Formerly, and we believe yet, the mode of marking and summing up for

standing, was this. Each professor or teacher marked for one performance

one of seven marks, from -3 to +3. This being purely artificial may be

changed. But it is in this way the marking is made. Then in regard to

_relative values_ of study and conduct, the scale formerly was:--

Mathematics, 300.

Philosophy and Mechanics, 300.

Engineering and Military Science, 300.

Chemistry and Mineralogy, 200.

Moral and Political Philosophy, 200.

Conduct, 300.

Infantry Tactics, 150.

Artillery Practice, 150.

French, 100.

Drawing, 100.

To obtain 2,100, the aggregate, a cadet must never have failed in a

recitation, or been absent from a military duty, or derelict in the

least particular. This most rarely if ever happens. Not to fall short

more than 100, is evidence of very high standing.

It is evident, that under this system, emulation is highly excited, and,

in fact, there must be a constant, unremitting effort to graduate at

all. The general result is, that not more than one-half of all appointed

are graduates. At the first semi-annual examination, many drop off;

several more at the end of the first year, and more at the end of the

second. Nearly all who survive the second year are graduated.

The only remaining point, peculiar to the system at West Point, is that

of Military Exercises. As a Military Institution, this is a necessity,

but it has also a great advantage as a means of Physical Education. This

is a kind of education too much neglected, and for which civil colleges

afford little opportunity, and no encouragement. The ordinary games,

amusements, and walks in the field are relied upon to afford development

to the body, and the natural tastes the only guide. So thought not

Persian statesmen, Greek Philosopher, or Roman Senator. In contrast, a

systematic education of the body was a principle, and a practice, with

all the civilized nations of antiquity. There was a constant attention

to this in the training of youth; and the Olympian Games, the Gymnastic

Exercises, and the Gladiatorial Shows, all had reference to this

principle. If heathen nations could thus wisely attend to the healthy

development of their bodies, can Christian people safely neglect it?

There is no question that the Christian law of temperance, daily labor,

good temper and amiable dispositions will do much to preserve health and

strength. The health of the mind goes far to make the health of the

body; but we must recollect that all students, properly so called--men

who are set apart for the cultivation of learning and science--the

_savans_ of a country, are cut off at the very beginning, from that

_daily labor_ of the body, which in the dawn of human history was

declared to be the necessity of man’s existence. There is, therefore, a

positive need of supplying by some system of salutary exercises, the

place of that labor in which the farmer and mechanic are constantly

exercised. What shall it be? Our common classical institutions have left

this almost entirely to the student’s own choice. Several hours of the

day are left to the student to employ as he pleases. Does not experience

prove, that he is quite as apt to employ this in novel reading, or

playing cards, or visiting, or (in the case of an ambitious pupil,) in

studying or reading the classics, as in any systematic method of

exercise? Let the early dead of consumption, the victims of dissipation,

and the unhappy subjects of chronic diseases, teach the living, that

education consists not merely in spurring the mind on to intellectual

feats, however admirable. The bird soars through the mid-heavens, but

soars on the strength of his wings; and if he had the soul of Socrates,

would still fall, when they are exhausted.

The military exercises, at West Point, accomplish some great results.

They give an admirable exercise to the body, and they occupy time which

might be wasted, and they compel the cadets to give up late night

studies. Let us begin with the last. Nothing is more common among the

ambitious students of colleges, than to sit up late at night. To burn

the midnight oil, in order to accompany every thought in the realms of

Plato, or fight with Hector on the plains of Troy, or pursue the phantom

of metaphysics, or the genius of literature through the bright worlds of

fiction, is the common boast of scholars. They have little thought, till

too late, that life was shortened, and happiness impaired, by every hour

taken from the natural period of rest. At West Point this evil is

avoided, not so much by force of command, as by that of wise

arrangements. At the dawn of day, even in the shortest days, the shrill

fife and rolling drum summon the cadet to his morning duties, and with

the exception of the hours of meals, there is one incessant pressure

upon him for bodily and intellectual labor, till ten at night. The

results of this is, that when the hour of retirement comes, he must have

more than human strength, who is not ready and willing to lie down and

sleep. There are, of course, exceptions; but, at West Point, they are

rare. The lights are put out at 10 o’clock, and the weary student is

ready to retire. Thus, the system of discipline at the Military Academy

at once strengthens the body, stimulates ambition, prevents idleness,

and compels the mind to pursue the objects of reason, rather than the

charms of imagination.

