plebes. Palms to the front. Are you going to be all summer learning how to march? Squad halt. Right hand salute. What’s your name? Can you sing, dance or play on the piano? Come here ‘Dad,’ and see this ‘animal.’” And a thousand and one other equally pleasant sayings.

Dress parade came and went, but the candidates did not participate in the ceremony out on the grassy plain. They were kept in the Area, and their positions alternated between “Attention” and “Parade, Rest.” When the “Retreat Gun” was fired many of them jumped half out of ranks, and then were gently (?) informed that they were a fine lot of soldiers. “What do you mean by leaving ranks before you are dismissed?” When we had half a chance we enjoyed the music of the band, but it was very hard to hear it and our instructor’s commands at the same time. Soon after parade we fell in again and marched to supper. On the way to and from the Mess Hall we were constantly entertained by our cadet instructors by such commands as, “Eyes to the front,” “Depress your toes,” and “Palms to the front.” Before being dismissed after supper we were informed that we had half an hour before “Call to quarters,” and that during that half hour we could do as we pleased. But that half hour passed just as the other half hours had passed, that is, by the candidates furnishing amusement for the old cadets.

Upon going to our rooms at the signal of “Call to quarters,” Cadet H⸺d called to say that if we expected to pass our preliminary examination we had better “bone up” for it; he also informed us that we could not retire until after “Tattoo.” A cadet’s bed is “made down,” when it is ready to get into, and it is “made up” when it is piled according to regulations and not ready for use. We were too tired to talk. At 9:30 we were turned out to Tattoo. After Tattoo I folded each blanket lengthwise and laid it on the floor, then spread the sheets and comforter on the blankets, undressed and got in bed, leaving H⸺rd, the room orderly, to turn out the gas. Our bones did not fit the hard floor very well, but we soon fell asleep. “Taps” sounded at 10 p. m., and, oh, how sweet and soothing it was. In a few moments more our room door was opened (for they are never locked), a dark lantern flashed in our faces and the door closed again. The same thing was repeated once more during the night, but this time by an officer of the army, called by the cadets a “Tactical Officer.” These inspections were made to make sure that our lights were out and that we were in bed. We slept in the alcoves, heads near the wall farthest from the door. H⸺rd, K⸺p and I, when fast asleep, were suddenly awakened. We had been “yanked,” that is, some old cadets had come into our room, seized our blankets, and with a quick jerk carried us some distance from the wall, and then ran out of the room. We fell asleep once more and slept soundly until we were awakened by the “Reveille Gun” that is fired at sunrise and followed by the beating off of “Reveille.” This music was very pretty, too, but we could not half appreciate it, as we had to get up at once, fall in and begin another day. After reveille we made up our beds. H⸺rd swept out and brought a bucket of fresh water. Cadet H⸺d inspected our quarters twenty minutes after reveille, and said, “Mr. H⸺rd, your wash bowl is not inverted, and your floor not half swept. Attend to them at once.”

We had another hour’s drill before breakfast (omitted now), which made us very hungry. Sick call sounded soon after this drill, but while the candidates were all half sick, it was not medicine they wanted, so none of them went to the hospital. Breakfast was at seven o’clock, and after it the candidates furnished the cadets with the customary half-hour’s entertainment before call to quarters sounded. Cadet H⸺d again cautioned us to “bone up” when he inspected quarters about nine o’clock, and said: “The mantel is dusty, and the floor very dirty.” Captain H⸺t, a Tactical Officer of the Army, also inspected us before noon, but he did not say anything. While I had then been only a day at West Point, so much had happened that it seemed an age.

About a week passed with much the same routine as for the first day, except that we had Saturday afternoon, after inspection, to ourselves, that is, such part of it as we were not busy entertaining old cadets, and on Sunday morning we had inspection of quarters, and after this inspection we were all marched to church. On Sunday afternoon we were permitted to make down and air, or use, our beds, and to enjoy lying on the soft side of the boards again. The candidates were all marched to the Episcopal Church, “the” church there at that day. In due time the Catholics and Methodists attended their own churches, but all cadets, except Jewish ones, had to attend some church once a week. After inspection of quarters on Sunday morning, K⸺p became room orderly for the next week. It was then his duty to sweep and dust the room and to carry the water needed for himself, H⸺rd and me. The dirt was swept into the hall to one side of the door, and left there. A policeman, that is, the janitor, swept the halls, carried out the waste water and scrubbed room and hall floors, when necessary. It is wonderful how soon we learned many things, such as to button our coats and spring to attention, palms to the front, at the sound of footsteps in our hall. At first we made mistakes, but we soon learned to distinguish the footsteps of our instructors from those of our fellow-candidates.

There was a story in my day of a gentleman who went with his son when the latter reported as a candidate, and that while Cadets H⸺d and A⸺n were putting the son through his first lesson in the office, the father turned his palms to the front, put his heels together, and otherwise assumed the position of the soldier.

At the first opportunity I wrote home, but I was very careful not to mention the hardships I endured, for the reason that I had gone to West Point contrary to my parents’ wishes, and consequently I was determined to get through if I could. This reminds me, there were young men in my class whose parents had sent them there against the wishes of the candidates themselves, and many of these young men did not want to stay. Competitive examinations required by some Congressmen for appointments were not as common in my day as they are now. Some of my classmates purposely failed on the preliminary examination and West Point is no place for a young man unless the young man himself wants to go there.

One day Mr. B⸺dy, my predecessor, sent for me to go to his quarters. I did not know what new trials were in store for me, as I had never been in any old cadet’s quarters. Mr. B⸺dy invited me to sit down, which I did for the first time in an old cadet’s presence. We talked for a few moments about people we both knew at our native places. He then gave me his “white pants” (about twenty pairs), and said he hoped I would pass the “prelim” so as to be able to wear them, and that I would graduate higher than he would.

The “graduating ball” that year was on the night of June 14th, but as candidates were not expected to attend it, none were present. The next day the graduating class received their diplomas, discarded cadet gray, put on “Cit” clothes, said good-byes and left the Point, to return no more as cadets. We did not know much of the graduating class, but I now remember the names of more men in that class than in any other at the Academy, excepting my own. This I account for from the fact that I was then so much impressed with the importance of a graduate of West Point. In my eyes he seemed to be a greater man than the Superintendent, in fact there was no comparison.

There was a change made on graduating day among the cadet officers. At the next drill Cadet H⸺d appeared with pretty gold lace chevrons on his coat. He wore them on the sleeves of his dress coat, below the elbow, and he was proud to have everybody know that he was a “Corporal” now. I promptly congratulated him, and he said, “Thank you, Mr. R⸺d,” instead of reprimanding me for speaking without having been first spoken to. In a few days more the new second class men put on “Cit” clothes, and left on furlough. It seemed strange to me that these cadets seemed just as anxious to take off the cadet gray as the candidates were to put it on.

Before the departure of the graduates and furloughmen the candidates learned that there were four trunk rooms[11] in the angle of Barracks, one for the cadets of each company. They learned this by carrying trunks from there to the rooms of the graduates and furloughmen. I soon learned that I got along the easiest by saying as little as possible and doing about as I was told. The candidates who talked much or who bragged on what they knew, especially about military matters, had the hardest time. These poor fellows were called “too fresh,” or “rapid,” and, as the cadets expressed it, they had to be “taken down.”

It was a common thing for old cadets to enjoy a call upon candidates after supper and on Saturday afternoons. And it was difficult at first for candidates to become acquainted with one another, as so much of their leisure (?) time was taken up answering questions, standing on chairs, tables and mantels, reading press notices about themselves, singing, and in fact doing almost everything old cadets told them to do. I have heard many cadets when they were “plebes” or “animals,” declare that they would not do so and so, but they always did as they were told, and they were quick about it, too. It is strange what control old cadets have over “plebes.” They never laid hands on candidates except when they yanked them.

We soon discovered that the cadets who found especial delight in being in the society of plebes were generally “yearlings,” that is, those who had themselves been plebes only the year before. But “yearling” instructors[12] seldom deviled plebes in their own squads.

Mail arrived every day, and was sorted over, that for the cadets and plebes in each division was dropped on the floor in the halls near the entrances and the word mail called out in a loud tone of voice. Every one expecting mail buttoned up his coat and hastened to get such as might be for him. Now the policemen deliver mail to the cadets in their rooms.[13]

In a few days more the candidates were sent in sections of about a dozen to the section for their preliminary or entrance examination. The section I was in was sent to a room having tables, chairs and writing materials, and we were here examined in writing and spelling. There was but one officer present, and after a certain time we put our names on and handed our papers to him whether we had finished them or not. We were next sent to another room, where there were about a half a dozen members of the Academic Board, and as many other army officers.[14] Each candidate, as his name was called, was assigned a subject and then sent to a blackboard. The first one called was numbered one, the second numbered two, and so on, until five or six candidates were sent to different blackboards. Each was directed to write his name and number at the upper right hand corner of the board, to put such data or work on the board as he wished, and when ready to recite to pick up a pointer in his right hand and face about. While those sent to the blackboard were getting ready to recite, another candidate was sent to the center of the room, facing the examiners, and then questioned by one of them. After finishing with the candidate on questions, No. 1 was called upon to recite, and after he was through, another candidate was assigned a subject and sent to the board, and so on. Some of the candidates were self-possessed, and made good recitations and ready answers to questions, while others trembled all over and lost control over themselves, their hearts got up into their throats or went down into their boots. The examination here was in grammar, history, and geography. We were then sent to another room before as many other Professors and Army Officers for examination in arithmetic and reading. I was satisfied with my examination up to this time. After the assignments to the blackboards I was called upon to read. I began to tremble, and had much difficulty in turning to the page designated. I read very poorly, because I could not hold the book steady, and the words on the page danced so that it was hard for me to catch them. I was then told to put down the book and was questioned in arithmetic. Professor C⸺h asked me a number of questions, the answers to which I knew perfectly well, yet all the answer I could make was “I don’t know, sir.” Professor C⸺h then talked kindly and said how important it was to me, that I answer the questions, because if I did not answer properly that I would be found deficient and sent home. I then said that the old cadets had told me he would “find” me, and I believed he would. After having said this I got courage to ask to be sent to the blackboard. My request was granted, and I had no trouble in writing answers to every question, or to solve any problem given me, but for the life of me I could not turn my back to the board and tell what I had put on it; but fortunately I could point to anything called for. The preliminary examinations the next year were written, and they have been written ever since, which is decidedly the best, as some of my class were so badly frightened that they did not know what they said, and some who failed were graduates of good schools, or had passed splendid competitive examinations for their appointments. In a few days the result of the examination was announced, and I was happy to write home that I was one of the lucky ones to enter West Point, and be a “new Cadet” instead of a “Candidate.” Those of us who were fortunate enough to pass were sent to the Commissary[15] for “plebe-skins,” that is, rubber overcoats, caps and white gloves, and we were measured for uniform, clothes and shoes, and for fear perhaps that we might get lazy another hour’s drill, from 11 a. m. to 12 m., was given us. From now on we wore caps and white gloves at all infantry drills.

The new cadet whose name comes first in alphabetical order is the “class-marcher” whenever the class is called out by itself, and it is his duty to call the roll of the class and to report absentees. After our preliminary examination Baily became the class-marcher, and he marched us over to the Library, where we took the oath of allegiance.[16] We were now assigned to Companies, the tallest were put in A and D and the rest in B and C Companies, but the new cadets were still drilled by themselves in small squads, then in larger ones, and later on all in one squad as a company.

W⸺r of my class wore a plug hat when he reported, and he was sorry for it many times. He was the left file of Mr. H⸺d’s squad. One day we were drilling on the Cavalry plain,[17] and there were many ladies and gentlemen watching the drill. We were marching in line at double time, and Mr. H⸺d gave the command, “By the right flank, march.” Three of us marched to the right, but Mr. W⸺r went off to the left all by himself. Everybody near laughed, even Mr. H⸺d suppressed a grin, and then scolded the new cadets for laughing in ranks. Mr. W⸺r chewed tobacco, and this, too, caused him many unhappy moments, but after having been repeatedly reprimanded for chewing tobacco and told to spit it out he quit the practice in ranks.

There was a young man who could not keep step, yet he tried hard to do so. When in front he threw everybody behind him out of step and at other times he would walk all over the heels of the man in front of him. I do not remember whether he was found deficient physically or mentally, but he was not there long. This reminds me of the “Awkward Squad.” It was composed of those who were particularly slow in doing what they were told to do. Tired and sore as they were from the frequent drills, I have seen members of the Awkward Squad practice alone, determined to get out of it, which, of course, they eventually did.

We studied the Blue Book, but the most of the regulations were learned by having them beaten into our heads by the old cadets. We did not then have a copy of the Drill Regulations to study, but we learned them in the same way that we learned most of the Regulations in the Blue Book.

We were now instructed in many things besides Squad Drill. For instance, we were informed that we would be reported for all delinquencies, that is, for all offenses committed against the Regulations, that the reports would be read out daily after parade, and be posted the next day in a certain place; that we must go there every day to see the list; that when there were reports against us we must copy the exact wording of each report and then write an explanation for it; that we must write as many explanations as there were reports against us, and further, that for all official communications we must use “Uniform Paper” (i. e., paper of a certain size) and no other.

New cadets are taught to use as few words as possible in their explanations. One evening at Dress Parade, a plebe raised his hand and of course he was reported for it, and the reason he gave in his explanation for raising his hand in ranks was, “Bug in ear.”

The following illustrates the character of the reports posted against cadets, to-wit:

The discipline is very strict, more so by far than in the Army, but the enforcement of penalties for reports is inflexible rather than severe. The reports are made by Army Officers, and by certain cadets themselves, such as file-closers and section-marchers, and the cadets make by far the greatest number of reports against one another, but no cadet ever reports another except when it is his duty to do so. If he fails to report a breach of discipline he himself is reported for the neglect. Cadets may write explanations for all reports against them, but they must write an explanation for absence from any duty or from quarters; for communicating at blackboard in section room; for neglect of study or duty; for disobedience of orders; for failure to register for a bath, and for failure to report departure or return on permit where such report is required.

When the Commandant accepts an explanation as satisfactory he crosses off the report, and four days after the date of reports, for which either no explanations or unsatisfactory ones have been received, he forwards them to the Superintendent, and he causes a certain number of demerits to be entered against a cadet for each report in a book kept for that purpose, and which the cadets may see once a week. Any cadet receiving more than one hundred demerits[18] in six months is dismissed from the Academy for deficiency in discipline. The result is that cadets invariably write explanations, and the form now used is as follows:

For the first few weeks demerits are not counted against new cadets, but to teach them how to write them, explanations must be submitted for all reports. Whenever a cadet is reported absent, and he is on Cadet Limits, he is sure to write an explanation stating this fact and anything more he may have to say, because if he fails to do so he is tried by Court-Martial.[19]

A “permit” is a document that grants certain privileges to the cadet named in it. A map of “Cadet Limits” is posted where all may see it, and when a cadet desires to visit friends at the hotel or at an Officer’s quarters, or go to the Dutch Woman’s, i. e., the confectioner’s, or to the dentist’s, he must write an official letter to the Commandant of Cadets (or to the Adjutant of the Military Academy, as the case may be), setting forth what duty, if any, he wishes to be excused from, and the exact time he wishes. This letter will be returned with an endorsement granting all, a part or none of his request, and the cadet must govern himself accordingly.

From now on we had to make out a list of such articles as we wanted or were instructed to get from the Commissary. An account is kept by the Treasurer with each cadet, who is credited with his deposit, and also with his pay,[20] and he is charged for everything furnished him, such as board, washing, wearing apparel, bedding, books, gas, policing barracks, polishing shoes, etc. At his option a cadet is also charged for boats, hops, etc., and when out of debt with such luxuries as new clothes, hop gloves, hop shoes, or $2.00 per month for confectioneries at the “Dutch Woman’s.”

As time wore away we felt less fatigue from drill, and found more pleasure in life, and letters borne were quite cheerful.

CAMP McPHERSON

The Pleasure of your company is requested at the hops to be given by the Corps of Cadets every Monday Wednesday and Friday Evening during the encampment

MANAGERS

FOR THE FIRST CLASS

P. S. BOMUS. W. S. EDGERLY. S. WARREN FOUNTAIN. F. V. GREENE. OTTO L. HEIN. DEXTER W. PARKER. CLARENCE A. POSTLEY. W. R. QUINAN. EDWD G. STEVENS.

FOR THE THIRD CLASS

JAMES ALLEN. W H. CARTER. G. F. ELLIOTT. HARRY A. LANDON. J. A. RUCKER. W. F. ZEILIN.

West Point

N.Y. 5th July 1869.

CHAPTER IV. THE PLEBE IN CAMP.

About two weeks after I reported we were directed to prepare to go to Camp McPherson, a half mile or so from Barracks, out beyond the Cavalry plain, near old Fort Clinton. We were told just what articles to take for use in camp, and that we must put the balance of our effects in our trunks and carry them to the trunk rooms in the angle. We sorted out our camp articles, and each cadet made a bundle of his small things, and used a comforter or a blanket to hold them. D⸺n, M⸺s, and I, having arranged to tent together, we helped one another store away our trunks. When the call sounded to “fall in” we fell in with our bundles, brooms and buckets, and marched over to the camp. There were trees all around the camp site, with quite a grove at the guard tents. The tents were all pitched and they looked very pretty through the trees, with the trees and green parapet of Fort Clinton as a background, which could be seen over the tops of the white tents as we approached the camp. The tent cords were not fastened to pegs in the ground, but to pegs in cross-pieces supported upon posts about four feet high, which brought the Company tents only four or five feet apart. All of the tents for cadets were wall tents, and each had a “fly” on it. There was a wooden floor, a gun rack, and a keyless locker (that is, a four-compartment long box), and a swinging pole hung about eighteen inches below the ridge pole of the tent, and nothing else in it. After the assignment, which, of course, was made according to rank, we proceeded to our respective tents, that were to be our homes till the 29th of August, the day to return to Barracks.

The “Yearlings” and first classmen, too, began to take a greater interest in the plebes than ever. They were anxious to teach them how to fix up their tents, and this is the way they did: “Come here, Plebe, and I’ll show you how to fix up your tent. Untie those bundles, fold the blankets once one way then once the other way; that’s it. Now pile them in the rear corner over there, farthest from the locker; put the folded edges to the front and inside; that’s not right, turn them the other way; now that’s right. Lay the pillows on the blankets, closed ends toward the locker; that’s it; now fold the comforters just like you folded the blankets, and pile them the same way on top of the pillows; that’s it. Why, you’re an old soldier, ain’t you? Straighten the pile a little, so that the edges are vertical; that’s it. Now hang the mirror up there on the front pole; that’s it. Put the washbowl out there against the platform, bottom outward; that’s it. Put the candle-box behind the rear tent pole. Put the white pants, underclothes, etc., in the locker. Throw the overcoats, gray pants, etc., on the pole. There, that’ll do. Say, wait a minute. When you go after water, why I want some; just set the bucket down there by the washbowl when you come back.” After having been given several lessons the plebes were permitted to fix up their own tents, and in a very short time every tent was ship-shape. The yearlings kindly showed the plebes how to clean rifles, too, and this is the way they did it: “Come here, Plebe, you’ll soon be getting your guns, so I’ll teach you how to clean yours; just get that gun over there in my rack; that’s the one; get the cleaning materials in the candle-box, take out a rag, put oil on it; that’s it. Lay the gun in your lap, muzzle to the left, half-cock the piece, open the chamber. Why, you’re doing well. See the rust in the breech block? Well, get a small stick out of the candle-box, put a bit of the rag over it, pour a little oil on the rag, now be quick, rub it on the rusty place, rub hard, elbow grease is what counts most, so don’t be afraid to use plenty of it,” and so on, till the yearling’s gun showed an improvement. “I’ll call you again soon to give you another lesson; that’ll do now.” Strange as it may appear, even the first classmen condescended to teach us some things, and even the cadet officers showed us how to clean their breast plates. The old cadets never told us, in so many words, to do anything of a menial character, but their broad hints and insinuating ways were very persuasive. Every day the plebes were called to the tents of the Army Officers in charge of cadet companies, and asked if they had any complaints to make against upper classmen, and the plebes invariably answered “No, sir.”

We continued to take our meals in the Mess Hall, and we marched to and fro as usual, but as the distance was a half mile or more we were now cheered en route (notwithstanding the plebes still carried palms to the front) by the inspiring music of fifes and drums; and we now sat at tables with the old cadets, and had the pleasure of pouring water for them before helping ourselves, no matter how thirsty we might be, but such is the life of a plebe, and it is a necessary part of his training.

The first day in camp we were initiated in police duty; the other classmen turned out with us, and, as usual, they did the talking and we did the work. The detail from each company had a wheelbarrow, a shovel, and a broom. The grounds, to us plebes, seemed clean when we began, but we got half a wheelbarrow load of dirt all the same, which we dumped into “police hollow,”[21] near camp and just west of Fort Clinton. We gathered up burnt matches, cigar stumps, tobacco quids, bits of paper, etc. Whenever there was a sign of rain we turned out and loosened tent cords, and after a rain we turned out and tightened them—always by command, of course. We dreaded the nights in camp, but we were not yanked often, unless we got too fresh or rapid, and then, of course, we had to be taken down.[22]

The parade ground was changed during camp from the grassy plain in front of Professor’s Row to the space between the guard tents and the west line of company tents. In fair weather the battalion stacked arms on the camp parade ground, and the colors were furled and laid on the center stack. The arms and colors, that is, the United States flag, were left there from after guard mount till 4 p. m., and a sentinel posted to require everybody crossing his post, which is known as the “Color Line,” to salute the colors by lifting the cap.

We plebes were very anxious to get guns, but after we did get them we wished we did not have them, for we were again put into small squads and drilled three times a day, notwithstanding the fact that our right arms were very sore, and each rifle seemed to weigh a ton, and, again, we had to spend several hours a day, for weeks, cleaning the guns before they would pass inspection. Each cadet knows his own gun by the number on it. The upper classmen had already taught us how to clean their guns, so we knew something about cleaning our own, and they now were considerate enough to allow us more time to ourselves, and some of the plebes finished cleaning their guns in less than an hour’s time. But, alas! at the first drill with arms the cadet instructors told them that their guns, cartridge boxes, and waist plates were very dirty. After drill we set to work on them again, but still they were said to be dirty. In the course of time we were told that our guns were passable, and later on that they were in fair condition. We soon learned to attend to them immediately after a rain, as it was easier to clean them then than after they had stood awhile.

We were kept busy at first complying with requests (?) of upper classmen, but they were very considerate and dispensed with our services long enough to let us attend drills three times a day, police service twice a day, and to other military duties. We were still required, both in and out of ranks, to carry palms of the hands to the front, but nothing more was said about depressing the toes.

Cadets are encouraged to be patriotic, and they always celebrate Fourth of July. This year, as the Fourth fell on Sunday, the exercises were held on the next day.

Plebe life was very trying, especially on H⸺e of my class, and he, being something of a poet, reduced his thoughts to writing, which he showed to his classmates. They said that he had expressed the situation very well, indeed. Some of the yearlings heard of H⸺e’s poetry, so he was persuaded (?) to read it to them, and then to sing it. His poetry was so well received by the yearlings that the first classmen wanted to hear it, too, so at their invitation (?) H⸺e both read and sang it for them. And, at the request of a number of upper classmen, he made copies of his songs for them. Other plebes were requested (?) to make copies of the copies, and the following are copies of H⸺e’s copies that were made for me by a plebe in my yearling camp, viz.:

There were a good many more verses to this song, and songs written by others of my class, but I have forgotten them.

