A~ \^ '•«o 
 
 5* .-4? »;^f^<^. ^ V^ .♦•»- %^ 
 
 
 
 V?,- 
 
 ♦' 
 
 ♦^-^^ 
 
 
 
 
 
^%^.* .v^' •^#,, 
 
 
 V^ 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
GUIDE BOOK TO WEST POINT 
 
 VICINITY; 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL, AND STATISTICAL 
 SKETCHES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, 
 
 AND OF OTHER OBJECTS OF INTEREST. 
 
 KOSCIUSZKO'S MOXiUMENT 
 
 NEW YORK: » 
 
 PUBLISHED BY J. B. COLTON, No. 8t> CED.m ST. 
 
 1844. 
 
 i>r WlVr^'^ 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1844, 
 By J. H. COLTON, 
 
 in tly Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United 
 States for the Southern District of New York. 
 
 
 .a'Y'^ 
 
 V 
 
 PuUiie.v, Hooker & Russell, Priuiers, 76 Maiden-Laae. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In preparing this volume for publication, the 
 attempt has been made not only to point out 
 such objects at West Point as deserve the at- 
 tention of every visiter, but also to present for 
 preservation such information concerning them 
 as may be desirable for subsequent reference. 
 The book is intended to supply a deficiency 
 which has hitherto existed, and proved a se- 
 rious inconvenience to strangers, and especially 
 to those whose visits have been limited to a 
 few hours. They may here learn what is to 
 be seen and at what moments, and may so 
 regulate their plans as to accomplish the most 
 in the shortest time. 
 
 The sources, from which these materials 
 have been derived, are various^ Much, of 
 course, is the result of observation. Congres- 
 sional documents and other papers, not easy 
 of reference, have been examined, and have 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 contributed somewhat to the contents. Other 
 works have been consulted, and when neces- 
 sary quoted, and dUigent care has been taken 
 to have every statement correct. 
 
 To all who have extended to him their as- 
 sistance and encouragement, the author returns 
 his sincere thanks, with the hope that they 
 will derive satisfaction from the accomplish- 
 ment of his plans. Being unconnected with 
 the Military Academy, and having no partial 
 interests to serve, the writer wishes to be re- 
 garded simply as a " looker on in Venice." If 
 others receive as much pleasure in the perusal, 
 as he has done in the preparation of the book, 
 he will have no cause to complain. 
 
 West Point, July, 1844. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 Preface 3 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Arrival — Walk to the Hotel — View from the 
 
 Hotel - - - -- - - - 7 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 Walk around the plain — Wood's Monument — 
 Buildings — Kosciuszko's Garden — Constitution 
 Island — Kosciuszko's Monument — Camp Town - 10 
 CHAPTER III. 
 Amusements — Military Display — Music — Dancing 
 
 — Striking Tents, &c. 16 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Library 19 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Philosophical and Astronomical Rooms - - 22 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 The Chapel 24 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The Academy — Engineering Hall — Mineral Cab- 
 inet — Painting and Sculpture Galleries - 26 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 The Hospit.\i, . 29 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The Cemetery - - 30 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 The Artillery Laboratory — The large chain, 
 
 and other relics 32 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Fort Putnam — View — Poetry from Scott - - 35 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 
 Crow's Nest - - 40 
 
 1* 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Kinsley's Classical and Mathejutical School 42 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Buttermilk Falls ----- . 47 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Cold Spring. West Point Foundry - - - 49 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Beverly House. View from SugAr Loaf - - 50 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Military Academy ; Admission ; Course of In- 
 structton ; Examinations ; Graduation ; Leaves 
 OF absence ; Uniform ; Discipline - - - 57 
 
 CHAPTER XVIIL 
 
 Dress Parade - - - - - - - 71 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 Arnold and Andre ----__ 75 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 KosciuszKO --------84 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 History of West Point 86 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 History of the Military Academy, and its pres- 
 ent condition 90 
 
 CHAPTER XXin. 
 
 Statistics of Graduates - - . - , 93 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Statistics of Expenditures - - - - - 100 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Officp,rs at West Point ----- 102 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Synopsis of the Course of Studies - - 105 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 Different opinions concerning the Academy - - 107 
 
GUIDE BOOK TO ¥EST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ARRIVAL WALK TO THE HOTEL VIEM^ FROM THE 
 
 HOTEL. 
 
 In landing at West Point the first thing 
 attracting attention is the perfect order and 
 regularity that prevail. There is no tumult, 
 no boisterous shout, and no annoying crowd. 
 All is quiet and decorum. 
 
 A guard is stationed at the wharf, and it 
 was formerly the custom to take the names of 
 all gentlemen arriving at and leaving the post, 
 in order that the commandant might be imme- 
 diately informed of the arrival and departure 
 of visiters and officers. It happens not unfre- 
 quently that an officer of distinction is received 
 with a salute and with other mihtary honors 
 suited to his rank. 
 
 The small building near the wharf is open 
 to all, and is designed for the accommodation 
 of any who may be detained in awaiting the 
 arrival of the boats. An omnibus will be found 
 
8 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 ready to convey passengers to the hotel, or to 
 any other part of the Point, at a moderate 
 charge. Many, however, prefer to send up 
 theu' luggage, and climb the hill on foot. Such 
 may follow the omnibus in its winding course, 
 or take a more direct foot-path which goes im- 
 mediately up the hill. Another path on the 
 left, following the bank of the river, affords a 
 pleasant walk, but it might lead one too far 
 astray. 
 
 The hotel, though at some considerable dis- 
 tance from any other building, occupies perhaps 
 the finest situation on the plain. It stands at 
 an elevation of about one hundred and sixty 
 feet, upon the brow of the hill, overlooking the 
 river. Around it extends a large plain, in the 
 north-east corner of which are the ruins of 
 Fort Clinton. Near these is the encampment 
 ground, where the cadets spend eight or ten 
 weeks of the summer in their tents. The south 
 side of the plain is bounded by the most impor- 
 tant pubhc buildings, and on the west are 
 located the residences of the superintendent 
 and other officers. The nearest of the chain 
 of hills encircUng the plain is Mount Independ- 
 ence, which rises in majestic grandeur, bearing 
 upon its summit the crumbling masonry of 
 Fort Putnam. 
 
 Above West Point, the river forms, appa- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. \f 
 
 rentJy, a beautiful lake, at the northern ex- 
 tremity of which, some eight miles distant, 
 stands the goodly town of Newburgh. The 
 whole distance is enlivened and beautified with 
 the sails of numerous vessels, while on either 
 side are steep and lofty hills, forming the door- 
 posts, as it were, of this broad avenue. On 
 the side hill, west of the hotel, is seen the Artil- 
 lery Laboratory, a stone building with turrets 
 and battlements, presenting a warlike appear- 
 ance, though on a small scale. Beyond this 
 is the village of Camp Town, comprising the 
 barracks of the soldiers, and some other build- 
 ings, — and still farther, on a level with the 
 plain, the monuments of the Cemetery may be 
 distinguished among the trees. 
 
 After this general description of the view 
 from the hotel, it is our purpose to notice more 
 particularly the walks and buildings in the 
 vicinity, and we think it will be seen that 
 " every spot around the Military Seminary 
 serves to recall glorious names, and deeds of 
 i-enowned enterprise ; and consequently that 
 none more favorable for the education of those 
 who are to sustain the renown which their an- 
 cestors Avon by their bravery and their blood, 
 could have been selected." * 
 
 * Hudson River Portfolio. 
 
10 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 WAIiK AROUND THE PLAIN — WOOD's MONUMENT- 
 BUILDINGS — KOSCIUSZKO'S GARDEN — C<DNST1TUTI0N 
 ISLAND — KOSCIUSZKO'S MONUMENT — CAMP TOWN. 
 
 We will suppose ourselves to be walking 
 from the hotel round the plain, to gather such 
 scraps of information as are to be found in 
 passing. As we proceed in this circuitous path 
 toward the flag-staff, we may notice a tall 
 wooden box, corresponding to the sentry-boxes 
 represented in pictures. It is designed for the 
 safe keeping of the flag. Near by stands a 
 cannon, (except during the enca^mpment, when 
 it is removed to a place nearer the tents,) 
 which is fired at 5 A. JM. and at sunset, as the 
 morning and evening gun. Here too are sta- 
 tioned four or five mortars, for throwing shells 
 and fire balls at a target within the limits of 
 Fort Clinton. 
 
 Just before us on a little hillock, amid a 
 grove of trees, stands a chaste obelisk, which 
 attracts us from our course. It bears these in- 
 scriptions : 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 11 
 
 To the Memory 
 
 of 
 
 Lieut. Colonel E. D. Wood, 
 
 of the 
 
 Corps of Engineers, 
 
 who fell 
 
 while leading a Charge 
 
 at the 
 
 Sortie of Fort Erie, 
 
 Upper Canada, 
 
 17th Septembei-, 1814, 
 
 in the 31st year of his 
 
 Age. 
 
 He was 
 
 Exemplary as a Christian 
 
 and 
 
 Distinguished as a Soldier, 
 
 A Pupil 
 
 of 
 
 This Institution, 
 
 he died 
 
 an Honour 
 
 to 
 
 His Country. 
 
 This Memorial 
 
 was erected 
 
 by his Friend and Commander;, 
 
 Major General Jacob Brown. 
 
12 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 A brave soldier that, who salhed forth from 
 the fort to attack the British on their own 
 ground, and fell at the moment of victory. 
 
 Resuming our walk, we find at the corner 
 of the plain three roads beside that from the 
 hotel ; the one on the right leading down the 
 hill to Camp Town and to the wharf; the 
 next (known as the Canterbury road) going 
 towards the " West gate," and thence to Fort 
 Putnam, the Cemetery, and Crow's Nest ; 
 while that on the left will take us round the 
 plain. , 
 
 We notice on our right, in passing, the build- 
 ings occupied by some of the officers of the In- 
 stitution, with gardens adjoining them, the 
 arrangement of which evinces much taste. 
 The second house is occupied by the superin- 
 tendent, Major Delafield, to whose skill the 
 place is indebted for much of its beauty. 
 
 We turn suddenly to the left, around the 
 Mess Hall of the Cadets, a low building, not 
 remarkable in its appearance. The vacant 
 space between this building and the next was 
 once occupied by an edifice called the Acad- 
 emy, which was erected about the year 1815, 
 and destroyed by fire in 1838. 
 
 The lot on the right is designed for the erec- 
 tion of new barracks, whenever Congress may 
 make appropriations sufficient for their erection. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 13 
 
 The South Barrack is the next building on 
 the left, and at right angles to this stands the 
 North Barrack. The former has been built 
 about thirty years, and is very poorly adapted 
 to the necessities of the Institution. Its con- 
 struction is such as to expose its inmates to 
 great inconveniences, and to sickness ; and 
 both of the buildings occupy a part of the plain 
 which should be laid open for military opera- 
 tions. It will add much to the advantages of 
 the Institution and to the appearance of the 
 place, if these two buildings and the Mess Hall 
 are removed from their present localities, and a 
 new building is erected, sufficient to contain 
 all the Cadets, better adapted to the preserva- 
 tion of a strict police, with proper apparatus 
 for warmth and ventilation, and in a style of 
 architecture suited to modern views of improve- 
 ment. 
 
 On our right is seen the north end of the 
 Academy, a commodious stone edifice, 275 feet 
 long, and 75 feet broad, with three stories and 
 a basement, — completed in 1838, and contain- 
 ing a number of rooms for academical purposes. 
 This we design to notice on a subsequent page. 
 
 Then comes a road branching off to the 
 south, in the direction of the Hospital, Kinsley's 
 School, and Buttermilk Falls. 
 
 Next on our right is the Chapel, and beyond 
 2 
 
14 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 that the Philosophical and Library building, 
 with a dome and mural towers for astronomi- 
 cal observations. 
 
 Our road now passes on to the brow of the 
 hill, from which we may descend by the first 
 foot-path to Kosciuszko's Garden. This was 
 the favourite resort of that officer, while sta- 
 tioned here as an engineer, in the revolutionary 
 war ; and it is said that the ruins of a fountain 
 constructed by him, were discovered and re- 
 paired in 1802. It is now a romantic spot, 
 and its beauty is increased by a little jet of 
 water thrown up some eight or ten feet. Seats 
 have been provided for the weary, on which 
 are enrolled the names of many who have ob- 
 tained a brief immortality^ by visiting this gar- 
 den. A strange propensity some have for thus 
 mutilating every thing of public interest within 
 their reach. How unfortunate for them that 
 the material most readily adapted to their pur- 
 poses is not subject to petrifaction ! 
 
 The path continues along the bank of the 
 river, passing a battery of considerable size, 
 the walls and embankments of which, are 
 pretty well preserved. We may here ascend 
 to the plain and walk through the ruins of 
 Fort Clinton to Kosciuszko's Monument, (a 
 place by all means to be visited,) or retain our 
 former path, the appearance of which is very 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 15 
 
 inviting. By this we come to Gee's Point, a 
 projection at the very bend of the river, on 
 which are the ruins of a small battery. This 
 was important for the defence of a huge iron 
 chain, more than 1400 feet long, that was ex- 
 tended across the river in 1780, to the bluff on 
 the opposite side, called Constitution Island.* 
 The design was to prevent the enemy's ships 
 from passing above this point, but, we believe, 
 there is no mention of their attempting to force 
 their way beyond it. — By looking up the hill 
 we may see to good advantage the monument, 
 which has a very conspicuous position. 
 
 In turning from this point, the path leads us 
 along the bank to the steamboat landing, but 
 we shall find a branch from it going up tile 
 hill, towards the hotel. Following this, we 
 must take another opportunity to go round to 
 Fort Chnton, survey the works that exist there, 
 and visit the monument. It bears simply the 
 name Kosciuszko on one side, and on the 
 other " Erected by the corps of Cadets^ 1828." 
 A brief sketch of this hero's life, we shall give 
 on another page. The monument and the 
 walks around were completed in 1829, at the 
 expense of about $5000. 
 
 * This island, which contains some ruins of interest, is 
 easily visited by means of the ferry boats. 
 
16 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 A pleasant road passes through Camp Town, 
 but there is nothing particularly attractive in 
 the appearance of the village. It is inhabited 
 chiefly by private soldiers, and by laborers con- 
 nected with the Academy. It contains the 
 barracks of the musicians and soldiers, the 
 magazine, a number of mechanics' shops, and 
 the cavalry stables. The number of persons 
 residing on the post is nine or ten hundred. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 AMUSEMENTS — MILITARY DISPLAY — MUSIC — DANCING 
 STRIKING TENTS, &C. 
 
 The stranger at West Point will find it 
 pleasant to witness such military displays as 
 are made from time to time, to visit some of 
 the public buildings, and to see other places in 
 the vicinity of the Academy worthy of notice 
 either for their own sake, or for associations 
 connected with them. 
 
 The daily morning parade at 8 A. M., 
 during the encampment, and the evening pa- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 17 
 
 rade at sunset, are ceremonies in -which the 
 whole corps of Cadets participate. The morn- 
 ing parade is followed by the guard mount- 
 ing, and beside these exercises, there are daily 
 drills in artillery, infantry or cavalry tactics, 
 occurring at various hours. Occasionally the 
 day is devoted to a review of the Cadets in the 
 presence of strangers of military rank. 
 
 In the evening, three times a week, the ex- 
 cellent band connected with the corps, are sta- 
 tioned on the plain to play for the benefit of 
 all who choose to listen. The music is of the 
 first order, and is well regarded as one of the 
 €hief attractions of the place. In the winter 
 concerts are sometimes given by a full or- 
 chestra. 
 