Having thus traced very briefly the history, studies, and discipline of

West Point, it is only just to say something upon the fruits it has

produced. These are divided naturally into two classes; the work of the

_Professors_, and the performance of _Graduates_. The former is little

noticed in the accounts of our colleges, except in the reputation of

some distinguished men; but the latter, (the divines, lawyers, and

statesmen who have graduated,) make the glory and the ornament of the

triennial catalogue. Let us see if something has not been produced by

West Point, which, in regard to the peculiar objects and teaching of the

Academy, may bear a favorable comparison with the catalogue of any

institution for the last half century. We do not mean in regard to the

learned professions, for if West Point had excelled in these

departments, it would have utterly failed in those for which it was

made. But, we mean in the great field of science and of usefulness.

First, let us look at some of the fruits produced by its professors,

especially in the production of _text-books_. In the history of

instruction at West Point, we have stated the total absence in the

beginning, of text-books on some subjects, and the unfitness of those on

others, even the common studies of Mathematics. The first text-book on

Descriptive Geometry, published in America, and we believe, the English

language, was prepared by Professor CROZET; but, as he then understood

our language imperfectly, and had little taste for authorship, it was

soon supplanted, by a complete treatise prepared by Professor Davies. On

that subject, as on the subject of Engineering, there was no systematic

treatise; and for a time, West Point got along by oral teaching, and

such collateral aid as could be had. The utter deficiency of suitable

books may be known by the fact, that the first really tolerable

text-books on mathematics were translations of La Croix, Bourdon, Biot,

&c., French authors. The French methods of writing and teaching science

are, on most topics, the best. Their style is clear and analytical. The

English treatises are clumsy, being what is called in literature,

elliptical, having vacancies in the reasoning, to be supplied by the

student. The next great and permanent improvement in books, were the

mathematical works of Professor DAVIES, a graduate of 1815, when the

Academy was yet in a chrysalis state; he was several years a teacher

before he conceived the idea of supplying a new series of mathematical

text-books. His first plan was to adopt the best French works as a

basis, and modify them, so as to be adapted to the American course of

instruction. In this manner were prepared “Davies’ Legendre,”

(Geometry,) and subsequently “Davies’ Bourdon,” (Algebra.) Other

treatises were prepared on his own plan, and thus, for many years,

Professor Davies pursued the quiet and laborious task (independent of

other avocations,) of preparing an entire course of mathematical

text-books. In time he modified these again, so as to fit them for the

best colleges, and the higher schools. From the smallest mental

arithmetic, to the profoundest treatise on the Calculus, he has produced

clear and admirable text-books on every topic of mathematical studies.

Many other good books have been prepared by professors in colleges, but

there is no part of the United States in which some one of Davies’ works

is not taught in schools and colleges. Gradually, the civil institutions

have been, in some degree, brought up to the standard of West Point, in

mathematical studies.

In more recent years, Professor BARTLETT has published his treatise on

Optics; Professor CHURCH, on the CALCULUS, and Professor MAHAN, on Field

Fortification, and a treatise on Civil Engineering. Various other works

on military subjects have been contributed to the stock of knowledge, by

graduates of the Academy.[9]

[Footnote 9: The authorship of West Point has been quite

extensive: too much so to enumerate here. Among the works of its

graduates, we may mention the “Political Manual,” “American

Education,” and Statistical Reports by Edward D. Mansfield, the

“Review of Edwards on the Will,” by A. T. Bledsoe, and the

Military Tactics of Generals McClellan, and Halleck. The

Educational Works of Mr. Mansfield have been before the public for

many years, and studied in all parts of the United States. In this

class also may be mentioned the editorial labors of some twenty of

the graduates, some of whom have had no small influence on public

affairs.]

Thus have the graduates of West Point, by disseminating in textbooks,

and teaching the higher knowledge, and better methods pursued there, in

fact, and beyond dispute, _elevated the entire standard of education in

this country_. Contrast, for example, the text-books of Day, Hutton,

Enfield, Gregory, &c., which were the only ones to be had on

mathematical science in 1818, with those now in use at West Point, New

Haven, or Princeton. Contrast the methods of study before the

blackboard, the art of drawing, the system of rigid demonstration, and

of exact scales of merit were introduced, with those now in use in the

higher schools of science, and we shall be satisfied that West Point has

done a great and most useful work in elevating the standard of

education. This is one fruit of its production, which has been

altogether too lightly estimated. If it be of importance to increase the

number of blades of grass, it is of much more importance to increase the

number of minds fitted to enjoy the works of God, and use beneficially

the gifts with which he has intrusted them.