Uniforms were issued to the plebes as fast as they were made, and in a few weeks all were uniformed. The only pocket in the whole suit was a watch pocket in the pants. We were permitted to carry a watch, but not a chain. Our handkerchiefs were tucked in the breasts of our coats. After getting uniforms we were sent to the trunk rooms to put away our cit clothes, as we were not allowed to keep them in either our tent or barrack room. In a few weeks the plebes were admitted to the battalion, at first to march to and from meals, and then for parades, but they still had to carry disengaged hands, palms to the front.

After supper we were permitted to bathe in the Hudson at Gee’s Point, and many of us availed ourselves of the privilege. As I have said, soon after reporting, I wondered if the old cadets laced. Well, now, when bathing, I discovered they did not lace. Still, I wondered why old cadets’ waists were so much smaller than plebes’ waists.

Every day, especially during guard-mount, parades, and band practice, there used to be many ladies and other visitors under the trees near the guard tents. The upper classmen seemed to enjoy being with them, but the plebes were seldom wanted there. The plebes used to hear that there were hops three times a week during camp, but that is about all they knew of hops. However, they went to the old fencing room in the Academic Building and took dancing lessons, and as no ladies were admitted they danced with one another.

At last the time arrived for us to go on guard, for there was a chain of cadet sentinels all around the camp. We dreaded our first night on post, but each plebe had to experience it. Our guns were not loaded, and we had no cartridges; the rifle with the bayonet on is all we had to protect ourselves with. It was amusing afterwards to compare notes of our experiences. Some who had boasted most fared the worst. Some had had their rifles taken away, some had been tied to a tree, some rolled down into Fort Clinton ditch[23] alongside of Posts No. 2 and No. 3. Others had been frightened by ghosts, or confused by numerous parties approaching at the same time from different directions. Some replies to the challenge being a band of Indians, a body of armed troops, and the Prince of Wales. Of course, the plebe would call for the corporal of the guard, but this official never got around in time to see anyone, except the sentinel. The poor plebe was then taken to task for allowing himself to be disarmed, or for not detaining parties till the corporal arrived. When questioned as to who the parties were the answer invariably was “I could not recognize any of them.” When the old guard marched off the next morning each member fired three shots at a target.[24] When it came M⸺s’ time to fire he was badly frightened because he had never fired a gun. And when asked why he did not close his left eye when aiming he said that no one had told him to close it.

On the 12th of August we again visited the trunk rooms, and this time to put away our dress coats, white pants, dress hats, etc., as we were to go on a campaign. A knapsack and a half of a shelter tent were issued to each cadet. After packing our knapsacks and getting everything, except our wall tents, in readiness, we fell in at the sound of the drum. Our wall tents were left standing with the walls fastened down and the flaps tied in front. To the time of “The Girl I Left Behind Me” we marched in a drenching rain about a dozen miles westward up into the mountains; halted, stacked arms, unslung knapsacks, and unloaded the big six-mule wagons that had followed us. We then pitched the “A” tents that were provided for our use now; we then dug a trench around each tent, and so as not to lie in the mud we cut boughs to sleep on. We then got our rifles and knapsacks, and were soon at home again, but this time in more contracted quarters. We were now taught to live at Camp Lookout in regular army style, and as there is no delinquency book in the army we had none in this camp. We ate army rations and slept on the ground. We built camp fires, sang songs, and otherwise enjoyed our freedom, for no one said anything about palms to the front out there in the mountains. The camp was in the woods, between Long Pond and Round Pond. We obtained drinking water from one, and utilized the other to wash and to bathe in. We remained out there about ten days, and each cadet learned to do guard duty in the woods. Members of the guard had to cut poles for their shelter tents, and button two or more pieces together for use at night, and they were needed, too, as it rained more than half the time we were in the mountains. Between rains, when not on duty, we roamed through the woods and over the hills. There were many laurel bushes all about us, and one day a first classman said that he wanted a nice root to make a pipe, and that I could get it with a hatchet and spade. I took the hint and dug about half a dozen good roots. I put the two best ones in the breast of my gray jacket and gave the others to the first classmen. I afterwards made myself two fine pipes, and I have one of them now. Years afterwards that first classman and I met, and the first thing I did was to show him my pet pipe and thank him for it. He admired the pipe and my cheek, too, for having kept the best root.

As soon as we returned to Camp McPherson palms of the hands were turned to the front again and the usual routine there resumed.

Some of the yearlings said that certain of the plebes had become “too fresh” out in the mountains, and as the ordinary methods would not tame them down a few fights in Fort Clinton were necessary. Seconds were chosen, and soon nearly every cadet in camp knew that there would be a fight in Fort Clinton on a certain day during the supper hour. Fort Clinton is just across Posts Nos. 2 and 3. Those who desired to witness a fight assembled at the ice water tank, near which the Posts of Nos. 2 and 3 meet. Then when the two sentinels on these posts were far apart and their backs toward one another (which is against the rule) across the posts would dash the Fort Clinton party, and strange to say neither sentinel would see any unauthorized person or persons cross his post. When the referee calls time the principals and seconds are in place and the fight begins. Fists only are used in these fights, and as soon as either side calls enough, or either principal fails to come to time, the fight is over. All return to camp, the bruises are bathed, and if necessary one or both principals go to the hospital, and the sick report the next morning shows one or two names with “contusions” as the cause of the disability. Unless the army officers on duty at the Point have “official knowledge” of a cadet fight no notice is taken of it. When a dispute arises that only a fight will settle and the parties to the dispute are unevenly matched the result may be one or two fights. The offending cadet must fight, and a classmate of the other cadet about his size and strength is selected to do battle with him. Sometimes the offended cadet must fight a man of his size, and then there are two fights.

I. O. C. B.

The pleasure of your company is respectfully solicited at a Hop Extraordinary, to be given on the evening of July 29th, under the auspices of the “Confirmed Bachelors” of the Class of 18—.

• F. G. SCHWATKA,
• JAS. E. SHORTELLE,
• U. G. WHITE,
• Managers.

West Point, July 28, 1869.

We plebes were sent to the river a number of times to assist the first classmen to build pontoon bridges, and we rendered very valuable assistance, too, by carrying all heavy timbers used and helping to get the boats in place for the timbers to be laid upon them.

The 28th of August is a day every graduate remembers, for it is then the furloughmen return. I can see them now rushing[25] into camp. That evening there was a great time out on the color line; we plebes were turned out for the last time to amuse upper classmen. H⸺e and others sang their songs. Some of them had been sung so often that everybody knew them and joined in. The evening was a perfect one, and there were many ladies under the trees near the guard tents, who heaved a sigh to think that all gayeties were over at West Point until the next June. The following are some of the songs that were so often sung during my cadet days, to-wit:

• Old Black Joe,
• Dixie,
• Marching Through Georgia,
• Tramp, Tramp, Tramp,
• Hail Columbia,
• Star Spangled Banner,
• My Country,
• Annie Laurie,
• Red, White and Blue,
• Home, Sweet Home,
• Suanee River,
• Auld Lang Syne.

CHAPTER V. THE PLEBE IN BARRACKS.

The next morning we took our bundles, buckets, and brooms to barracks, and upon returning to camp we unfastened the tent cords and held up the canvas by the poles, and, at the tap of the drum at 12 o’clock, every tent was lowered to the ground, and “Camp McPherson” was no more. We then “fell in,” and to the tune of “The Girl I Left Behind Me” marched to barracks, leaving the summer visitors standing under the trees near where the guard tents had been.

There were rooms enough so that every two cadets could have one together. Roommates having been chosen and rooms selected (according to rank, of course,) each cadet went to his own room, and there he found two single iron bedsteads and a double clothes-press. The old cadets got the balance of their effects (such as cadets are permitted to have in their rooms) from the trunk rooms, while the plebes got the articles they had there, and the balance, such as mattresses and tables, they went to the Commissary for, and carried them across the plain. Every one obtained at the Commissary the text-books he needed before Christmas, and by night all rooms were in order. The return to barracks is a great day for plebes, for then they quit carrying palms to the front.

The “Seps” arrived about this time, and those who were admitted were assigned to rooms, and they at once became a part of the fourth class. “Seps” are candidates, who, for some good reason, did not report in June. (See appendix.) They began recitations with the rest of the plebes, but for weeks they attended drill in squads by themselves. Notwithstanding the fact that Seps escape the many trials and tribulations of plebe camp, in escaping it, they miss one of the most valuable parts of cadet life, as it is an experience which most old graduates look back upon with pleasure. After having been through the course of deviling,[26] or hazing, as practiced in my day, I am a believer in the system, because I believe it makes young men manly and self-reliant. I never saw bodily injury inflicted upon a plebe, but I do not call bodily injury deviling. I call that cruelty, and cruelty should be severely punished. But times have changed at the Academy since I left it. Now after candidates have reported at the Adjutant’s office they are sent to the Army Officer in charge of new cadets. And it is his duty to personally instruct them respecting their rights and duties in their relations to old cadets and to the cadets on duty over them. He causes to be read to them the present regulations pertaining to new cadets and explains to them what is meant by “Cadet Limits.” Candidates are also informed that they must not submit to hazing, and that they must promptly report to the Commandant or to the Army Officer over them any attempt at hazing on the part of old cadets. But they must be respectful to all and perfectly subordinate and obedient to the cadets on duty over them.

The penalties for hazing are very severe, and several cadets have been dismissed from the Academy for engaging in it. A recent act of Congress says: “Any cadet dismissed for hazing shall not be eligible to reappointment.”

White pants were very pretty for camp, but now that the hops were over and the visitors gone the cadets had to work, so on the first of September they appeared in their gray working clothes.

The daily routine from September 1st to about June 20th is as follows: Reveille at 5:45 A. M. (on Sunday at 6:30); roll call; police call five minutes after reveille; sick call fifteen minutes after reveille; then clean arms or study or take physical exercise; breakfast at 6:15; recreation except for the guard,[27] which is mounted, at 7:15; then study and recitations from 8:00 A. M. to 1:00 P. M.; dinner at 1:00; recreation; then study and recitations from 2:00 to 4:00; then generally military exercises for about an hour; then about half hour recreation, followed by retreat parade at about 6:00; supper; recreation; then study from about 7:30 to 9:30; taps at 10:00; then lights out till reveille the next morning. Rooms are inspected at police call; between 8 and 11 a. m.; 11 a. m. and 1 p. m.; 2 and 4; four times between 7:30 and 9:30; again at taps, and once more between taps and reveille. In September and May there are Infantry drills; in October and April there are Artillery drills; in every month from September first to June first there are Cavalry drills; from December first to April first there is exercise in the gymnasium or in dancing. Saturday afternoon is for recreation except between 2 and 2:30 during the weekly inspection of the battalion. On Wednesday after 4 p. m. there are no drills, the time being given for recreation. On Sundays there are no recitations and no military duties, except guard and inspection of quarters at 9:45 a. m., and the time for recreation is a little longer than usual; the cadets march to and from church; all wear white gloves, white belts and those entitled to do so swords, which (swords excepted) are not removed during service, some of the cadets are members of the choir. Visiting between cadets is allowed only during recreation hours.

The gymnasium is open to cadets daily, except Sundays, from 1:30 to 2 p. m.; 4:00 to supper mess parade, and on Saturdays afternoons and evenings until tattoo.

We were arranged into sections of from eight to ten cadets to the section, the arrangement of upper classmen being made according to class standing,[28] as determined at the last examination, while the arrangement of the plebes was alphabetical. The first cadet in each section was the section-marcher, that is, he marched the section to and from the section room. The section-marchers were notified what the first lessons would be, and the hours for recitations, and they then notified the members of their sections. The studies[29] for the fourth class were Mathematics and French, and in addition to these we had instruction in Fencing,[30] and for this the sections were larger than as stated above. One half the class attended recitations or fencing at a time, and the other half had to be in their rooms during Call to Quarters. To let the Inspectors know when cadets are at recitations the following form is used:

HOURS OF RECITATION.

Each cadet obtained a blank form (and there is a special form for each class), put his name on it in block letters, filled in his hours of recitation and put it on the mantel, and he also put his name in block letters over his alcove, on the orderly board, on his clothes-press, and on his gun-rack. Every cadet not in his room at inspection, and not at recitation at the time, was reported absent, unless his room-mate was in and could properly account for the absence. We at first thought that our studies, being so few, would be easy, but when we saw the great long lessons and had experienced the thoroughness required at recitations, we changed our opinions, and decided that much hard study was necessary.

Promptly at eight o’clock on the morning of September first, the bugle was sounded for sections to form. One half of each class “fell in.” The Cadet Officer of the Day commanded—“Front, Call your rolls.” Line was formed in the area of barracks, first classmen were nearest the Academic Building, next to them were sections of the second class, next third classmen and then the plebes. Each section-marcher facing his section, called his roll and faced to the front, then beginning with the ranking section of the first class, the section-marchers reported. The Officer of the Day then commanded “March off your sections.” If there were any absentees not excused, he hunted them up and sent them to their section rooms. The sections marched to the Academic Building, and each went to the room previously assigned, the members of each section hung their caps in the hall on hooks near the door and then filed into the room. The section-marcher took post near the center of the room, facing the instructor, who was seated on the platform opposite to the door. The members of the section went one half to the right, and the other half to the left, in front of two benches. The section-marcher saluted and reported, “All are present, Sir,” or, “Mr. ⸺ is absent, sir,” the instructor returned the salute and then the cadets sat down, the section-marcher taking seat on the right of the first half of his section. On a blackboard behind the instructor, was written the lesson for the next day, and each cadet noted it. The instructor then called Mr. ⸺, who took post in the center of the room facing the instructor. The instructor assigned to him a topic in the lesson, care being required on the part of the cadet to understand the topic which is called his “enunciation.” When he understood it, he went to a certain blackboard, and in the upper right hand corner wrote his name and number thus—Brown 1. The instructor called up another cadet who, after understanding his enunciation, went to the next board, and wrote his name and number, thus—Smith 2, and so on. Topics in the lesson of the day were assigned to the first four, and topics in the lesson of the day before were assigned to three or four others. Then one was called who took post in the center of the room, and the instructor questioned him for ten minutes or more upon such parts of either lesson that he elected, and when through said “That’ll do,” when this cadet returned to his seat. The cadets at the boards wrote on them such work as they wished pertaining to their own subjects and when ready to recite, each took a pointer in his right hand and stood at ease facing the instructor. Beginning with the cadet who was ready and had the smallest number, when he was called upon to recite the cadet, said: “I am required to” and then gave his enunciation, after which he proceeded in his own words. If the instructor was satisfied with the recitation, he said, “that’ll do” and the cadet faced about, laid down his pointer, cleaned his board, and took his seat; but if the instructor was not satisfied with the recitation, he asked such questions as he deemed proper to draw out, if possible, further information on the subject, and when through, said, “That’ll do.” This drawing out process is necessary with plebes, until they learn what is required of them in the way of recitations. No communication between cadets is allowed in the section room. When the time expired the instructor said, “That’ll do, gentlemen; section’s dismissed.” If the bugle was sounded before all had recited, those at the board who were ready to recite and had all necessary work on the board, were marked the same as if they had recited. The cadets filed out of the room, got their caps and “fell in,” then marched to the area where the line was formed and there the section was dismissed. The mark for a perfect recitation is a 3, 2.5 is a good mark, 2 is fair, 1.5 is medium, 1 poor, .5 very poor, and a zero a complete failure. Recitations go on every day except Saturday afternoons and Sundays. On Monday the marks of the previous week were posted so that the cadets could see them. The instructor never told the cadets what marks he gave them, and he could not excuse a cadet from recitation. A cadet who was sick enough to require it was taken into the hospital, or by the surgeon excused from reciting, but a cadet excused from reciting had to go to and remain in the section room, and there report to the instructor that he was excused. Nothing is gained by not reciting, because every cadet must make satisfactory recitations and pass the examinations[31] in January and June or be found deficient. At the end of the fifth or sixth week, and at times after that, transfers from one section to another were made, and some cadets were sent up and others down to other sections. By Christmas, the plebe class was pretty well dissipated by transfers.

Days, weeks and months passed with a firm, steady grind. In my day up at 5, but now 5:45 a. m., and nothing but study, recitations and drill till 9:30 p. m., except during the short half hour for recreation after each meal, the welcome half holiday on Saturdays and the change of routine on Sundays. No visitors at the Point, no hops, no nothing but hard study and drill to look forward to until the next June. It is true that Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are always acceptable days to a cadet, but he generally eats so much turkey then, that he receives a poor mark at recitations the next day.

Not long before examination the instructor selects as many topics as there are cadets in his section and writes each topic on a separate piece of paper, turns them face down, mixes them, and then numbers them; number one being for the first cadet in the section, number two for the second, and so on, or otherwise mixes them so that no partiality be shown on examination.

Of course we could not study all of the time set apart for study, so we often devised ways and means to lighten our burdens.

All of our coats buttoned up to the chin and the white collars of my day were made so that we had to fold them lengthwise and pin them on the coat. As white shirts were not used to fasten the collar to we quit wearing them, and pinned our cuffs to the inside of the coat sleeves. We got the knack of dressing down to a fine point, no cadet wore suspenders then, so all we had to do for reveille or tattoo, was to jump into our pants, stick our feet into our oldest shoes, from which the strings had been removed, and called “reveilles,” put on the coat and cap to be worn and hustle, buttoning up just before going out of the hall-door. Two minutes gave us ample time to get from our rooms to the line in the area. Now the cadets are required to wear white shirts and the style of the white collar[32] having been changed it requires a white shirt to fasten it to.

A cadet generally carries his lead pencil stuck into his coat near the throat, but I made a little pocket on the underside of the tail of my dress-coat, just big enough for a little pen knife and a pencil an inch and a half long, and I never got “skinned” for it either. In my day, the last section was called “the Immortals” but I am told that the “Goats” have captured the name I once knew so well.

For many years, “Old Bentz” blew the bugle calls for recitations and mid rain or snow, he never missed a call, he blew it first on the north side of the Barracks, near the “Sally Port,” and then in the area. Many a cadet has stood at the blackboard, not ready to recite, praying for old Bentz to blow; once in a while he would succeed in “bugling it,” that is, avoid a recitation, but as the instructors have all been cadets themselves, the poor fellow was generally called upon to recite and got 1.5 or less for his pains.

A day or two after returning to barracks I was on post one evening in the hall of the old “sixth div.” when D⸺m, of my class, who lived in that “div.” passed through the hall with his coat unbuttoned. Of course I reported him for it. The next day the report was on the list of delinquencies read out to the battalion by the cadet adjutant. After supper that evening another classmate called on me and asked what I had against D⸺m, I said I had nothing against him and I wanted to know why he asked. He replied that D⸺m was very angry with me for having reported him for “coat unbuttoned in hall of barracks.” I was surprised and said that I had to report him or tell a lie to the officer or corporal of the guard. Up to that time D⸺m had not been on guard in barracks and he did not know the orders, so he consulted an upper classman about the report and learned that I had done my duty. Then he came to me and said, “I sent a friend to challenge you but find that you are right and I wrong, so I want to beg your pardon.” Had I not have reported D⸺m I would have gotten into serious trouble, because the cadets themselves have no use for a liar or a thief. As I have said the rooms of barracks are never locked, hence any cadet will promptly report another for stealing and the thief[33] is summarily dealt with by the authorities.

In barracks a sentinel is posted in each hall, and he walks post only during meal hours, evening call to quarters, and Sunday[34] call to quarters. When a relief is to be taken off post and no new sentinels are to be posted, such as after meals and at tattoo, the corporal of the relief on post, beginning at the first division hall, calls, “No. 1 Off,” marches him to the second division and calls, “No. 2 Off,” and so on until the eight sentinels are off, the relief is then marched to the guard house, and there dismissed. The spirit of deviltry used to crop out in the average fourth classman, as soon as his plebe camp was over, and he often laid awake at night devising ways and means for sweet revenge upon the next class or even upon the “Seps” of his own class, before they became acquainted with one another. One night a June plebe discovered that the sentinels on Posts 1, 2 and 3, were Seps of his own class, and that they were on guard for their first time. A happy thought came to this June plebe. He put on his overcoat, turned the collar up to hide his face, got his rifle, and just before time for the Corporal to take off his Relief at tattoo, this plebe took off the Relief himself. The first three sentinels being green Seps “fell in” without a suspicion of anything wrong, and the older cadets of the Relief knowing that it was about time to be relieved, also fell in. Just as the June plebe was approaching the guard house with the Relief, Lieutenant K⸺g saw the Corporal of this Relief in the guard house watching the clock, hence he knew that some devilment was up. The plebe saw that the Lieutenant saw him, so he fled to his room, with the Lieutenant after him and the members of the Relief ran back to their posts. The plebe was caught and he walked “extras” for many a Saturday afternoon for his fun; and the Corporal was reduced to the ranks for allowing his Relief to be improperly relieved.

Cadets do not salute one another except on occasions of ceremony prescribed by the regulations. Plebes address one another as Jones or Smith, but they say[35] Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith in speaking of them to an officer, or to an upper classman. In speaking to or of an officer, they use his title, but in speaking to or of an upper classman, they say[35] Mr. White or Mr. Black. Upper classmen address one another as White and Black, but they say Mr. White or Mr. Black in speaking of them to an officer or to a plebe. In speaking to or of an officer they use his title, but in speaking to or of a plebe, they say Mr. Jones or Mr. Smith. Officers in speaking to or of a cadet say Mr. Jones or Mr. White. Cadet titles are used only by the cadets having them, and then only in their permits and explanations, thus—Cadet Corporal, Cadet Sergeant, etc. Except officially, officers and cadets rarely speak to one another. At first it seemed very strange to recite to an officer for months, and to pass him on the plain without a friendly word being exchanged, the military salute being the only recognition. It is best that it is that way, as it avoids intimacy and favoritism.

When the first snow fell, I was greatly amused to see one of my classmates who had never seen it snow. He ran out into the area bare-headed (and was reported for being in the area without cap). He held out his hands and then opened his mouth to catch the flakes; it was a soft fine snow and melted as soon as it touched anything, so he could not catch any of the flakes, yet he could see them in the air and he appeared dumbfounded.

Now that we did not have to carry palms of the hands to the front we used to walk more about the post. I say walk, because we were not allowed to ride. We found our way occasionally to the Dutchwoman’s,[36] near the postoffice[37] (as no permits were needed to go there in my day), where cadets having a little change, or who, being out of debt, could get ice cream, cakes, pies, etc. On Saturday afternoons we went down “Flirtation Walk,” a beautiful stroll along the Hudson, or up to Cro’ Nest, the highest peak for miles around, or to old Fort Putnam, on a hill west of the Barracks, and once in a while to Kinsley’s orchard.[38] The only reason I can think of having gone to Kinsley’s is, that it was then “off limits,” and the Regulations said cadets caught off limits should be dismissed, or otherwise less severely punished. Christmas season had much in store for us. We received boxes of sweetmeats from home, we had a theatrical performance in the Mess Hall, and some of us, and I was one, had a three days’ “leave” from the Point. This leave was granted to cadets having not over six demerits for the past six months. But few cadets obtained leaves, and those who did were envied by the less fortunate fellows. Everybody enjoyed the boxes from home, because cadets are proverbially generous, and divide their good things with those who do not receive boxes. Many were “skinned” and given demerits for grease upon their floors after the boxes came. The cadets are not now permitted to receive Christmas boxes. An entertainment was given on New Year’s Eve, in the Mess Hall. A temporary stage was erected, and all of the actors, “actresses” and members of the orchestra were cadets.

Programme

OF THE

Entertainment Given by the
U. S. Corps of Cadets,

NEW YEAR’S EVE., 1869
WEST POINT.