 The Cadets have dancing parties in the 
 halls of the academy frequently during the 
 summer, to which very general invitations are 
 given. It has also been customary for them to 
 have one or two balls during the encampment, 
 which have been managed in the finest style. 
 
 Sometimes very fine displays of rockets and 
 other fire works, prepared by the Cadets, may 
 be seen in the evening. 
 
 Another common amusement of the Cadets 
 
 for the evening, which attracts much attenrion, 
 
 is the stag dance, performed in the open air. 
 
 Large numbers of candles are placed on the 
 
 2* 
 
18 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 ground, iji two rows, several feet apart. The 
 space between is occupied by the dancers, who 
 move to the sound of fife and drum, or of the 
 viohn, in regular time, but with every variety 
 of posture. The ludicrous positions assumed, 
 and the enthusiasm manifested in the sport at- 
 tract crowds of spectators, who are greatly di- 
 verted with the entertainment. At the sound 
 of the tattoo, the lights are suddenly ex- 
 tinguished, and in a few moments the place is 
 completely deserted. 
 
 The ceremony of striking the tents at the 
 close of the encampment, in the latter part of 
 August, is one looked forward to with interest, 
 as a sight well worth seeing. 
 
 The Cadets have no literary exhibitions, nor 
 is there at present among them any literary so- 
 ciety for improvement in debate and composi- 
 tion. 
 
 Other sights of interest will be mentioned in 
 order. The library is open throughout the 
 day. Access to the philosophical, astronomical 
 and painting rooms, as a general thing, can 
 be obtained only by application to the Profes- 
 sors, in whose department they belong, either 
 directly or by means of some officer. 
 
 The post office is in the first story of the 
 north barrack, in the end nearest the hotel. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 19 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 The entrance to the Library is by the east 
 door of the Philosophical Building. The hall 
 has its ceiling beautifully ornamented with ar- 
 chitectural designs, and on its walls are sus- 
 pended full length portraits of Jefferson and 
 Madison, by Sully. Over a recess designed 
 for the Librarian's desk is placed a bust of 
 Washington. The stained windows add to 
 the beauty of the room, and the whole appear- 
 ance of the structure reflects much credit upon 
 the skilful architect who designed the building. 
 
 The Library is open from 8 to 12 A. M. and 
 from 1 P. M. until sundown, under the charge 
 of the librarian and his assistant. Only the 
 members of the Institution and officers residing 
 at the post, are allowed to take books from the 
 Library, but citizens have access to it, at the 
 regular hours, with liberty to examine such 
 books as they please. Cadets are allowed on 
 Saturday afternoons to take any books they 
 
20 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 may have been reading during the week, to 
 be returned on the following Monday ; at other 
 times they may have a single volume of any 
 work calculated to aid them in their stu- 
 dies. 
 
 The Board of Visitors in 1833 speak thus : 
 " The library of the academy contains a very 
 valuable collection of works, adapted to the pe- 
 cuUar objects of the institution. It is rich in 
 works on military science, and on civil engi- 
 neering, and contains a valuable series of mili- 
 tary history, and the best geographical and to- 
 pographical maps of the state of Europe to il- 
 lustrate this important study. It is true that 
 in works on polite literature it is as yet rather 
 deficient, ialthough the selection has been very 
 judicious'; but however desirable it may be to 
 augment the number of volumes on miscella- 
 neous subjects, the real object of the institu- 
 tion must be kept steadily in view, and it will 
 continue to be the duty of the Superintendent 
 to purchase, in preference to all others, books 
 relating to the sciences taught in this academy, 
 and to supply the necessary works on archi- 
 tecture, chemistry, geology, mineralogy and 
 moral science." 
 
 Of the present character of the hbrary, the 
 following table will convey some idea. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 21 
 
 Vols. Dup. 
 
 There are on Military Engi- 
 neering 
 
 Artillery and Pyrotechny 
 
 Military Art 
 
 Military History, Memoirs, 
 Campaigns, (fcc. 
 
 Civil Engineering - 
 
 Mathematics 
 
 Natural Philosophy & Navi- 
 gation - - 835 134 
 
 Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geol- 
 ogy, Natural History <fc 
 the Arts, Medicine, (fcc. 1645 95 
 
 Geography, Topography, &c. 475 53 
 
 History, Biography, Memoirs, 
 
 Travels, &c. - 2518 190 
 
 Miscellaneous Literature 3081 145 
 
 2327 
 
 2090 
 
 508 
 
 346 
 
 692 
 
 149 
 
 876 
 
 94 
 
 638 
 
 36 
 
 969 
 
 322 
 
 Total 14,564 3654 
 
 Volumes not duplicated 10,910 
 
 The great number of the duplicates is owing 
 chiefly to 6 or 7 hundred copies of a Treatise 
 on the Science of War, amounting to some 
 2000 volumes. 
 
22 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER V- 
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL AND ASTRONOMICAL ROOMS. 
 
 The stone building containing these rooms 
 and the Ubrary, is of Gothic architecture, 150 
 feet by 60, with two stories, and three towers. 
 It has been erected recently, and has been in 
 use since 1843. The philosophical apparatus 
 is arranged in cases around a lecture room, and 
 its splendor and perfection are displayed to ex- 
 cellent advantage. It contains all the instru- 
 ments most necessary for the use of the in- 
 structor in experimental philosophy, and nume- 
 rous experiments are made before the classes 
 
 The building is particularly adapted to as- 
 tronomical observations, being constructed on 
 the most approved plan • for an observatory. 
 The central tower is covered with a dome, 
 weighing four tons, and revolving on four can- 
 non balls. The motion is easily given to it, 
 and the observer is thereby enabled to obtain 
 an opening to any quarter of the heavens. 
 The telescope. is supported on a stone pillar 
 firmly planted in the ground, and unconnected 
 with the building — this arrangement being ne- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 23 
 
 cessary to ensure its perfect stability. By 
 means of clock work, a revolving motion is 
 given to the instrument, in such a way that 
 any object may be constantly kept within the 
 field of vision. 
 
 The tower on the north-west corner contains 
 a meridional telescope of superior quality ; and 
 the corresponding tower has just been furnished 
 with a transit instrument, of perfect workman- 
 ship, manufactured in Germany expressly for 
 this institution. 
 
 These departments of philosophy and as- 
 tronomy are under the charge of Prof. Bartlett, 
 who visited Europe some years since, in order 
 to procure instruments, and, by visiting all the 
 great observatories, to ascertain the most desira- 
 ble arrangements, and the best method of ob- 
 serving. The results of his journey are seen 
 in the selection of apparatus, in the present 
 management of his department, and in the de- 
 signing of the transit instrument, which was 
 constructed in conformity with a plan made by 
 him, combining the most recent and valuable 
 improvements. 
 
24 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 THE CHAPEL. 
 
 This building, devoted to religious purposes, 
 stands between the Library and the Academy. 
 It was commenced in 1835, and completed the 
 same or the next year. It is 50 feet front, 70 
 feet deep, and 24 feet high, and affords accom- 
 modation, for about five hundred persons. The 
 service is usually conducted under the form of 
 the Episcopal church, but the pulpit has been 
 opened for clergymen of other denominations. 
 The chaplain is the Rev. Mr. Parks, who grad- 
 uated at the Academy in 1826, and is now^ 
 Professor of Ethics. On Sabbath morning the 
 officers appear at church in full uniform, and 
 the Cadets are all required to be present, ex- 
 cept those detailed for the guard. In the after- 
 noon attendance is voluntary. No regular ser- 
 vice is held during the week. 
 
 The Chapel contains an organ, and is deco- 
 rated with a fine painting by Mr. Wier, whose 
 reputation throughout the country has been 
 crowned by the exhibition of " the Embarka- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 25 
 
 tion of the Pilgrims at Delft Haven." * The 
 design is supposed to be in illustration of the 
 motto, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but 
 sin is a reproach to any people." A female 
 figure, personifying peace, with an olive branch 
 in one hand and a Bible in the other, is repre- 
 sented as looking towards the sun of righteous- 
 ness, just risen in the east. A Roman warrior, 
 on the other side, a representative of war, has 
 laid by his implements of battle as if the time 
 had come, when " nation shall not hft up sword 
 against nation, neither shall they learn war 
 any more." He is saddened by the idea, and 
 is hardly reconciled to the sacrifice required of 
 him. Between these two is an altar, or a tab- 
 let, supporting part of a globe on which our 
 country is marked out, while above an eagle 
 is hovering with an olive and arrows. The 
 sky is set with stars, and the star-spangled 
 banner is thrown down near the feet of the 
 Roman. The coloring, the drapery, and the 
 light are admirable, and the whole picture 
 attracts much attention. 
 
 * This painting, representing the Pilgrims leaving their 
 temporary home to seek a new country, and plant here " a 
 church without a bishop, a state without a king," was 
 executed by order of Congress, and is now placed in the 
 Capitol at Washington. 
 
 3 
 
26 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE ACADEMY — ENGINEERING HALL — MINERAL CABI 
 NET — PAINTING AND SCULPTURE GALLERIES. 
 
 The Academy is a fine stone building, 275 
 feet by 75, containing three stories, beside the 
 basement, which is used for a chemical labora- 
 tory. 
 
 The first story contains a large room used 
 for a riding hall and for military exercises 
 during the winter. The apartment at the north 
 end is occupied as a fencing hall, and the cor- 
 responding one at the other end is the court 
 room. In the second story are a number of 
 recitation rooms, the Quarter-master's and 
 Treasurer's offices, and the Engineering room. 
 The latter, an apartment 75 by 22, is furnished 
 with numerous models to illustrate the impor- 
 tant branches of architecture, fortification, and 
 civil engineering. Most conspicuous in the 
 room are two large models of English manu- 
 facture, one of which represents a perfect for- 
 tification in all its minutiae, displaying the 
 proper construction of the walls, and the means 
 of protecting the various avenues of approach. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 27 
 
 The other represents the progress of a success- 
 ful attack upon a fortification. The advancing 
 army, in miniature, are represented as having 
 passed barrier after barrier, driving the besieged 
 before them. In one place they have made a 
 breach in the walls by the explosion of a mine, 
 and in another they have raised a mound to 
 protect themselves in their advance. The be- 
 sieged have retreated to their last barrier, and 
 are making preparations, in case that should 
 be taken, to retreat to the buildings of the town, 
 part of which is in ruins. As their last resort 
 they are fortifying a chm-ch, which has already 
 suffered some injury. These models, interest- 
 ing simply as curiosities, must be of great im- 
 portance in illustrating the nature and defence 
 of fortifications. 
 
 In this room also are plaster models of some 
 of the most celebrated Grecian temples, restored 
 to their original beauty. These were brought 
 from Paris, and are admirable representations 
 of some of the finest buildings the world ever 
 saw, which even in their ruins have received 
 universal admiration. Among them are the 
 Propylsea and the Parthenon, of Athens, the 
 Hypsethral Temple, and " the Lantern of De- 
 mosthenes." 
 
 There are also models of bridges, canal locks, 
 steam engines, water wheels, arches, and other 
 
28 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 apparatus designed to exemplify subjects con- 
 nected with engineering. The room is under 
 the charge of Mr. Mahan, Professor of Civil 
 and Mihtary Engineering, assisted by Lieuten- 
 ants Wright, Newton, and Rosecrans. 
 
 The room above the Engineering hall, is 
 devoted to the Mineralogical Cabinet, a well 
 selected and well arranged collection of the 
 most important specimens of native and foreign 
 minerals, embracing some of considerable value. 
 This department, as also that of chemistry, is 
 under the charge of Professor Bailey, aided by 
 Lieutenant Kendrick. 
 
 Corresponding to this room, at the opposite 
 end of the building, is the Drawing hall, lighted 
 from above, and supplied with every necessary 
 convenience for drawing and painting. The 
 members of the second and third classes usually 
 devote two hours daily to these pursuits, and 
 many of them make great proficiency. The 
 panels of the room are decorated with a series 
 of paintings by Mr. Wier, illustrating the eifects 
 of light and shade. 
 
 Opening into the hall are two spacious galler- 
 ies, one for painting and the other for sculp- 
 ture. The former contains a few pieces from 
 foreign artists, and some engravings, designed 
 as lessons to be copied : but it is intended that 
 the walls shall be chiefly covered with the best 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 29 
 
 of the paintings produced by the Cadets. Each 
 year the teacher selects such as he deems most 
 worthy of preservation, and allows the Cadets 
 to retain the remainder. A stimulus to exertion 
 is thus held out to them, and at the same time 
 the Academy reaps some immediate benefit 
 from their labors. A large number of paintings 
 has already been collected, and their appear- 
 ance would do credit to more advanced artists. 
 
 The sculpture gallery contains many pieces 
 that are interesting as copies of famous statues. 
 It is well supplied with models of the various 
 parts of the human figure, and cannot fail to 
 be of advantage in aiding the studies of the 
 Cadets. 
 
 This department is under the care of Mr. 
 Wier, who is assisted by Lieut. R. S. Smith. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE HOSPITAL. 
 
 " The Hospital is a stone edifice, located 
 near the bank of the Hudson river, beautifully 
 shaded with the sugar maple on the east, and 
 
30 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 near the base of the mountam on the west ; 
 commanding an interesting view of the river, 
 and securing always a free circulation of pure 
 air. This building contains in its basement 
 story eight rooms of convenient size for the ac- 
 commodation of the nurses, matrons, domestics, 
 kitchens, (fcc. Immediately above these rooms 
 are eight large, convenient and airy chambers 
 for the sick, with a portico in front, furnishing 
 a pleasant promenade, in full view of the river, 
 for convalescent patients. Connected with this 
 building, one at each end, are two buildings of 
 similar size, one story higher than the hospital, 
 for the accommodation of the surgeon and as- 
 sistant surgeon. The whole building is con- 
 venient and appropriate."* 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE CEMETERY. 
 
 The Cemetery has a retired and beautiful 
 situation on the bank of the river, about a mile 
 ^bove the hotel. It seems fitting that soUtude 
 
 * Report of Visitors, 1841. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 31 
 
 should dwell around the abodes of the dead, 
 and that the hum of busy life should be hushed 
 in the vicinity of the tomb. Here sleep but 
 few Cadets, yet those few have won the esteem 
 of their classmates, and marble memorials tell 
 us of their virtues. Their work was early done 
 — night wrapped them in its shrouded gloom, 
 ere life's morning had fairly dawned upon 
 them. 
 
 We notice here a beautiful column in mem- 
 ory of Lt. Col. Alexander R. Thompson — a vic- 
 tim in the Florida war. The delicate sculpture, 
 particularly, attracts our attention. Another 
 monument, castle-like in form, deserves no- 
 tice. It is known as the Cadets' Monument, 
 and was ei ected in memory of V. M. Lowe, in 
 1817. The names of others are inscribed on 
 the sides, and on its summit are placed various 
 military emblems, beautifully wrought out. 
 
 The location of this cemetery is well chosen 
 — a beautiful spot it is, — and the stranger can- 
 not fail to be interested in visiting it. The 
 ground in its vicinity was used as a burial 
 place during the Revolution, but the present 
 arrangements are of modern date. 
 
32 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE ARTILLERY LABORATORY — THE LARGE CHAIN, 
 AND OTHER RELICS. 
 
 The plan and arrangement of this structure 
 are such as to excite our curiosity. The tow- 
 ers are designed for workshops, and the space 
 enclosed by the walls for the storage of various 
 kinds of ordnance. 
 