A more obvious and commonly remarked fruit of West Point, is the _men_,

laboring in their vocations, which it has produced. It is impossible

here, (though it would be a labor of love,) to note the individual

examples of merit and usefulness, among those whom West Point has sent

into the service of their country. We are here limited rather to a

statement of general results. It may be done briefly; and since we have

seen no Register later than 1850, we must deal in round numbers. These,

however, will approximate the precise facts. They are there

statistically:--

Whole number of Graduates, (about) 2,000.

Killed in battle, 80.

Died in service, 300.

In military service of the United States now, 800.

Have been in political service (ministers, }

governors,) mayors, and members of congress, } 80.

and of legislature }

Other civil and state offices, 100.

Lawyers, 110.

Clergymen, (including two bishops,) 16.

Physicians, 110.

President of colleges, professors and teachers, 100.

Authors, editors, and artists, 25.

Civil engineers, and officers of R.R. and canals, 180.

Merchants, financiers, farmers, and manufacturers, 140.

Officers of militia, and volunteers, (not of the

army,) 110.

Numbers have resigned, and died young, not above enumerated, and numbers

of these also have died in the civil service. We have made this

classification to show how largely West Point has contributed to

education, civil engineering, and the professions. These were not the

direct objects of the Academy; but, when long years of peace presented

no duties but that of the garrison, and no glory to the profession of

arms, it was natural and proper for active and ambitious young men to

seek honor and usefulness in other pursuits. Nor did the government

discourage this, for it foresaw what has happened, that these young men,

so highly educated in science, would diffuse this knowledge throughout

the country; elevate the standard of education, and be ready when their

country needed their services. This has happened. A better knowledge of

the exact sciences has been carried into the colleges; the railroads and

canals have been built by engineers ready furnished by the government;

and now when half a million of men have been suddenly called to war,

they have been largely officered by the graduates of West Point. Here we

may briefly allude to the most grave fact which has been urged against

the Military Academy. The best officers of the rebel army were educated

there. Why is this? Is there a want of sound morals? or, is loyalty no

virtue there? Neither. A part, and _a part only_[10] of the graduates

born and grown up in the south, have gone with their friends, families,

and connections, into the rebel service. This was on account of social

ties, and had no more to do with West Point, than had other rebels from

Harvard, or Yale, with those institutions. The noticeable fact is that

they were educated at the government expense, and therefore under

peculiar obligations to the country. But we find a parallel in the

numerous officers of the state, as well as of the army and navy, who had

been honored and rewarded at the public expense, but who thought it no

shame to betray their country, and conspire against its life. We in vain

attempt to account for such crimes, except upon the principle of common

depravity, of which history has furnished similar examples in all ages

of the world.

[Footnote 10: We should not forget that a large number of West

Point graduates from the south, (Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, and

Tennessee,) have remained _loyal_, in spite of all the influences

of social and political ties.]

We have come to the end of the work we proposed. The rise, progress, and

fruits of the Military Academy, we have briefly, and, we trust, justly

delineated. Certainly, we have no end to serve, no prejudice to gratify.

We knew the Academy in its early and immature period. We have seen it

grow up to usefulness and honor. We see its graduates taking their

places among those who have well served their country, and well deserved

its laurels. In this we are _glad_. But our memory is filled with other

images. We see West Point, in the now lengthening shadows of time. We

seem to see those with whom we studied freshly present, as they walk the

green plain, or sit before the class, or strive to teach our dull and

inattentive minds. They were men worth remembering, and when, in after

times, we became their friends, rather than their pupils, still more

pleasant memories gathered around them. We seem to see the venerable

ELLICOTT, like Goldsmith’s schoolmaster, alike full of learning, and of

kindly humor; the placid and intellectual expression of MANSFIELD, whose

abstracted looks seemed to be searching the higher philosophy; the

courtly and dignified THAYER, whose graceful manners and attractive

conversation can not be forgotten by any who knew him; and the amiable

COURTNAY, who though of later date, will long be remembered. He left the

world in doubt, whether he was the better scholar or the better man.[11]

[Footnote 11: Mr. Courtnay was afterwards Professor of Philosophy

and Mechanics in the University of Virginia. There he died,

lamented by all who knew him.]