PART I.
PADDY MILES, THE LIMERICK BOY.

(A drama of Corinthian lightness.)

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

PART II.
DARK TRAGEDY OF OTHELLO, THE MOOR OF VENICE.

PART III.
THE LIGHTSOME FARCE OF GRIMSHAW, BAGSHAW AND BRADSHAW.

PART IV.
“DARKER HERE.”

MINSTRELS, BY THE CADET BAND.

1.

2.

The semi-annual examination commenced right after New Years and when the class standing[39] was announced, about thirty cadets were found deficient, and discharged. At least half the deficient ones were in my class, and the balance in the other three classes. Those near the foot of my class, who passed, but about whom doubts had been entertained as to their ability to get through, were now furnished with warm cloth overcoats of the regulation cadet gray. The sections were rearranged according to the standing determined by the examinations, text books for the next five months were drawn, lessons assigned and studies resumed. Shortly after our class standing had been published, the class was sent to the Library, where we again took the oath of allegiance, and in due time afterwards each fourth classman received his “cadet warrant.”

The plebes now began to make the best show they could both about their rooms and in their personal appearance. Those who could do so procured curtains[40] for the windows, alcoves and clothes presses, all turkey red, of course, as that was the regulation color. When they got new clothes, they were particular about the fit, especially of the dress coats, as their waists had grown more shapely, caused by wearing close fitting clothes and belts, which required the chest and not the abdomen to be used for breathing. They had their old dress coats made smaller in the waist, too.

Cadets having a taste for music were permitted to have such musical instruments as banjos, guitars and flutes, and during “release from quarters” they could practice. Musical spirits were soon brought together, and after the players became proficient they attracted attention. Aside from those who played upon instruments, there were some who had very good voices. When pleasant spring evenings came, the musicians would often assemble on one of the front steps of the Barracks and their sweet music and songs attracted all other cadets. Often would the officers, their ladies and the few visitors at the Point at that season of the year, stroll near the cadet Barracks to hear music and songs, and even Old Bentz would look at his watch a dozen times and wait till the last second to sound “Call to Quarters.” One evening, Christine Nilsson, the famous “Swedish singer,” who was visiting the Point, was so attracted by the singing of the cadets that she consented to sing for the whole corps on condition that the cadet quartette would sing for her. Her proposition was accepted and the Mess Hall was used for the purpose. Of course we were charmed by her sweet voice and she complimented the quartette, too, and Cadet W⸺r in particular. Miss Nilsson told him that he ought to cultivate his voice and that if he would resign she herself would pay for his musical education in Europe. Cadet W⸺r thanked her for her generous offer, but declined to accept it. Miss Nilsson then said that the cadets must pay for her singing, and that she would make the collection at once. She was promptly informed that cadets were not allowed to have money, and that they did not even have pockets in their clothes. She replied every cadet had with him that which she wanted, namely a bell-button, and she was particular about the one too, and said, “I want the spooney button, the one from over the heart.” She produced a string and we filed past her and each cadet gladly paid her price. The officers present on this occasion neglected their duty for not reporting every cadet, for “a button off dress coat in Mess Hall.” About once a month on Saturday evenings during the winter the band gave orchestra concerts at which cadets could be present.

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Know ye, That the PRESIDENT has been pleased to appoint ________________ a CADET in the Military Service of the UNITED STATES, to rank as such from the __ day of ________ 18__. He is therefore to be received with all the consideration attached to such appointment.

Given under my hand at the WAR DEPARTMENT, this __ day of ________, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ____, and of the INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES the ________.

____________
Secretary of War.

One day, S⸺s, one of my classmates, took sick with typhoid fever, and was confined to bed in the hospital for weeks. We took turns sitting up at night with him. When he became dangerously ill, his parents were notified, and they came at once and were with him some days before he died. An order was published announcing his death, and the loss of a valuable member of the corps, and directed as a mark of respect to his memory, that all cadets should wear the usual badge of mourning; that is, a four-inch band of black crape around the left arm, above the elbow, for a period of thirty days, and that the flag should be at half-staff on the day of the funeral. The pallbearers were chosen from his class and the funeral services held in the little chapel. The coffin was carried from the chapel, arms were presented, the band played an appropriate air, and then the coffin was laid upon an artillery caisson draped with the stars and stripes. We marched to solemn music, with “arms reversed,” to the beautiful little cadet cemetery just outside of the north gate overlooking the Hudson at the foot of the highest peak of the Highlands. Upon reaching the grave, line was formed facing it, and the coffin placed over it; arms were again presented and the band played another solemn air; the body was then lowered to its last resting place. We stood with bowed heads at rest on arms, while the Chaplain conducted the services at the grave. We then fired three rounds of blank cartridges and returned to barracks. After leaving the cemetery, we came to “right shoulder” arms, and marched to a quick step. During my day the corps of cadets attended a great many funerals, and among them were those of three of our professors, two or more cadets, and a number of old graduates of the Academy.

We fourth classmen now began to talk of June first, the day on which we would become yearlings and be admitted to the corps on equality with the other classmen; of the dropping of the Mr., of the shedding of our “plebe-skins” and how that great event should be celebrated; of how we would treat the next class, of which of us would be made corporals, of the hops, of the ladies who come up in June, and of other topics of vital interest to fourth classmen. At a class meeting we selected six hop managers, six being our share for the summer hops, and we selected them by ballot. There were no nominations, it having been decided that the six receiving the greatest number of votes should be elected, and I was not one of the six. About the twenty-fifth of May D Company vacated its quarters and they were put in order for the candidates, who reported in my day between the first and tenth of June; then they reported later in June, after the cadets had gone into camp. Now new cadets report March 1st.

The academic year practically closed on the 31st of May, and on the next day the battalion was to again appear in its summer clothes; that is, in white pants and gray coats. White pants are the forerunners of the many changes to soon occur at the Point; a class to be graduated, another to go on furlough, and the other two, with a new class added to the corps, to go into camp; the members of the Board of Visitors[41] and hundreds of other people to arrive, some to witness the graduating exercises, old graduates to attend their alumni meeting, others to see relatives in the corps, and still others to attend the summer hops. But with all these and other pleasures in store for the cadets about a dozen of the plebes were not satisfied. They knew that on the morrow candidates would begin to report, and that then they themselves would shed their plebe-skins, drop the Mr. and be full-fledged “yearlings.” In order to mark this great event in the life of a cadet at West Point we had months before decided upon doing something that no other yearlings had done. Away back in April, while at light battery drill, we “hived” some powder, by taking a little from a dozen or more cartridges, and we also “hived” some friction-primers. The night of May 31st was cloudy and hazy, which just suited us, and the tactical officers favored us by inspecting every room before midnight. At about half-past eleven we tied the handle of the angle door to an upright of the porch and fastened a rope to the posts at the head of the angle porch stairs, and then went one at a time out to the “reveille gun” that stood near execution hollow away out on the plain. We loaded that gun and then put in it all of our old socks and rammed the charge well. Some of our trusty party got cannon balls at Trophy Point and joined the others at the gun. We then wheeled the gun near the gravel walk in front of the barracks, and one of our party went on the grass to the right and another to the left. These two then made noises that attracted the attention of the two engineer sentinels posted at night on the gravel walk, and signaled that our coast was clear. We then rushed across the walk through the Sally Port and fired that gun in the area. At the same time the cannon balls were rolled along the porches in rear of barracks, then we hastened to our rooms, undressed and went to bed to await developments. Oh, what a dandy report that gun made; it shook the barracks and other buildings, too, and shattered windows all around. The cannon balls were also a great success, for they made a horrible rumbling sound. We awoke everybody. Lieutenant M⸺l was “officer in charge,” and we soon heard him tugging away at the angle door and then stumble against the clothesline that we had so thoughtfully put up for his special benefit. He called the “drummer orderly,” who slept in the guard-house and had long roll sounded. He questioned the cadet officers, but, of course, they knew nothing; then, as he himself had been a cadet, he made the new-born yearlings fall in and told them that the outrage had been committed by some of them, and that the guilty ones should be punished. He then said that all who had not taken part in the disgraceful affair could fall out and go to their quarters; the guilty ones trembled in their shoes, but soon recovered, for not a man fell out. The night was raw and chilly, but there the Lieutenant made us stand, first at attention, then at parade rest and then at attention again. The innocent were once more told to fall out, but not a man moved. We were then put into the guard-house and several of us obtained permission to go to our rooms for overcoats. Line was re-formed and B⸺ly directed to call the roll. I was in my own room at this time and could see and hear what was going on in the area. I knew that B⸺ly had not called the class roll for months, so I staid in my room and listened to the roll-call, and when I discovered that I was not reported absent I went to bed. Lieutenant M⸺l then marched the yearlings out on the cavalry plain and drilled them at double time for several hours. He stood still some times and marched the class around him, and as he was not always near enough to distinguish one yearling from another in the dark there were many blunders purposely made in ranks, and this made him furious. After awhile Colonel B⸺k, the Commandant, put in his appearance, and then the class behaved all right, but it was kept at drill till near breakfast time. Before being dismissed Colonel B⸺k told the innocent ones to fall out, but not a man left the ranks. The class was then dismissed, and in a few minutes the battalion was formed for breakfast, and, of course, I fell in then. Before marching to the Mess Hall an order was published confining all members of the fourth class, except one who was in the hospital, to the area of the barracks until further orders. Some of the class had relatives and friends at the Point, and the confinement was hard on them, because cadets in confinement cannot see their friends for longer than half an hour, and then only in the visitors’ room in the guard-house.

A salute of seventeen guns was fired by a detail of cadets in honor of the arrival of the Board of Visitors. There was much of interest now at the Point for the Board and others to see. Beginning with guard-mount now after parade, then oral examinations from 9 to 4 followed infantry, artillery or cavalry drill, and the day closing with dress parade at sunset. The rear view of the cadets marching at double time, to or from dress parade, out on the grassy plain is a beautiful sight, especially when white pants are worn, for then the wavy motion of the handsome uniforms with the black shoes alternating against the white pants and the green grass once seen is a sight never forgotten. In the evening the cadets, except those in confinement, and their friends could be together for an hour or two at the hotel or at some of the officers’ quarters, provided, of course, that the cadets had “permits.” Not to speak of a handsome display of fireworks on one evening and the graduating hop on another. During all these festivities, which lasted about three weeks, the cadets and candidates were undergoing rigid examinations,[42] and at which many failed. Lists of the successful ones were announced, the graduates and furloughmen left and the others went into camp. Some of the “found” were turned back to join the next class, while the others were discharged.

On the morning after we had fired the gun in the area Colonel Black sent for me, showed me one of my own slippers and told me that it had been picked up that morning on the walk in front of the barracks, and as it had my name in it he wanted me to explain how the slipper got out of my room. I told him that I didn’t know, as the last time I had worn or seen it was on the previous evening before taps. He did not ask me if I had taken part in the “disgraceful” affair. All of his questioning could get nothing more out of me, because I told the truth. I afterwards learned how the slipper did get out on the walk. When D Company vacated its quarters for the new class C⸺y came over to room with L⸺t and me, and unbeknown to me he had worn my slippers, and as he was one of the two cadets chased by the engineer sentinels he lost it, and then for fear that he and I might both be caught he did not mention the fact to me until after my return from the Commandant’s office.

Three of my class were turned out over new cadets, and others of the class detailed to help drill them, and when the new list of corporals was published I had the pleasure of writing home that I was one of the few yearlings to wear chevrons.

After the publication of the new lists of class standing I called upon one of the unfortunates to express regret that he had not passed. He seemed to be very indifferent about having been found, and said that, after a long search on his “family tree,” he had on that day made the fortunate discovery that he was the nineteenth cousin of Queen Victoria!

While in confinement Casey wrote a song commemorating the firing of the gun in the area, and the song was very popular in my day. The following is my version of it:

CAMP GEO. H. THOMAS.

The Pleasure of your company is requested at the hops to be given by the Corps of Cadets every Monday Wednesday and Friday evening during the encampment.

Managers.

• FRED D. GRANT
• ANDREW H. RUSSELL
• WALTER S. WYATT
• EDWARD W. CASEY
• HENRY C. LA POINT
• JAMES R. WASSON
• THOS S. MUMFORD
• REID T. STEWART
• QUINCY O. GILLMORE
• WILLIAM T. RUSSELL
• J. BURKE HICKEY
• T. M. WOODRUFF
• CORBIN DAVENPORT
• LOUIS A. CRAIG
• WILLIAM H. COFFIN

West Point N. Y.

22d June, 1870.

CHAPTER VI. THE YEARLING.

When we marched into camp again at the old site, which was this year named “Camp Geo. H. Thomas,” the yearlings were perfectly happy. We enjoyed the society of the plebes for awhile, but soon tired of that. We had been under such a strain during the previous year that we needed a rest, and we had it, too, as there was not much required of us for the first month. We seemed to need sleep, and we slept in the morning, again in the afternoon and all night, too. After we were rested we loitered under the trees near the guard tents during guard-mounts and band practice and mingled among the numerous summer visitors at the Point; to get acquainted was not difficult, as some of the visitors had relatives or friends in the corps, and, moreover, people get acquainted easier at a resort or a dance than almost anywhere else. Some of the yearlings never missed a hop, and there were three of them a week, from 8 to 11 p. m. Others of us who were not proficient in the art took dancing lessons occasionally, but generally found our pleasure in boating and in being with the ladies, or with one another, listening to the music; in promenading on “Flirtation Walk,” or calling at the hotel. We idled away the whole summer, and it did us good, for, when we returned to barracks, we were ready for study again. I don’t want to be understood that we had nothing to do during camp, because many hours were spent at drill, at inspections and on guard, just enough to keep us active and healthy.

On pleasant days when not on duty we often strolled on “Flirtation Walk,” that beautiful path winding through the trees and rocks between the camp site and the river to watch passing steamers or to see the objects of interest along this walk. There are some links of a huge chain on “Trophy Point” between Professor’s Row and the hotel that was floated on logs across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War from Gee’s Point at the big bend of the river to Constitution Island[43] near the village of Cold Springs on the east side of the Hudson. We used to examine the place near the lighthouse on Gee’s Point, where one end of this chain was fastened and wonder what effect such an obstruction would be to the gunboats of to-day. At other times we would linger about Kosciuszco’s Monument, a little south of Gee’s Point, and quench our thirst at the same spring that this noble Pole drank from more than a century ago when he built Fort Clinton—that is, nearby on the plain—while at the same time General Putnam constructed the numerous other fortifications on the neighboring hills. Then we would visit Battery Knox, near Kosciuszco’s garden, to see the beautiful view down the Hudson that this work commands, or go to see still another handsome view up the Hudson from Trophy Point or Siege Battery at the north, or rather the west end of Flirtation Walk. Battery Knox, and Seacoast, Siege and Mortar batteries are of comparative recent origin and were built by the cadets. There are many monuments, aside from those in the little cemetery, that have been erected at salient points about the grounds to heroes who freely sacrificed their lives in the cause of freedom. Some of those brave men shed their blood to give birth to our republic, others to wrest territory from the Indians or from Mexico, and still others that our Union might live. Then there are cannon and other relics of war on Trophy Point and in the “museum” that are silent teachers for all who see them. The very air about this historic spot teaches love of country, and the cadets absorb much valuable information that is not taught in the section room.

Cadets who were popular with the ladies often used to pin the “spooney buttons” on their coats, and when a cadet gave his spooney button to a young lady this act was equivalent to saying that she was the favored one.

Lieutenant K⸺g was a popular tactical officer and quite a ladies’ man. He liked music, and at band practice he often requested the leader to play “Shoo Fly,” and so often that the cadets noticed it, and called him “Shoo Fly,” not to his face, of course, but among ourselves. Clara G⸺e, a little six-year-old girl, was a frequent visitor at camp, and she was a great admirer of Cadet W⸺e. One day he was officer of the guard and I was corporal of the guard. During dress parade my post was near the first guard tent facing the battalion, and it was my duty to see that visitors kept back of a certain line. Little Clara was out to see the dress parade, and, as Cadet W⸺e was at the guard tents, she was near him. W⸺e called me, and then told little Clara just when and where to go and what to say. There were many visitors present that evening. I took my post, and in a few minutes Lieutenant K⸺g stepped a dozen or so yards in front of me and of the line of visitors preparatory to taking post as officer in charge of the parade. Just then little Clara ran out in front of the visitors’ line, and in a loud voice called: “Lieutenant K⸺g! Oh, Lieutenant K⸺g!” which, of course, attracted everybody’s attention, and then she said, “What do they all call you ‘Shoo Fly’ for?”

One day four young ladies came to camp, and four of us yearlings met them under the trees at the guard tents. The ladies wanted us to take them out boating, and as they knew cadets had no way of providing refreshments, they themselves had brought baskets of cake and fruit. Knowing that our quartette could be absent from camp for several hours we picked up the baskets and started. Attached to our boathouse[44] there was an inclined and also a floating dock, all fastened together, so that the two docks would rise and fall with the water in the river. The floating dock had been covered with water so often that it was quite slippery, and we cautioned the young ladies about it. While we were carrying our boat from its place in the boathouse one of the young ladies ran down the inclined dock, and the moment she stepped upon the floating dock she slipped and sat down in a half inch of water. Her sister (for there were two sisters in the party) ran to her rescue, and she, too, sat down in the water. We knew nothing of the mishaps until the sisters were just getting upon their feet; then we suggested another day for the trip, but they said no, as everything was ready now we must go. All got in the boat and off we went. We rowed across the river under the bridge and landed (off limits) in the woods on the east side of the Hudson. The ladies said that they would prepare lunch, so the yearlings left them to themselves for a while. Upon our return a dainty lunch was spread upon the grass, and we all fell to with a relish, and then started upon our return to the camp. We observed that the ladies insisted upon carrying the baskets and to hold on to them while in the boat; this, of course, excited our suspicions, and we found out that the baskets contained the sisters’ laundry.

It was the rule for a corporal to march the sick of his company to the hospital at sick-call at 6:30 a. m., and as there were not many sick the custom sprang up in the corps for one corporal to take the sick-report books of all four companies to the hospital when there were no sick. So one morning near the close of Yearling Camp, when there were no sick in my company to go to the hospital, a corporal of another company took my sick-report book, and as luck would have it I was reported for “Neglect of duty, not taking sick-report book to the hospital,” and for this I was reduced to ranks, but soon afterwards I was appointed a “marker” for battalion drill, a very pleasant duty. The summer soon passed, the furlough class returned, we struck tents and our yearling camp was over.

Back to barracks we went, donned our gray pants, drew text books,[45] posted our hours of recitation and began the school work for another year.

Cavalry drill is a part of the course in each of the last three years, and the yearlings always hailed the day when they could begin cavalry drill, and at last the time came for us. The class was divided into two platoons, and a platoon at a time sent to the Riding Hall.[46] When my platoon marched into the hall we were all disappointed, for, instead of finding our horses ready saddled, they were not saddled at all. We were marched in front of the line of horses, which were being held by cavalry soldiers, the yearling on the right of the line was instructed to take the first horse, the next yearling to take the next horse, and so on to the left. The horses were bridled and had blankets on them, held in place by surcingles. Captain B⸺s explained to us how to mount, and then ordered us to mount. Some of us had no trouble in mounting, but it was very amusing to see others who had never been on a horse; it took them a long time to get on, notwithstanding the drill we had had in the gymnasium.[47] It was found that a real horse was different from a wooden horse. After all were mounted the position of the soldier, mounted, was explained to us, and our faults corrected. We were then dismounted, then mounted again. So much time was taken up in explaining details and in mounting and dismounting and correcting errors that the whole hour passed in that way. The next day we did get to ride, but for only a few minutes, and at a walk then. As the days came we rode longer each time, but always at a walk for weeks. Then came the slow trot, and it was fun to see some of the yearlings fall off, but as we had been so well drilled in mounting they were soon on again. That first day at the slow trot we all got very sore. Many of the horses were hard trotters, and many a yearling had chafed legs. I remember seeing several of my class who suffered a great deal, so much that for a time the blood ran down on their shoes. We were taught to saddle and unsaddle, to fold the saddle blanket, to bridle and unbridle, to ride with saddles, first at a walk, then a trot and then at a gallop. We were then taught to ride with a sabre and then given sabre exercises, and then the use of the pistol, then without saddles to mount and dismount, first at a walk, then at a trot, then at a gallop and then at the full speed of the horse; then to jump hurdles, then to jump a hurdle, dismount, mount and jump another hurdle, the horse going at full speed; then to use the sabre, cutting at leather balls, called heads, one on a post, one on the ground and another on a post; then to jump a hurdle and with the sabre to catch a ring at the same time from a string suspended near the hurdle, then to cut a head on the ground, then one on a post and then to jump another hurdle, catch another ring and take another head. We were also taught the various platoon movements, and occasionally on pleasant days we were taken out for long rides into the country.

Visitors at the Point often wanted to see how the cadets lived, and when they went about it right, i. e., made the acquaintance of certain tactical officers, their requests were sometimes granted. Lieutenant K⸺g came to my room one morning after he had made his regular inspection and said that he had wanted to bring some visiting ladies and gentlemen over to see my room, but from the looks of things he thought it inadvisable. I replied that all would be in order in a few minutes, and when ready I’d go to the hall door, where he could see me. To this he assented. My room at that particular time was in bad order. O’C⸺r and I had our guns apart and cleaning materials and rags scattered about the floor, and worse, two of our classmates who lived across the hall from us brought their chairs to our room, and we four were playing whist, but Lieutenant K⸺g was good enough not to notice our visitors or cards, and he did not report us. In a few minutes all was in order, and I went to the hall door as a signal. In a few minutes more Lieutenant K⸺g arrived with, the visitors; they wanted to see our guns, but fearing criticism he made an excuse that they were all alike. O’C⸺r and I at once got our rifles and the Lieutenant was amazed to see them in fine condition. Afterwards he told us that he did not know how we put things in shape in such a short time.

One pleasant Saturday afternoon a party of young ladies arrived with baskets of refreshments to meet a party of yearlings for a trip to “Cro’ Nest.” As I was the only one of the yearlings not “on punishment” or “in confinement” I met the young ladies, explained the situation and said that the trip would have to be postponed. They replied that as two of the young ladies were to leave for New York on Monday next they were determined to go to Cro’ Nest at once, and that if I would not go that the ladies would go alone. Seeing that they were determined to go I went with them. We climbed to the top of the mountain and had a good view, as Cro’ Nest is near the top of the highest peak around. The mountain is covered with timber, and after leaving the top it was hard to tell just where we would find our way down. Unfortunately, we reached the foot of the mountain at a point on the Hudson where the bank was about vertical, and so high that we had to climb more than half way up again to get down on the other side of that ridge. This consumed so much time that when we reached the Dutchwoman’s it was after 10 o’clock at night. Alfred, the Dutchwoman’s son, was there, and we sent him for Lieutenant K⸺g to take the young ladies to Cold Springs, where some of them lived and the others were visiting. Cold Springs was off cadet limits, hence I could not risk going there, when I knew I had been reported absent from dress parade and from quarters, so I bade the young ladies adieu and reported with as little delay as possible to the cadet officer of the day, who had made search for me and was about to send a detail to hunt for me. Immediately after breakfast the next morning I went to the Dutchwoman’s, saw Alfred and learned that he had found Lieutenant K⸺g in ample time to catch the last ferryboat at 11 p. m., but that the Lieutenant waited to finish a game of billiards he was playing at the officers’ mess,[48] and he arrived with the ladies at the North Landing just in time to see the last ferryboat beyond call. The party then went to the Engineer Barracks, a half mile or more distant, got a large engineer boat, and Lieutenant K⸺g himself rowed the young ladies across the Hudson to Cold Springs, and did not return until after reveille the following Sunday morning. I hastened back to my quarters and worked hard on my gun in preparing my room for inspection (for I was room orderly that week), for I felt that the Lieutenant would be especially careful with me at inspection, and so he was, but he could find nothing to report me for. After inspecting my room he said, “Mr. R⸺d, you had quite an adventure yesterday?” I replied, “Yes, sir.” He then asked: “Did the young ladies get home safely?” and I answered, “You ought to know more about that than I do, sir.” He left the room, banged the door and accepted my explanation for my absence the day before.