 Near the centre of the space we see the rem- 
 nants of the celebrated iron chain that was 
 stretched across the river during the revolution 
 to obstiTict the passage of the enemy's ships. 
 Thacher's Military Journal for 1780, says, 
 " As additional security an iron chain of im- 
 mense sti'ength is thrown across at the short 
 bend of the river, and fixed to huge blocks on 
 each shore, and under the fire of batteries on both 
 sides of the river. The links of this chain are 
 about twelve inches wide, and eighteen long, 
 the bars about two inches square. It Is buoyed 
 up by very large logs, of about sixteen feet long, 
 pointed at the ends, to lessen their opposition 
 to the force of the current at flood and ebb 
 tide. The logs are placed at short distances 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 33 
 
 from each other, the chain carried over them, 
 and made fast to each by staples. There are 
 also a number of anchors dropped at proper 
 distances, with cables made fast to the chain, 
 to give it greater stability." 
 
 This chain "was made at Sterling [near 
 West Point] in March and April, 1788, by the 
 late Peter Townsend, Esq. It was contracted 
 for and its making superintended by Tim- 
 othy Pickering; Esq. The iron of this chain 
 was made from equal parts of Sterling and 
 Long Mine ores. The weight of each link 
 was from 140 to 150 pounds, and the whole 
 was made and delivered in six weeks."* 
 
 These links surround another relic, a cannon, 
 by the premature discharge of which in 1817, 
 Cadet Lowe was killed. To his memory has 
 been erected the beautiful monument which 
 was noticed in the Cemetery. Very few acci- 
 dents of a serious nature have happened in this 
 Institution, and but one other, it is said, has 
 proved fatal. 
 
 We find here several trophies, worthy of at- 
 tention ; among others, two brass cannons, of 
 British manufacture, marked GR. and W. 
 BowEN FECIT, 1755. On these are engraved 
 military emblems and this inscription : 
 
 * Geological Reports of New York, No. 275. 
 
34 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 FROM THE BRITISH ARMY 
 AND PRESENTED BY ORDER OF 
 THE UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED 
 TO MAJOR GENERAL GREENE 
 AS A MONUMENT OF 
 THEIR HIGH SENSE OF 
 THE WISDOM FORTITUDE AND MILITARY TALENTS, 
 WHICH DISTINGUISHED HIS COMMAND 
 IN THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT 
 AND OF 
 THE EMINENT SERVICES 
 WHICH 
 AMIDST COMPLICATED DANGERS AND DIFFI- 
 CULTIES HE PERFORMED FOR 
 
 oDararaDsaEm fe is, i7sa. 
 
 Also a number of brass mortars are visible, 
 " Surrendered hy the Convention of Sarato- 
 ga, Oct. 17, 1777 ;" a memorable occasion, 
 when Burgoyne surrendered his army of 5752 
 men, with their weapons. 
 
 Also a large brass mortar " Taken at the 
 Storm of Stony Point, July 15, 1779 ;" when 
 the fort at that place was recaptured by the 
 Americans under Wayne. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 35 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 FORT PUTNAM — VIEW — QUOTATION FROM SCOTT. 
 
 The ascent of Mount Independence has here- 
 tofore been tedious, but by means of carriages, 
 which can now go to the very summit, it may 
 be accomphshed with httle difficulty, and no 
 one should omit visiting so interesting a place 
 as Fort Putnam. One way is to go through 
 the west gate, and immediately turn into a 
 road at the left, which joins the one leading to 
 the entrance. Another road, constructed in the 
 spring of 1844, by Major Delafield, comes to 
 the plain in the vicinity of the Mess Hall. 
 
 The fort is walled with stone on every side, 
 so as to be impregnable. Its elevation is about 
 five hundred feet from the river, and about 
 three hundred and forty from the plain. The 
 wall varies in height from ten to thirty feet, 
 being greatest on the south side, and on the 
 west built upon a steep precipice. The origi- 
 nal fortification was commenced in 1778 : it 
 was partly rebuilt in 1794, but not completed; 
 and even in its half finished state, it has been 
 mutilated by the grasping hand of avarice, to 
 
36 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 furnish materials for building. This indeed 
 was before it became the property of the United 
 States, and we know not but the owner was 
 justified in appropriating the relics as private 
 property. But there was blame somewhere, 
 and we cannot but regret that such a monu- 
 ment of olden time should have been so little 
 cherished. The fort bears the name of Gene- 
 ral Putnam, a distinguished officer of the revo- 
 lution, and one who had much to do in the 
 fortification of West Point. 
 
 The mortar used in laying the walls seems 
 to have been deficient in sand, and the conse- 
 quence is that the excess of lime, soaked out 
 b}^ the rain, has whitewashed the stones, and 
 given them the appearance of lime-stone, ra- 
 ther than of granite. Within the fort, six 
 casemates, or arched cells, remain nearly entire, 
 one of them being composed of three cham- 
 bers ; and the ruins or unfinished foundations 
 of seven more are discernible. The arches of 
 these are of brick, made bomb proof and cov- 
 ered over with a layer of turf, called the terre- 
 pleme. Some of the casemates are furnished 
 with chimneys, and others seem to have been 
 designed for store-houses. A number have in- 
 ternal communication's, and nearly all, a pas- 
 sage through the outer wall for ventilation. 
 The external wall was originally some feet 
 
GODE TO WEST POINT. 37 
 
 higher than at present, with embrasores or 
 openings for the cannon, which were to be 
 placed on the terre-pleine. 
 
 The position occupied by this fortification is 
 considered in some respects a favorable one. 
 It commands an extensive view of the river 
 both above and below the Point, and of all ibc 
 works on the plain : yet as a sirong-hold it has 
 lost much of its importance, and it k quite 
 doubtful whether it will ever be rebuilt. 
 
 But the prospect is beautiful beyond descrip- 
 tion. A bird's eye view of the plain displays 
 the white tents of the cadets finely contrasted 
 with the gloomy savins that stand like senti- 
 nels in their rear. Our country's dag. spread- 
 ing its folds to the breeze, seems to proffer pro- 
 tection and peace. The opposite bank iA the 
 river is dotted with numerous country seats, 
 not without interest in the hisiory of the p^ace. 
 and just below the pleasant village of Cold 
 Spring, West Point tbundery. hke a mimic vol- 
 cana pours fixth its dense clouds of smoke. 
 The tranquil surface of the noble Hudson, the 
 graceful sloops that deck its waters, the frown- 
 ing summit of Crow's Nest, casting its dark 
 shadow on the opposing bank, the dense fc4iage 
 on every hiQ. and the outhnes of distant moun- 
 tains, unite to give attractions to the spot al- 
 most unrivalled, — while the sohtude of the 
 4 
 
38 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 place, the warlike aspect of the ruins, and the 
 redoubts nearer the river, cannot fail to recall 
 the history of the past. 
 
 From this position the attention is naturally- 
 directed to the Academy itself. No one can 
 reflect without deep interest on the " situation 
 and character of this nursery of military tal- 
 ent, this school of tactics, and prolific fountain 
 of future glory and security. Standing on a 
 commanding elevation in the centre of a pano- 
 rama of mountains, no situation could be bet- 
 ter calculated for all the purposes of abstract 
 study. The rocks around it seem to form an 
 eternal banier against the intrusion of distract- 
 ing temptations; — the mountain air is propi- 
 tious to bodily health; — the unbroken calm 
 which perpetually reign&, induces the mind to 
 apply to those resources from necessity, which 
 from inclination alone, it might less frequently 
 place in requisition ; — and every spot is ren- 
 dered sacred by association with times and cir- 
 cumstances which ' tried men's souls,' and 
 which now live only in memory, or rather in 
 history."* And while the monuments of the 
 glorious struggle of our forefathers are crum- 
 bling to ruinsj we may well apply these worda 
 of Scott : — 
 
 * Htdson River Portfolio. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 39 
 
 "So thon, fair city ! disarray'd 
 Of battled wall, and rampart's aid, 
 As stately seem'st, but lovelier far 
 Than in that panoply of war. 
 Nor deem that from thy fenceless throne 
 Strength and security are flown ; 
 Still, as of yore, the queen of the north ! 
 Still canst thou send thy children forth. 
 Ne'er readier at alarm-bell's call 
 Thy burghers rose to man thy wall. 
 Than now, in danger, shall be thine, 
 Thy dauntless voluntary line ; 
 For tbsse and turret proud to stand, 
 Their breasts the bulwark of the land. 
 Thy thousands, train'd to martial toil. 
 Full red would stain their native soil, 
 Ere from thy mural crown there fell 
 The slightest knosp, or pinnacle." 
 
 Marmion. Introduction to Canto V. 
 
40 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 crow's nest. 
 
 Very few persons mount to the top of 
 Crow's Nest,* although those who do are well 
 paid for their labor. The ascent, which must 
 be performed chiefly on foot, is extremely diffi- 
 cult, and should hardly be attempted without 
 the aid of one who knows the road. A direc- 
 tion often given to those enquiring the path, is, 
 " if you lose your way, go directly up the side 
 of the mountain." 
 
 The view from the summit embraces an ex- 
 tent of more than thirty miles up and down 
 the river, besides much of the country on either 
 side of it. Any attempt at describing this 
 scenery would be useless. It must be seen — 
 felt and realized. But we think that in the 
 descent of the east side of the mountain, through 
 
 * By the accurate calculations of Professor Church, the 
 following elevations from high water-mark are determined : 
 
 Height of the plain, 157 feet. 
 
 Fort Putnam, 495 
 
 Redoubt hill, (in the rear of Fort Putnam) - 818 
 Crow's Nest, 1394 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 41 
 
 a dark ravine, late in the afternoon, these lines 
 from Scott are by no means inappropriate. 
 
 " The western waves of ebbing day 
 Roll'd o'er the glen their level way ; 
 Each purple peak, each flinty spire, 
 Was bathed in floods of living fir«, 
 But not a setting beam could glow 
 Within the dark ravines below, 
 Where twined the path in shadow hid, 
 Round many a rocky pyramid, 
 Shooting abruptly from the dell 
 Its thunder-splinter'd pinnacle ; 
 Round many an insulated mass, 
 The native bulwarks of the pass. 
 Huge as the tower which builders vain 
 Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain. 
 The rocky summits, split and rent, 
 Form'd turret, dome, or battlement, 
 Or seem'd fantastically set 
 With cupola or minaret, 
 Wild crests as pagod ever deck'd. 
 Or mosque of eastern architect. 
 Nor were these earth-born castles bare, 
 Nor lack'd they many a banner fair ; 
 For, from their shiver'd brows display'd. 
 Far o'er the unfathomable glade, 
 All twinkling with the dewdrops sheen, 
 The brier rose fell in streamers green, 
 And creeping shrubs, of thousand dyes, 
 Waved in the west wind's summer sighs." 
 
 Lady of the Lake. Canto I. 11. 
 
43. GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Kinsley's classical and mathematical school. 
 
 This school is situated about half a mile 
 from the Barracks on a height that overlooks 
 the road leading to Buttermilk Falls. Mr. Z. 
 J. D. Kinsley, a graduate of the Mihtary Acad- 
 emy, who was formerly for a number of years 
 an instructor in that Institution, is the proprie- 
 tor and principal. The course of instruction 
 embraces the usual branches of a thorough 
 English education ; a complete system of math- 
 ematics ; the Latin, Greek and French lan- 
 guages ; and opportunity is also afforded for 
 instruction in vocal and instrumental music and 
 in drawing. Particular pains are taken with 
 such pupils as are to enter the Military Acad- 
 emy ; and though the institutions are entirely 
 distinct, there are advantages attending a pre- 
 paratory instruction in the vicinity of the Acad- 
 emy, and under a teacher who is famiUar with 
 the system there carried out. Mr. Kinsley is 
 assisted by graduates of Yale and Geneva Col- 
 leges, and opportunities are afforded to the pupil 
 of preparing for a business life, or of commen- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 43 
 
 cing and prosecuting his studies on the plan 
 which may afterwards be followed in a uni- 
 versity. 
 
 " The regulations for the internal discipHne 
 and police of the school will be strict and at 
 the same time parental. No pupil of vicious 
 habits will be permitted to remain in the school 
 a single day; and when dismissed for such 
 cause he will forfeit all the money paid at his 
 entrance. As a condition of admission, every 
 pupil will be required to pledge himself to ab- 
 stain from the use of tobacco and all intoxi- 
 cating drinks, and from visiting places where 
 intoxicating drinks are sold."* 
 
 The academic year consists of two terms of 
 five months each ; the winter term commen- 
 cing on the 1st of November, and the summer 
 term on the 1st of May. The months of April 
 and October are devoted to vacations. 
 
 EXPENSES. 
 
 " For board, tuition, lodging, lights, washing, 
 and fuel, per term, for pupils under ten 
 years of age, - - - - - - $ 100 
 
 Over 10 years and under 16, - - - - 125 
 
 Over 16 years, 150 
 
 Pupils entering under 10, and remaining 4 
 years in the School, for the whole period, 
 per term, ____-- 100 
 
 * Circular of the school. 
 
44 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 Payments to be made for the term in advance in 
 all cases. 
 
 Books, stationery, and clothing can be furnished 
 on reasonable terms, at the expense of the pupil." * 
 
 In the following branches the charges are 
 ^xtra : 
 
 " Spanish Language, - - - per qr. $ 10 
 
 Drawing in Human Figure and Land- 
 scape, -----» 15 
 
 Music on the flute, guitar, viohn, and 
 
 piano, _-__-" X5 
 
 "Vocal music, - - - - - per term, 5 
 
 Military Exercises, including use of 
 muskets, accoutrements, and am- 
 munition, ----- " 5"* 
 
 " Although it is not the design of the school to 
 provide a military education, the pupils will be 
 regularly organised as a company ; and they will 
 be required to perform such military duties and 
 exercises as contribute to discipline, to health, 
 and to an easy and graceful carriage." The 
 uniform adopted consists of a blue roundabout 
 with gilt figured buttons, and white pantaloons 
 for summer, and blue pantaloons with a black 
 stripe of velvet down the outer seams, for win- 
 ter. Each scholar is supplied with a musket 
 and accoutrements, and is required to become 
 familiar with the various duties and manoeu- 
 vres of a soldier. 
 
 * Circular of the school. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 45 
 
 " Monthly reports exhibiting the scholarship 
 and behavior of every pupil will be sent to his 
 parent or guardian, in which he will be re- 
 quired to write at least one page, to show his 
 improvement in penmanship, spelhng and com- 
 position. He may avail himself of this oppor- 
 tunity to bring before his parent or guardian 
 any grievances he may have, or to make any 
 explanations respecting his dehnquencies ; all 
 complaints, from whatever source they may 
 come, not thus made through the regular chan- 
 nel, will receive no attention from the Principal 
 of the school." 
 
 There is an examination of the pupils on 
 the last three days of every month, and on the 
 last four daj^s of the term. These are public, 
 and the school is constantly open to those 
 strangers who wish to make farther inquiries, 
 or to witness the system of instruction. 
 
 The following report of the visiting board at 
 the March examination is from the National 
 Intelligencer. 
 
 " A careful examination of the system of in- 
 struction and disciphne in Mr. Kinsley's School 
 at West Point enables us to express great con- 
 fidence in the fidelity with which he devotes 
 himself to the education of his pupils. The 
 different departments are filled by able instruc- 
 tors, the situation is remarkably conducive to 
 
46 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 health and muscular development, and the 
 occasional drill has a still farther tendency to 
 give a firm tone to the physical system of the 
 pupil, and to form him to a manly and grace- 
 ful deportment. 
 