Of these, and of those like them, do we think, when we think of West

Point. Nor of those alone; the place itself, where nature delights in

the sublime and beautiful, rises before us. No imagination is necessary

to clothe it with the hues of poetry; no books to recall the lost

passages of history; no labored eulogy to bring up the memories of the

dead. You can no more forget them, than you can the Pilgrims, when

standing by the rock of Plymouth. Yon gray and moss-covered ruin was

once the fortress of the Revolution. Yon scarcely perceptible pile of

stones marks the spot where its soldiers were hutted in the winter. Yon

slightly raised turf, beneath the dark shades of the cedar, was his

grave, and soon, perhaps even now, that slight memorial will be gone

forever. Yon little valley under the shadows of the mountain, recalls

the illustrious name of Washington. Yon blue mountain-top tells of the

beacon fires he lit. All around are memories; all around are sacred

spots. If the Greek remembers Marathon; if the Jew lingers at Jerusalem,

or the Christian pilgrim grows warm at Bethlehem, so should the American

remember West Point; linger round the ruins of Fort Put, and gaze with

delight on the blue summit of Beacon Hill.

DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUCTION AT WEST POINT.

1. Down to 1802, the instruction of the Cadets attached to the Corps of

Artillerists and Engineers stationed at West Point, according to Act of

Congress (May 7th, which was all that repeated recommendations of

Washington and other experienced officers could obtain), was confined to

military drill and practical exercises in common with other members of

the Corps; but as that Corps was made up of the scientific officers of

the army, and as military works were in construction under their plans

and superintendence, these exercises were of great practical value, and

the appointment of these Cadets in 1794, and their gathering at West

Point, may be regarded as the nucleus of the Military Academy.

2. The Military Academy, established with that name, by Act of March 16,

1802, in pursuance of a Bill reported in 1800, by the Committee of

Defense in the House of Representatives, of which Harrison Gray Otis was

chairman, and to which an elaborate report of the Secretary of War

(James McHenry, of Maryland), had been referred--consisted of the Corps

of Engineers, which by the Act was organized distinct from that of

Artillery, and could not exceed in officers and cadets, twenty members.

The Corps was stationed at West Point, and its officers and cadets were

subject to duty in such places as the President should direct. The

principal engineer was made superintendent, and down to 1808 he was

instructor in fortifications, field-works, and the use of instruments.

Two officers of the rank of captain, appointed without previous military

experience, but with special reference to their knowledge of

mathematics, gave instruction in that branch, “one in the line of

geometrical, and the other of algebraic demonstration.”

In 1803, two teacherships--one of the French language and the other of

Drawing, was attached to the Corps of Engineers, and in 1804, F. De

Masson was appointed to discharge the duties of both.

In 1808, the basis of the Military Academy, so far as related to the

number of Cadets, was enlarged by the addition of two for each new

company of Infantry, Riflemen, and Artillery, added to the military

force; and the number in the Act of 1812, is limited to 250, which with

the ten originally attached to the Corps of Engineers, fixed the

strength of the Cadets at 260.

By the Act of April 29, 1812, the Corps of Engineers was enlarged, and

was again constituted the Military Academy, and in addition to the

teacher of the French language, and Drawing, provided in Act of Feb. 28,

1803, one Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy; one

Professor of Mathematics; one Professor of Engineering in all its

branches; and for each an Assistant Professor taken from the most

prominent characters of the officers or cadets, are provided for; and

for the purposes of military instruction, it is ordered that the

students shall be arranged into companies and officered from their own

members, to be taught all the duties of a private, non-commissioned

officer, and officer; and for instruction in all matters incident to a

regular camp, shall go into camp for at least three months of each year,

and erecting buildings and providing apparatus, library, and all

necessary implements, the sum of $25,000 is appropriated. By this act

the minimum of age is fixed at 14, and the literary qualifications of

candidates on entering are to be well versed in reading, writing, and

arithmetic.

III. CONDITION IN 1871.

I. GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATION.[12]

[Footnote 12: From Instructions for government of the U.S.

Military Academy, Report of Board of Visitors for 1871, and an

account by Col. McDougall in Report of English Military

Commission.]

A military officer, not usually below the rank of colonel, is appointed

by the President of the United States as _superintendent_ of the

Academy, who has supreme local control over both the studies and

discipline of the institution. He renders all prescribed returns, and

addresses his communications to the _inspector_.