Before we could realize it Thanksgiving came and went, Christmas and the boxes of sweetmeats arrived, and as no Christmas leaves were granted this year we took a greater interest than usual in an entertainment that came off in the Mess Hall on New Year’s Eve.

The January examinations came again, and as is always the case there were many failures, among them being my tall young friend from Tennessee. After changing our hours of recitation the steady grind went on as usual.

About 1 o’clock in the morning of the 5th of February “long roll” sounded, and, of course, this meant for everybody to turn out promptly. In a few minutes after the call sounded the cadet companies formed in the area, and in a few minutes more those in the fire department had our little hand engine out and at work, for the cadet barracks were on fire. Tony R⸺r held the nozzle and directed the stream on the roof of the “Fourth Division,” where the flames were the thickest. The bucket brigade was also soon at work. Some of the plebes in the cock-loft of the Fourth Division did not awake until after their rooms were filled with smoke, and when roll was called they were discovered absent, and formed lines taking hold of hands and went into their rooms that were filled with smoke and brought them out. We worked until after daylight the next morning. Engineer and cavalry soldiers soon arrived to help us, but much damage was done before the fire was put out. Most of the roof was destroyed and great damage done to the “Dialectic Society Room” over the Sally Port and to the cock-loft rooms of the Fourth Division. No one was injured, but some of the cadets lost everything except their nightclothes, which they had escaped in. The unfortunate ones found accommodations by doubling-up with their classmates. Recitations begun at 8 a. m. that day as though nothing had happened, and in a few weeks the damage to the building was repaired, and a little later Congress, which was then in session, made good all losses.

Programme

OF THE

Entertainment Given by the
U. S. Corps of Cadets,

NEW YEAR’S EVE., 1870
WEST POINT.

PART I.
Handy Andy.

(Ye Gladsome Farce.)

PART II.
Ye Soul-Stirring Tragedy of Macbeth.

“Camille.”
A Tragedy.

PART III.
Dion Bourcicault’s “Speelshakes” Unparalleled Combination Overstrung Electro-Plated Tragedy of

Les Immortelles de la Classe Von-Bonaute.

As exhibited on the European plan by the world-renowned Pere Hyacinthe Troupe at Covent Garden, New Jersey, for over one consecutive night, during the rainy season, to an overflowing house, and afterwards successfully brought out by the Sheriff and Posse Troupe at the Tombs, New York, to a well-secured audience.

CHARACTERS.

(Don’t cut this part off.)

Recites at No. 1.5 Cockloft, Cavalry Stables, or in the area of Barracks on Saturday, alternating daily as the Professor may feel like it, with Courts-Martial from 2 P. M. until Police Inspection.

PART IV.
Minstrels, by the Cadet Band.

1.

2.

When a cadet expected to “cut a meal,” that is, not go to the Mess Hall for it, or when he wanted a lunch between meals, he would butter a breakfast roll or two pieces of bread, fold the lunch in his handkerchief and put it in the breast of his coat, and then throw his shoulders forward to hide it, so as not to be reported for carrying food from the Mess Hall. In winter I often carried a roll to my room and put it on the steam coil under the marble slab. The heat melted the butter and made a luscious evening lunch. Whenever a cadet had not provided a lunch for himself and he wished to attend a “fight” at Fort Clinton a classmate would bring him something from the Mess Hall.

Once in a while some of the cadets would try their hands at cooking; they would get such articles of food from the Mess Hall as they could conceal about their clothes and other articles from the Dutch Woman’s, and after taps put a blanket up to cover the window, attach one end of a rubber tube to the gas jet and the other to a burner under a pot or pan, using candles for light. About the time the dainty dish, called “hash,” was ready the invited guests would arrive, and then such a feast. Once in a while an unexpected visitor in the form of a tactical officer would happen around, and then such scampering; the unlucky ones always paying dearly for the fun by walking “extras” on Saturday afternoons. There were two of my classmates who lived together, and one of them was a famous cook, but they were both “found” in January, and the one who was not the cook told me that he himself would not have been found had he not had a cook for a room-mate.

The paraphrase, by T⸺n of the class of 18—, gives a good account of “a cadet hash” and the results following it:

Among the plebes reporting last June there was a colored youth, and he was the first colored appointee. He passed the preliminary examinations and was duly admitted. Without any concert of action we each and every one let the colored plebe alone. We never spoke to him except officially. He had a tent or a room all by himself, and he never had cause to complain of being deviled. However, one day he did complain, and said he had been tied and had had his ears cut; a great cry was raised against the hazing at West Point. The case was investigated, but he had no charges to make against any particular person, and as his injuries were of a certain kind the cadets were of the opinion that he had inflicted them upon himself. The army surgeons gave it as their opinion that any one could tie and injure himself as this colored youth had been tied and injured. This lad was neither black nor was he a mulatto; his face and hands were light, with dark spots on them, and these spots were darker on some occasions than others, which caused us to watch him closely. We discovered that just before a rain the spots in his cheeks were darker than at any other time, so we spoke of him as the “Walking Barometer.” Like many a better man, he was found deficient in a year or two and discharged. Had he been a white man I do not believe that he would ever have been admitted to West Point, because, as cadets, we thought him very dull and stupid.

There were some young ladies living at Cold Springs, who often visited the Point, and they repeatedly invited certain of the cadets to call on them some evening after “Taps.” Upon promise of a good supper and music some of us agreed to “run it” over there on the next Saturday night, provided, of course, that the tactical officers made their night inspections in time for us to catch the last ferryboat at 11 p. m. It so happened that the tactical officers all made early inspections on a particular Saturday night, and soon after they had gone we went to the rooms of certain candidates, who had not gotten their uniforms and whose suits of civilian clothes we decided to wear, unbeknown to them, of course. We found them asleep, took off our cadet gray and donned the candidates’ citizen clothes. By “hustling” we were just in time for the ferry, but as we were going down hill past the Seacoast Battery we met Professor C⸺h and some other officers, who had just arrived on the ferry, and as luck went L⸺n, from force of habit, saluted the officers. Our courage almost failed us then, but on we went. After reaching the boat landing we hesitated about crossing the Hudson for fear that, after having been seen, another inspection of quarters would be made that night, and if it were made we were sure of being reported absent, and this meant, as we could not make explanation that we were on cadet limits at the time, that we would have to stand “trial by court-martial,” and if any witnesses were found to prove us off limits we were certain to be dismissed. Notwithstanding all this, we went, and reached the house where all the young ladies had agreed to be at about midnight. We were not expected, but the young ladies were up and said that they did not dream of our taking the chances we did of being dismissed. As we were not expected, there was no supper for us. One of the ladies played the piano for a little while, and then quit because it was Sunday morning. Seeing that our trip was a disappointment we left the house and started on our return to barracks. The boatman was not where he told us to call for him, and we did not find him till about 4 a. m. In the meantime we became thoroughly chilled, and we ran across several men who might become witnesses, thus increasing our chances of being caught. Again it was fast approaching reveille, we would be absent from roll call, and what would the candidates whose clothes we had on do? Then there were our clothes with our names in them in the candidates’ rooms to be used as evidence against us. Oh, what a pleasant time we had that night! At last we landed at the same dock that I had first landed at, but I was not then in a humor to appreciate the scenery. We agreed after we changed clothes again with the candidates and had gone to our own rooms to see whether or not we had been “hived absent” to meet at the sink. It was not long till we met there and found that we had not been caught absent, and that the candidates never knew we wore their clothes.

We now began to talk of furlough, and as the time drew near we became the more anxious to see home folks again. Tailors visited the Point with samples of summer suitings, and the Commissary tailor also had samples to show. At last each yearling ordered the clothes he wanted to wear when he went on furlough as a swell second classman, and when the citizen suits were ready those who ordered at the Commissary could try them on, while the others had to wait for theirs until after the 1st of June. During the spring months we held several class meetings to decide upon a furlough cane, and at last we agreed upon one. It was a small malaca stick with an L-shaped ivory head, having the last two figures of the year we expected to graduate in cut into the free end of the L. Our folks when they saw us with the little canes called us dudes, and they were about right, too, but that was many years ago, when we were young and charming.

CAMP BELKNAP.

The Pleasure of your company is requested at the hops to be given by the Corps of Cadets every Monday Wednesday and Friday evening during the encampment

MANAGERS.

• STANHOPE E BLUNT
• THOMAS C WOODBURY
• J W WILKINSON
• J LEW WILSON
• ALFRED REYNOLDS
• GEO T T PATTERSON
• ADDIS M HENRY
• HARRY C WYCANT
• CHARLES W ROWELL
• EDMUND K WEBSTER
• HENRY R LEMLY
• HARRY H LANDON
• LEVEN C ALLEN
• C E SCOTT WOOD
• WM L GEARY

West Point

21st June 1871.

CHAPTER VII. THE FURLOUGHMAN. — THE WEST POINT HYMN. — BUTTON. — BADGE.

Another June rolled around, the Board of Visitors arrived, the customary salute was fired and the alumni meeting held. The examinations were completed, another class was graduated and a new one admitted to the corps. As usual, at the annual examinations some of the “found” were turned back to join the next class, while the other unfortunates left the Point to return no more as cadets. The fortunate graduates and the happy furloughmen, after drawing the “balances due” from the Treasurer of the Academy, donned their “cit” clothes and went on furlough; the graduates to assume the duties of Second Lieutenants in the army at the expiration of their “graduating leave” on the 30th of the following September, and the second classmen to return to the Point at the expiration of their “furlough” on the 28th of August. The amounts due varied according to the economy practiced by the cadets. Some had nothing due, while others received as much as two hundred dollars in addition to the “equipment fund.” Four dollars per month is retained from the pay of each cadet as his “equipment fund,” and it is given to him when he graduates or leaves the Academy never to return as a cadet.

Mine was the furlough class this year, and when I reached home my mother made me open my trunk in the back yard, and she herself was present to see that I shook and aired everything I had, for the reason, she said, that, as there were no women to keep things clean about our barracks, she was sure that we had bedbugs there.

I had not been at home long when an old Quaker called on me and said: “H⸺, I have been waiting for thee to come home. During the war I noticed that soldiers always stepped off with the left foot first, and now that thee has been to the Government’s Military School for two years, thee probably knows why.” I had to confess my ignorance on the subject then, and I must confess it now.

One day I received an invitation to visit a battalion of State Militia in camp, and I was requested to take my uniform. I accepted the invitation, and wore it in camp. I was able to and did give instruction in many points of the tactics, which at that time were new to the militia, and at the same time I learned much at this camp that was new and useful to me. At the request of the commanding officer of the camp I acted as Adjutant at parades and guard-mounts. I got along all right after the first dress parade, where I took post on the wrong side of the commanding officer after having presented arms to him. However, the militia of my state was not then as well posted on tactics[50] as it is to-day; my blunder was not discovered.

During furlough some of my classmates visited me, and I visited some of them, and we had a jolly good time of course, for all college men enjoy their vacations. While students of other colleges usually have several months’ vacation every year, West Point cadets have but one vacation in their four years. With many pleasures and not a care the summer soon passed, and as usual most of the furloughmen met in New York to return together from there.

A warm welcome awaited us in “Camp Belknap,” that being the name of the camp at the Point this year. Mustaches and side whiskers that we had grown during the summer all had to come off before we reported our return to the Adjutant. We soon shaved, visited the trunk rooms, donned our uniforms and reported for duty. After a gay time on the “color line” that evening we turned in with the first classmen, who had long been our friends, although they were once the yearlings who had deviled us in our plebe camp; so quickly is the deviling forgiven and yet never forgotten. The next day we “broke camp” and returned to barracks, this time to begin on the hardest studies[51] of the four years. It did not take us long to get down to hard study and drill again and to become interested once more in the few things that afford pleasure to cadets during the Academic year.

After arriving at the Point and before reporting the return from furlough, it has long been a custom to have a class picture taken upon the chapel steps, and when sitting for this picture furloughmen generally look as “tough” as possible, as may be seen from the picture of the group of furloughmen.

When marching to and from meals, long before I myself became a second classman, I observed four members of the then second class who did not march with the battalion, but who strolled leisurely to and from the Mess Hall. My first thought was that they had been excused by the Post Surgeon from marching to and from meals, but upon inquiry I learned that these four were “Company Clerks,” and that they were detailed on special duty upon the recommendations of the first sergeants. Hence I promptly secured the promise of D⸺t that if he obtained the first sergeancy of C Company I should be the company clerk. He was made the first sergeant and kept his promise to me, and for more than a year I made out the muster rolls and guard details of C Company. From that day I have not walked post as a sentinel; the first year because I was company clerk, and the next year because first classmen do not do guard duty after the plebes begin to go on guard. Neither did I march to and from meals any more; the first year because I was company clerk and the next because I was one of twelve first classmen who, at that time, took their meals at a private house in Professor’s Row.

Professor K⸺k was an old bachelor, but he kept open house on Saturday afternoons, and it was a great pleasure to him to welcome cadet callers. He always treated them to waffles and maple syrup or to something else equally as delicious and not found on the Mess Hall bill of fare.

In my day the gas tips in cadet rooms did not give a very good light, so some of the cadets bought better tips and when caught using them they were of course reported for tampering with public property. G⸺r, of my class, had an “Argand burner,” and at first he was very careful to take it off for inspection of quarters, but one evening he was caught unawares and reported. For this serious offense he was confined to “light prison” for several months. Light prisons at that time were rooms in the angle of barracks, and they were off limits for cadets not there in confinement. The cadet officer of the day carried the prison keys, and at certain hours, such as for recitations and drills, he would let out the prisoners. G⸺r got so tired of being alone that he removed a panel of his prison door and then often went visiting after taps. But he got out through the panel once too often, for he was caught and then his prison door was barred and his stay in prison lengthened many weeks.

One day when Captain B⸺s had my cavalry platoon out for a long ride in the country, just before passing an orchard filled with luscious ripe apples, the Captain rode from the head to the rear of the column and said to the rear guide: “Mr. H⸺s, don’t let anyone go into that orchard,” and then returned to the head of the column. H⸺s saw to it that none of us “fell out” of ranks, but he himself treated to apples from that orchard.

Cadets are taught the use of the pencil, pen and brush, the latter in water colors only. In this work we painted from models of landscapes, figures, ships, etc., and, as may be expected, some cadets were more skillful than others. Those near the foot of the class in drawing had hard work to keep from being found deficient in it. To get better results in water color work the professor occasionally directed a cadet to wash out a part of his drawing and begin that part over again. In looking at Cadet G⸺e’s work one day, Professor W⸺r directed him to wash out the “hull” of the ship he was at work on. After a while the professor returned and began to scold, when G⸺e “innocently” said: “Why, professor, you told me to wash out the ‘whole’ of it.” The topographical sketch of the most interesting part of West Point given on another page is a reproduction of a specimen of cadet pen and ink work.

We were kept so busy during this year that the time passed rapidly, notwithstanding many privileges that we had enjoyed were taken away from us. For instance, this year we were not allowed to go on Christmas leave, nor to receive Christmas boxes, nor to give an entertainment on New Year’s Eve. The fact is a new superintendent had taken charge of affairs and it did not take us long to find it out. Still we soon became accustomed to the new order of things and all went well.

As I have said, cadets wore old shoes to reveille, and the accompanying verses express the kindly feelings they have for them:

Artillery drills come in each year of the four. The first year the drill is on foot at the light battery; the next year with horses at the light battery; the third year on foot at the siege, mortar and sea-coast batteries, and the last year first classmen act as assistants to the instructors. Light battery drill with horses is one that all cadets thoroughly enjoy. There are six pieces (each with its caisson) in the battery, and there is great rivalry between the cadets and drivers at each piece, especially in executing some maneuver that ends with firing.

In my day the target for mortar drill was a barrel on a post, placed at the foot of Cro’ Nest, 1,000 yards or more from the mortar battery, near “Trophy Point.” One day I was “gunner” of a piece and was fortunate enough to knock the barrel from its post, a feat rarely accomplished, as it is very difficult to strike a small object with a mortar.

One of the guns of the sea-coast battery was a very large one, the diameter of the bore being twenty inches. One day at drill at this battery, while at “rest,” one of the cadets, who was a little fellow, crawled into the bore of this big gun. After getting in a certain distance the more he tried to get out the farther in he went, hence he had to be pulled out by the heels. The instructor, appreciating the situation, threatened to report him for being off limits.

Cadets are taught photography, and on pleasant May days second classmen can often be seen with cameras taking views of the different buildings and of the many pretty sights about the Point.

One pleasant afternoon in May a classmate and I were walking along Professor’s Row, near the north gate, and we saw three pretty young ladies, daughters of Professor W⸺r, sitting on their porch, so we stopped for a chat. The ladies said that they would play the piano and sing for us if we would go in the house. My friend declined the invitation, because he was too near found on demerits to risk being caught off cadet limits, and we did not have a permit. Up to that time I had had but few demerits and had been lucky in never having been caught off limits, so I decided to accept the invitation. When there was no officer in sight I went in, and passed a merry hour with the young ladies. But when I came out an officer saw me, and reported me for being off cadet limits. I wrote an explanation, stating where I was at the time, and that was all. “Off Limits” is a serious offense, especially in an old cadet, and besides receiving five or six demerits, I was given six “extras” officially designated as “Saturday afternoon punishments.” This I did not relish at all, especially as I had never had any before, but I learned to my sorrow what an extra meant, and I had ample time to ponder over the gravity of my offense as I paced to and fro, across the area of barracks, carrying my rifle “just so,” from 2 p. m. till ten minutes before dress parade at sunset. I never till then fully realized the length of the days in May and June. When it came time to go to camp again I had walked only four of the six extras, and as there are no “extras” in camp, for the remaining two I was given two weeks “confinement,” i. e., I had to be in my tent all the time for the first two weeks in my first class camp, except, of course, when absent from it on duty or by special permission.

Just before this Academic year closed my class selected its quota of managers for the coming summer hops, and also all of the managers for the hop that my class gave to the graduating class. The invitations and programs for these dances were sent to friends, and they began to arrive with the Board of Visitors and old graduates who came to attend the Alumni meeting and dinner in the bachelor officers’ part of the Mess Hall.

Cullum Memorial Hall is now used for all hops and the alumni meetings are usually held in it, and luncheon is served afterwards from the Officers’ Mess, next door.

TO CLASS OF ’72 FROM ’73.

THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY IS REQUESTED AT A HOP TO BE GIVEN TO THE Graduating Class on June 14th.

Managers

• G. F. HARRISON.
• E. W. CASEY.
• E. S. BEACOM.
• J. E. BLOOM.

West Point, N.Y.

The new buildings now completed or far enough along to be used are the bachelor officers’ quarters, across the road east and a little south of old Fort Clinton; Cullum Memorial Hall, a gift accepted by Congress, a little further south; the officers’ mess, still further south; the Administration Building, across the road east of and facing the cadet mess hall; the power plant, a little further east; the cadet hospital, a little north of the old one that is now used for married officers’ quarters; the Academic, on the site of, but much larger than the old one; the North Cadet Barracks, in Professors’ Bow, and a little north of the old, now called the South Cadet Barracks, to which some years ago two divisions were added to the east end of its west wing; a second guard house, in rear, i. e., west of the North Cadet Barracks; a Catholic church, built, with permission of Congress, by Catholics, on high ground some distance west of the old north gate that was removed years ago; many married officers’ quarters, some northwesterly of the old north gate and some south of the old south gate, that was also removed years ago—these quarters are built facing the river in two tiers; the artillery and cavalry barracks and stables are upon two sides of a new artillery and cavalry plain that adjoins the village of Highland Falls; the Observatory, on the Hill, now called Observatory Hill, near old Fort Putnam; lastly, the Cadet Chapel, a beautiful cathedral-like building on Observatory Hill, crowns the group of handsome buildings. The reservoir on the west slope of Observatory Hill has been enlarged and a filter plant added to it.

The new gymnasium and riding hall are now well under way. The gymnasium is west and a little north of the west wing of the north cadet barracks; the roof of the old (and but a few years ago the new) gymnasium has been taken to cover the swimming pool part of this large new building. The riding hall nearly fills the space between the officers’ mess on the north and the power plant on the south; in fact, the riding hall and power plant will join, and on the south-east corner of this building there will be a tower to correspond with that of the Administration Building.

The following buildings will soon be razed to the ground, to-wit: the old Cadet Chapel (to be rebuilt in the cadet cemetery); the old, and but a few years ago the new Administration Building, from a little south of the old chapel; the old power plant, from the area of the old cadet barracks; the old, and but a few years ago the new, cadet sink or water closet building, from the area of the old cadet barracks; the old gymnasium, from a little west of the angle of the South Cadet Barracks; the old riding hall, that is now nearly surrounded by the walls of the new one; and the officers’ quarters in front of the new gymnasium, as the latter stands well back of but fronts east on Professors’ Row.

While the Military Academy was the first educational institution in this country to recognize (in 1817) the value of a uniform system of physical training it was not till 1890 that the Academic Board allowed cadet teams to play against teams of other institutions. The first contest being a baseball game with an Annapolis midshipmen team, then came other contests with teams from other colleges. Now contests are held annually—and since 1908 under official control—with outside teams in baseball, football, fencing, basketball and hockey. The present system of indoor gymnastics dates from 1882 and track work, tennis, golf, polo and wrestling are indulged in. Most of the contests are held at West Point—many of them being played on the beautiful green infantry parade ground—and seats arranged in tiers like the bleechers at professional ball games are put up in sections on the plain to accommodate the thousands of spectators that now witness these contests. There being no admission fee the seats are assigned by tickets to the cadets and their friends, and to officers and friends of the Academy who voluntarily contribute to the financial support of cadet athletics.

Certain cadets who excel in athletics, i. e., those who have actually played on an Academy (first) team for a year are entitled to wear a large A, (the initial of Army) on the sweater, jersey, jacket, cap or other article of athletic uniform, subject to the following:

To keep pace with other colleges cadets now have “colors” and “yells.”

For the Class of 1909 the color is gold, and the yell is—

SISS! BOOM! AH!
U. S. M. A.! RAH! RAH! U. S. M. A.! RAH! RAH!
HOO RAH! HOO RAH!
NAUGHTY-NINE!
RAH!

For the Class of 1910 the color is royal purple, and the yell is—

R-A-Y! RAH! RAH!
R-A-Y! RAH! RAH!
U. S. M. A.
NINETEEN TEN!

For the Class of 1911 the color is Maroon, and the yell is—

HOO-RAH-RAH! HOO-RAH-RAH!
HOO-RAH! HOO-RAY! U. S. M. A.
1911! 1911! 1911!

For the Class of 1912 the color is royal-blue, and the yell is—

U. S. M. A.!
U. S. M. A.!
U. S. M. A.!
1912! RAY!

While the Corps colors are gray, black and gold, and the Corps yell is—

Rah, Rah, Ray,
Rah, Rah, Ray,
West Point
West Point
AR-MAY!
Rah, Rah, Ray.
Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah!
West Point,
West Point,
West Point!