 " The contiguity of the Military Academy en- 
 ables Mr. Kinsley to secure the services of ac- 
 complished masters in modern languages, mu- 
 sic, and drawing, and the spiritual interests of 
 his pupils appear to form the object of an atten- 
 tion at once earnest and judicious. 
 
 " Some of us having been present during most 
 of the examination which has just closed, we 
 are able to state that the practical results were 
 such as might be anticipated from so good a 
 system, and that the exhibition of the classes 
 in all the departments of instruction was highly 
 creditable to themselves and their instructors. 
 J. PROUDFIT, D. D. 
 Professor of Languages, Rutger's College. 
 CHARLES DAVIES, LL. D. 
 
 Major United States Army. 
 A. E. CHURCH, A. M. 
 Professor of Mathematics U. S. M. A. 
 West Point, (N. Y.) April 1, 1844." 
 
 The situation of this establishment is an in- 
 teresting one, being the locality of a block 
 house used in the revolution, and overlooked 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 47 
 
 by the ruins of two fortifications on the hills in 
 the rear. A play ground adjoining affords 
 the means of vigorous exercise, and the place 
 is found to be uniformly healthy. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 BUTTERMILK FALLS. 
 
 A PLEASANT excursion may be made to 
 Buttermilk Falls, a mile and a half below the 
 Academy. A small stream rushes down from 
 the mountains, with considerable velocity, and 
 makes a beautiful apearance, especially when 
 swollen by the rains, by its entrance into the 
 river. Within less than a hundred yards, it 
 descends in a succession of cascades a hundred 
 feet, spread out in sheets of milk white foam^ 
 over sloping beds of granite. Rough paths 
 and foot bridges are so constructed that a per- 
 son can pass with facility over the rocks, and 
 across the foaming stream. During most of 
 the summer, however, the little water which 
 would naturally fall over the rocks, is drawn 
 
48 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 off for other purposes, and the inducements to 
 visit the place are lessened. The flour mill 
 near by is worth noticing from the fact that a 
 very small supply of water is used three times 
 under the same roof upon as many overshot 
 wheels. The united diameters of these three 
 wheels amount to ninety-three feet, and suffi- 
 cient power is obtained to keep the mill in full 
 operation. The building is so situated that 
 vessels find ample depth of water to come to 
 the side of it, and receive or discharge their 
 loads. 
 
 The road leading through the village of 
 Buttermilk Falls, extends to the ruins of forts 
 Montgomery and Clinton, four miles beyond. 
 A part of this road has recently been much 
 improved at private expense, but the remainder 
 is quite indifferent, and as a matter of curiosity 
 there is little reason for visiting the ruins. 
 
 A fine elevation, called Bear Mountain, over- 
 looks the village, and the view from the sum- 
 mit is said to be enchanting. The ascent is 
 somewhat arduous, but it may be accomplished 
 even on horseback. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 49 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 COLD SPRING — WEST POINT FOUNDRY. 
 
 At the wharf ferry boats are stationed to 
 convey passengers from West Point to Cold 
 Spring, and the visitor must make an excm-- 
 sion to the other side of the river to see the 
 whole beauty of this side. The village of 
 Cold Spring has a pleasant situation, on a 
 sloping bank of the river, and contains five 
 churches and 1200 inhabitants. The summer 
 residence of G. P. Morris, Esq., one of the 
 Editors of the N. Y. Mirror, stands a little 
 north of the village, at the base of a frowning 
 summit called Bull's Hill. 
 
 The West Point foundry, as it is called, is 
 situated at the side of a cove below the village. 
 About four hundred men are employed in the 
 various duties connected with the establishment. 
 Many castings of immense weight have been 
 made here, and the collection of patterns is 
 very valuable. " There are attached to the 
 foundry, 3 air furnaces and 3 cupolas. In 
 the smith's shop there is 1 trip hammer of 7 
 tons weight, and two tilt hammers — one of a 
 5 
 
50 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 thousand and the other of 500 pounds. The 
 machine shop contains 29 turning lathes, and 
 3 planing- machines for iron."* 
 
 The drive from Cold Spring to the Beverly 
 House, four or five miles distant, is delightful. 
 The views of West Point, of Crow's Nest, and 
 of the river, are among the finest seen from 
 any quarter. The road passes several fine 
 country seats, and among others the De Rham 
 house, formerly known as the Highland School. 
 In the vicinity of this building is a romantic 
 and picturesque valley, with a waterfall and a 
 small pond, called the Indian fall. It may be 
 visited from the road, but the access to it from 
 West Point is easier by means of the ferry 
 boats. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 BEVERLY HOUSE — VIEW FROM SUGAR LOAF. 
 
 The residence of Mr. Thomas B. Arden, on 
 the east side of the river, two miles below 
 * Haskel's Gazetteer. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 51 
 
 West Point, is known as the Beverl)^ House, 
 and has some celebrity as the head quarters of 
 various officers during the war. It was for- 
 merly owned by Colonel Beverly Robinson, a 
 native of Scotland, who was induced to espouse 
 the cause of the king, and in conseojuence 
 thereof lost his large property in this vicinity. 
 
 His spacious mansion, becoming the property 
 of the State by confiscation, was used at one 
 period as an Hospital, and at other times was 
 occupied by Putnam, Parsons, and Arnold, 
 while in command of the West Point garrison. 
 The present proprietor has filled one room with 
 antique furniture, restoring to it as far as possi- 
 ble its former appearance, and he is often visited 
 by strangers who have a curiosity to see the place. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Dwight, afterwards President 
 of Yale College, was stationed here in 1778 as 
 chaplain. From a letter of his, written at that 
 time, are quoted the following descriptions of 
 scenery, as true to nature now as then. 
 
 " Yesterday afternoon, in company with 
 Major Humphreys I went up to the summit of 
 Sugar Loaf: a mountain near Colonel Robin- 
 son's hotise. We ascended it with some diffi- 
 culty, from the steepness of the acclivity, and 
 from the loose stones, which frequently shding 
 from under our feet, exposed us to imminent 
 hazard of faUing. From the summit we were 
 
52 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 presented with an extensive, and interesting 
 prospect, comprising the objects, which I have 
 heretofore mentioned, and many others which 
 I had never seen. The point of view was re- 
 markably happy ; the mountain being so sit- 
 uated, as to bring within our reach the great- 
 est number of objects in the surrounding re- 
 gion, and to exhibit them to the highest advan- 
 tage. What is almost a singularity, there was 
 not a cheerful object within our horizon. Every 
 thing which we beheld, was majestic, solemn, 
 wild and melancholy. 
 
 " The Northern division of our prospect was 
 almost entirely bounded by two great moun- 
 tains, named Butterhill and Breakneck ; the 
 former on the West, the latter on the East side 
 of the Hudson. Both abut so directly upon 
 the river, that their rude lofty cliffs form a part 
 of its banks. These mountains ascend at the 
 distance of, perhaps, six miles from the spot 
 where we surveyed them, and extend North- 
 ward to the valley of Fish kill. 
 
 " From Breakneck stretches a range of in- 
 ferior magnitude, at the distance of half a mile, 
 one, and two miles from the Eastern shore of 
 the Hudson. The ground between them and 
 the river, being generally level, and capable of 
 cultivation. It contains a small number of 
 other houses, besides that of Col. Robinson. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 63 
 
 Of this range Sugar Loaf is the termination, 
 its Southern Kmit being the river. 
 
 " Still Eastward of this range ascend others, 
 terminating also on the Hudson. The South- 
 ernmost, which is in sight on the Eastern side, 
 and indeed the Southernmost of the whole clus- 
 ter, is Anthony's nose ; a noble bluff, whose 
 cliffs rise almost perpendicularly from the water's 
 edge to the height of perhaps 1500 feet, with a 
 subhmity, which I believe is not often rivalled. 
 
 "On the Western side runs a rude range of 
 mountains, commencing at Butter Hill, and 
 terminating, to the eye, at a point, opposite to 
 Anthony's Nose. The three loftiest summits 
 in the range are the Crow's Nest, a fine sharp 
 cone ; Bear Hill ; and the Donderbarrak, or 
 Thunder Hill. At the foot of these com- 
 mences a plain, of no great breadth ; if I may 
 be permitted to call that a plain, which, while 
 it approaches generally towards a level surface, 
 is undulating, rocky and wild, throughout a 
 great part of its extent. This tract reaches 
 northward to West Point ; and Southward 
 near to Anthony's Nose. Directly North, the 
 Hudson, here a mile in breadth, and twice as 
 wide higher up, is seen descending from a great 
 distance, and making its way between the mag- 
 nificent chffs of the two great mountains, But- 
 ter Hill and Breakneck. The grandeur of 
 
54 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 this scene defies description. Through the 
 opening here called the Wey-gat, or Wind-gate, 
 because the wind often blows through it with 
 great violence, is visible the cultivated country 
 at New- Windsor, throughout a considerable 
 extent. Beyond this, at the distance of about 
 forty miles, rise the Cattskill mountains ; whose 
 blue summits were at this time lost in the 
 clouds. In this reach of the river lies an 
 island, to the eye a mere bird's nest ; and near 
 it were two boats, resembhng in size those 
 which children make of paper. 
 
 " South of these two mountains the river 
 bends between West Point, and Fort Constitu- 
 tion, and for a short space is invisible. Thence 
 it becomes visible again, and continues in sight, 
 till the prospect is terminated by Anthony's 
 Nose on the Eastern, and Bear Hill on the 
 Western side. 
 
 " Directly opposite to us was a mill stream, 
 which, swollen at this time by the dissolving 
 snows, poured a large sheet of foam, white as 
 snow, over a high ledge of rocks into the 
 Hudson.* In other circumstances this object 
 would have been beautiful ; now it only en- 
 hanced the general solemnity and grandeur, 
 by filling the neighboring region with a loud 
 sound, resembling the distant roar of the ocean. 
 
 * Buttermilk Falls. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 55 
 
 This sound was apparently echoed by the nu- 
 merous torrents, which were everywhere rush- 
 ing down the mountains." 
 
 " Beneath us was a house,* deserted by its 
 inhabitants : a family, possessed, a little while 
 since, of all the enjoyments which this hfe can 
 furnish ; intelligent, refined, and amiable. It 
 is deserted, not improbably to be seen by them 
 no more. Whether the father acted wisely or 
 •unwisely, defensibly or indefensibly, I am not 
 interested to inquire. Against the mother and 
 the children, even prejudice can bring no alle- 
 gation." 
 
 " Southward, at the distance of perhaps four 
 miles, were the ruins of Fort Montgomery. 
 Here more than one hundred of our country- 
 men became victims, a few months since, to 
 the unprincipled claims of avarice and am- 
 bition. * * * Northward, at about the same 
 distance, was West Point, where the same 
 scenes of slaughter may not improbably be soon 
 acted over again." 
 
 " It is a remarkable fact, that the Hudson 
 should have found so fir^e and safe a bed, in a 
 country so rough, and between banks so often 
 formed of mountains, or high hills, and to so 
 great an extent abutting upon it in precipices 
 
 * The Beverly House. 
 
56 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 of a stupendous height. Yet even through the 
 highlands its navigation is perfectly uninter- 
 rupted. * * * * There is a grandeur in the 
 passage of this river through the highlands, 
 unrivalled by any thing of the same nature 
 within my knowledge. At its entrance par- 
 ticularly, and its exit, the mountains ascend 
 with stupendous precipices immediately from 
 the margin of its waters; appearing as if the 
 chasm between them had been produced by 
 the irresistible foice of this mighty current, and 
 the intervening barrier, at each place, had 
 been broken down, and finally carried away 
 into the ocean. These cliffs hang over the 
 river, especially at its exit from the mountains, 
 with a wild and awful subhmity, suited to the 
 grandeur of the river itself; which, speedily 
 after it escapes from these barriers, expands its 
 current to the breadth of three miles, and soon 
 after to that of four, and pours a vast stream 
 two miles wide, and sufficiently deep to waft a 
 seventy-four gun ship, until it is lost in the 
 bay of New York."* 
 
 * Dwight's Travels in New-England and New-York, 
 vol. 3. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 57 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MILITARY ACADEMY — ADMISSION — COURSE OF IN- 
 STRUCTION — EXAMINATIONS — GRADUATION — LEAVES 
 OF ABSENCE — UNIFORM — DISCIPLINE — LIMITS — FAY 
 
 MILITARY ORGANIZATION — FIRE COMPANIES — 
 
 DAILY EMPLOYMENT OF TIME. 
 
 It is thought that a somewhat minute ac- 
 count of the rules of the Academy, will be not 
 only interesting as a matter of curiosity, but 
 also useful for reference and information. The 
 following account is chiefly an abridgement of 
 the "Regulations for the Mihtary Academy, 
 by the President of the United States," pub- 
 lished in 1839. 
 
 ADMISSION. 
 
 Candidates who have been selected by the 
 War Department at Washington, are required 
 to report themselves for examination to the 
 Superintendent of the Academy between the 
 1st and 20th of June, annually. The only 
 requisite attainments are the ability to read 
 and write well, and a knowledge of the ele- 
 ments of arithmetic, including reduction, pro- 
 portion, and fractions. The door is thus opened 
 
58 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 to those who have enjoyed but few advantages 
 of education, and any elevation of the stand- 
 ard would undoubtedly create dissatisfaction 
 among some classes of the community.* Still 
 a thorough mental discipline before entering 
 the Institution, would fit a person to derive still 
 greater advantages from his course of study. 
 
 None are admitted who are under sixteen or 
 more than twenty- one years of age ; who are 
 less than five feet in height ; or who are de- 
 formed, or in any manner unfit for military 
 duty. Each Cadet, on his admission, is re- 
 quired to subscribe an engagement to serve in 
 the army of the United States for eight years, 
 including the four years of instruction, unless 
 sooner discharged by the proper authority ; 
 also to observe all the regulations of the Acad- 
 emy and the orders of his officers, according to 
 the rules and discipline of war. Thus he is 
 regularly enlisted and made subject to martial 
 law. 
 
 COURSE OF INSTRUCTION. 
 
 The studies of the Cadets are comprised 
 under the following heads : 
 
 * The Board of Visiters in 1840, go so far as to say, " The 
 standard of qualification for admission, although considered 
 low by some, is certainly so high as to preclude many who 
 perhaps would otherwise present very strong claims for ad- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 59 
 
 1st. Infantry Tactics and Military Police. 
 
 2d. Mathematics. 
 
 3d. The French Language. 
 
 4th. Drawing. 
 
 5th. Natural Philosophy. 
 
 6th. Chemistry and Mineralogy. 
 
 7th. Artillery Tactics, the Science of Gun- 
 nery, and the Duties of a Military Laboratory. 
 
 8th. Engineering and the Science of War. 
 
 9th. Geography, History, and Ethics. 
 
 10th. The use of the sword. 
 
 Each department is under the charge of a 
 professor or teacher, who is held responsible for 
 the mode of instruction. 
 
 Infantry Tactics. This course conforms 
 to the system established for the government 
 of the army, and includes the drill of the sol- 
 dier, company and battalion, the evolutions of 
 the line, the manual exercise of hght infantry 
 and riflemen, and the pohce of camp and garri- 
 son. The instructor in this department is as- 
 sisted by such officers as are selected for the 
 purpose, and by the Cadets appointed to act as 
 commissioned and non-commissioned officers. 
 The exercises and manoeuvres are taught prin- 
 cipally in the field, and the rules of military 
 pohce are exemplified in practice. 
 