The _inspector_ of the Academy is an officer of rank in the army named

by the Secretary of War, who has his residence at Washington, and

through whom all general orders relating to the Academy are transmitted

to the superintendent at West Point. He makes an inspection of the

Academy at least once in each year.[13]

[Footnote 13: The duties of Inspector are now (1871) discharged

directly by the Secretary.]

The general staff of the Academy consists of an adjutant, a

quartermaster, a treasurer, one surgeon, and two assistant surgeons.

Although the system of the Academy as regards the training of the cadets

both in and out of study is peculiarly and rigidly military, the staff

of instruction is separate from the staff of discipline.

_Military Staff._

The cadets are organized into a battalion of four companies.

The _commandant of cadets_, usually not under the rank of

lieutenant-colonel in the army, exercises the immediate command of the

battalion. He is also, _ex officio_, principal instructor in infantry,

artillery, and cavalry _tactics_ (signifying drill).

Under the commandant are six _assistant instructors of tactics_,

viz.--one for artillery; two for infantry; one for cavalry; one for

artillery and infantry; one for infantry and cavalry. The four senior of

these officers command the four cadet companies respectively; the two

junior officers being always available to perform the routine duties of

the others in case of absence. The assistant instructors must be

officers of the army.

The battalion is provided with a full complement of _cadet_ officers,

and non-commissioned officers, who are appointed by the superintendent

from a list submitted by the commandant of cadets.

To each company are appointed

1 Captain,

3 Lieutenants,

1 First Sergeant,

3 Second Sergeants,

4 Corporals.

The battalion staff consists of

1 Adjutant,

1 Quartermaster,

1 Sergeant Major,

1 Quartermaster Sergeant.

The cadet companies are composed indiscriminately of the four classes

into which the students are divided according to their respective years

of residence, the period of residence being four years for all.

The cadet officers are taken from the first, or senior class; the

sergeants from the second class; the corporals from the third class. The

selection is not made with special reference to proficiency in study.

Those are selected who have manifested the greatest military aptitude

and respect for discipline in their own conduct; although _cœteris

paribus_ superior standing in study would be decisive.

_Staff of Instruction_

The general superintendence of the studies is exercised by the

superintendent, acting with the Academic Board. The immediate staff of

instruction is as follows:

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ Two acting assistant professors,

Military and civil engineering.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ Two acting assistant professors,

Natural and experimental philosophy.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ Five acting assistant professors,

Mathematics.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ One acting assistant professor,

Drawing.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ Three acting assistant professors,

French.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ One acting assistant professor,

Spanish.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ One acting assistant professor,

Ethics and Law.

{ One professor,

{ One assistant professor,

{ Two acting assistant professors,

Chemistry, mineralogy, and geology.

{ One instructor,

{ One assistant instructor,

Ordnance and gunnery.

{ One instructor,

{ One assistant instructor,

Practical military engineering.

Military signals and telegraphing.

One sword master.

The Academic Board consists of the Superintendent, the Commandant of

Cadets, the Professors of the Academy, and the Instructors of Practical

Military Engineering, and of Ordnance and Gunnery.

All the professors and instructors, with their assistants and acting

assistants, have been educated at West Point, with exception of the

chaplain, the professors of French and Spanish, and the sword master.

All are regularly enrolled in the military service of the United States,

and subject to military discipline.

_Professors and Assistants._

The professor or chief instructor in each branch is responsible for the

efficiency and uniformity of the system of instruction in his own

department. To this end he has no special class or section assigned to

him for tuition. His time is devoted to general superintendence, and is

chiefly spent in visiting the halls of study of his assistants. He does,

however, take the instruction of the different sections, each in their

turn, as he sees fit, and occasionally assembles all the sections of his

department for lecture.

The assistant and acting assistant professors or instructors are always

appointed from among officers on the full pay of their regiments who

have graduated at the Academy, on the recommendation of the professor or

chief instructor of the branch in which there is a vacancy to be filled.

These assistants are carefully selected through means of the data of

their proficiency, temper, and general character, afforded by their

record of four years’ residence as cadets. They are, thus, all of them

previously well known to the professors to whom they are to act as

assistants, and to whom they are naturally inclined to defer from old

associations.

The term of duty at the Academy of the assistant and acting assistant

professors and instructors is fixed at four years, at the end of which

period they return to regimental service. Duty at the Academy is

obligatory on every officer who may be selected for it, and is

considered as part of the general service which every officer who has

graduated at West Point, owes to the country; practically those only are

selected to whom the duty is not disagreeable.