And for the Charge yell—

Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah!
Ki-yi, Ki-yi, Ki-yi Ki-yi,
Ki-yi, Ki-yi, Ki-yi,
Wow, Wow, Wow.
Ki-yi, Ki-yi, Ki-yi,
Wow, Wow, Wow.
CHARGE!

Each class elects one or more “Cheer Leaders,” but a first class Cheer Leader leads the Corps in Corps yells.

In contests with outside teams the West Point team is called the “Army Team” and the Annapolis team is called the “Navy Team.”

Imagine the feelings of one who graduated at the Academy prior to 1890 listening to cadet yells and to such songs (copied from the 1909 Howitzer) as the following that are now sung by the Corps in the presence of the Academic Board and other officers, to wit:

While most of the contests in which a cadet (i. e., the army) team takes part are played at West Point, some of them are played on other grounds—notably the annual football game with the Annapolis (i. e., the Navy) team—it is played on Franklin Field at Philadelphia, Penn., and it is an event of the year for Washington officials and society folks from near and from far.

[Written by the Reverend Herbert Shipman, a former chaplain at West Point, and sung by the cadets at the dedication of their new chapel, June 12, 1910.]

A few years ago the first class was given permission to have a club and the First Classmen’s Club was duly organized. At first the club had a room on the ground floor in the Academic Building, but now it has fine quarters on the second floor in the new North Cadet Barracks where, when it does not interfere with duty, members may go at any time between 7:15 a. m. and 9:30 p. m. and until recall from the hop on cadet hop nights. The club provides, at its own expense, such periodicals, newspapers, chess, checkers, etc., as may be approved by the superintendent. Refreshments of all kinds, gambling, cigarette smoking, and deliberations or discussions having the object of conveying praise or censure or any mark of approbation or disapprobation toward any one in the military service, are prohibited. On the week-day immediately preceding the graduation exercises, the club gives a reception to the members of the second class to introduce them to the privileges they may soon enjoy.

The transformation that of late has been wrought in the architectural setting of West Point, the changes made in the method of teaching and in the disciplinary ideals, and the greater privileges granted to cadets all tend to bring the Military Academy closer to other educational institutions of the country.

As a school year closes there is much interest taken in the changes soon to be announced in orders.

Cadet rank is indicated by chevrons,[52] as follows:

For a Captain,[53] 4 bars.

For the Adjutant,[53] 3 bars and an arc of 3 bars.

For the Quartermaster,[53] 3 bars and a tie of 3 bars.

For a Lieutenant,[53] 3 bars.

For the Sergeant-Major,[54] 2 bars and an arc of 2 bars.

For the Quartermaster-Sergeant,[54] 2 bars and a tie of 2 bars.

For a First Sergeant,[54] 2 bars and a lozenge.

For a Company Quartermaster-Sergeant,[54] 2 bars and a tie of 1 bar.

For a Sergeant,[54] 2 bars.

For a Corporal,[55] 2 bars.

Commissions are not given to the cadet officers, i. e., the captains and lieutenants, and warrants are not given to cadet non-commissioned officers, i. e., the sergeants and corporals. Two of the sergeants are designated as color sergeants, the one carries a United States flag called the colors, the other marching on his left carries the Corps banner.

Cadet Captain’s Chevron

(Rear.) (Front.)

Cadets now wear gilt service straps on their coat sleeves as follows, to wit: Third classmen, one stripe; second classmen, two stripes; first classmen, three stripes.

In June, 1893, the Association of Graduates adopted a miniature bell button to be worn by members in the upper buttonhole of civilian coats; the part nearest an observer is a gold plate with the year of graduation on it, next is a gray stone, then a gold band with the class motto on it, then a dark blue stone; the date plate being fastened by a shank to a circular metal base on the under side of which are the owner’s name and the letters U. S. M. A. In June, 1904, this button was substituted by another showing the West Point colors, gray, black and gold. In June, 1910, the bell button was re-adopted.

Badge of the “Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy[56],” adopted June 9, 1902. Composed of the Coat of Arms of the United States Military Academy and a bar pin made of bronze gilt, silver gilt or gold pierced by the Corps colors, a gray, black and gold ribbon. The date of graduation is put on the bar. Worn only by members of the association at graduate re-unions, graduate dinners, class dinners, etc.

CAMP THAYER

THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY IS REQUESTED AT THE HOPS TO GIVEN BY THE CORPS OF CADETS EVERY MONDAY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENING DURING THE ENCAMPMENT

MANAGERS

• W. G. BIRNEY
• G. F. HARRISON
• A. S. CUMMINS
• E. D. HOYLE
• J. M. BALDWIN
• E. W. CASEY
• E. S. BEACOM
• H. C. LA POINT
• J. J. CRITTENDEN
• J. H. KING
• C. M. O’CONNOR
• J. E. BLOOM
• R. LONDON
• J. R. JEFFERSON
• H. W. ISBELL

West Point N.Y.

June 1872.

CHAPTER VIII. THE GRADUATE.

After the June examinations were over we went into camp again at the usual place. This year it was named “Camp Thayer” in honor of a former superintendent of the Academy, and as first classmen have precedence over all other cadets, it was “our camp.” Among the young lady visitors were many who had been to the Point for several summers. They seemed like old friends and the pleasure of meeting again was mutual. The first thing of importance for us to do was to arrange for the celebration of the Fourth of July and for a special hop that evening. We elected officers to conduct the holiday exercises and to have charge of the special hop. It was not obligatory upon any one to attend those festivities, but as the weather was perfect and as there were no other inviting places to go, everybody who could be present attended the exercises held in the morning in the pretty little chapel,[57] and in the evening some witnessed the handsome pyrotechnic display, while others attended the hop, and as usual the Mess Hall was beautifully decorated and used for the special hop.[58]

In my day, by special dispensation, twelve cadets of the first class were permitted to take meals at the Misses Thompson, who lived in General Washington’s old log Headquarter House, in Professor’s Row. These ladies were quite old when I knew them; the oldest of the three sisters died of old age shortly before I went there to board. It was not easy to get a seat at the Misses Thompson’s table, and when a cadet secured one without any conditions imposed he generally “willed it to his plebe.” And this is the way I obtained mine. My predecessor had a seat there and he willed it to me, but as I could not go there until I became a first classman certain members of the three classes ahead of me had the seat on condition that it should come to me when I became eligible. But this was not all, as may be seen from the following (old form) permit:

JULY 4 1872

ANNIVERSARY

OF THE

Independence of the United States

CELEBRATION AND HOP BY

THE CORPS OF CADETS

TO WHICH

The pleasure of your Company is respectfully requested.
Ceremonies in the Chapel to commence at
Ten A. M.

Hop Commencing at Eight P. M.

Floor Managers:

CADET BIRNEY, CADET O’CONNOR, CADET LA POINT.

Pyrotechnic Display on the Cavalry Plain.

The father of these old ladies rendered most valuable services to General Washington during the Revolutionary War, and as his family was left in humble circumstances they were permitted to live at the Point and board twelve cadets. We used to think that Miss Amelia was about ninety years old and that Miss Kate was seventy-five. Miss Kate for months talked of making a trip to New York, but finally Miss Amelia said: “Catharine could not go, as she was too young and giddy.”

There was an old saying at the Point in my day that “extras breed extras,” and I found it so in my case. While I was serving the two weeks confinement that were given me, in lieu of the last two of the six extras for “Off Limits,” an old boy friend from home visited the Point, and I got permission to be with him in rear of the guard tents for half an hour. We could not talk about everything we wanted to in half an hour, so I told him just how to run the gauntlet, that is, how to cross the sentinel’s post and get to my tent, which he did. At that particular time of day nearly all of my classmates were out of camp; some on permit visiting friends at the hotel, some boating and others anywhere fancy took them. I had the walls of my tent down, so that my friend could not be seen, for it was a violation of the regulations to have a citizen in the body of the camp. He and I were having a good time talking over boyhood days. R⸺s, a classmate, was officer of the day, and thinking that I was lonesome he came around to cheer me up, saying that my two weeks was nearly over, but, alas, he had no sooner opened my tent than he saw my friend, and as the officer of the day is “on honor” to report all violations of the regulations that he sees, he had to report me for “Citizen in tent,” and to send my friend at once out of camp. I have never seen that friend since to tell him that I was given two weeks’ confinement for that violation of the regulations.

C⸺s was a Cadet Captain, and one day when walking with a lady between the camp and the hotel, the lady raised her parasol, and C⸺s, to be polite, carried it for her. An officer saw him with the parasol and reported him. For this serious offense he was reduced to the ranks. It was not long afterward that the young lady saw him carrying a rifle and pacing to and fro on Post No. 2, but as he did not wish further punishment he did not speak to her as she crossed his post; he waited until he was relieved and then told her why.

We spent some time out in Fort Clinton digging trenches and making fascines, gabions and a sap roller, thus imitating methods used in the attack and defense of a fortified place. We also spent some time in the laboratory making rockets, bombs and other articles used at times by the military in time of war. With the assistance of the plebes we constructed pontoon bridges some distance out into the Hudson.

In my day we played base ball occasionally, but it was not a very popular game at the Point, not like football has been of recent years. Boating was allowed then, and the first, second and third classes each owned a number of row boats, and during camp and in barracks on Saturday afternoons the boats were always in demand. But since 1875 boating has not been allowed.

One evening, when I was officer of the guard, not long after taps, the sentinel on No. 1 challenged: “Who comes there?” and as I was awake and in the first guard tent, I heard the reply: “Friend with lemons,” and also the sentinel’s call, “Halt! Friend with lemons, Corporal of the Guard, Post No. 1.” As the reply was an unusual one I went out, and seeing a man in civilian dress, standing alone, I directed the Corporal to advance the friend with lemons. The man advanced and began to deliver lemons. He had lemons in every pocket, and he had a good many pockets, too. There were more lemons than the Corporal and I could carry (for there are no pockets in cadet uniforms), so I called other members of the guard to help us carry lemons. The gentleman proved to be an old army officer who had entered the army from private life and earned a Brigadier’s star during the war. He said he thought he would treat the guard that night, and that while I sent to the tank for a bucket of ice water he would go back to the hotel (not far from camp) for sugar. About the time two members of the guard returned with ice water No. 1 challenged again, and the answer this time was “Friend with sugar.” It did not take long to advance the friend with sugar and to disarm him, not only of sugar, but of a package of cakes, too. We were soon feasting, and it seemed to please the General to see us enjoying his treat. He knew that we violated the regulations by admitting him to camp, but he promised not to report us. He then treated us to cigars, and he and I sat under the trees for an hour or two discussing topics of interest to cadets. In speaking of the hops I told the General how B⸺y, C⸺s and I had taken many lessons in dancing, and that we were too timid to venture on the floor at a hop, but that we had agreed with one another to attend our next hop, and to waltz or treat at the Dutch woman’s. The next evening was the time for the three to dance, and just as I was ready to start for the hall[59] the General called for me, and we went to the hop together. As we approached the Academic Building we observed that the hop room was well filled. We went to a corner of the room, and the General surprised me by presenting me to his wife, for he had talked as though he was alone at the Point. His good wife said that she had come to the hop in the hotel ’bus with other ladies. The music ceased and a classmate brought a very pretty young lady over near us, thanked her and said that she was the best dancer in the room. The General again surprised me by saying: “Mr. R⸺d, this is my daughter.” At that moment the orchestra struck up a waltz and the young lady said: “Come, Mr. R⸺d, this is our dance.” I protested that I did not waltz, but she put my arm around her waist, saying: “Papa has told me of your agreement to waltz to-night or to treat at the Dutch woman’s, so come on;” and I have waltzed ever since then. After I got started to waltz I found the hops very attractive places to be, and I was more than sorry that I had not met Miss S⸺r long before I did. It was a long way from the hotel to the hop-room, too far for young ladies who danced much to walk, so they generally rode, but the cadets could not ride with them, as it was “Off Limits” to get into a vehicle. There were always plenty of young ladies at the hops, and some of them traveled several miles to attend; some came from Highland Falls, some from Cold Springs and others from Garrison’s, besides those from the West Point Hotel. They may come from greater distances now that there is the West Shore Railroad to travel on.

At one of the hops I met a New York lady. She was a good dancer and a good talker, too, but she was not very well posted on the history of our country. She asked me what state I was from, and when I replied “Indiana,” she said: “From way out there! You have plenty of buffalo and other wild animals there, don’t you?”

There is something strange about the partiality young ladies manifest for the cadets. I have seen many an instance where a young lady would use all her power to be with a certain cadet, and at his graduating hop and afterward she would bestow her favors on some member of the next class; a cadet and an officer, although one and the same man, were different persons in her eyes. But the young lady, to succeed, had to be very careful of her conduct toward the cadets in the next class that she wished to be friendly with after the first class graduated, because if she had ever been rude to them they would have nothing to do with her.

Our summer hops began at 8 and closed at 11 p. m., but we could stay later at the Fourth of July hop, the last summer one, and at the graduating hop in June. The following were the popular dances in my day:

Waltz, Galop, Deux Temps, Trois Temps, Lanciers, Redowa, Polka, Polka-Redowa, Quadrille, Schottische and Medley.

One day I received a letter from home, saying that my father, mother and sister were coming east and would pay me a visit. I wrote at once and said that I would be delighted to see them any time after the fifteenth of July, but not before then, as I would be too busy to see much of them. The fact was I would not get out of confinement before the fifteenth of July, but I did not tell them. They came the latter part of July, and we were delighted to be together several hours every day during the visit. They were charmed with the beauty of the place, and my mother said when I returned home next year that I need not take my trunk in the back yard again to open it, for now that she had seen what a sweet and clean place West Point was she was satisfied there were no bedbugs there.

There is a good deal of cactus, of the prickly pear variety, growing on the hills about the Point, and one day when B⸺m’s father and mother were there from Cincinnati they wanted some to take home with them, and Mr. B⸺m kindly offered to send some to my father, if I wished him to. Of course I wished it. I expected the folks at home to speak about receiving the cactus, hence I did not refer to it for a long time, and when I did my mother told me not to speak of it to my father, as he was very angry about the cactus. It appeared that Mr. B⸺m put it in a box and sent it prepaid to my father, and as he supposed that I had written about it, he did not write. My father opened the box and not knowing anything about cactus, he took it cautiously in his hands, with the natural painful results. He dropped the cactus, and, as luck went, he rubbed his hands on his face and neck, and they too became filled with the stickers.

Just across the south line of cadet limits in my day was Kinsley’s apple orchard, and many a cadet run it there for apples. One day Mr. Kinsley, himself an old graduate of the Academy, caught several cadets in his orchard, so he hitched up at once and drove to the superintendent’s office to report the case. The superintendent said that if Mr. Kinsley could identify the cadets they should be punished; he said he could identify them. So when the battalion was formed Mr. Kinsley passed down the line, but failed to identify them, for the reason, he said, that all cadets looked alike.

One Saturday afternoon four of us first classmen stuffed pillow cases in the breasts of our coats and deliberately went to Kinsley’s for apples, and we proposed to help ourselves, too. Kinsley’s house was in one corner of the orchard and there were stone fences around and through the center of the orchard. We went to different trees and found all the apples we wanted on the ground, so we set to work filling our pillow cases. B⸺y filled his, set it by a stone fence on the far side from the house, and then boldly climbed the fence and ventured to trees nearer to the house. His approach made the chickens cackle and the ducks quack, thus attracting a lady’s attention. She came out of the house and spoke to B⸺y, who had three or four apples in his hands. We heard their voices and then emptied most of our apples on the ground and ran away, as there was no use of any more of us getting caught than necessary. After we had been back in barracks awhile we went over to see how B⸺y had gotten away. He said that Mrs. Kinsley told him that she did not object to any one taking two or three apples as he had done, but that she did not want the cadets to carry them off by the bag full. She then asked him who we were, and he told her we might be plebes, as older cadets knew better than to do such a thing. We asked him what he did with his pillow case of apples, and he said: “You don’t suppose I had the cheek, after my narrow escape, to bring away a bag full, do you?” Notwithstanding this statement, and the fact that B⸺y was the first Captain of the Corps, we put our hands up into his chimney, moved a stick and down fell his pillow case of apples.

Along in December, when we felt confident of graduating the next June, we began to discuss what we would adopt as our “Class Ring.” Jewelers in New York, Philadelphia and other cities, knowing that it was customary for each class at the Point to adopt a certain handsome ring as its class ring, submitted samples to us. Upon receiving about twenty samples we held class meetings, and after much discussion part of the class wanted to adopt one of the designs while the rest wanted to adopt another one. Finally we agreed to abide by a majority vote, but when the ballots were counted there was a tie. Then we agreed to take two pieces of paper of the same size, and to write the maker’s name of one of the two rings on one paper, and the maker’s name of the other ring on the other paper, to put the two papers in a cap, shake them up, hold the cap above the head, and to let T⸺r draw one paper which should decide the case. This was done and ratified; the ring adopted was a gold ring with a large setting; there were thirteen stars around the setting, and on one side under the stars there was an eagle with one wing spread; on the other side under the stars was a helmet on crossed rifles with the last two figures of the year of our graduation in the lower angle of the cross, and from here around to the eagle was a chain. It was agreed that each member of the class could select his own setting, and some selected amethyst, some topaz and others blood-stone or onyx. It was also agreed that each member could use his pleasure about having the “Class Motto” cut into the setting. A Latin motto was suggested, but many of us opposed it, because the Academic Board had not made Latin a part of the course of study at West Point, but after much deliberation, my class, by a close vote, decided to add Latin to our course, and that “Omnia pro Patria” should embody the entire course of Latin for our class, and for fear that we might forget it we adopted it as the motto of our class. We then agreed that the motto, when cut in the setting of the class ring, should be put on a ribbon, partially enclosing the last two figures of our graduating year. I now remember my Latin course better than any other course of study, for I have never forgotten that “Omnia pro Patria” means “All for Country.” About this time we also selected the photographer that should make our Class Albums,[60] but left it to each member to make his own selection of pictures for it. There is an official photographer now. As each cadet had to pay for his own ring and album, it was agreed that he could buy them at his pleasure, but early in January nearly every one in the class was wearing his class ring and in May the albums began to arrive.

One day a misunderstanding arose between a yearling and a plebe that nothing but a fight could settle. Seconds and a referee were chosen, and they and others wishing to see the fight repaired to old Fort Clinton. The fight was begun and several rounds fought, when one of those present heard footsteps, and peeping through the brush he saw a blue uniform and gave the alarm. A stampede followed, and in a moment the whole party scaled the parapet, and almost tumbled over one another in their mad haste down toward Flirtation Walk, where trees and bushes covered their retreat. The referee declared the fight off. The principals respected one another’s fighting qualities and afterward became warm friends. The only one in the party that the officer recognized was B⸺p, the referee and a captain of my class, and for being present at the fight he was reduced to the ranks.

In January, after the examinations were over, the daily papers informed us that the Secretary of War had written to the Superintendent saying that it was his intention to require the presence of the Corps of Cadets in Washington on March 4th next, on the occasion of the inauguration of the President-elect, a graduate of the Academy. The secretary did this because he was gratified by the conduct and marked improvement and bearing of the young gentlemen at the Academy, and he believed the duties which a trip of this kind would require them to perform would be a relaxation from the close confinement to which they were subjected at the Academy. Furthermore, he desired to show the people gathered at the Capitol from all parts of the country a body of young military men which he believed in discipline, drill and orderly appearance and the qualities that make a military cadet could not be surpassed.

In due time the necessary orders were issued, and with knapsacks on our backs we arrived in Washington on the 3d of March. We were quartered at the Ebbitt House, and in the afternoon gave a drill and dress parade before a large audience in front of the Arlington. In the evening we were given the freedom of the city, the Delinquency Book having been left at the Academy. On the 4th we joined the procession and took the post of honor at the head of the long column. We were without overcoats, and it was fearfully cold, too. Some of us wore double suits of underclothing, and as many pairs of white gloves as we could and hold on to our guns. Bands playing (ours at the head, too), banners and flags waving, bright eyes beaming upon us, and delicate hands applauding us as we marched on Pennsylvania avenue, made us forget all about overcoats. We stood in front of General Grant while the oath as President of the United States was administered to him. We then marched at the head of the procession along Pennsylvania avenue and passed General Grant on a reviewing stand in the White House grounds, where we fell out of the column and saw the balance of the procession pass. Next to the cadets came some battalions of U. S. Artillery, then the midshipmen from Annapolis, a battalion of U. S. Marines, then regiment after regiment of militia, then ex-Presidents and Vice-Presidents, the U. S. Supreme Court, U. S. Court of Claims, the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, the U. S. Senators and Representatives, Foreign Ministers, Presidential Electors and tens of thousands more. Of all the military I was especially pleased to see the Second Connecticut, a magnificent body of well-drilled men, whose lines were perfect as they passed us, and extended from curb to curb.

A Concert

BY THE

ORCHESTRAL BAND

WILL BE GIVEN IN

THE LIBRARY,
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1873

COMMENCING AT 7:30 O’CLOCK, P. M.

PROGRAMME.

(No. 7.)

Transcriber’s Note: Image is clickable for a larger version.

You are respectfully invited to attend the Inauguration Ball on the evening of March 4th 1873

Managers

• Roscoe Conkling
• H. Hamlin
• A. G. Thurman
• W. T. Hamilton
• Simon Cameron
• Z. Chandler
• J. W. Stevenson
• J. P. Stockton
• O. P. Morton
• F. A. Sawyer
• Eugene Casserly
• M. W. Ransom
• Jno. A. Logan
• H. B. Anthony
• T. F. Bayard
• H. G. Davis
• M. H. Carpenter
• J. S. Morrill
• J. W. Patterson
• J. G. Blaine
• H. H. Starkweather
• J. A. Garfield
• L. P. Poland
• Fernando Wood
• S. S. Marshall
• H. L. Dawes
• J. H. Platt Jr.
• D. C. Giddings
• C. A. Eldridge
• A. R. Cotton
• A. A. Sargent
• Thos. Swann
• J. B. Chaffee
• O. D. Conger
• G. A. Halsey
• D. W. Voorhees
• B. F. Butler
• H. Maynard
• H. W. Barry
• Jas. B. Beck
• P. M. B. Young
• L. A. Sheldon
• Gens. W. T. Sherman & E. D. Townsend
• Gen. W. S. Hancock
• Gen. M. C. Meigs
• A. B. Dyer
• R. B. Marcy
• J. K. Barnes
• A. A. Humphreys
• A. B. Eaton
• B. Alvard
• J. H. Wilson
• J. G. Parke
• Admirals D. D. Porter & L. M. Goldsborough
• Adm. B. F. Sands
• J. Zeilin
• Dr. J. C. Palmer
• E. T. Dunn U.S.N.
• Com. C. R. P. Rodgers
• Ch. Justice Chase
• Justices Field, Miller, Bradley & Strong
• Ch. Justice Carter
• Justices Wylie & McArthur
• Alex. R. Sheppard
• H. D. Cooke
• J. W. Thompson
• Col. Amos Webster
• Wm. Dickson
• John O. Evans
• Thos. L. Hume
• John B. Blake
• A. M. Clapp
• B. Perley Poore
• G. S. Gideon
• H. Kilbourn
• W. F. Mattingly
• J. H. Brooks
• S. R. Bond
• A. B. Mullett
• S. H. Kauffmann
• W. R. Collins
• Joshua Riley
• A. Cluss
• Enoch Totten
• N. Wilson
• J. F. Olmstead
• W. J. Murtagh
• B. L. Blackford
• Richard Wallach
• D. S. Evans
• J. W. Boteler
• J. G. Berret
• Samuel Cross
• C. J. Hillyer
• H. M. Hutchinson
• L. A. Bartlett
• Wm. Tindall
• John A. Baker
• R. T. Auchmuty
• E. L. Stanton
• W. D. Colt

After the review was over we returned to the Ebbitt House, nearly frozen, but we “thawed out” in time to attend the inaugural ball in the evening, and here we had to dance or freeze, as it was bitter cold there. The decorations were beautiful. There were mottos and coats of arms of the United States, and of all the States and Territories in the Union, shining among the festoons of the many flags of red, white and blue; then there were flags and coats of arms of many foreign nations. Everybody at this grand ball had to present a ticket of admission, except the cadets and midshipmen, whose uniforms admitted them.