 Mathematics. This course embraces Rge- 
 bra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, de- 
 
60 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 scriptive and analytical geometry, and fluxions. 
 The two younger classes are divided into sec- 
 tions of twelve or fifteen, according to the capa- 
 cities of the Cadets. The fii'st section in each 
 class is under the immediate tuition of the pro- 
 fessor, and the other sections under assistant 
 professors of mathematics. The instruction is 
 adapted to the abilities of the different divisions, 
 the more difficult investigations of the course 
 being reserved for the higher sections. 
 
 The French Language^ embracing French 
 grammar, accurate translations, and a correct 
 pronunciation, is taught in sections divided 
 according to the French merit-roll in the same 
 manner as for mathematics. 
 
 To Drawing great attention is paid. The 
 elements of the human figure; elementary 
 studies in landscape with the pencil ; shading 
 and finishing landscape in India ink ; and 
 elements of topography with pen, pencil, India 
 ink, and colors. 
 
 Natural and Exj)erimental Philosophy. 
 This course embraces mechanics, magnetism, 
 and astronomy. 
 
 Chemistry ; embracing chemical philosophy, 
 application of chemistry to the arts, mineralogy, 
 andgeology. 
 
 frtillery ; nomenclature and description of 
 the various kinds and parts of artillery, (fee. ; 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 61 
 
 exercise with field pieces, &c. ; manoeuvres as 
 a division of artillery ; gunnery, theory and 
 practice ; pyrotechny, preparation of powder, 
 cartridges, rockets, fire-balls, ifec, <fec. 
 
 Engineering ; civil engineering ; field forti- 
 fication; permanent fortification ; science of war. 
 
 History^ (S(*c. English grammar ; rhetoric, 
 geography ; ancient and modern history ; moral 
 philosophy ; political science. 
 
 The use of the sword ; fencing, use of the 
 small sword, &c., and sword exercise of cavalry. 
 
 The course of instruction occupies four years, 
 those who enter at the same time constituting 
 a class. The oldest class is called the first, 
 the next the second, and so on ; and each 
 lower one advances a degree at commence- 
 ment on the 1st of July. In the months of 
 July and August the Cadets are encamped, and 
 the instruction is exclusively military. During 
 the remaining ten months of the academic 
 year, instruction is given in all the courses. 
 The daily allowance of time for the class stu- 
 dies, including recitations, is not less than nine, 
 nor more than ten hours, varying somewhat 
 with the season. 
 
 EXAMINATIONS. 
 
 An anniji^ examination of the classes, pre- 
 paratory to their advancement, commences on 
 6 
 
62 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 the first Monday of June, at which time all the 
 Cadets are examined by the Academic Board, 
 (consisting of the superintendent, professors, 
 and teachers,) in the presence of a Board of 
 Visiters, who are army officers, designated for 
 the purpose annually by the Secretary of War, 
 who sometimes attends in person. Another an- 
 nual examination by the Academic Board is 
 held on the first Monday in January. The 
 result of these examinations is the dismission of 
 those incompetent to go on with their studies, 
 and the publication in the Army Register of 
 the names of the five who appear most distin- 
 guished in each class. 
 
 A record is kept of every recitation, and 
 weekly exhibited to the Cadets, the scale of 
 merit varying from 3 to 0. After the June 
 examination these are condensed into rolls dis- 
 playing the comparative standing of each Cadet 
 in his class, both in general merit, and in each 
 study. These are published in the annual re- 
 gister, which also contains a conduct-roll^ com- 
 piled from a record of all the irregularities and 
 violations of the code of disciphne, for the year 
 preceding. Offences are classed in seven grades 
 of criminality, bringing from 1 to 10 demerit. 
 For example, an absence from reveille roll-call, 
 is 3 demerit. Introducing spirit^us Hquors 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 63 
 
 into barracks, is 8 demerit. Disobedience of 
 the orders of a military superior, is 8 demerit. 
 
 For each year (after the first) that a Cadet 
 has been a member of the Institution, his 
 offences are made to count more, by adding to 
 the number expressing the degree of criminal- 
 ity of each offence, one-sixth for his second, 
 one-third for his third, and one-half for his 
 fourth year. When the number for the de- 
 merit of any Cadet for the year exceeds 200, 
 he is declared deficient in conduct, and recom- 
 mended to the War Department for discharge. 
 Various punishments are also assigned for 
 neglect of duty, and, (it is claimed,) the scrutiny 
 of miUtary pohce accomplishes all that can be 
 expected in enforcing discipline and good order, 
 and in restraining irregularity and vice. 
 
 GRADUATION AND PROMOTION. 
 
 No Cadet can be promoted until he has com- 
 pleted the course of studies pursued at the 
 Academy, and received a diploma from the 
 Academic Board. Those who pass a satisfac- 
 tory examination after four years' study, are 
 recommended to the Secretary of War for com- 
 missions, and become connected with the army 
 as second heutenants, or when there are no 
 vacancies, as brevet second lieutenants. The 
 rank in promotion corresponds with the stand- 
 
64 GUIDE TO WEST POINT 
 
 ing on the roll of general merit ; and thus the 
 inducement is held up to the Cadets, that their 
 prospects of honor and rank in the army de- 
 pend almost solely upon their conduct and 
 scholarship in the Academy. After joining 
 any particular regiment, however, they are cer- 
 tain of a liberal support, and of promotion as 
 vacancies occur above them, whatever may be 
 their qualifications and merit; unless it may 
 be in actual war, when conspicuous bravery 
 and talent are likely to receive a reward. 
 
 No Cadet, who leaves the Academy prema- 
 turely, whatever the cause, can receive an 
 appointment in the army, until after the pro- 
 motion of the class to which he belonged. 
 
 LEAVES OF ABSENCE. 
 
 During the encampment, most of the profes- 
 sors and teachers, with their assistants, have 
 leave of absence from the post. The Cadets 
 are allowed to be absent but once during their 
 four years' course. This vacation usually 
 comes to each class at the end of its second 
 year, and continues through July and August. 
 But not more than one-fourth of the whole 
 number may be absent at any one time, and 
 no Cadet can obtain such leave of absence 
 whose demerit for the year exceeds 150. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 65 
 
 UNIFORM. 
 
 The professors, (fee, not in the line of the 
 army, are required to wear a citizen's dress, 
 with figured gilt buttons ; if commissioned offi- 
 cers, they wear the uniforms of their several 
 regiments. 
 
 The Cadets have a gray cloth coattee, with 
 standing collar, single breasted, having black 
 silk cord, and three rows of gilt bullet buttons 
 in front, and also upon the skirts and sleeves ; 
 gray cloth trowsers for winter, with a black 
 stripe an inch wide down the outer seam ; 
 white drilling trowsers for summer ; white 
 gloves ; a dress cap of black felt seven inches 
 high, with a black pompon eight inches long, a 
 leather cockade, and a gilt castle and eagle in 
 front. A forage cap is worn when not on duty. 
 Each Cadet must unite with his room-mate in 
 purchasing the tables and other furniture that 
 may be prescribed for their room. No article 
 of clothing, furniture, or books can be sold or 
 otherwise disposed of without permission from 
 the superintendent. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 The punishments to which a Cadet is liable 
 are comprised in the three following classes : 
 1st. Privation of recreation ; extra tours of 
 
66 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 guard duty ; reprimands ; arrests or confine- 
 ment to his room or tent. 
 
 2d. Confinement in light prison ] confine- 
 ment in dark prison. 
 
 3d. Dismission with the privilege of resign- 
 ing ; pubhc dismission. 
 
 The punishments of the first class may be 
 inflicted by the superintendent, or with his ap- 
 probation ; those of the second class may only 
 be inflicted by virtue of the sentence of a court 
 martial, except in cases of mutinous conduct 
 or breach of arrest. 
 
 All disobedience and disrespectful conduct 
 towards his teachers or officers, renders a Cadet 
 liable to dismission. The Cadets are forhid- 
 de7i to have or to use intoxicating drinks, 
 tobacco, or cards. The following things are 
 prohibited under severe penalties ; all cooking 
 in barracks or in camp ; damaging or selling 
 public property ; absence from quarters, and 
 visiting in study hours, and at night ; answer- 
 ing for another at roll call ; encouraging or 
 provoking duels, ungentlemanly conduct; com- 
 binations against authority ; publishing ac- 
 counts of the Academy, or of transactions in 
 the Institution ; receiving money or supplies 
 from home; absence from duty; neglect of 
 study ; disregard of the Sabbath ; profanity ; 
 taking a newspaper without permission ; having 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 67 
 
 other dress than that prescribed ; lending ac- 
 coutrements ; throwing anything from the win- 
 dows and doors in barracks ; having a hght 
 burning after 10 P. M. ; running, loud talking, 
 and scuffling in barracks ; receiving strangers 
 in barracks in study hours. 
 
 LIMITS. 
 
 The Cadets are not allowed to pass over the 
 road surrounding the plain of West Point, (in- 
 cluding the side walk,) without special permis- 
 sion. On Saturday afternoons, and during the 
 encampment on other days, leave can be ob- 
 tained to walk upon certain parts of the public 
 lands, including Mount Independence and 
 Crow's Nest. 
 
 No Cadet can visit any family, except ,on 
 Saturday afternoon, without a written invita- 
 tion and the special permission of the superin- 
 tendent ; or go to the hotel without a written 
 permit specifying the time of the visit and the 
 name of the persons on whom he may wish to 
 call. No Cadet can enter any room or hall 
 of the hotel, except the hall and drawing rooms 
 of the first story, or when there take dinner or 
 any other meal. 
 
 PAY AND ACCOUNTS. 
 
 The monthly allowance to each Cadet is 
 twenty-eight dollars. About ten of these are 
 
68 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 paid for board, and the remainder placed to his 
 credit, or expended for clothing, books, and 
 furniture. A monthly stoppage of two dollars 
 is made from the pay of each Cadet, for the 
 accumulation of a fund to be applied at the 
 time of his promotion to the purchase of a uni- 
 form. The amount thus saved in four years 
 is about one hundred dollars. No debt can be 
 incurred without permission, and all the orders 
 and charges must be entered in a book kept 
 by the Cadet. These accounts are adjusted 
 from time to time, but no Cadet is entitled to 
 receive the balance due to him, until he is pro- 
 moted or discharged. 
 
 BIILITARY ORGANIZATION. 
 
 There are four companies, whose organiza- 
 tion is entirely distinct from that of the four 
 classes, forming one battalion. The " Cadet 
 officers," as they are called, are selected from 
 those who have been most active and soldier- 
 like in the performance of their dutie^, and 
 most exemplary in their general deportment. 
 The captains and heutenants are usually taken 
 from the first class, the sergeants from the sec- 
 ond class, and the corporals from the third 
 class. The other Cadets fill the ranks as pri- 
 vates. Cadets acting as commissioned and 
 non-commissioned oflOicers wear certain badges 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 69 
 
 of distinction ; the captains four chevrons of 
 single lace on each arm above the elbow, points 
 up ; lieutenants, three ; sergeants, two ; corporals, 
 two on each arm below the elbow. For a few 
 other officers, these badges are somewhat varied. 
 During the summer there is a military drill 
 every day when the weather is favourable, (Sat- 
 urdays and Sundays excepted,) after 4 P. M., 
 continuing from an hour to an hour and a 
 half. There is a dress parade at sunset, and 
 when in camp at 8 A. M., also ; and a parade 
 and inspection of the battalion under arms 
 every Sunday morning before church. 
 
 FIRE COMPANIES. 
 
 The several companies are also organized as 
 a Fire Department, having charge of buckets, 
 ladders, and hose, in the use of which they are 
 occasionally drilled by the Instructors of Tac- 
 tics. In case of an alat- m of fire, the several 
 companies assemble immediately, and under 
 charge of the senior officer present, proceed with 
 the apparatus to the fire, and exert all their 
 energies to subdue the flames and to remove 
 and preserve the property in danger. 
 
 DAILY EMPLOYMENT OF TIME. 
 
 " Reveille'^ at 5 A. M. in summer, and 6 in 
 winter. Roll call immediately after. Cleaning 
 
70 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 arms and accoutrements. Inspection of rooms 
 thirty minutes after roll call. Study of the les- 
 sons to be recited during the morning. 
 
 At 7 A. M. the signal for breakfast. " TVoop" 
 and guard mounting at half-past 7. Morning 
 parade at 8 (in camp.) 
 
 From 8 A. M. to 1 P. M. Recitation and 
 study. 
 
 Dinner at 1. Recreation until 2. 
 
 From 2 to 4 P. M. Recitation, or study, or 
 drawing. After four, military exercises for an 
 hour or longer, and recreation. At sunset, 
 evening parade. Supper immediately after. 
 Call to quarters 30 minutes after supper. From 
 that time till half-past nine, study. " Tattoo^'' 
 a preparator)^ signal at half-past nine. • Lights 
 extinguished and inspection of rooms at the 
 signal " Tafps'' at 10 P. M. 
 
 As the studies are not pursued during the 
 encampment, the houft allotted to recitations 
 and study are then devoted to recreation or 
 military drill, and the evenings to merry ma- 
 king in the dancing parties and in other amuse- 
 ments. 
 
 The arrangements are such that, beside nu- 
 merous inspections by the army "officer in 
 charge," and the Cadet " officer of the day," 
 there are at least four roll calls daily. 
 
 The^r5^ immediately after reveille. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 71 
 
 The second immediately before breakfast. 
 
 The third immediately before dinner. 
 
 The fourth immediately before evening pa- 
 rade, and other roll calls for recitation and drill. 
 If any Cadet is absent from one of these roll 
 calls, unexcused and not on duty, the fact is 
 immediately reported, and a careful watch kept 
 until he re-appears. 
 
 The same systematic order prevails through- 
 out every thing that is done. The different 
 sections march in silence to and from their re- 
 citations under the charge of the best of their 
 number as squad marcher. The companies 
 also march to the Mess Hall '• with slow and 
 solemn tread," and there take their seats in 
 regular order, preserving a constant silence. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 DRESS PARADE. 
 
 As the parade occurs daily, it may be well 
 to give some description and explanation of the 
 form of proceeding. 
 
72 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 At the proper time the band assembles on 
 the reghnental parade, and each company turns 
 out under arms on its own parade for roll call 
 and inspection. Soon after, the signal is given 
 for the companies to march to the regimental 
 parade, where they form in the order of battle, 
 with the officers at their posts and the Adjutant 
 on the right of the line. The senior officer 
 present, usually an instructor of tactics, takes 
 a position at a considerable distance in fronty 
 opposite the centre and facing the line. The 
 Adjutant then orders the music, which is on 
 his right to " beat off," when the band begin- 
 ning to play march forward a few paces, then 
 along the front of i\e line till they have passed 
 the whole length, when they wheel and return 
 to their former position, and give a salute. At 
 this moment the flag is lowered and the even- 
 ing gun fired. The roar of the cannon is 
 echoed and re-echoed, as if each hill for miles 
 was uttering its response to the signal, and re- 
 peating the watchword to its neighbor. 
 