_Admission_

Each congressional or territorial district of the United States (_i.e._

each district entitled to return a member to Congress), is by law

entitled to have one cadet receiving education at the Academy.

The nominations are made in each year by the Secretary of War, on the

recommendation of the representatives in Congress of the several

districts then unrepresented at the Academy, or whose representatives

are about to quit the Academy. In addition to these, the President of

the United States may nominate ten cadets in each year, to be selected

according to his own will and pleasure, from the community at large.

The number of vacancies at West Point in any one year varies according

to the number of cadets who happen to complete their period of

residence, and of those, who, not having completed their term, are yet

discharged as deficient in studies or discipline, as hereafter

explained. The number of yearly admissions varies from 50 to 70.

The date of admission in each year is the 1st of July, and the candidate

for admission is required to report in person to the superintendent

before the 31st of May, with a view to his qualifications being tested.

But if sickness or any other unavoidable cause should interfere, he may

present himself on the 28th of August. Except at the two periods above

named, no admissions can take place.

Candidates must be over 17 and under 22 years of age, except in the case

of any candidate who may have served faithfully as an officer or

enlisted man in the army of the United States, either as a volunteer or

in the regular service during the late civil war, who may be admitted up

to 24 years of age.

Candidates must be at least five feet in height; free from any

deformity, disease, or infirmity which would render them unfit for

military service; and from any disorders of an infectious or immoral

nature. They must be able to read and write well, and be thoroughly

versed in the first four rules of arithmetic, in reduction, in simple

and compound proportion, and in vulgar and decimal fractions.

Although the examination for entrance is not difficult, the prescribed

tests, both medical and intellectual, are rigidly applied, and many

candidates are rejected.

The examination for entrance is not competitive, but simply a qualifying

examination. The competitive system commences after a cadet is once

admitted; it enters into every branch of instruction, and continues in

full force to the end of his residence.

_Subjects and Course of Study._

The length of the course of study, for all who may succeed in

graduating, is four years; its nature, after the first year, is

principally professional, and the course of study is identical for all

the students. The subjects are not all studied simultaneously, separate

periods of the course being devoted to certain subjects, as shown by the

time tables annexed.

The relative importance of the different subjects is indicated by the

maximum marks of merit assigned to them respectively, at the summing up

of the results of each student’s attendance at the end of his fourth

year, according to the following scale:--

_Subjects._ Maximum. Period of Attendance.

Mathematics, 300 2 years

Natural and experimental philosophy, 300 1 year.

Military and civil engineering, 300 1 “

Chemical physics and chemistry, 150 1 “

Ethics and law, 150 1 “

French, 100 2 years.

Drawing, 100 2 “

Spanish, 75 1 year.

Mineralogy and geology, 75 1 “

Ordnance and gunnery, 75 1 “

Infantry tactics (theory), 50 1 “

Artillery “ “ 50 1 “

Cavalry “ “ 50 1 “

Discipline, 300

-----

General merit, 2,075

Practical instruction in surveying; in fortification; in ordnance and

gunnery, including the loading, pointing, and firing heavy guns; in

drill, or, as it is termed, the tactics of the three arms; in interior

economy and regimental duty; forms an important part of the training of

the cadet at different periods during his residence. In addition, the

months of July and August in each year are entirely devoted to practical

instruction, the battalion being then placed under canvas and relieved

from all study.

During his first year a cadet receives instruction in fencing three

hours in each week, from 10th October to 1st April.

During his second year he receives instruction in riding three hours in

each week, from 1st November to 15th March.

Throughout the whole of his third academic year, from 1st October to 1st

July, he receives instruction in riding, excepting between the 1st

February and 15th April.

Throughout the whole of his fourth academic year he receives instruction

in riding, three days in each week.

Swimming is not taught at the Academy. There is a good gymnasium for the

use of the cadets in recreation hours, but the practice of gymnastics is

purely voluntary.

_Classification for Instruction._

The cadets are ranged in four distinct classes, corresponding with the

four years of residence. Cadets of the first year constitute the fourth

class; those of the second year, the third class; and so on. Cadets are

promoted from one class to another at the end of the academic year, 30th

June; provided only that they shall have passed satisfactorily before

the Academic Board in the examinations which are always held during

June, failing in which, they are either kept back in their then class

for another year, or, in the case of decided deficiency, discharged from

the Academy.

Each class is divided into sections convenient for instruction in the

different branches of study. The method of division will be best

explained by taking the fourth or lowest class as an example.