Upon our return we were met at the Battery in New York by the famous Seventh (New York) Regiment and escorted to its armory for refreshments. The march up Broadway was amid a continuous line of spectators, who applauded us all the way. We saw the regiment as it passed us to take post as our escort, and we were charmed with their faultless alignments and movements, and were friends at once. The reception was highly appreciated as a distinguishing feature of our trip. We reached West Point at 5 p. m. on the 6th of March, and as we marched to the barracks the band played “When Johnnie Comes Marching Home Again.” The regular routine was at once resumed.

In speaking of our drill in Washington one paper said: “The drill of the West Point Cadets on Pennsylvania avenue was certainly splendid. The whole battalion went through their various and intricate maneuvers with such precision that they even surprised some of the military officers who, in company with the Secretary of War, reviewed them. The sight was grand, almost beyond description. Thousands of persons viewed their drills from the streets and indoors, and all were of the opinion expressed above. If there are any better drilled organizations let them come along.”

After the January examinations were over first classmen and furloughmen began to count the days until the first of June, and to hold meetings of rejoicing on the hundredth, fiftieth and twenty-fifth nights. On the hundredth night there was a special program, and the following was sung on that night:

’73 FROM ’74.

The pleasure of your company is requested at the FAREWELL HOP given to the GRADUATING CLASS by the class of ’74.

FLOOR MANAGERS

• J HANSELL FRENCH
• LUTHER R. HARE
• WILLIS WITTICH.

Committee.

• J. HANSELL FRENCH
• Wm. H. WHEELER
• LOUIS A CRAIG
• C. E. SCOTT WOOD
• EDGAR B. ROBERTSON
• LOTUS NILES
• WILLIS WITTICH.
• JAS. L. WILSON.
• LUTHER R. HARE.

WEST POINT

As our days to wear cadet gray could now be counted by two figures, for the second and last time at the Academy, we selected clothes for “Cit” suits, and as we had all decided to enter the army as “Second Lieutenants,” we also selected uniforms and accoutrements for ourselves as officers of that high rank. Military goods dealers and tailors were frequent visitors at the Point on Saturday afternoons, each claiming to give the most for the least money. We had great trouble about the stripes on the pants, the color of the cloth in the shoulder knots and straps, the head gear, etc., because all did not know for certain what arm of service they would be assigned to, and those things are different for each arm. The result was that some gave conditional orders, while others guessed at it and ordered all or a part of their outfits. On the first of June our new clothes began to arrive, and we were permitted to have trunks in our rooms and from that day we began to feel that our cadet days were gone. And it was practically so, too, for even the ladies who came up in June began to show preferences for the coming first classmen, except, of course, where friendships were strong.

Occasionally cadets were invited to dine at some of the professor’s quarters, but even then we were required to get a permit before we could accept invitations. General U⸺n, the Commandant, made it a rule to invite all of the members of the first class (a few at a time) to dine at his quarters, as may be seen from the following invitation, to-wit:

As every cadet who graduates at the Military Academy may at his option enter the army as a Second Lieutenant, he can choose his corps or arm of the service in accordance with his class standing, and after the first of June he makes application substantially as follows:

The “diploma” given to graduates is reproduced on another page, and the following is the wording on it, to-wit:

It is signed by the members of the Academic Board in the order of their rank, and entered in the “Register of Graduates” that is kept at the Academy.

On the first of June the President of the United States, the Board of Visitors and others arrived, especially to witness the examinations of the graduating class. The usual salute, review, drills, fireworks and hop were on the program. All the members of my class, after having spent four years at the Academy, fully expected to graduate, but one of the number was found deficient and discharged on the last day. The weather on graduating day was perfect, and at the appointed hour my class was escorted by the Corps of Cadets to the grove in front of the Library, where a stand had been erected for the President, Secretary of War, Board of Visitors and invited guests.

While we were under the big elm trees, surrounded by our schoolmates, professors, instructors and the many others, listening to the Chaplain’s prayer, to the sweet music of the band we loved so well, and to the address of the Secretary of War, and receiving diplomas from the President’s hand, many thoughts flashed through my mind. It seemed like a dream. I thought of home, of my life since leaving it, and of the future, wondering what it had in store for me. My cadet life had been all and more than I had anticipated it to be, not a care and no one but self to think of for four years, with good food and clothing in plenty, kind friends and just teachers, cheerful surroundings and the most beautiful spot on earth, I was loath to say good-bye to my Cadet Home.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF WEST POINT AS IT MAY BE IN 1912. (FROM A DRAWING)

DIPLOMA.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF WEST POINT IN 1902.

WEST POINT IN 1848.

WEST POINT IN 1825.

GUARD MOUNTING IN CAMP.

COLOR LINE.

SEAL OF UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. ADOPTED IN 1898.

CADET HOSPITAL.

SUPERINTENDENT’S QUARTERS.

BATTERY KNOX.

SEA COAST BATTERY.

SIEGE BATTERY.

THE ACADEMIC.

MESS HALL.

DINING ROOM.

SOUTH CADET BARRACKS.

CAVALRY DRILL.

BATTALION MARCHING FROM CAMP TO BARRACKS.

CADET TENT.

FIRST CLASSMEN.

FURLOUGHMEN.

THE OLD CHAPEL.

CADET ROOM.

PROFESSORS’ ROW.

FLIRTATION WALK.

KOSCIUSZCO’S GARDEN.

THE OLD RIDING HALL.

BATTLE MONUMENT.

PONTON BRIDGE.

CADETS AT THE WORLD’S FAIR AT CHICAGO, 1893.

OFFICERS QUARTERS ABOVE THE OLD NORTH GATE IN 1910.

OFFICERS QUARTERS BELOW THE OLD SOUTH GATE IN 1910.

BACHELOR OFFICERS QUARTERS IN 1910.

THE CADET CHAPEL IN 1910.

NORTH CADET BARRACKS IN 1910.

THE OLD WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS.

THE OFFICERS MESS IN 1910.

THE CULLUM MEMORIAL HALL.

COAT OF ARMS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. ADOPTED IN 1898.

LIBRARY.

SIEGE BATTERY DRILL IN 1910.

ARTILLERY AND CAVALRY GROUP IN 1910.

THE NEW GYMNASIUM IN 1910.

PROPOSED STAFF QUARTERS ON THE SITE OF THE PRESENT HOTEL. (FROM A DRAWING.)

HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN 1910.

INSPECTION IN CAMP.

LIGHT ARTILLERY DRILL.

SEDGWICK MONUMENT.

CADET MONUMENT.

PROFESSORS’ ROW.

LOOKING EAST FROM THE NEW CADET CHAPEL IN 1910.

PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM THE RIVER ON THE EAST. (FROM A DRAWING.)

CHAPTER IX. UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY. — TABLE SHOWING DISPOSITION OF CANDIDATES. — SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY — COMMANDANTS OF CADETS AT THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

West Point, the seat of the United States Military Academy, is the property of the United States and situated in the State of New York in the Highlands on the west bank of the Hudson River, about fifty miles north of New York City. The grounds comprise 2,550 acres, of which about 200 acres are a plain, some one hundred and sixty feet above the river, the balance being mountainous.

In May, 1776, Brigadier General Henry Knox, Chief of Artillery, proposed plans for a military school for the new government, Colonel Alexander Hamilton seconded them and on October 1, 1776, upon the recommendation of General George Washington, the Continental Congress passed a resolution appointing a committee to prepare a plan for “a Military Academy at the Army” which was followed by the law of June 20, 1777, that provided for a “Corps of Invalids” to serve as a military school for young gentlemen previous to their appointment to marching regiments. This corps was organized the next month in Philadelphia, Penn.

The occupation of West Point as a military post took place January 20, 1778, and has been continuous since then.

On March 30, 1779, the Board of War adopted regulations for the Corps of Engineers and for the Sappers and Miners: these were promulgated in Orders, July 30, 1779, by General Washington and provided for a plan of instruction to be carried into effect after approval by the Board and by the General-in-Chief. The plan contemplated lectures by engineer officers, on fortifications, mining, reconnaissance, encampments and the like, and as early as February, 1780, practical experiments in gunnery were conducted at West Point, and in 1781, at the request of Washington, the Corps of Invalids was marched from Philadelphia to West Point, where an engineer school, a laboratory, and a library had already been established in three separate buildings.

At Newburgh, N. Y., in 1783, Washington discussed with his officers the necessity of the government maintaining a military academy as a part of the regular army and as the first President of the United States he again referred to it in his message of December 3, 1793, which resulted in the law of May 9, 1794, authorizing the organization of a “Corps of Artillerists and Engineers” with two cadets to each company, thereby creating the new grade of “cadet” in our regular army. The artillerists and engineers were stationed at West Point that year and a school for the cadets was opened at once and continued until 1796 when the school buildings were destroyed by fire.

In his last message to Congress, Washington said: “The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety, or expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided. Besides that, war might not often depend upon its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from the necessity of practicing rules of military art, ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of war is at once comprehensive and complicated; that it demands much previous study; and that the possession of it in its most approved and perfect state is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every Government; and for this purpose, an academy, where a regular course of instruction is given, is an obvious expedient, which different nations have successfully employed.”

In a letter to Colonel Hamilton, Ex-President Washington said: “The establishment of an Institution of this kind, upon a respectable and extensive Basis, has ever been considered by me as an object of primary importance to this Country; and while I was in the Chair of Government, I omitted no proper opportunity of recommending it, in my public speeches and other ways, to the attention of the Legislature.... I sincerely hope that the subject will meet with due attention, and that the reasons for its establishment which you have so clearly pointed out in your letter to the Secretary, will prevail upon the Legislature to place it upon a permanent and respectable footing.”

New buildings were put up at West Point and on July 20, 1801, the Secretary of War ordered all cadets of the corps of artillerists to proceed there, and on September 1st of that year the school was reopened with four army officers and one civilian as instructors.

An act of Congress approved March 16, 1802, authorized the President to organize a corps of engineers to consist of five officers and ten cadets, at West Point, to constitute a military academy, which he did and with the quota present the United States Military Academy was formally opened on the Fourth of July of that year.

But Congress did not appropriate any money for the Academy until March 3, 1803, and then in the Army Bill it gave only $2,000.00 for both the Academy and for War Department books and apparatus. The Army Bill of 1804 contained $1,000.00 for the Academy, and that of 1805 gave it $500.00. Then Congress ignored this institution until the war with England, when in the Army Bill of 1812 it gave the Academy $25,000.00 and authorized the erection of a library and other buildings, and the reorganization of the academic staff.

An Act of Congress in 1808 authorized 40 cadets from the artillery, 16 from the dragoons, 20 from the riflemen, and 100 from the infantry, but as no provision was made for them at West Point only a few of these were appointed. In 1810 the Military Academy was deprived of nearly all means of instruction and both officers and cadets experienced difficulty in getting their pay. During most of the year 1811, although war was then imminent, academic instruction was practically abandoned and in March, 1812, it was abandoned when the last instructor was ordered to duty elsewhere. Up to this time 88 cadets had graduated and they had been admitted to the academy without mental or physical examinations, at all ages, from twelve to thirty-four and at any time of the year.

By an Act of Congress approved April 29, 1812, the Military Academy was reorganized, and the provisions of this Act furnished the general principles upon which the Academy has since been conducted and controlled; a more adequate corps of professors was authorized, a maximum of 250 cadets was fixed, and age and mental requisites for admission of candidates were prescribed, and in 1817 under the able superintendency of Major Sylvanus Thayer, a graduate of the West Point class of 1808, the present era in the Academy’s history began, because he made it a school for the practical and theoretical training of cadets for the military service. Since then the requisites for admission have been increased from time to time by Congress and with its permission by the Secretary of War.

In 1834 an appropriation (of $139,881.45) for the Military Academy was for the first time made in a separate bill, called the Military Academy bill.

In 1838 many records and other property were destroyed by fire.

Prior to 1843 a prescribed residence was not a legal qualification for appointment but the selection of one cadet from each congressional district became a custom, and in this year Congress prescribed that the corps of cadets should consist of one cadet (recommended by the member) from each congressional district, one (recommended by the delegate) from each Territory, one from the District of Columbia and ten from the United States at large, to be appointed by the President; the number of cadets varying as the number of congressmen and delegates increased or diminished.

The Academic Board now comprises the following, to-wit:

Superintendent.

Commandant of Cadets—Instructor of Tactics.

Professor of Civil and Military Engineering.

Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.

Professor of Mathematics.

Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Geology.

Professor of Drawing.

Professor of Modern Languages.

Professor of Law and History.

Professor of Practical Military Engineering, Military Signaling and Telegraphy.

Professor of Ordnance and Gunnery.

Professor of Military Hygiene.

Professor of English and History.

Without regard to his rank the Superintendent is the head of the institution, while the other members of the Board take precedence according to rank.

These officers have as many assistants detailed from the army as the Secretary of War deems necessary for the proper instruction of the cadets, and the senior assistant in each department of instruction is a member of the Academic Board or of a committee of it, for the purpose of examining cadets, arranging them in order of merit, and determining their proficiency or deficiency in every branch of study in that department; and the instructor of any section under examination or consideration is a member of a department committee of the Academic Board for the purpose of examining the section and arranging it in order of merit.

All deliberations of the Academic Board and of its committees, and expressions of opinions and votes, individual or collective, of members thereof are confidential. The decisions of the Board are published in orders.

Since 1812 the Course of Study has been four years, except that for the classes entering in 1854, ’55 and ’56 it was five years, and for classes entering in 1908, ’09 and ’10 it was four years and three months, as new cadets were then admitted March 1.

Cadets of the Fourth Class found deficient at the January examinations are invariably discharged or permitted to resign, while some of the unfortunates at the June examination are turned back to the next class.

By virtue of Section 1331, Revised Statutes of the United States, the supervision and charge of the Academy are in the War Department under such officer or officers as the Secretary of War may assign to that duty.[61]

The Act of Congress approved June 23, 1879, provided “That each member of the graduating classes of the Military Academy of 1879 and 1880, after graduation, may elect, with the assent of the Secretary of War, to receive the gross sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars and mileage to his place of residence[62]; and the acceptance of this gross sum shall render him ineligible to appointment in the army, except in the event of war, until two years after his graduation.” And Congress did this when the Military Academy never graduated enough cadets to keep the army supplied with second lieutenants.[63]

The Act of Congress approved May 17, 1886, provided “That when any Cadet of the United States Military Academy has gone through all its classes and received a regular diploma from the Academic Staff, he may be promoted and commissioned as a second lieutenant in any arm or corps of the Army in which there may be a vacancy and the duties of which he may have been judged competent to perform; and in case there shall not at the time be a vacancy in such arm or corps, he may, at the discretion of the President, be promoted and commissioned in it as an additional second lieutenant, with the usual pay and allowances of a second lieutenant, until a vacancy shall happen.”

The Act of Congress approved November 4, 1889, provided that “Any cadet dismissed for hazing shall not be reappointed.”

By Acts of Congress approved June 6, 1900, March 2, 1901, June 28, 1902 (this act alone appropriated $5,500,000.00 for the improvement of a then fine plant), March 3, 1903, and May 28, 1908, the corps of cadets was made to consist of one cadet (recommended by the member) from each congressional district, two (one recommended by each senator) from each State at large, one (recommended by the delegate) from each Territory, one (recommended by the Commissioners) from the District of Columbia, one (recommended by the Resident Commissioner) from Porto Rico, and forty (appointed by the President) from the United States at large and, with the exception of the forty from the United States at large, to be actual residents of the Congressional District, State, Territory, District of Columbia or Porto Rico, respectively, from which appointed.

Four Filipinos, one for each class, are authorized to receive instruction as cadets, to be eligible on graduation only to commissions in the Philippine Scouts.

Under these Acts when in June a cadet finishes three years of his course at the academy, or sooner if his name is dropped from its rolls before then, a principal and two alternates may be appointed and the successful one admitted to the academy (formerly in the following June or September and now) on the next March 1st. But from July 1, 1910, to July 1, 1916, under the Act of April 19, 1910, when in June a cadet finishes two years of his course at the academy, or sooner if his name is dropped from its rolls before then, a principal and two alternates may be appointed and the successful one admitted to the academy on the next March 1st.

According to the twelfth census, the maximum number of cadets was fixed at 533.[64]

It is suggested to all candidates (principals and alternates[65]) that before leaving their homes for the place designated (either West Point or their nearest military post) for their official examination, they should cause themselves to be thoroughly examined by a competent physician, and by a teacher or instructor in good standing. By such an examination any serious disqualification or deficiency in mental preparation would be revealed, and the candidate probably spared the expense and trouble of a useless journey and the mortification of rejection.

It should be understood that the informal examination herein recommended is solely for the convenience and benefit of the candidate himself, and can in no manner affect the decision of the official Examining Boards.

There being no provision whatever for the payment of the traveling expenses of either accepted or rejected candidates for admission, no candidate should fail to provide himself in advance with the means of returning to his home, in case of his rejection before either of the Examining Boards, as he may otherwise be put to considerable trouble, inconvenience, and even suffering on account of his destitute condition. If admitted, the money brought by him to meet such a contingency can be deposited with the treasurer on account of his equipment as a cadet, or returned to his friends.

When the official examination is at a military post the questions[66] for the candidates and surgeons to answer are sent from West Point to the Board of Officers that conducts the examination. Each candidate is given a number which he signs to his examination papers and to a letter containing his autograph; the two are put in separate envelopes and sent to West Point.

The Act of Congress approved March 2, 1901, provided that “Appointees shall be examined under regulations to be framed by the Secretary of War before they shall be admitted to the Academy and shall be well versed in such subjects as he may from time to time prescribe.”

Special Acts of Congress are sometimes passed that authorize the education at the Academy of young men from foreign countries. These young men are not commissioned in the Army and the acts always provide that all of their expenses shall be defrayed by the countries to which they belong.

The Cadets are arranged in four distinct classes, corresponding with the four years of study.

The cadets employed on the first year’s course constitute the fourth class; those on the second year’s course the third class; those on the third year’s course the second class; and those on the fourth year’s course the first class.

There was in 1908, ’09 and ’10 a preliminary course from about March 11 to June 10 for new cadets then admitted March 1, and they constituted the class of new cadets.

The academic year commences on the 1st of July. On, or before, that date the result of the examination held in the preceding month is announced and Cadets are advanced from one class to another. At no other time is a Cadet advanced from one class to another, unless prevented by sickness, or authorized absence, from attending the aforesaid examination; in such a case a special examination is granted; but in no case is a Cadet advanced from one class to another without having satisfied the Academic Board of his proficiency in each branch of study pursued by his class.

“No cadet who is reported as deficient in either conduct or studies and recommended to be discharged from the Academy, shall, unless upon recommendation of the Academic Board, be returned or reappointed or be appointed to any place in the Army before his class shall have left the Academy and received their commissions.”

(Section 1325, Revised Statutes of the United States.)

The count for conduct, based upon the number of demerits received by a cadet each year, is

The final count in conduct for the graduating merit roll is 125. It is obtained by adding together the respective proportional parts for each of the four years and the preliminary course for New Cadets, and then reducing the sums thus found to equivalent values with a maximum of 125.

Upon completing the prescribed course of study the graduates are eligible for promotion to the grade of Second Lieutenant in any corps or arm of the army, the duties of which the Academic Board may judge them competent to perform.

For instruction in infantry drill regulations and in military police and discipline, the Corps of Cadets is organized into two battalions, under the Commandant of Cadets, assisted by two battalion commanders (army officers), each company being commanded by an army officer. The cadet officers and non-commissioned officers are selected from those who have been most studious, soldier-like in the performance of their duties, and most exemplary in their general deportment. In general, the cadet officers are taken from the first class, the sergeants from the second, and the corporals from the third.

In an article in the July-August, 1904, number of The Journal of the Military Service Institution, Professor Samuel E. Tillman, of the United States Military Academy said:

“Any one returning to the Academy now after an absence of fifteen years will observe many striking changes, the most important of which are: The disappearance in large part of the annual and semi-annual examinations; the introduction of the intermediate examinations, that is examinations during the academic term, at the completion of some part of the term-course; the large increase in written recitations with corresponding decrease in oral; a great increase in practical and semipractical work in connection with the descriptive courses; the greater amount of time permitted for recreation exercises. These changes have greatly modified methods deemed of much importance for sixty years prior to 1890, yet it can be confidently asserted that the changes have enabled cadets to acquire a greater amount of information with less effort upon their part.... Cadet schools should always be training, developing and character-forming schools, as they control the students at the best formative period.”

Since 1840 the following changes have been made in the subjects taught, to-wit:

In 1853 Practical Military Engineering was added.

In 1857 Spanish was added.

In 1873 Ethics and Logic were dropped.

In 1882 General History was added and Physical Training was made a distinct course.

In 1909 Military Hygiene was added.

Text books have been changed or revised from time to time since the Academy was founded.

Colonel Charles W. Larned, Professor of Drawing at the Academy, in a recent article in Munsey’s Magazine, said:

“The improvements now in progress at the Military Academy ... include not only an architectural renewal, but a revision of the entire curriculum, both of which are undertakings of transcendant importance to the institution....

“It has been a difficult task to harmonize the various discordant buildings of other styles, which cannot be sacrificed, with the prevailing Tudor style; more especially as the topography of the site restricts the plan within confined limits. The architects have succeeded, however, in evolving a scheme which, when completed, will have both unity and coherence, and a picturesqueness unequaled on the continent. The rugged, climbing masses of semi-medieval Gothic structures that scale the granite cliffs and rise in towering succession to their crowning feature, the cathedral-like Chapel on Observatory Hill, will form a group of buildings in harmony both with their use and their environment, and worthy of the great institution they house.”

And in speaking of what graduates have done, he said: “At the end of that tremendous struggle (the Civil War), all the armies in the field on both sides were commanded by graduates of West Point; nearly all the army corps, and most of the divisions. Out of sixty of the greatest battles ... in fifty-six the commanders on both sides were graduates; in the other four a graduate commanded on one side, and three of the four were won by graduates....

“As explorers, as early as 1820, Long’s expedition containing Bell, Graham and Swift, explored as far as Pike’s Peak, and first ascended it; Allen, in 1832, first traced the source of the Mississippi; and Bonneville’s great exploration, in 1832-1834, penetrated Wyoming, Utah, California, and the Columbia and Yellowstone regions, and supplied the first hydrographic maps of the country.

“For half a century West Point was the principal and almost the only school of science and technology in America. Its graduates not only furnished presidents and teachers of scientific institutions as they appeared, but were the pioneer engineers who laid out the trans-continental routes of the great western railways, besides surveying and developing as engineers and presidents other systems in the East.... More than one hundred and seventy-five thousand miles of routes, lines and marches.” And graduates have had charge of “the Lake surveys; the Coast and Geodetic survey, reorganized and for twenty-four years superintended by a graduate; the surveys west of the one hundredth meridian; the river and harbor improvements of the United States; the control and building of the Panama Canal; the superintendency and construction of public buildings in Washington, including the wings and dome of the Capitol, and the Congressional Library; the rectification and completion of the Washington Monument; the construction of lighthouses, including the remarkable one of Minot’s Ledge; besides many other works of survey and construction, of which the Chicago (drainage) Canal is one of the most important. The disbursements of public funds for river and harbor work alone approximate six hundred million dollars and if other civil and military works are included, the grand total will be not far from one thousand millions.... Our officers ... have been: Governors of provinces, mayors of cities, collectors of customs, school commissioners, sanitary engineers, civil engineers, police commissioners, judges of courts, architects, superintendents of railroads, heads of departments of state, and even commanders of vessels....