 After the return of the band the Adjutant 
 steps forward and commands — Attention! — 
 /Shoulder Arms ! — Prepare to open ranks ! 
 — To the rear, open order ! — March ! — 
 Right — Dress ! As these commands are 
 given, the ranks assume a different appearance, 
 the commissioned officers all marching forward 
 
' GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 73 
 
 several paces, and the non-commissioned offi- 
 cers falling back in the rear. The Adjutant 
 seeing the whole properly arranged and order- 
 ing Front ! then marches along the front to 
 the centre, faces to the right and passes eight 
 or ten paces before the line of company officers, 
 when he comes to the right about and gives 
 the word Present — Arms ! When he sees 
 this executed, the officers saluting, he faces the 
 commanding officer, salutes, and reports "^/ic 
 parade is formed^'' He then is ordered to 
 take his post, which he does by marching 
 around the rear of the commander, and stand- 
 ing on his left. The commanding officer ac- 
 knowledges the salute of the line by touching 
 his hat, and drawing his sword commands 
 Shoulder Arms ! He then adds such exercises 
 as he thinks proper, concluding with Order 
 Arms ! The Adjutant being then told to re- 
 ceive the reports passes back to his former posi- 
 tion in front of the Hne, and commands First 
 Sergeants, to the front and centre. March ! 
 At the first order the first sergeant of each com- 
 pany shoulders arms, marches two paces to the 
 front and faces inwards. At the second com- 
 mand they march to the centre of the line and 
 halt. The Adjutant then orders Front — 
 Face ! Report ! At the last word each in 
 succession, beginning on the right, reports the 
 7 
 
74 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 result of the roll call previously made on the 
 company parade. These reports are usually 
 in the form, '^ Company A. present or ac- 
 counted for^'' and so on with companies B, C, 
 and D. Sometimes " Tico privates absent 
 from Company ^," is the report. 
 
 The Adjutant again commands. First Ser- 
 geants^ outward — Face ! To your posts — 
 March ! and they resume their places. The 
 Adjutant turning to the commanding officer, 
 salutes and gives the result of the First Ser- 
 geants' reports. He is then directed to read 
 his orders, and facing about he announces 
 Attention to Orders^ and reads such general 
 orders as may have been communicated to 
 him. These having been read, he again faces 
 the commanding officer, salutes, and reports 
 that the orders are read, when on an intimation 
 from the commander, he faces again to the 
 line, and announces The Parade is dis- 
 missed.* All the Officers now return their 
 swords, face inwards, and close on the Adju- 
 tant who takes the centre. He then gives the 
 word Front — Face ! Forward — March ! 
 
 * A writer in Niles Register, September 1815, says, 
 " before the parade is dismissed the companies are drawn up 
 in an open square, and an evening prayer is delivered by 
 the chaplain." This custom has for a long time been dis- 
 pensed with, and no practice of the kind exists at present. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. /5 
 
 and thej^ march forward with music till within 
 six paces of the commanding officer, when they 
 halt, and salute by raising the hand to the cap, 
 remaining in that position while he communi- 
 cates such instructions as he may have to give, 
 or by returning the salute intimates that the 
 ceremony is finished. As the officers disperse, 
 the First Sergeants close the ranks of their re- 
 spective companies, and march them to the 
 company parades, where they are dismissed ; 
 the band continuing to play until the compa- 
 nies clear the regimental parade ground. 
 
 The morning parade, at 8 A. M., during the 
 encampment only, is followed by the ceremony 
 of guard mounting, and is like the evening 
 parade, except the ffiing of the cannon. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX- 
 
 ARNOLD AND ANDRE. 
 
 The story of Arnold's treason and of Andre's 
 capture is well known, but a repetition of the 
 main points in connection with the localities of 
 West Point, will not be out of place. 
 
76 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 In 1780, "the American army was stationed 
 in the strong holds of the highlands on both 
 sides of the North River. For the defence of 
 this river, a fortress had been built at West 
 Point, after the loss of Fort Montgomery ; and 
 it was so strong and impregnable as to be 
 called the Gibraltar of America. Of this post 
 General Arnold solicited the command ; and 
 General Washington, far from suspecting any 
 sinister views in an officer who had been uni- 
 formly zealous and active in the cause of his 
 country, complied with the solicitation. When 
 Arnold had become invested with the com- 
 mand, he carried on a negotiation with Sir 
 Henry Clinton, by which it was agreed that 
 Arnold should make such a disposition of his 
 forces as would enable the British General ef- 
 fectually to surprise West Point. The agent 
 employed in this negotiation was Major Andre, 
 adjutant general of the British Army."* 
 
 " General Clinton now saw a prospect before 
 him, and an opening for a successful operation 
 which claimed his immediate and assiduous 
 care. To get possession of West Point and its 
 dependent posts, with their garrisons, military 
 stores, cannon, vessels, boats, and provisions, 
 appeared to him an object of such vast impor- 
 tance, that in attaining it no reasonable hazard 
 
 * Holmes' Annals. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. / / 
 
 or expense ought to be spared. In the first 
 place it would bring under his control the nav- 
 igable waters of Hudson's River, and in some 
 degree facilitate his intercourse with the army 
 in Canada, as well as essentially derange the 
 communication of the Americans between the 
 eastern and middle States. ****** 
 It would be necessary for the Americans to 
 collect and deposit in some place large maga- 
 zines of provisions and military stores. Both 
 from its position and its strength, West Point 
 would undoubtedly be chosen for the depot of 
 these supplies. On this groimd alone, there- 
 fore, it Avas an object of the greatest importance 
 with the British commander to pursue any 
 plan, which held out a promise to put him in 
 possession of that post. Such an event would 
 not only defeat the project of a combined at- 
 tack, but distress both the opposing armies 
 [the American and the French] to such a de- 
 gree, by depriving them of supplies, that it 
 would cause dissatisfaction and desertion in the 
 American ranks, and excite a spirit of discon- 
 tent if not of distrust among the French."* 
 
 " To favor the communications, the Vulture, 
 a British sloop of war, had been previously sta- 
 tioned in the North River, as near Arnold's 
 posts as could be without exciting suspicion. 
 
 * Sparits' Life of Arnold, pages 164, 5, 6. 
 7* 
 
78 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 On the night of the 21st of September, a boat 
 was sent from the shore to fetch Major Andre ; 
 and Arnold met him at the beach, without the 
 posts of both armies.* Their business not be- 
 ing finished until it was too near morning for 
 Andre to return to the Yulture, Arnold, telling 
 him he must be concealed until the next night, 
 conducted him within one of the American 
 posts, where he continued with him the follow- 
 ing day. The Vulture having in the mean- 
 time changed her position, the boatmen refused 
 to carry back Andre the next night ; and he 
 could now return to New York in no other way 
 than by land."t 
 
 " The arrangements being agreed upon for 
 the execution of the plot, it is understood that 
 the day was also fixed. Andre was to return 
 to New York, and the British troops, already 
 embarked under the pretext of an expedition 
 to the Chesapeake, were to be ready to ascend 
 the river at a moment's warning. The post 
 at West Point was to be weakened by such a 
 disposition of the troops as would leave but a 
 small force for its defence. As soon as it should 
 be known that the British were conling up the 
 river, parties were to be sent out from the gar- 
 
 * This was some miles below West Point, on the same 
 side of the river. 
 1 Holmes' Annals. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 79 
 
 risen to the gorges in the hills, and other dis- 
 tant points, under pretence of meeting the 
 enemy as they approached ; and here they 
 were to remain while the British troops landed 
 and marched to the garrison through different 
 routes in which they would meet no opposition. 
 
 " With an accurate plan of West Point and 
 its environs, these details were easily settled. 
 The general principle, which served as a basis 
 of the whole manoeuvre, was, that the troops 
 should be so scattered, and divided into such 
 small detachments, that they could not act in 
 force, and would be obliged to surrender with- 
 out any effectual resistance."* 
 
 Arnold "informed Andre, that the chain 
 which was stretched across the river from West 
 Point to Constitution Island, forming, when 
 perfect, an effectual bar to the passage of the 
 river, was now no longer an impediment. He 
 had detached a link, ostensibly to have it 
 mended : the smiths would not return it for 
 some days ; and the two ends of the chain 
 were held together by a fastening too weak to 
 bear even a slight concussion."t 
 
 But the capture of Andre defeated the whole 
 plan. On his return towards New York oh 
 horseback, under an assumed name, with a 
 
 * Spark's Life of Arnold, pages 207, 8. 
 t Encyclopoedia Americana. 
 
80 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 passport from Arnold, while congratulating 
 himself that he was within the limits of his 
 own army, and that all danger was over, he 
 was seized by a party of Americans, whose 
 suspicions induced them to search his dress, 
 concealed in which they found the papers 
 given him by Arnold. These were in Arnold's 
 handwriting, and comprised full estimates of 
 the forces at West Point, the details of their 
 position, and accounts of the fortifications. 
 
 Notice of the arrest of this sjgy was unadvi- 
 sedly sent to Arnold, who received it at the very 
 moment he was expecting the arrival of Gen- 
 eral Washington from Hartford. He hastily 
 left the breakfast table, observing that his pres- 
 ence was required at West Point ; and bidding 
 his wife, who had been entirely ignorant of his 
 treasonable designs, farewell, he rode rapidly 
 down the bank, entered a well manned barge, 
 which, with much precaution, he kept always 
 ready, and persuaded the boatmen to take him 
 several miles down the river to the Vulture. 
 His head quarters, so summarily abandoned, 
 were on the east side of the river, in the " Bev- 
 erly House." 
 
 • Washington soon arrived, and being told 
 that Arnold had crossed the river for a short 
 time, resolved to follow and meet him at West 
 Point, expecting to be received with a salute. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 81 
 
 He was surprised on landing just below the site 
 of the present Hospital, to jfind that his arrival 
 was unlocked for, and that Arnold had not 
 been there for a day or two. On his return to 
 the Beverly House, in the afternoon, the mys- 
 tery was solved by the reception of new de- 
 spatches, and measures were adopted to over- 
 take Arnold, but he was beyond their reach. 
 
 Andre was captured Sept. 23d, 1780. On 
 the 26th he was taken to the Beverly House, 
 but crossed the same day to West Point. He 
 was thence carried to Tappan, the American 
 head quarters, and after examination by a 
 board of Washington's appointment, was exe- 
 cuted on the 2d of October. His unsuccessful 
 request to Washington that he might die as a 
 soldier, and not as a spy, is beautifully ex- 
 pressed in these lines by N. P. Willis. 
 
 " It is not the fear of death 
 
 That damps my brow. 
 It is not for another breath 
 
 I ask thee now; 
 I can die with a lip unstirr'd 
 
 And a quiet heart — 
 Let but this prayer be heard 
 
 Ere I depart. 
 
 I can give up my mother's look — 
 
 My sister's kiss ; 
 I can think of love — yet brook 
 
 A death like this ! 
 
82 GUIDE TO WEST POINT, 
 
 I can give up the young fame 
 
 I burn'd to win — 
 All — but the spotless name 
 
 I glory in. 
 
 Thine is the power to give, 
 
 Thine to deny, 
 Joy for the hour I live — 
 
 Calmness to die. 
 By all the brave should cherisli, 
 
 By my dying breath, 
 I ask that I may perish 
 
 By a soldier's death ! " 
 
 Some of Andre's reinarl^ are thus quoted by 
 Mr. Sparks, in the words of Major Tallmadge. 
 " When we left West Point for Tappan, early 
 in the morning, as we passed down the Hudson 
 River to King's Ferry, I placed Andre by my 
 side, on the after seat of the barge. I soon 
 began to make inquiries about the expected 
 capture of our fortress then in full view, and 
 begged him to inform me whether he was to 
 have taken a part in the military attack, if 
 Arnold's plan had succeeded. He instantly 
 replied in the affirmative, and pointed me to a 
 table of land on the west shore,* which he said 
 was the spot where he should have landed at 
 the head of a select corps. He then traversed 
 in idea the course up the mountain into the 
 
 * This must have been but a short distance below Kins- 
 ley's school. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 83 
 
 rear of Fort PutnarOj which overlooks the 
 whole parade of West Point. And this he did 
 with much greater exactness than I could have 
 done ; and as Arnold had so disposed of the 
 garrison, that little or no opposition could be 
 made by our troops, Major Andre supposed he 
 should have reached that commanding emi- 
 nence without difficulty. In such a case that 
 important key of our country would have been 
 theirs (the enemies') and the glory of so splen- 
 did an achievement would have been his. 
 The animation with which he gave the ac- 
 count, 1 recollect, perfectly delighted me, for he 
 seemed as if he was entering the fort sword in 
 hand. To complete the climax, I next inquired 
 what was to have been his reward, if he had 
 succeeded. He replied that military glory was 
 all he sought ; and that the thanks of the king 
 were a rich reward for such an undertaking."* 
 
 * Life of Arnolds 256, 7. 
 
84 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 KOSCIUSZKO. 
 
 " Hope for a season bade the world farewell, 
 And freedom shrieked, when Kosciuszko fell." 
 
 Thaddeus Kosciuszko was born in Po- 
 land in 1756, and educated in a military 
 school at Warsaw. Having spent some time 
 in France, at the expense of his prince, in the 
 study of drawing and mihtary science, he sub- 
 sequently came to America, with letters from 
 Franklin, to perfect himself in the art of war 
 and national defence. He joined the American 
 army and remained in the service of the Uni- 
 ted States until the end of the Revolution, 
 having obtained the rank of colonel, and briga- 
 dier-general, by brevet, and enjoying the friend- 
 ship of Washington, to whom he was aid-de- 
 camp. He was the principal engineer of the 
 northern department, during the war, and exe- 
 cuted the works at West Point with alacrity 
 and zeal. In common with La Fayette he 
 shared the honor of a connection with the So- 
 ciety of the Cincinnati, they being the only 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 85 
 
 foreigners to whom was granted an admission 
 to the fraternity ; and surely this distinction 
 was merited, if the objects of the Society were 
 " to preserve the rights and privileges of human 
 nature for which they had fought and bled ; 
 to promote and cherish union and honor be- 
 tween the respective states ; to perpetuate the 
 remembrance of the American Revolution, as 
 well as a cordial affection among the officers ; 
 and to extend acts of beneficence to those offi- 
 cers and their families, whose situation might 
 require assistance." 
 
 In 1786, Kosciuszko returned to his native 
 country, and eight years after, when the Poles 
 made a noble effort to recover their liberty and 
 independence, became distinguished both by 
 his skill as a general, and by his firm resist- 
 ance to Russian oppression. In 1797 he re- 
 visited America, and was received with honor. 
 For his revolutionary services Congress granted 
 him a pension. His death, in 1817, was occa- 
 sioned by a fall with his horse from a precipice 
 in Switzerland. 
 
86 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 HISTORY OF WEST POINT. 
 
 So closely is the early history of West Point 
 interwoven with that of the country, and so 
 few transactions of importance have happened 
 here, that we must say either very much or 
 very little about it. The latter course will be 
 pursued. Other information may be gathered 
 from Washington's Letters, and from various 
 biographies of mihtary heroes. 
 
 Forts Montgomery and Clinton, six miles 
 below West Point, were taken by the enemy, 
 October 6, 1777, and the fort on Constitution 
 Island, opposite West Point, being deserted by 
 the Americans, was demolished. When, how- 
 ever, the British heard of the surrender of Bur- 
 goyne at Saratoga, they retreated from their 
 newly acquired possessions, and returned down 
 the river. The Americans then made prepara- 
 tions to resume their ground, and on December 
 2, Gen. Washington wrote to Gen. Putnam, 
 then in command of the Highlands to erect 
 such works, (at some point,) as were necessary 
 to defend and secure the river against any 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 87 
 
 future attempts of the enemy ; directing him 
 also to consult Gov. Clinton, Gen. Parsons, and 
 Col. Radiere. It is a matter of doubt who first 
 suggested West Point as the most suitable place, 
 but the earliest record is Clinton's letter to 
 Washington, of the 20th December, recom- 
 mending "that a strong fortress should be 
 erected at West Point, opposite to Fort Con- 
 stitution." In January an examination was 
 made by several gentlemen, to ascertain the 
 most suitable spot for the new fortifications ; 
 and all, except Radiere, the French engineer, 
 were of opinion that West Point was the place. 
 So strong was the opposition of Ftadiere, that 
 Putnam determined to consult the Legislature 
 of New- York. A committee was appointed by 
 this body to survey the ground, and their unani- 
 mous recommendation that West Point should 
 be selected, was finally adopted. 
 