The members of the fourth class are, on their admission to the Academy,

arranged in alphabetical order, and are then formed into sections,

averaging about 12 cadets for each branch of study. After the lapse of a

month, transfers are made at the close of each week from one section to

another, according to the results of the past week’s attendance in

study, and so continue until those most advanced are found in the first

section; the next in order, in the second section; and so on.

During the first six months of residence, cadets are on probation, and

only receive their _warrant_ as cadets, provided they shall have passed

satisfactorily at the January examinations held before the Academic

Board, and that their conduct shall have been satisfactory.

Before receiving his _warrant_, each cadet is required to sign an

engagement of service in the United States army for eight years, and to

take an oath of allegiance to the National Government and Constitution.

The hours allotted to study are divided nearly equally between

attendance on the instructors in the halls of study--or _section rooms_,

as they are termed--and independent study in quarters. The attendance in

the section rooms is termed _recitation_; the independent study in

quarters, _study_.

The theory is, that during each recitation, every cadet of the section

attending it, shall receive a thorough _viva voce_ examination

illustrated on the blackboard, and there is not much practical variation

therefrom. Where there is any departure from it, it arises from the

number of cadets in a section being too large to enable them all to be

examined during the same recitation, which lasts an hour and a half, or

an hour, according to the subject. Recitations in mathematics, in

natural and experimental philosophy, and in civil and military

engineering, occupy one hour and a half; in all the other branches of

instruction, only one hour. Thus, when it appears in the time table that

a class attends mathematics, for example, from 8 to 11, it is to be

understood that the sections forming one half of the class attend their

respective teachers in the section rooms during an hour and a half,

while the other half of the class is engaged in study in quarters. At

the end of the first hour and a half those sections which have attended

recitation return to their quarters to study, while their places are

taken by the remaining sections which have been up to that time engaged

in study in quarters.

Each teacher, as a general rule, has two sections specially assigned to

him for instruction, excepting the professor or head of each department

who, as has been already explained, devotes his time to general

superintendence, and takes the different sections for his personal

instruction at such times and in such order as he may judge best.

Before proceeding to the section rooms the different sections parade in

the barrack square by sound of bugle, under the superintendence of the

cadet _officer of the day_; the roll is then called by the senior cadet,

who is termed the _section marcher_, who reports absentees to the

officer of the day, and marches his section off to the section room by

direction of the latter. Arrived in the section room, the section

marcher causes the cadets to take their seats in the order of their

names on the roll, and then hands them over to the instructor. When

dismissed by the instructor, the section marcher forms his section as

before, marches it back to the barrack square, reports all infractions

of discipline which may have taken place either in study or on the march

to the officer of the day, and then dismisses his section by the

latter’s permission.

There is no system of private tuition recognized at the Academy. Each

cadet must depend on his own exertions, aided by the explanations given

by the instructors in the section rooms, and by the occasional

assistance he may derive from his more advanced comrades.

The allotment of so large a portion of time to independent study is a

great departure from the practice of military schools in Europe; and it

is a remarkable feature in the West Point system that no continued

supervision is exercised over the cadets when studying in quarters

beyond that which is supplied by the discipline of the cadets

themselves. The senior of the two cadets inhabiting each room is

responsible for discipline and orderly behavior. The officer of the day

(cadet) visits each room during the hours of independent study; and the

_officer in charge_, who is detailed daily from the assistant

instructors of tactics, also visits the rooms at his discretion.

_Routine of Daily Work._

A full-dress parade of the battalion takes place every day at sunset,

after which the cadets are marched to supper, the hour of which varies

with the season of the year, but is never earlier than 5.30 p.m. Half an

hour after supper the evening call to quarters is sounded for study in

barracks until tattoo at 9.30. All cadets excepting officers, the

non-commissioned officers of the battalion staff, and the first

sergeants, must be in bed and their lights extinguished at 10 p.m., the

hour for the signal of _Taps_.

The arrangement of time on Sundays is as follows:

Breakfast at 7 a.m.

Full-dress parade and inspection at 8.

Call to quarters for _study in barracks_ at 9.

Church call at 10.30.

Recreation after church.

Dinner at 1 p.m.

Recreation.

Call to quarters for study, 3 to 5 p.m.

After 5 p.m. the arrangement of time is the same as on a week day.

Cadets may obtain leave from the Sunday afternoon study in barracks to

attend church a second time, should they desire it.