“Half of the (4,121) graduates in the first century of the academy’s existence entered civil life, and in the civil career alone their record shows nineteen per cent of distinguished success—far in excess of that of any other institution in the land....”

In an article that appeared in 1904 in the New York Sun he gave the following data for—

In accordance with sections 1327, 1328 and 1329 of the Revised Statutes of the United States a Board of Visitors, composed of twelve persons, seven appointed by the President, two by the presiding officer of the Senate, and three by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was for years annually appointed to visit the Military Academy to “inquire into the actual state of discipline, instruction, police administration, fiscal affairs, and other concerns of the institution, and reported the same to the Secretary of War for the information of Congress.” Each member of the Board received not exceeding eight cents per mile traveled, by the most direct route, from his residence to West Point and return, and in addition, five dollars per day for expenses during each day of his service at West Point. This Board visited and inspected the Academy during the first two weeks of June.

The Act of Congress approved March 4, 1909, among other things says:

“That hereafter the Board of Visitors to the Military Academy shall consist of five members of the Committee on Military Affairs of the Senate and seven members of the Committee on Military Affairs of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the respective chairman thereof, who shall annually visit the Military Academy on such date or dates as may be fixed by the chairman of the said committees; and the Superintendent of the academy and the members of the Board of Visitors shall be notified of such date by the chairman of the said committees, acting jointly, at least fifteen days before the meeting. The expenses of the members of the board shall be their actual expenses while engaged upon their duties as members of said board, and their actual expenses for travel by the shortest mail routes: Provided further, That so much of sections 1327, 1328 and 1329, Revised Statutes of the United States, as is inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed.”

The Military Academy, upon which millions of dollars have been expended on grounds and buildings alone, is maintained by the Government solely for the practical and theoretical training of young men for commissions in the army, and that the investment is appreciated by the country is voiced by its public men, a few quotations being given here.

From his experience in the War of 1812 and service on Indian campaigns, General Andrew Jackson while President of the United States in a message to Congress said:

“I recommend to your fostering care, as one of our safest means of national defense, the Military Academy. This institution has already exercised the happiest influence upon the moral and intellectual character of our Army; and such of the graduates from various causes may not pursue the profession of arms will be scarcely less useful as citizens. Their knowledge of the military art will be advantageously employed in the militia service, and in a measure secure to that class of troops the advantages which in this respect belongs to standing armies.”

After the close of the Mexican war Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott in a report to the Secretary of War said:

“I give it as my fixed opinion that, but for our graduated cadets, the war between the United States and Mexico might, and probably would, have lasted some four or five years, with, in its first half, more defeats than victories falling to our share; whereas, in less than two campaigns, we conquered a great country and a peace, without the loss of a single battle or skirmish.”

Some two score of years later, in speaking of the graduates of the Military Academy, the Honorable Charles S. Fairchild, of New York, in an address said: “That roll, which, when told over, excites patriotic enthusiasm, and calls forth high emotion beyond that of the roll of any like institution in the world.”

And General William Tecumseh Sherman said:

“The education and manly training imparted to young men at West Point has repaid the United States a thousand times its cost, and more than verified the predictions of General Washington. Every cadet at West Point is an appointee of a member of Congress, every member having a cadet of his own nomination there, with only ten appointed by the President at large. The corps of cadets is therefore a youthful counterpart of our national House of Representatives. The same laws, the same regulations, the same instruction, books, clothing, and food are common to all, and a more democratic body never existed on earth than is the corps of cadets.”

In June, 1902, some five hundred graduates and President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Root, Lieutenant-General Miles, Adjutant-General Corbin, and scores of other non-graduates, assembled together at West Point, many with and a few without their wives, and celebrated in a royal manner the first centennial of the founding of the Military Academy. The cadets went into camp that year earlier than usual and their barracks were used by such of the visiting graduates as were not cared for at the hotel, in Cullum Hall, or by the families on duty at the post, while the wives and daughters of those of us who slept in barracks were cared for at Cozzen’s Hotel, now a part of the post.

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, then President of the United States, in an address said:

“This institution has completed its first hundred years of life. During that century no other educational institution in the land has contributed as many names as West Point has contributed to the honor roll of the nation’s greatest citizens.”

The Hon. Elihu Root, the Secretary of War, said:

“The foregoing considerations naturally bring to mind the Military Academy at West Point. I believe that the great service which it has rendered the country was never more conspicuous than it has been during the past two years. The faithful and efficient service of its graduates since the declaration of war with Spain have more than repaid the cost of the institution since its foundation. They have been too few in number and most heavily burdened.”

And in his address to the graduating class of 1903 the Honorable David B. Henderson, of Iowa, a former Speaker of the National House of Representatives, and then the President of the West Point Board of Visitors, said: “The Board (of Visitors) have all been here and have devoted such time as was possible to studying the conditions of West Point. I can speak for the Board that they have been delighted with what they have seen, and are unanimously of the opinion, which the world holds, I may say, that this is the greatest military educational school on earth.”

Many foreign princes and others interested in the education of young men for civil as well as for military pursuits visit West Point. Among the guests at the Academy’s Centennial were two German army officers sent by the Emperor as his personal representative.

After a careful inspection of the leading educational institutions of the world Major-General Sir Thomas Frazer of the British Army in a letter referring to West Point said: “I think the institution is better than any I have seen.”

And Field Marshal Lord Wolseley in writing about West Point said: “I have very often had the advantage of meeting men who have qualified at that best of all military schools and invariably found them interesting companions, with a thorough knowledge of their profession.”

Colonel Bridges, C. M. G., recently said: “After an exhaustive course of inquiries into the training of the young idea in military matters, I have returned to Australia imbued with the idea that the American methods in vogue at their celebrated institution at West Point are the best, with, of course, certain modifications for Australia.... It is an extremely efficient institution for the purpose for which it is intended.”

CHAPTER X. APPENDIX. — APPOINTMENTS. — EXAMINATION AND ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES. [68] — CHARACTER OF EXAMINATIONS. — PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. — MENTAL EXAMINATION. — ACADEMIC DUTIES. — PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. — VACATIONS AND LEAVES OF ABSENCE. — PAY OF CADETS. — DEPOSIT PRIOR TO ADMISSION. — PROMOTION AFTER GRADUATION. — RECITATION SCHEDULE. — DEPARTMENT OF TACTICS. — ALL CLASSES. — TEXT BOOKS. — BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — ISSUED TO FIRST CLASS BEFORE GRADUATION. — DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND MILITARY ENGINEERING. — FIRST CLASS. — RECITATION SCHEDULE — TEXT BOOKS. — BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY. — THIRD AND SECOND CLASSES. — TEXT-BOOKS. — DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS. — NEW CADETS, FOURTH AND THIRD CLASSES. — TEXT BOOKS. — DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY. — THIRD AND SECOND CLASSES. — TEXT BOOKS. — DEPARTMENT OF DRAWING. — THIRD AND SECOND CLASSES. — DEPARTMENT OF MODERN LANGUAGES. — FOURTH, THIRD, SECOND, AND FIRST CLASSES. — THE FRENCH LANGUAGE. — THE SPANISH LANGUAGE. — The present text-books are: — BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — DEPARTMENT OF LAW. — FIRST CLASS. — TEXT BOOKS. — BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL MILITARY ENGINEERING. — FOURTH, THIRD, SECOND AND FIRST CLASSES. — TEXT BOOK. — BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — DEPARTMENT OF ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY. — FIRST CLASS. — TEXT BOOKS. — BOOKS OF REFERENCE. — DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY HYGIENE. — SECOND CLASS. — TEXT BOOKS. — REFERENCE BOOKS. — DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND HISTORY. — NEW CADETS AND FOURTH CLASS. — TEXT BOOKS—ENGLISH. — TEXT-BOOKS—HISTORY. — THE LIBRARY.

WAR DEPARTMENT.

INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THE APPOINTMENT AND ADMISSION OF CADETS TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.

[Communications relating to matters connected with the Military-Academy should be addressed to The Adjutant-General of the Army, Washington, D. C.]

HOW MADE.—Each Congressional District and Territory—the District of Columbia and also Porto Rico—is entitled to have one cadet at the Academy. Each State is also entitled to have two cadets from the State at large, and forty are allowed from the United States at large. The law, however, provides that for six years from July 1, 1910, whenever any cadet shall have finished three years of his course at the Academy his successor may be admitted. The appointment from a Congressional District is made upon the recommendation of the Representative in Congress from that District, and those from a State at large upon the recommendations of the Senators of the State. Similarly the appointment from a Territory is made upon the recommendation of the Delegate in Congress. The appointment from the District of Columbia is made on the recommendation of the Commissioners of the District. Each person appointed must be an actual resident of the State, District or Territory from which the appointment is made.

The appointments from the United States at large are made by the President of the United States upon his own selection. The cadet from Porto Rico, who must be a native of that island, is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Resident Commissioner.

The Secretary of War is authorized to permit not exceeding four Filipinos, to be designated, one for each class, by the Philippine Commission, to receive instruction at the United States Military Academy at West Point: Provided, That the Filipinos undergoing instruction shall receive the same pay, allowances, and emoluments as are authorized by law for cadets at the Military Academy appointed from the United States, to be paid out of the same appropriations: And provided further, That said Filipinos undergoing instruction on graduation shall be eligible only to commissions in the Philippine Scouts. And the provisions of section 1321, Revised Statutes, are modified in the case of the Filipinos undergoing instruction, so as to require them to engage to serve for eight years, unless sooner discharged, in the Philippine Scouts.

DATE OF APPOINTMENTS.—Appointments are required by law to be made one year in advance of the date of admission, except in cases where, by reason of death or other cause, a vacancy occurs which cannot be provided for by such appointment in advance. These vacancies are filled in time for the next examination.

ALTERNATES.—For each candidate appointed there should be nominated two alternates. The principal and each alternate will receive from the War Department a letter of appointment, and must appear for examination at the time and place therein designated.[67] The fitness for admission to the Academy of the principal and alternates will be determined as prescribed in paragraphs 19 and 20, Regulations U. S. Military Academy. If the principal fails to qualify, either mentally or physically, then the qualifications of the alternates will be considered and if only one has met the requirements he will be admitted; if both alternates have met the requirements the better qualified will be admitted. The alternates, like the principal, should be designated one year in advance of the date of admission.

The following are extracts from the Regulations of the Military Academy relating to the examination of candidates for admission and will be strictly adhered to:

19. On the second Tuesday in January of each year candidates selected for appointment (except the Filipino candidates) shall appear for mental and physical examination before boards of Army officers to be convened at such places as the War Department may designate. The Filipino candidates selected for appointment, unless otherwise notified by the War Department, shall appear for mental and physical examination on the second Tuesday in October of each year before a board of Army officers to be convened at such place in the Philippine Islands as the Commanding General of the Philippine Division may designate. Candidates who pass will be admitted to the Academy without further examination upon reporting in person to the Superintendent before 12 o’clock noon, on the 1st day of March following the examination.

20. Each candidate before admission to the academy must show by examination as prescribed in paragraph 19, that he is well versed in algebra, to include quadratic equations and progressions, plane geometry, English grammar, composition and literature, descriptive and physical geography, and general and United States history, as explained in the circulars of notification. No rejected candidate shall be re-examined, except upon recommendation of the Academic Board.

22. Immediately after reporting to the Superintendent for admission, and before receiving his warrant of appointment, the candidate is required to sign an engagement for service in the following form, and in the presence of the Superintendent, or of some officer deputed by him:

“I, ________, of the State (or Territory) of ____, aged ____ years ____ months, do hereby engage (with the consent of my parent or guardian) that, from the date of my admission as a Cadet of the United States Military Academy, I will serve in the Army of the United States for eight years, unless sooner discharged by competent authority.”

In the presence of ________.

The candidate is then required to take and subscribe an oath or affirmation in the following form:

“I, ________, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and bear true allegiance to the National Government: that I will maintain and defend the sovereignty of the United States, paramount to any and all allegiance, sovereignty, or fealty I may owe to any State or country whatsoever; and that I will at all times obey the legal orders of my superior officers, and the rules and articles governing the armies of the United States.”

Sworn and subscribed, at ____, this ____ day of ____, nineteen hundred and ____ before me. ________

QUALIFICATIONS.—No candidate shall be admitted who is under seventeen, or over twenty-two years of age, or less than five feet four inches in height at the age of seventeen, or five feet five inches in height at the age of eighteen and upward, or who is deformed, or afflicted with any disease or infirmity which would render him unfit for the military service, or who has, at the time of presenting himself, any disorder of an infectious or immoral character. Candidates must be unmarried.

Each candidate must on reporting at West Point present a certificate showing successful vaccination within one year; or a certificate of two vaccinations, made at least a month apart, within three months.

Note.—Candidates are eligible for admission from the day they are seventeen until the day they become twenty-two years of age, on which latter day they are not eligible.

It is suggested to all candidates for admission to the Military Academy that, before leaving their places of residence for the place of examination, they should cause themselves to be thoroughly examined by a competent physician, and by a teacher or instructor in good standing. By such examinations any serious physical disqualification or deficiency in mental preparation would be revealed.

It should be understood that the informal examination herein recommended is solely for the convenience and benefit of the candidate himself, and can in no manner affect the decision of the Academic and Medical Examining Boards.

Upon the completion of the mental examination all candidates will be thoroughly examined physically by the medical officers of the board, under the following instructions prepared by the Surgeon General of the Army:

Hearing must be normal in both ears.

Vision, as determined by the official test types, must not fall below 20/40 in either eye, and not below 20/20 unless the defect is a simple refractive error not hyperopia, is not due to ocular disease, and is entirely corrected by proper glasses.

In the record of all examinations the acuity of vision without glasses, and also with glasses when the acuity is less than 20/20, will be given for each eye separately; in the latter case the correction will also be noted.

Hyperopia requiring any spherical correction, anisometropia, squint, or muscular insufficiency, if marked, are causes for rejection.

Color blindness, red, green, or violet, is cause for rejection.

The following are causes of disqualification if found to exist to such a degree as would immediately or at no very distant period impair the efficiency of the candidate:

The requirements of the following tables of physical proportions are minimum for growing youths and are for the guidance of medical officers in connection with the other data of the examination, a consideration of all of which should determine the candidate’s physical eligibility. Mere fulfillment of the requirements of the standard tables does not determine eligibility, while on the other hand no departure below the standard should be allowed unless upon the unanimous recommendation of the medical examining board for excellent reasons clearly stated in each case.

The physical requirements should be those of the age at the birthday nearest the time of the examination. Fractions greater than ½ inch will be considered as an additional inch of height, but candidates 17 years old must be at least 64 inches, and those 18 years and upward at least 65 inches in height.

Table of physical proportion for height, weight, and chest measurement.

ALGEBRA.—Candidates will be required to pass a satisfactory examination in that portion of algebra which includes the following range of subjects: definitions and notation; the fundamental laws; the fundamental operations, viz.: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; factoring; highest common factor; lowest common multiple; fractions, simple and complex; simple, or linear, equations with one unknown quantity; simultaneous simple, or linear, equations with two or more unknown quantities; involution, including the formation of the squares and cubes of polynomials; binomial theorem with positive integral exponents; evolution, including the extraction of the square and cube roots of polynomials and of numbers: theory of exponents; radicals, including reduction and fundamental operations, rationalization, equations involving radicals, operations with imaginary numbers, quadratic equations; equations of quadratic form; simultaneous quadratic equations; ratio and proportion; arithmetical and geometrical progressions. Candidates will be required to solve problems involving any of the principles or methods contained in the foregoing subjects.

The following questions were used at a recent examination:

Substitute y + 3 for x in x⁴-x³ + 2x²-3 and arrange the result in descending powers of y.

On the eve of a battle one army had 5 men to every 6 men in the other. The first army lost 14,000 men and the second 6,000 men. The first army then had 2 men to every 3 men in the other. How many men were there originally in each army?

Solve 1.2x - (.18x - .05)/.5 = .4w + 8.9

Find the lowest common multiple of 1-x, x²-1, x-2, and x²-4.

Solve √x + 9 = 2 √x - 3.

Solve (2x - 3)² = 8x.

Expand (m-3/4-m(4/3))⁴ by the Binominal Theorem.

Find all the values of a for which the roots of ax² + 2(a + 3)x + 16 = 0 are equal.

Solve ((x + y)/2) - ((x - y)/3) = 8 and ((x + y)/3) + ((x - y)/4) = 11.

Solve x² - 4y² = 9, xy + 2y² = 3.

A certain article of consumption is subject to a duty of $1.50 per cwt. In consequence of a reduction in duty the consumption increases one half, but the revenue falls off one third. Find the duty per cwt. after the reduction.

A and B run a mile. First A gives B a start of 44 yards and beats him by 51 seconds; at the second heat A gives B a start of 1 minute and 15 seconds and is beaten by 88 yards. Find the time in which A and B can run a mile separately.

Sum to infinity the progression 3 + 2 + 4/3....

A servant agrees for certain wages the first month, on the understanding that they are to be raised a dollar every subsequent month until they reach $60 a month. At the end of the first of the months for which he receives $60 he finds that his wages during his time of service have averaged $48 per month. How long has he served?

PLANE GEOMETRY.—Candidates will be required to give accurate definitions of the terms used in plane geometry, to demonstrate any proposition of plane geometry as given in the ordinary text-books and to solve simple geometrical problems either by a construction or by an application of algebra.

The following questions were used at a recent examination:

Define the following:

1°. Rhombus. 2°. A mean proportional. 3°. Similar triangles. 4°. A segment of a circle. 5°. The apothem of a regular polygon.

Theorem: The perpendicular is the shortest line between a point and a straight line.

Theorem: In the same circle or equal circles, the less of two chords is at the greater distance from the centre; conversely, the chord at the greater distance from the centre is the less.

Construction: Divide a given straight line internally in extreme and mean ratio.

Theorem: The areas of two triangles which have an angle of one equal to the angle of the other are to each other as the products of the sides including those angles.

Problem: Given a circle of unit diameter and the side of a regular inscribed polygon, find the side of a regular inscribed polygon of double the number of sides.

Theorem: The four bisectors of the four angles of a quadrilateral form a second quadrilateral, the opposite angles of which are supplementary.

Theorem: If on the diameter of a circle two points be taken equally distant from the centre, the sum of the squares of the distances of any point of the circumference from these two points is constant.

Problem: Find the locus of the point of intersection of the three altitudes of a triangle, given a fixed base, and constant angle at the vertex.

ENGLISH GRAMMAR.—Candidates must have a good knowledge of English grammar; they must be able to define the terms used therein; to define the parts of speech; to give inflections, including declension, conjugation and comparison; to give the corresponding masculine and feminine gender nouns; to give and apply the ordinary rules of syntax.

They must be able to parse correctly any ordinary sentence; giving the subject of each verb, the governing word of each objective case, the word for which each pronoun stands or to which it refers, the words between which each preposition shows the relation, precisely what each conjunction and each relative pronoun connects, what each adjective and adverb qualifies or limits, the construction of each infinitive, and generally to show a good knowledge of the function of each word in the sentence.

They must be able to correct in sentences or extracts any ordinary grammatical errors.

It is not required that any particular text-book shall be followed: but the definitions, parsing, and corrections must be in accordance with good usage and common sense.

The examinations may include questions similar to the following:

ENGLISH COMPOSITION AND ENGLISH LITERATURE.—Candidates will be required:

1. By the writing of short themes on subjects chosen by themselves within limits set by the examination paper, to prove (a) their ability to spell, capitalize, and punctuate, and (b) their mastery of the elementary principles of composition, including paragraphing and sentence-structure.

2. To give evidence of intelligent acquaintance with three plays of Shakespeare: one comedy, one history, and one tragedy,—The Merchant of Venice, Henry V., and Macbeth being especially recommended.

3. To exhibit a fair knowledge of the names of the most prominent English and American authors, and of the names of their principal works.

The general character and scope of the examination are indicated by the following specimen:

GEOGRAPHY.—Candidates will be required to pass a satisfactory examination in descriptive geography and the elements of physical geography. A preponderance of weight is attached to a knowledge of the geography of the United States.

In descriptive geography of the United States, candidates should be thoroughly informed as to its general features and boundaries; adjacent oceans, seas, bays, gulfs, sounds, straits, and islands; lakes, the location and extent of mountain ranges; the sources, directions, and terminations of the important rivers, the names of their principal tributaries, and at what points, if any, these rivers break through highlands on their way to the ocean; the water routes of communication from one part of the country to another; the location and termination of important railroad lines; the boundaries of the several states and territories and their order along the coasts, frontiers and principal rivers; the locations and boundaries of the island possessions; and the names and locations of the capitals and other important cities of the several states, territories and island possessions.

In short, the knowledge should be so complete that a clear mental picture of the whole of the United States is impressed on the mind of the candidate.

In descriptive geography of other countries, candidates should be familiar with the continental areas and grand divisions of water; the earth’s surface; the large bodies of water which in part or wholly surround the grand divisions of the land; the capes, from what parts they project and into what waters, the principal peninsulas, location, and by what waters embraced; the parts connected by an isthmus; the principal islands, location and surrounding waters; the seas, gulfs, and bays, the coasts they indent, and the waters to which they are subordinate; the straits, the lands they separate, and the waters they connect; the location of the principal lakes: the locations, boundaries, capitals and principal cities of the political divisions of the world.

In physical geography, candidates should be familiar with the relief of the earth’s surface; the principal mountain systems, the river systems and watersheds; the coastal and lake plains, and the influence of climate, soil, mineral deposits and other physical features on the resources, industries, commercial relations and development of a country and its people, especially of the United States.

The following questions were used at a recent examination:

HISTORY.—Candidates must be thoroughly familiar with so much of the History of the United States, and of Ancient Greece and Rome as is contained in good high school text-books on these subjects, and must have a good knowledge of the important facts in General Ancient History and in the History of Medieval Europe to the end of the fifteenth century.

In History of the United States, the examination will include questions concerning early discoveries and settlements; the forms of government in the colonies; the causes, leading events, and results of wars; important events in the political and economic history of the nation since its foundation; and the elementary principles of civil government, with special reference to the federal congress, executive and judiciary.

In Ancient History, the examination will include questions on important persons and events in the legendary and authentic history of Greece and Rome, and on general important facts in the history of other ancient peoples, taking some account also of Greek art, of Greek and Roman literature, and especially of Roman government.

In History of Medieval Europe, the greater emphasis will be laid on the period from Charlemagne to the end of the Middle Ages, particularly on events connected with the political and social development of England.

Questions similar to the following in character and scope are likely to be asked:

The academic duties of new cadets commence on the 11th day of March. The academic duties and exercises of the other cadets commence on the 1st day of September and continue until about the 5th of June. Examinations of the several classes are held in December and June. At the December examination cadets, who are found to be proficient in their studies, are arranged according to merit in each subject. At the June examination they are similarly arranged and they are also assigned general standing in the class as determined by their standings in the various subjects. When a subject of study is completed during a term an examination concluding the work in that subject is sometimes held. Cadets deficient in studies at any examination are discharged from the Academy unless for special reasons the Academic Board recommends otherwise. Cadets exceeding at any time the maximum number of demerits allowed for six months are immediately reported to the Academic Board as deficient in conduct and are discharged.