 The operations however went on slowly for 
 the first month. Gov. CHnton, whom Congress 
 had requested to superintend the erection of 
 the fort, had more weighty duties to attend to ; 
 Gen. Putnam was obliged to be absent in Con- 
 necticut ; and Gen. Parsons, the next in com- 
 mand, was quite undecided how much power 
 was entrusted to him. " When these doubts 
 in regard to the extent of command are con- 
 sidered, and also the tardy movements of the 
 
88 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 engineer, in executing plans which he did not 
 approve, the extreme fatigue of the service in 
 the midst of winter, the privations and suffer- 
 ings of the men, and the want of teams and 
 other necessary aids, it is not surprising that 
 very slow progress had been made. General 
 McDougall took command on the 28th of 
 March. Two days previously, Kosciuszko ar- 
 rived, who had been appointed engineer in place 
 of Radiere. From that time the works were 
 pressed forward with spirit. To the scientific 
 skill and sedulous application of Kosciuszko, 
 the pubhc was mainly indebted for the con- 
 struction of the military defences at West 
 Point." * 
 
 In April, Gen. McDougall reported that the 
 new fort (CUnton) was nearly completed, but 
 to protect it there was need to guard the heights 
 above it. Accordingly the foundations of Fort 
 Putnam were laid, and a name given to them 
 from the general who was so much concerned 
 in the fortification of the place. But it was in 
 the latter part of 1779, " that the strong works 
 at West Point and its vicinity were chiefly 
 constructed. Part of the time two thousand 
 five hundred men were daily on fatigue duty."t 
 
 August 3d, 1780, was the date of Arnold's 
 
 * Spark's Writings of Washington, vol. 5, p. 282. 
 t Ibid. 6, 204. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 89 
 
 appointment to the command of West Point, 
 and the next month revealed the enormities of 
 his plans, frustrated by an overruling Provi- 
 dence. Immediately after the discovery of this 
 plot, measures were taken for the security of 
 the post, but no attack was made upon it. 
 
 During the war. West Point was considered 
 the keystone of the country, and it was abun- 
 dantly supplied with all the means of defence 
 that our resources could supply. After the 
 peace it was still regarded as a post of great 
 importance, and on this account, was purchased 
 by the United States. 
 
 In 1794, repairs were commenced on Fort 
 Putnam, with a view to render it a perfect for- 
 tification, but they were suspended for want of 
 funds. The works have since been much mu- 
 tilated and deprived of their former glory. 
 
 S* 
 
90 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE MILITARY ACADEMY } AND ITS 
 PRESENT CONDITION. 
 
 Of the history of the MiUtary Academy, we 
 deem it necessary to give only a general out- 
 line ; minute details would occupy too much 
 space for our hmits. As a summary of the 
 approbation bestowed upon the Academy, Col. 
 Johnson's report to Congress in 1834, says, 
 The Committee " have shown the correctly 
 balanced mind of Washington passing from 
 doubt to assured conviction, upon the ques- 
 tion of its constitutionality; the philosophic 
 mind of Jefferson, whose biasses were ever 
 against free constructions, relinquishing the 
 confident opinion he had expressed in the 
 negative upon the same question, and pro- 
 posing an enlargement of the institution ; the 
 clearly discriminating mind of Madison, exert- 
 ing its great powers to perpetuate the existing, 
 and create new establishments, unshackled by 
 a doubt of the constitutional authority of the 
 Government, and his example imitated by his 
 friend and successor. They have shown the 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 91 
 
 recognition by Congress of the soundness of the 
 principle upon which tiiese institutions are 
 based, in the acts of 1794 and 1798 ; the dis- 
 tinct and not to be mistaken expression of the 
 conviction of the same body, of their power, 
 and of the expediency of exercising their power 
 to estabhsh a mihtary academy, in the act of 
 1802 ; and this, too, after the projet of such an 
 institution had been fully developed, in all its 
 extent, in the official report of 1800, and had 
 been two years open for their consideration, 
 and the consideration of their constituents ; and 
 lastly, they have shown an unbroken series of 
 legislative enactments for the support and ex- 
 tension of the Academy, running through a 
 period of nearly twenty years, and the failure 
 of the attempts which have been made to in- 
 duce an opposite course of legislation. In the 
 apprehension of the committee, it will be diffi- 
 cult to find, in the recorded history of the coun- 
 try, a question upon which pubhc sentiment has 
 been more fully and fairly tested, and has been 
 more unanimous."* 
 
 Hardly had the war of the Revolution termi- 
 nated, when it became a matter of discussion, 
 how the country might be best prepared for 
 defence, without the evils of a standing army; 
 
 * Johnson's Report, p. 9. 
 
92 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 and after mature deliberation, Washington ven- 
 tured to propose to Congress in 1793, the 
 establishment of a school of instruction for ju- 
 nior officers. Some measures were taken in 
 accordance with his advice, but the institution 
 did not have a fixed habitation and a name 
 until the act of March 16th, 1802, which pro- 
 vided for the establishment, support, and gov- 
 ernment of a Military Academy at West Point, 
 to consist of not more than ten officers of the 
 engineer corps, and as many cadets. The offi- 
 cers, however, were liable to be called away on 
 duty at any moment. In the following y^r 
 the appointment of a teacher of French, and a 
 teacher of drawing added much to the useful- 
 ness of the school, but the Institution remained 
 in embryo, until in measures preparatory to the 
 war, the act of 1812 was passed, giving it life 
 and energy. This declares " that the Military 
 Academy shall consist of the corps of engineers, 
 and the following professors and assistants, in 
 addition to the teachers of French and of Draw- 
 ing already provided for ; viz. a professor of 
 experimental and natural philosophy; a pro- 
 fessor of mathematics ; a professor of the art 
 of engineering ; with an assistant for each. A 
 chaplain was also to be appointed, and required 
 to officiate as professor of geography, ethics, 
 and history. The number of cadets was limited 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 93 
 
 to 260 ; the pre-requisites for admission, the term 
 of study and service, and the rate of pay and 
 emoluments, were prescribed.'"^ 
 
 The foundations of three new buildings were 
 immediately laid, and from that time to the 
 present, the Academy has been increasing in 
 advantages, and in reputation. 
 
 The longest and perhaps the most prosperous 
 administration of the Academy was that of 
 Colonel Thayer from 1817 to 1833. An early 
 graduate of ihe Institution, he had borne a con- 
 spicuous part in the late war, (for which he 
 was breveted a major,) and by a visit to the 
 military schools of France, had acquired know- 
 ledge and experience which were found useful 
 when apphed to this post. His successor. Major 
 De Russy, remained five years, and in 1838 was 
 succeeded by Major Delafield, who still dis- 
 charges the duties of the station. 
 
 During the presidential term of Mr. Adams, 
 Mr. Barbour, then Secretary of War, introduced 
 the plan of having annually a Board of citizens, 
 convened from every part of the United States, 
 who should spend at least a fortnight in June, 
 in attendance upon the examination, and in a 
 thorough inspection of the Academy. They 
 were " requested to report upon the actual state 
 and progress of the Institution, and to make 
 
 * Johnson's Report, p. 7. 
 
94 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 such suggestions for its improvement as they 
 might deem necessary." This system was con- 
 tinued until the year 1843, when, on account of 
 the expense, it was so modified that a board of 
 officers alone assembled at the Academy. The 
 reports of these Boards abound in commenda- 
 tions, and in general express the highest de- 
 gree of satisfaction and their cordial approval 
 of the Institution ; and though much allow- 
 ance is to be made for the very flattering circum- 
 stances in which the visiters were placed, and 
 for the brief acquaintance they had with the 
 Academy, it is not to be presumed that men 
 of such intelligence and discernment as they 
 generally were, would have bestowed such re- 
 peated praise were there insufficient grounds 
 for it. They offered also many suggestions, 
 some of which seem to have been adopted, 
 while others are yet under consideration. Gov. 
 Cass, in 1835, says, " these annual examina- 
 tions by a body of highly respectable citizens, 
 called from various parts of the country, are 
 not only useful as checks upon any improper 
 tendency, to which all public estabhshments 
 are more or less liable, but they are satisfactory, 
 when they bear testimony to the value of the 
 system, and to the correctness of its administra- 
 tion."* 
 
 * Documents with President's Message, 183.5. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 95 
 
 In 1824, Congress appropriated $10,000 to 
 purchase the Grid ley Farm, so called, including 
 the ruins of Fort Putnam. The farm house, 
 which had been used as a tavern, was removed 
 to make way for the Hospital. 
 
 By an act dated March 2, 1826, the State 
 of New York ceded the jurisdiction of 250 
 acres of land to the United States, reserving to 
 itself however the right of serving process in 
 civil and criminal cases upon the ceded terri- 
 tory. This grant includes but a small part of 
 the property owned by the United States, and 
 the remainder continues under the State gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 In 1834, a number of protests were attached 
 to the main report of the visiters, and a spirit 
 of dissent seemed to prevail. In 1 840, two re- 
 ports were presented, that of the minority being 
 in bitter opposition to the Institution. 
 
 In 1838, a large building, containing the 
 library, apparatus and models, was burnt down, 
 but its contents were mostly saved, and the 
 subsequent erection of two fine stone buildings 
 has furnished room for the accommodation of 
 the apparatus and books. The erection of a 
 new building for the Cadets' barracks, has 
 been strenuously urged for some years, but suf- 
 ficient appropriations have not yet been made 
 by Congress. The buildings at present in use 
 
96 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 are inconvenient and uncomfortable; they con- 
 tain but 96 rooms for the accommodation of 
 237 Cadets, and the consequence is that from 
 two to five persons are crowded into one apart- 
 ment, which must answer the purposes of a 
 sitting room, bed room, and study. The rooms 
 in the south barrack, about 12 feet square, are 
 scarcely sufficient for one individual, and have 
 the disadvantage of opening directly into the 
 outer air. They are said to be cold and com- 
 fortless in winter, and badly ventilated in sum- 
 mer. 
 
 In 1839, Col. Totten reported that a course 
 of instruction in riding and the cavalry drill 
 was commenced, which met with entire suc- 
 cess. The use of the horses in the artillery 
 movements, also, gave to that an animation 
 and interest it had not before possessed. The 
 drawing of the cannon by hand had been very 
 laborious to the Cadets, and after repeated soli- 
 citations, a body of horses was furnished for 
 double use, in cavalry and artillery. 
 
 Of the actual condition of the Academy, 
 Secretary Porter says, " the Mihtary Academy 
 at West Point exhibits continued evidence of 
 improvement in the course of instruction ; and 
 the academic board are endeavoring to keep 
 pace, in their system, with the advances which 
 science is making in all parts of the world. It 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 97 
 
 continues annually to graduate a number of 
 young gentlemen, taught, at the public expense, 
 those branches of science, which are deemed 
 essential to military operations." * 
 
 Col. Totten, chief engineer, also says, " I was 
 careful to visit and examine each department 
 of the Academy, looking into every thing with 
 as close a scrutiny as it was in my power to 
 exercise, and it gives me great pleasure to re- 
 port to you that I found the Academy in a con- 
 dition not less prosperous, and not less fully 
 answering the designs of its establishment, than 
 at any previous period ; discipline, order, and 
 harmony prevailed throughout, and as per- 
 fectly, perhaps, as belongs to human associa- 
 tions. * * * There is from year to year an 
 increase in the amount, or an improvement in 
 the character of the knowledge communicated, 
 resulting from the experience of the Institution 
 itself The fact of this progress is evident on 
 comparing periods a few years distant from 
 each other ; and is a natural result, on the one 
 hand, of the zeal, ability, and devotion that 
 have been unceasingly applied to the manage- 
 ment and instruction ; and on the other, of the 
 steady adherence to safe and wise principles. 
 For more than twenty-five years that the Insti- 
 tution has been thus rising from its second 
 
 * Message of the President, 1843, pp.54. 55. 
 9 
 
98 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 birth, no change has been grafted on its code 
 of discipline or course of study that has not 
 been the growth of its own experience. And 
 by the force of this wise and cautious process, 
 it has been continually developing new capaci- 
 ties and new fruits of self-cultivation. By con- 
 tinued adherence to this course, we may confi- 
 dently look for all the improvement that the 
 future can bring forth." * 
 
 CHAPTER XXIILt 
 
 STATISTICS OF GRADUATES. 
 
 The whole number of Cadets admitted to 
 the Academy from its establishment to January 
 1, 1844, is 2,942. 
 
 The number of graduates at that date 1,206 
 Number graduated June, 1844 - 25 
 
 Total, 1,231 
 From April 29, 1812 to January 29, 1844, 
 the whole number of graduates was 1,118. 
 
 * President's Message, 1843. pp. 119, 120. 
 
 t Compiled from official reports in January, 1844. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 99 
 
 Of these, there resigned within a year 
 
 of their graduation, - - - 61 
 after more than a year from graduating, 323 
 decUned commissions in the army - 6 
 were disbanded, dropped, or dismissed 33 
 were killed in action - - - 11 
 
 died in service 147 
 
 are now in service, (including five pro- 
 fessors) - - - - - 537 
 The whole number of graduates in mihtary 
 service is 542, including 4 colonels, 6 heuten- 
 ant-colonels, 11 majors, 139 captains, 170 first 
 lieutenants, 131 second lieutenants, 70 brevet 
 second lieutenants, 5 paymasters, 1 military 
 storekeeper, 5 professors. 
 
 The whole number of army officers is 716, 
 including 174 appointed from civil life. 
 
 Of the 88 who graduated before 1812, nine 
 fell in action during the war of 1812 ; 5 now 
 remain in the service, and the remainder have 
 died in service or left the army. 
 
 The number of those killed in action may 
 appear small, but it must be remembered that 
 we have had very few battles, and that in the 
 Florida war especially exposure and hardships 
 made more havoc than the enemy. " War," 
 says Dr. Johnson, " has means of destruction 
 more formidable than the cannon or the sword. 
 By incommodious encampments and unwhole- 
 
100 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 some stations, where courage is useless and 
 enterprise is impracticable, fleets are silently 
 dispeopled, and armies sluggishly melted 
 away." 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 STATISTICS OF EXPENDITURES. 
 
 From the establishment of the Academy 
 until the 30th of June, 1844, the aggregate 
 amounts appropriated to defray its expenses, are 
 For ground, buildings, roads, 
 
 library, apparatus, models, 
 
 minerals, &c., &c. - - $ 711,399 88 
 For pay and subsistence of 
 
 officers, professors, teachers, 
 
 and Cadets ; fuel, postage, 
 
 Boards of Visiters, and for 
 
 other contingent and inci- 
 dental expenses - - 3,291,501 27 
 
 Total expenditure, $4,002,901 15 
 
 Dividing the amount of incidental expenses 
 
 ($3,291,500) by the number of graduated offi- 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 101 
 
 cers, (1,231,) each officer has been educated at 
 the expense of $2,674. 
 
 Another way of estimating the present out- 
 lay for each graduate, is to add to $100,000, 
 (the average annual expenditure at this time,) 
 $49,000 the interest on the fixed capital in- 
 vested in buildings, (fee, and divide the num- 
 ber by 40, the average number of graduates. 
 This calculation gives $3,725 as the expense 
 for each Cadet who enters the army. 
 
 These estimates may appear large, but the 
 expenditure is far more useful and economical 
 than many that have been made of public 
 money. It is said, (on good authority,) that 
 though all the disbursements for military opera- 
 tions, amounting to two or three millions of 
 dollars annually, are made by army officers, 
 in not a single case has a graduate of the 
 Academy proved a defaulter to the amount of 
 a dollar ; whereas in the Florida war alone, 
 hundreds of thousands were lost by the dis- 
 honesty of officers appointed from civil life. 
 Hence the enormous expense of that war, and 
 the actual loss of a sum sufficient to support 
 the Academy for ten or twelve years. 
 
102 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 OFFICERS AT WEST POINT. 
 
 ACADEMIC STAFF. 
 
 Year of 
 graduation. 
 
 1818 Richard Delafield, Major of Engineers, Superin- 
 
 dent and Commandant. 
 1823 Dennis H. Mahan, A. M., Professor of Civil and 
 
 Military Engineering. 
 
 1841 H. G. Wright, 2d Lieut, of Engineers, Assistant 
 
 Professor. 
 
 1842 John Newton, 2d Lieut, of Engineers, Acting As- 
 
 sistant Professor. 
 
 1842 William S. Rosecrans, 2d Lieut, of Engineers, Act- 
 ing Assistant Professor. 
 
 1830 Alexander J. Swift, Captain of Engineers, In- 
 structor of Practical Engineering. 
 
 1825 William H. C. Bartlett, A. M., Professor of 
 Natural and Experimental Philosophy. 
 
 1835 Joseph Roberts, 1st Lieut. 4th Art., Assistant Pro- 
 fessor. 
 
 1840 William Gilham, 1st Lieut. 3d Art., Acting Assist- 
 ant Professor. 
 
 1828 Albert E. Church, A. M., Professor of Mathe- 
 matics. 
 
 1837 Israel Vogdes, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Assistant 
 Professor. 
 
 1835 Weightman K. Hanson, 1st Lieut, and Bvt. Capt. 
 7th Inf., Acting Assistant Professor. 
 
 1840 Francis N. Clark, 2d Lieut. 4th Art., Acting 
 Assistant Professor. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 103 
 
 Year of 
 graduation. 
 
 1841 Albion P. Howe, 2d Lieut. 4th Art., Acting Assist- 
 ant Professor. 
 
 1841 Harvey A. Allen, 2d Lieut. 2d Art., Acting Assist- 
 
 ant Professor. 
 
 1842 Alexander P. Stewart, 2d Lieut. 3d Art,, Acting 
 
 Assistant Professor. 
 
 1832 Jacob W. Bailey, A. M., Professor of Chemistry, 
 
 Mineralogy, and Geology. 
 1835 Henry L. Kendrick, 1st Lieut. 2d Art., Assistant 
 
 Professor. 
 1826 Rev. M. P. Parks, Chaplain and Professor of Ethics. 
 
 1837 Eliakim p. Scammon, 2d Lieut. Top. Engineers, As- 
 
 sistant Professor. 
 1842 RicHARB W. Johnston, 2d Lieut. 3 Art., Acting 
 Assistant Professor. 
 Claudius Berard, ) Teachers of the French Lan- 
 H. R. Agnel, ^ guage. 
 
 T. D'Oremieulx, 2d Lieut. 1st Inf., Acting Teacher 
 RoBT. W. Weir, N. A. Teacher of Drawing. 
 1834 Richard S. Smith, 2d Leut.Tth Inf., Acting Teacher. 
 1829 Miner Knowlton, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Instructor of 
 Artillery and Cavalry. 
 
 1833 J. Addison Thomas, Capt. 3d Art., Commandant of 
 
 Cadets and Instructor of Infantry Tactics. 
 
 1838 Robert S. Granger, 1st Lieut. 1st Inf., Assistant 
 
 Instructor. 
 
 1839 Henry S. Burton, 1st Lieut. 3d Art., Assistant 
 
 Instructor. 
 
 1839 Lucius H. Allen, 2d Lieut. 2d Art., Assistant In- 
 structor. 
 
 1841 Robert S. Garnett, 2d Lieut. 4th Art., Assistant 
 Instructor. 
 H. R. Hershberger, Instructor of Riding. 
 
104 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 MILITARY STAFF. 
 
 Year of 
 graduation. 
 
 1838 Irvin McDowell, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Adjutant of 
 
 the Academy and Secretary of the Academic 
 
 Board. 
 
 1838 Henry C. Wayne, 1st Lieut. 1st Art., Assistant Com. 
 
 and Quarter Master. 
 
 1815 Charles Davies, Paymaster and Treasurer of the 
 
 Academy. 
 
 Walter V. Wheaton, Surgeon. 
 
 Charles M. Hitchcock, M. D., Assistant Surgeon, 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 105 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 6- 
 
 Military Engineering. — Treatise on Field Fortification, 
 do Lithographic Notes on Perma- 
 nent Fortification, Attack and Defence, Mines and 
 other accessories, Composition of Armies, Strategy, &c. 
 
 Civil Engineering. — Course of Civil Engineering. Litho- 
 graphic Notes on Architecture, Stone Cutting and 
 Machines, 
 
 Blair's Rhetoric. Wayland's Elements of Moral Science 
 abridged, Kent's Commentaries. Hedge's Elements 
 of Logic, 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 1 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 ^^ 
 
 •2i 
 
 U. S. Artillery Tactics. Kinsley's Pyrotechny. Thi- 
 roux's Instruction Theoretique et Practique d'Artille- 
 rie. Knowlton's Notes on Gunpowder, Percussion 
 Powder, Cannon and Projectiles. 
 
 o 
 § 
 
 i 
 1 
 
 CO 
 
 § 
 
 O 
 O 
 
 Prof. Mahan, 
 Lieut. Wright , 
 Lieut. Newton, 
 Lieut. Rosecrans. 
 
 d 
 o 
 
 tn S 
 
 2.1 
 
 B 
 
 o 
 1 
 § 
 
 
 s 
 
 f- 
 
 Q 
 
 II 
 
 il 
 
 ■s 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 G 
 
 l-H 
 
 1 
 
 be ^ 
 
 .so 
 
 •ssvio ismd 
 
106 
 
 OUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 Courtenay 's Beaucharlat's Traite deMechanique. 
 Rochet's Electricity and Magnetism. 
 Bartlett's Optics. Gummere's Astronomy. 
 
 t 
 
 1 
 O 
 
 c 
 
 d 
 
 
 Davies' Shades, Shadows, and Perspective. Davies' 
 Spherical Projections and Warped Surfaces. Davies' 
 Surveying. Davies' Analytical Geometry. Church's 
 Calculus. 
 
 B6rard's Le9ons Frangaises. 
 Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis. 
 Murray's English Reader. 
 
 3 . 
 
 i 
 < 
 
 ti 
 
 11 
 
 Davies' Bourdon's Algebra. 
 
 Davies' Legend re's Geometry and Trigonometry. 
 
 Davies' Descriptive Geometry. 
 
 L^vizac's Grammar. 
 Berard's Lecons Frangaises. 
 Voyage du Jeune Ancharsia. 
 
 Prof Bartlett, 
 Lieut. Roberts, 
 Lieut. Gilham. 
 
 _o 
 
 if 
 
 PQ . 
 Vh 3 
 
 2 *^ 
 
 0. J 
 
 
 Prof Church, 
 Lieut. Vogdes, 
 Bvt. Capt. Hanson 
 Lieut. Howe, 
 Lieut. Stewart. 
 
 Mr. Berard, 
 Mr. Agnel, 
 Lieut.D'Orcmieulx 
 
 
 Prof Parks, 
 Lieut. Scammon, 
 Lieut. Johnston. 
 
 Lieut. Vogdes, 
 Lieut. Clarke, 
 Lieut. H.A.Allen. 
 
 Mr. Berard, 
 Mr. Agnel, 
 Lieut. D'Oremieulx 
 
 -Natural and Expe- 
 rimental Philos- 
 ophy. 
 
 
 1 
 
 to 
 
 .2 
 
 s 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 fcX) 
 
 ti) 
 
 1 
 
 Q 
 
 S 
 S 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 •8sv'i3 UNOoag 
 
 •S'SVIO QHIHX 
 
 'SSVIQ HXHnOjJ 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 107 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 DIFFERENT OPINIONS CONCERNING THE ACADEMY. 
 
 Much opposition has been felt to the Mili- 
 tary Academy arising from various causes and 
 expressed in different ways. State Legislatures 
 have passed resolutions condemning the prin- 
 ciples and practice of the whole system. Com- 
 mittees in Congress have considered the subject 
 in every light. Petitions have been sent from 
 various sources praying for the abolition of the 
 Institution. But still it stands and is destined 
 to stand for good or evil. 
 
 Some, (many, it is presumed,) have unrea- 
 sonable prejudices against the Academy, arising 
 from ignorance of its true character ; others 
 oppose it from disappointed expectations, or 
 persuaded by the bitter hostility of those who 
 are supposed to understand the whole matter ; 
 others, from that leveling system which would 
 break down every literary, every scientific 
 fabric in society, and reduce all to the chaotic 
 state of ignorance- and others still see some 
 evils that really exist. For onrselves, so vast 
 
108 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 is the subject, so great and intricate its influence, 
 that it is unbecoming to decide hastily upon 
 the various questions, and we prefer to present 
 very briefly the objections brought against the 
 Academy, and the repUes of its friends. For 
 farther information the reader is referred to the 
 Congressional reports of Col. R. M. Johnson, 
 in 1834, and of Hon. F. O. J. Smith, in 1837; 
 to Park's History of West Point, and to the 
 annual reports of the Boards of Visiters. 
 
 It is objected that the Cadets form no part 
 of the eflfective military force of the govern- 
 ment ; that they are educated gratuitously at 
 the public expense, and with an enormous out- 
 lay ; that when educated they make no ade- 
 quate return, even if they enter the service, 
 and that too large a number for the wants of 
 the public are graduated ; that the power and 
 duty of instituting seminaries of learning be- 
 long to the States and are improperly exercised 
 by Congress. Objections are also made against 
 the method of appointment, the exclusiveness 
 of the Institution, and the want of moral power 
 and influence over the Cadets. 
 
 These replies are made. The Cadets are in 
 fact in the military service, and are so recog- 
 nised by law. If needed for action they are 
 ready and competent to enter the field at any 
 moment; and in their present situation, they 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 109 
 
 are youns^ officers preparing themselves for 
 duty. The "gratuitous education" is but a 
 salary for their services, and in return for this 
 they bind themselves to serve in the army at 
 least four years after graduating, and this term 
 may it" necessary be increased by Congress. 
 
 Though Congress may not properly estab- 
 lish a system of common school instruction to 
 extend through the whole country, it is claimed 
 to have the power of establishing places of in- 
 struction for such as are needed in the army 
 and navy. And if a few must be educated in 
 this way the additional expense of an increased 
 number is trifling compared with the advan- 
 tages. Indeed, the question has been agitated, 
 and is worthy of consideration, whether the 
 character of the Institution should not be so 
 modified as to admit any number of young 
 men, not designing to enter the army, to be 
 educated at a trifling expense, in a partial or 
 complete course. 
 
 The incidental benefits of the Academy to 
 the country are not small. Although the stu- 
 dies pursued are not the best adapted as a pre- 
 paration for other professions than the military, 
 a few of the graduates have become conspicuous 
 in literary institutions, and many have been of 
 great public advantage as accomplished civil 
 engineers. But chiefly in its eflfects upon the 
 10 
 
110 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 army has the Academy been of service. The 
 application of science to military operations is 
 especially desirable, and has ever been attended 
 with advantage. The character of the army 
 must always be dependent upon the reputation 
 of its officers ; and the best state of- preparation 
 for national defence, without the evil of a stand- 
 ing army, can be attained by sending out from 
 time to time numbers of well educated men, 
 competent to take command in the army, or 
 in the mihtia of their several States. 
 
 In regard to the expenses of the Institution, 
 it is doubtful whether more economy could in 
 any way be practised in its management, and 
 almost certain that officers as accomplished 
 could be introduced into the service in no other 
 way w4th less expense. 
 
 The method of appointing the Cadets can 
 hardly be objected to when fully understood. 
 Each Congressional district, is entitled to a 
 Cadet, and the selection depends almost en- 
 tirely upon the representative from the district, 
 his selection from among the applicants being 
 in general approved by the Secretary of War. 
 Beside these the President has the power of 
 appointing ten at large each year.* Though 
 
 * The number of Cadets is limited to the number of repre- 
 sentatives and delegates in Congress — with one from the 
 District of Columbia, and ten at large — making 237 in all. 
 
GUIDE TO WEST POINT. Ill 
 
 favoritism may sometimes be exercised, it is 
 likely to occur in all government appointments, 
 and would influence the selection of officers if 
 there were no Academy. But the present plan 
 is as just as any which could be devised. In 
 theory, at least, no respect is paid to aristocracy ; 
 the rich and poor stand on common ground, 
 and after entering the Institution, they can 
 purchase no favor by wealth or influence. 
 
 A more serious objection in the minds of 
 some is the moral effect of the Institution. 
 They say that the spirit of war is inconsistent 
 with the spirit of the gospel, and it is lamenta- 
 ble that the maxim should be so forcibly illus- 
 trated in this seminary ; that the entire neglect 
 of a daily public recognition of the existence 
 of a Supreme Ruler, the high handed violation 
 of the Sabbath in the inspection of the whole 
 corps, and in the parades with martial music, 
 and the excessive ambition that is fostered, 
 may well excite apprehension for the influence 
 exerted on those who are in the Academy. 
 Military discipline, it is admitted, does much in 
 respect to the outward conduct, but it makes, 
 for the time being at least, slaves, not men — 
 too much so, for a country like ours. Its des- 
 potism looks not to moral influence for aid, and 
 till it does it must be unsuccessful. 
 
 To this, when any reply j^ ^l9(Qgs s5|[^ J 
 
'112 GUIDE TO WEST POINT. 
 
 that the Sabhath parade at West Point, is far 
 different from the same show elsewhere ; it is 
 a regular routine, and no novelty ; a mere mat- 
 ter of course, that need not divert the minds of 
 those engaged in it from the most devout 
 meditations ; the Cadets are as well fitted in 
 mind and body to attend church after it, as if 
 they had spent the hour or two hours in their 
 rooms. Some years since the trial was made 
 of dispensing with the Sabbath display, and 
 the result was that indolence and neghgence 
 were encouraged, and the morning was wasted 
 in idleness or in dissipation. Again, it is said 
 that for five years past the character of the 
 corps has been improving; morality has gained 
 a strong foothold, and in general conduct the 
 Cadets may be favorably compared with almost 
 any body of students in the country ; and the 
 subsequent career of those who have graduated; 
 is appealed to as good evidence of the beneficial 
 effects of the Institution. 
 

 
 '<^ 
 
 
 ^^ i> 
 
 «*■ ..., "^-k Oeaddlflsd using the Bookkeeper process. 
 
 ■*? t'i.<(W* •^ Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
 
 ^ »VQ«K%t. "J^ Treatment Date: 
 
 nS^ •/^iP>' "*. =«Ji MAY 1998 
 
 r ii 
 
 
 j=»| MAT •^'^'=' 
 
 t'Wm-\ IppgggRVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LP. 
 111 Thomson Park Drive 
 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
 (724)779-2111 
 

 
 'vO«=>' 
 
 
 _ y'\ °^yil^^' /-"^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^/^'^'l/ 
 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 205 908 3