All cadets are examined physically in June of each year, and those found physically disqualified to continue with the course or, in case of the first class, for commission in the Army, are discharged.

Academic duties are suspended from the completion of the June examinations until the end of August. During this period cadets live in camp and are engaged in military duties and exercises and in receiving practical instruction in military and other subjects. Academic duties are also suspended from the close of the semi-annual examinations, about December 23rd, until January 2nd, and on the Friday and Saturday preceding the last Sunday in March. All duties and exercises, as far as practicable, are suspended on New Year’s Day, February 22nd, May 30th, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Cadets of the first, second and third classes are allowed short leaves of from four to six days at Christmas, if their conduct during the preceding six months has been satisfactory. Cadets of the first class, having satisfactory conduct records, are allowed leaves, not to exceed 75 hours, at the beginning of the summer encampment and leaves not to exceed 27 hours at Thanksgiving. Excepting these short leaves for good conduct, cadets are allowed but one leave of absence during the four years’ course. As a rule this leave is granted at the end of the first two years and extends from the middle of June to the 28th of August.

The pay of a cadet is $600 per year and one ration per day, or commutation therefor, at thirty cents per day. The total is $709.50, to commence with his admission to the Academy. The actual and necessary traveling expenses of candidates from their homes to the Military Academy are credited to their accounts after their admission as cadets.

No cadet is permitted to receive money, or any other supplies, from his parents, or from any person whomsoever, without the sanction of the Superintendent. A most rigid observance of this regulation is urged upon all parents and guardians, as its violations would make distinctions between cadets which it is the especial desire to avoid; the pay of a cadet is sufficient, with proper economy, for his support.

Each cadet must keep himself supplied with the following mentioned articles, viz.:

Eight white shirts; two gray shirts; *eight summer undershirts; *six winter undershirts; *four night shirts; twelve white linen collars; twelve pairs of white linen cuffs; *eight pairs of summer drawers; *six pairs of winter drawers; *eight pairs of socks; *twelve pocket handkerchiefs; one black tie; *twelve towels; two clothes bags, made of ticking; two pairs of uniform shoes; six pairs of uniform white gloves; two sets of white belts; *one clothes brush; *one hair-brush; *one tooth-brush; *one comb; one mattress; one pillow; four pillowcases; six sheets; two blankets; one quilted bed cover; one chair; one tumbler; *one trunk; one account book; one wash basin.

Candidates are authorized to bring with them the articles marked *.

Cadets are required to wear the prescribed uniform. All articles of their uniform are of a designated pattern, and are sold to cadets at West Point at regulated prices.

Immediately after admission candidates must be provided with an outfit of uniform, etc., the cost of which is about $160. This sum, or at least $100 thereof, must be deposited with the treasurer of the Academy before the candidate is admitted. It is best for the candidate to take with him no more money than he needs for traveling expenses and for his parents to send the required deposit by draft, payable to the Treasurer, U. S. Military Academy. The deposit is credited at once to the cadet’s account. Upon graduation a cadet who has exercised proper economy will have sufficient money to his credit with the Treasurer of the Academy to purchase his uniform and equipment as an officer.

The attention of applicants and candidates is called to the provisions of an Act of Congress approved May 17, 1886, given in the chapter entitled United States Military Academy.

On another page is shown the recitation schedule adopted by the Academic Board, June 23, 1907, and approved by the War Department, August 10, 1907.

This schedule was put in effect with the class entering March 1, 1908. The other classes in the academy on that date continue the old schedule, with some modifications adopted to facilitate administration of the departments during the period of transition from the old course of studies to the new.

The preliminary term is March 11 to June 10. New cadets are advanced to the 4th class after passing the June examinations.

The first term of the regular academic year is September 1 to December 18, inclusive.

The second term of the regular academic year is January 2 to June 4, inclusive.

New cadets, upon reporting for duty, are given infantry recruit instruction, with gymnastic and calisthenic exercises, until they join the battalion.

Practical instruction is given during the summer encampment, and from September 1st to November 1st, and from March 15th to June 1st, in cavalry, artillery and infantry drill regulations, in target practice with the rifle, revolver, mountain gun and field gun, and in Military Engineering.

During the summer encampment, cadets of the third and fourth classes are also taught swimming and dancing, and those of the first class, the service of sea-coast artillery and submarine defense at Fort Wright, N. Y.; all classes participate in exercises in minor tactics, practice marches, problems and practical field work, in which the employment of all arms is exemplified.

Practical instruction in fencing and gymnastic exercises and in boxing and wrestling is given to the fourth class from October 1st to June 1st, and to the other classes from November 1st to March 15th.

Instruction in riding is given to the first class during the encampment and from September 1st to June 1st, excepting the month of February; to the second class, from November 1st to March 31st, and to the third class from November 1st to March 15th and during the summer encampment. Instruction with English pad saddles is given to the first class, and in polo to the first and second classes.

During the winter months map problems for the purpose of instruction in writing orders, selecting positions from the map, both offensive and defensive, making dispositions of small forces, selecting best route for advance and retreat, and for practice of map reading in general; also lectures upon the methods pursued in company, post and staff administration as required by Army Regulations, upon uniforms and equipments, and upon etiquette and customs of the service are given cadets of the first class.

• Light Artillery Drill Regulations. U. S.
• Cavalry Drill Regulations. U. S.
• Infantry Drill Regulations. U. S.
• Coast Artillery Drill Regulations. U. S.
• A Military Primer of the Service of Security and Information. Marshall and Simonds.
• Elements of Hippology. Marshall.
• Coast Artillery Drill Regulations: Position-finding service.

• Army Regulations. U.S.
• Small Arms Firing Regulations. U. S.
• Manual of Instruction in Mountain Guns, etc. U. S. M. A.
• Manual of Guard Duty. U. S.
• Manual of Pack Transportation. U. S. M. A.
• Regulations. U. S. M. A.
• Blue Book. U. S.M. A.
• Manual of Gymnastic Exercises. Koehler.
• Field Service Regulations. U. S.
• Horses, Saddles and Bridles. Carter.

• Army Regulations. U. S.
• Manual of the Subsistence Department. U. S.
• Manual of Quartermaster’s Department. U. S.
• Paymaster’s Manual. U. S.
• Regulations for the Post Exchange.
• Manual of Medical Department. U. S.
• Drill Regulations of the Hospital Corps. U. S.
• Manual of Courts-Martial. U. S.
• Army Register. U. S.
• General Orders, No. 169, War Department, series of 1907.
• (Uniform Order) with all amendments.

The course in civil and military engineering and the art of war is confined to the first class year.

The course in civil engineering begins September 1st and is completed during the first term, which closes with the Christmas holidays. It comprises brief treatises on the mechanics of civil engineering, framed and masonry structures, the materials of engineering, water supply and sewerage.

* Length in minutes. † Number per week. ‡ Total number.

The course in military engineering and the art of war begins on January 2nd and closes on the 3rd of June. Military engineering embraces the study of field and permanent fortifications and siege works. The art of war embraces the study of the organization of armies, employment of the different arms in combination, logistics and strategy. To familiarize the students with its principles, lectures are delivered on military subjects and the principal operations of about twenty selected campaigns are studied. During this course the students are taken to the battle-field of Gettysburg to familiarize them with the effects of topography on the employment of troops in the field.

• Civil Engineering. Fiebeger.
• Field Fortifications. Fiebeger.
• Permanent Fortifications. Fiebeger.
• Elements of Strategy. Fiebeger.
• Siege Works. Mercur.
• Organization and Tactics. Wagner.
• Field Service Regulations. U. S.
• Campaign of Gettysburg. Fiebeger.

• Campaigns and Battles. Department.
• Story of Civil War. Ropes. Cambria Steel.

The department has a well-selected reference library on civil engineering, military engineering and the art of war.

The course in natural and experimental philosophy begins with the third academic year. Mechanics is studied during this year, the class alternating daily by halves. The text used is Gordon’s “Mechanics.” Many of the principles are illustrated by apparatus in the lecture and section rooms, and the students are required to repeat and explain these experiments. The course aims to be as complete as possible with the limitation that it can be properly covered in a term of about 100 days by students having a proficient knowledge of the calculus; the treatment is sufficiently mathematical to furnish a confident basis for advanced work in the technical staff corps after graduation.

During the second class year about 100 lessons are allotted to this department. The first half of this time is devoted to the subjects of sound and light. The authorized text-book is Gordon’s “Sound and Light.”

Astronomy is studied in the remainder of the second class year. The texts used are Young’s “General Astronomy” and Michie and Harlow’s “Practical Astronomy.” The principal aim of this course, in addition to its important value in educational development, is to furnish an ample basis for the establishment of stations in explorations and surveys.

The class alternates daily by halves throughout the year.

• Sound and Light. Gordon.
• Mechanics. Gordon.
• General Astronomy. Young.
• Practical Astronomy. Michie and Harlow.

Numerous standard works on the general subjects covered by the course are available for reference.

The course in mathematics begins with the new cadet class upon entrance in March, and extends through two years.

In the new cadet class year algebra and geometry are taken on alternate days for three months. In both these subjects the matter covered by the entrance examination is reviewed rapidly and, in the case of plane geometry, very briefly before proceeding with the regular course. An examination is held in June upon which the class is graded according to mathematical capacity.

In the fourth-class year algebra is completed in alternation with trigonometry. Plane and solid analytical geometry and descriptive geometry follow.

In the third-class year a course in the differential and integral calculus is taken, alternating during the latter portion with the subject of mechanics in the department of philosophy. The most advanced students take also a brief course in the theory of errors and method of least squares.

The course in algebra covers the entire subject as generally taught in colleges, but the student is expected to have already mastered elementary algebra to include the progressions and the solution of the quadratic equation. The course in elementary geometry includes the books that relate to the plane and those that relate to space, but the student is expected to have mastered the former. Plane and spherical trigonometry includes the complete solution of the plane and spherical triangles. The course in analytical geometry includes the discussion of the general equation of the second degree in the plane and in space.

Descriptive geometry includes, in orthographic projections, the right line, the plane, ruled surfaces and surfaces of revolution, tangent planes and intersections of surfaces. It also covers shades and shadows, perspective, isometric projections and, for the upper part of the class, spherical projections.

The course in differential and integral calculus covers the ground of the usual college text-book, including briefly the subject of ordinary differential equations.

NEW CADET CLASS.

• Advanced Course in Algebra. Wells.
• Elements of Geometry. Phillips and Fisher.

FOURTH CLASS.

• Advanced Course in Algebra. Wells.
• Quadratics and Beyond. Fisher and Schwatt.
• Elements of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry. Crockett.
• Logarithmic Tables. Newcomb.
• Conic Sections. C. Smith.
• Elements of Analytical Geometry (Solid). Smith and Gale.
• Descriptive Geometry. Church.

THIRD CLASS.

• Differential and Integral Calculus. Granville.
• Integral Calculus. D. A. Murray.
• Method of Least Squares. Johnson.

This department embraces two branches of physics not included in its title, namely, heat and electricity.

The course begins March 1 of the second academic year and extends to March 1 of the third academic year; exercises, recitations, laboratory work or lectures take place on all week-days.

Commencing March 1, the subjects of heat and general chemistry alternate daily until the completion of the first six chapters of heat, about March 20, after which the chemistry exercises are held daily until the close of the term, June 1.

During this term all members of the class whose progress, as shown by their recitations, warrants it, are given laboratory practice in chemistry. This practice begins with chemical manipulations and proceeds in the usual general order of elementary laboratory work. The laboratory exercises are one hour and fifty minutes long. It is generally possible to give all parts of the class some laboratory experience: the amount of this work, however, varies with the aptitude of the student from a few hours to fifty-five or sixty hours.

This term closes with an examination upon the essential parts of the entire course, which all cadets who have not shown a prescribed proficiency in daily work must take.

In chemistry the course is a descriptive general one, based upon a concise statement of the more essential principles of chemistry, and includes that class of information deemed most important to nonspecialists, together with an accurate and logical treatment of many useful applications of chemistry.

Beginning September 1, the daily exercises alternate between heat and mineralogy until these subjects are completed, then the daily exercises alternate between geology and electricity, the geology being completed by the close of the term, December 23. This term also closes with an examination, covering the essential parts of the subjects studied during the term, which all cadets who have not shown a prescribed proficiency in daily work are required to take.

Beginning January 1, the remainder of the course in electricity is completed by the end of February. This mid-winter term involves an examination, if necessary, as prescribed for the terms ending June 1 and December 23.

The course in heat is short, but it is a comprehensive elementary course intended to embrace what is most applicable to subsequent work at the Academy and what is most useful in general education.

The course in geology is a brief but scientific presentation of the essential elements of this branch of science.

The mineralogy is an eminently practical course consisting of the descriptive study and the practical determination of the important minerals. The lithological and palæontological part of geology is accompanied in study by the continued practical examination of the objects described.

The course in electricity is a brief exposition of the leading electrical phenomena and their relations to each other. It includes a study of the general principles of the subject and of the typical machines, generators, motors and transformers, together with the more important uses of electricity. The laboratory exercises give experience with a number of the machines and in the use of a great variety of apparatus employed in the numerous forms of electric measurements. In this term the laboratory work is a part of the electrical course and all cadets enter the laboratory. All laboratory work is performed under the immediate supervision of an instructor.

• Elementary Lessons in Heat. Tillman.
• Descriptive General Chemistry. Tillman.
• Practical Chemistry. (Laboratory Guide.) Clowes.
• Elements of Geology. Le Conte.
• Important Minerals and Rocks. Tillman.
• Elementary Lessons in Electricity and Magnetism. S. P. Thompson.

During all terms standard works on the respective subjects are available for reference both to cadets and instructors.

The course in drawing is carried on through the third class and second class years.

It begins in the first year course with elementary freehand work from blocks and objects for the training of the eye and hand, and is followed by instruction in the nature and use of drawing instruments, papers and material, construction of practical problems in plane geometry used in constructive and mechanical drawing. This is followed by the construction of problems in descriptive geometry covering the theoretical course in mathematics; the lower part of the class being confined to the practical problems most useful in mechanical and building construction drawing. A short course of lettering and handling of flat washes precedes the general study of topography and map making in which theoretical instruction is coupled with the execution of conventional signs, platting, the construction and lettering of a finished map, and practice in the field in the various elements of military topographical field sketching. This completes the first year’s course.

Text-book pamphlets:

• Drawing Instruments and Papers.
• The Use of Drawing Instruments, and Geometrical Problems.
• Elementary Exercises in Water-color Washes.
• Military Topography—Map Reading and Map Making.
• Book of Letters and Lettering.
• Descriptive Geometry Problems.

The work of the second year begins with freehand military landscape sketching in the field; and is followed by memory drawing for the training of the formal memory, and freehand mechanical and projective drawing. Practical projective geometry, including axonometric projection, is then resumed preparatory of the plan, section, and elevation drawing of a building construction project. In this the student learns the structural elements of a house and of building construction methods and design, and the ability to read working drawings. Following this a mechanical drawing of the plan, section, and elevation of a portion of a steam engine is constructed, in connection with instruction in the structure and function of the parts of a steam engine. Finally the class is separated into groups corresponding to the corps in the Army in which the standing of cadets indicates that they will graduate, and subjects of engineering, ordnance, and service building construction drawing are assigned in accordance therewith. The course concludes with a short series of lectures on the art and architecture of the world, and a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, upon which a thesis is written by each member of the class.

Text-book pamphlets:

• Framing.
• The Steam Engine.
• Notes on Building Construction.

The course in modern languages comprises instruction in the French and Spanish languages.

FOURTH AND THIRD CLASSES.

The requirements of this course are as follows:

Construction of the language; reading and writing French; dictation: military terms; translation (written and oral) of English into French and French into English; conversation; themes.

Instruction in the French language begins March 1 of the fourth-class year and is completed June 4 of the third-class year. Examinations thereon will be held at the June examination, fourth-class year, and at the December and June examinations of the third-class year. The course comprises about two hundred and twenty-one lessons.

SECOND AND FIRST CLASSES.

The requirements of this course are as follows:

Construction of the language; reading and writing Spanish; dictation; translation (written and oral) of English into Spanish and Spanish into English; oral recitations and conversation; themes.

Instruction in the Spanish language begins March 1 of the second-class year and is completed June 4 of the first-class year. Examinations thereon will be held at the June examination, second-class year, and at the December and June examinations of the first-class year. The course comprises about one hundred and eighty-three lessons.

FOURTH CLASS.

French:

• French Pronunciation. De Peiffer.
• Treatise on the Conjugation of French Verbs. Castarède.
• Elementary French. Aldrich and Foster.
• La Langue Française. Première Partie. Bercy.
• Le Petit Parisien. Kron.

THIRD CLASS.

French:

• Martin’s French Verbs.
• Elementary French. Aldrich and Foster.
• Introductory French Composition, Francois. Guerlac’s Standard French Authors.
• Advanced French Prose Composition, Francois. Potter’s Dix Contes Modernes.
• French Verbs and Prepositions, Idioms, Letters. Cameron’s Tales of France.
• Marchand’s French Idioms. Revue Militaire des Armées Étrangères.
• Labiche and Martin’s Voyage de M. Perrichon. Courrier des Etats-Unis (Sunday edition).
• Le Petit Parisien. Kron.

SECOND AND FIRST CLASSES.

Spanish:

• Spanish Verb and Spanish Pronunciation. Traub.
• Spanish Grammar. Monsanto and Languellier.
• Spanish Grammar. Garner.
• El Castellano Actual. Román y Salamero.
• Las Novedades.
• First Spanish Book. Worman.
• Elementary Spanish Reader. Ramsey.

French:

• French Pronouncing Dictionary. Spiers and Surenne.
• Military Technical Dictionary. Willcox.

Spanish:

• New Spanish-English and English-Spanish Dictionary, by Cuyás. Appleton.

The course in law covers the following subjects:

• 1. The elements of law.
• 2. Constitutional law.
• 3. International law.
• 4. Military law.

To illustrate principles in the text-books cadets are required to recite on numerous cases from reports. Lectures are also given upon the subjects taught, so far as the limits of time allotted to this course permit.

• The Elements of Law. Davis, G. B.
• Constitutional Law. Davis, E. G.
• International Law. Davis, G. B.
• Military Law. Dudley.

There is a reference library in the department of about 2,500 volumes, accessible to the cadets.

Cadets of the fourth class receive an elementary course in theoretical surveying during the month of February.

During the summer encampment, cadets of the third class receive practical instruction in the use and adjustment of surveying instruments and in surveying methods. In this course they apply in the field what has been taught them in their theoretical course of the preceding spring. The course includes tie line surveys, made by use of the tape or chain alone, surveys made with the compass and with the transit, and running differential level circuits.

Cadets of the second class receive, during the fall drill season, instruction in visual signaling, using the flag and the heliograph for sending and receiving messages. They are also taught to set up and adjust the heliograph and the acetylene lantern. During the spring period, this class is instructed in the field methods of electrical communication, and is given practice in establishing and using buzzer lines under, as nearly as possible, service conditions. The course also comprises setting up and operating field wireless telegraph outfits.

During the summer encampment, cadets of the first class are instructed in building pile, trestle, and pontoon bridges, in improvising methods of crossing streams, in making road sketches, both mounted and dismounted, and in combined position sketching. During the fall course, this class is given instruction in the construction and operation of appliances used in field engineering, in the erection of spar and trestle bridges, and in the use of explosives in military demolitions. The spring course is devoted to field fortification work, including the construction of trenches, revetments, obstacles, bomb proofs, and gun pits; posting and distribution of working parties in the construction of saps, trenches, parallels, and approaches; and tracing and profiling siege works.

• Theory and Practice of Surveying. Johnson.

• The Engineer Field Manual.
• Survey Manual. Pence and Ketchum.

The subject of ordnance and gunnery is studied by the cadets of the first class throughout the academic year.

The course of instruction covers the principles involved in the construction and use of war material. It is broadly divided into three parts: the theoretical, the descriptive, and the practical. The theoretical part includes the study of the action of explosives, the study of interior and exterior ballistics, the theories of gun and carriage construction, and the principles of gunnery. The theoretical part of the course is not the same for all cadets, those showing the necessary proficiency taking a special course of 21 lessons in the time devoted by the remainder of the class to review work.

The descriptive part of the course covers the processes of manufacture of powders, guns, projectiles and armor; and describes the small arms, cannon, machine and rapid-fire guns in use in the United States service, with the carriages, ammunition and accessory appliances required for their service. The department is well supplied with models, which are used in conjunction with the text.

The practical part of the course covers work with ballistic instruments, and the operation of machines and appliances used in the fabrication of modern ordnance, the latter work being in effect a short but valuable course in manual training.

In connection with the course, visits are made to Watervliet Arsenal, where the processes of gun construction are observed, and to the Ordnance Proving Ground at Sandy Hook, where actual firings from the several classes of guns are observed, including usually one or more shots against armor, and where the latest developments in war material are seen.

• Ordnance and Gunnery. Lissak.
• Exterior Ballistics. O’Hern.
• Stresses in Wire-Wrapped Guns and in Gun Carriages. Ruggles.

• Ballistic Tables. Ingalls.
• Mathematical Tables. Newcomb.
• Publications of Ordnance Department. U. S. Army.

The course in military hygiene for the second class begins on or about the 15th of April and continues into June. It consists of 6 lectures and 13 recitations for each half of the class, given on alternate days and ending by a written examination on the subjects treated.

The course covers the essential points in military hygiene, particular attention being paid to the following:

Personal hygiene with special reference to the soldier and his environment: the hygiene and sanitation of military commands in garrison and in the field; and the causes and prevention of infectious diseases and control of epidemics. Also the nature of alcoholic drinks and narcotics, and special instruction as to their effects upon the human system.

During the summer camp, 5 lectures with exercises are given to the first class on the use of the first aid packet and the treatment of medical and surgical emergencies. While on the practice march, at the end of each day, the medical officer on duty with the corps discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the camp site from the view point of the military sanitarian and also camp cooking, the water supply, and various other matters pertaining to camp hygiene and sanitation.

• The Elements of Military Hygiene. Ashburn.
• Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene. Tracy.

• Military Hygiene. Harvard.
• Theory and Practice of Military Hygiene. Munson.
• Notes on Military Hygiene. Woodhull.
• Practical Hygiene. Harrington.

English: Essential principles of rhetoric; frequent practice in various forms of written and oral composition, including personal and official correspondence and official forms; study of selected literary masterpieces, and of essentials in the history of English literature and language.

History: Political, social and economic history from the end of the Middle Ages to the present day; study of typical forms of modern national and municipal governments; fundamental principles of civil government, historically considered, with special reference to the United States.

• English Composition. Henry S. Canby and others.
• Golden Treasury, Everyman’s Library Edition. Palgrave.
• Shakespeare’s Works.
• Tennyson’s Idylls of the King.
• Selections from Addison, selections from Macaulay, selections from Stevenson, and Carlyle’s Heroes and Hero-Worship.

• A Political History of Modern Europe. F. Schwill.
• The Development of Modern Europe. J. H. Robinson and C. A. Beard.
• Readings in Modern European History, Vol. II. Robinson and Beard.
• The Development of the State. Dealey.

Cadets and officers have free access to the library, which comprises some 80,000 books, maps and manuscripts. The collection contains substantially all standard books on the subjects taught in the Academy and is especially complete in military subjects. Its card catalogues (about 272,000 cards) are arranged with the special object of saving the time of the cadets. The library is open on week-days from 8 A. M. to 9:30 P. M.; on Sundays and holidays from 2 to 6 P. M.

INTERIOR OF NEW RIDING HALL

FOOTNOTES