There is no yearly vacation. When a youth enters West Point, he is fixed

there, unless discharged, for four years without intermission, with the

exception of two months’ furlough which he may obtain at the end of his

second year on certain conditions, and which is subject to a scale of

diminution graduated according to misconduct.

This discipline would be intolerably severe but for the relaxation

afforded by the change from barracks and the section room to camp life.

The battalion is encamped from about 20th June to 30th August, and

during that period the time is exclusively devoted to military

exercises, practical instruction, and amusement.

_Proficiency in Study--Examinations._

The system of estimating proficiency in the different subjects studied

is very elaborate. Each instructor keeps daily notes of the proficiency

of the cadets forming the sections of which he has the charge; the

degree of excellence shown by a cadet at any recitation being recorded

by marks, 3 being the maximum for each lesson, which represents

_thorough_ proficiency; 2.5 signifies _good_; 2 _fair_; 1.5 _tolerable_;

1 _very imperfect_; any thing below 1 is recorded as 0, or complete

failure.

A weekly report showing the daily credit of each cadet and the aggregate

for the week, is handed in by each instructor to the professor or head

of his department at the end of the last study on Saturday, and the

professor personally delivers the weekly reports of his department to

the superintendent at the office of the latter between the hours of 12

and 2 p.m. on the same day. The professor at the same time recommends

such transfers of students from section to section as he may think

proper. The aggregate weekly credits of each cadet in all the branches

of instruction are then recorded in the superintendent’s office.

From the weekly class reports, and the monthly record of discipline, a

consolidated report of the progress of the Academy is made up monthly

and forwarded to the inspector of the Academy, who transmits an abstract

of the same to the parent or guardian of each cadet.

The weekly class reports form the most important element in determining

the relative standing of the cadets in their class at the period of

graduation, but a verifying test, or corrective, is supplied by the

examinations which take place in January and June, the method of

conducting which is as follows:

The January examinations commence on the 2d of the month. The

examination of the 4th or lowest class is conducted by the whole

Academic Board, the constitution of which has been already detailed. The

relative standing of the members of the fourth class, up to that time

arranged alphabetically, is then determined by the summing up of the

weekly class reports, verified or corrected by the results of the

examination. A large proportion of the cadets of the fourth class,

usually from one-sixth to one-eighth of the whole, are yearly pronounced

to be _deficient_, and removed from the Academy at this their first

examination, which on account of its importance is required to be

conducted by the whole Academic Board. The examinations of the three

other classes take place before committees of the Academic Board, the

whole Board being divided into two committees for this purpose.

The June, or _annual_ examinations, commence on the first of the month.

The first or graduating class alone is examined by the entire Academic

Board, and the final relative standing of the cadets determined. The

remaining classes are examined before the two committees of the Academic

Board.

The June examinations take place in the presence of the _Board of

Visitors_, the members of which are specially appointed in each year by

the President of the United States, and whose duty it is to report to

the Secretary of War, for the information of Congress, on the state of

discipline, instruction, &c., &c., of the Academy.

The senior assistant professor or instructor of the branch under

examination is _ex officio_ a member of the Academic Board or of the

committee thereof which conducts such examination; and the immediate

instructor of the section to be examined is likewise associated with the

Board or its committee so far as relates to the examination itself and

the arrangement of the section in order of merit.

_Classification according to Marks._

To assist the Academic Board in determining the accurate classification

of any section about to be examined, the immediate instructor of that

section hands to the Board, before the examination commences, a roll in

the order of merit in which he considers the members should stand, based

on the weekly credits which he had himself assigned.

At the close of the examination the same instructor hands to the Board a

second roll in the order in which he conceives the members of the

section should stand, judging by the result of the examination. The

instructor then retires and the Board proceeds to deliberate.

Each member of the Board having kept careful notes of the examination,

the relative standing of the cadets of a section in proficiency is

determined by discussion.

The question next arises, who, if any, are to be pronounced

_deficient_?--a dictum which inevitably entails discharge from the

Academy, or putting down to a lower class.

The different sections composing the class, having been arranged in one

class list in order of merit; one of the Board, usually the professor of

the department concerned, supposing _e.g._ the class to consist of 50

members, may move that No. 50 be declared deficient. If the motion is

negatived on discussion, the salvation of No. 50 proves also the

salvation of all standing above him. But if the motion be carried, Nos.

49, 48, 47, &c., may be pronounced deficient in like manner, and so on,

until a number is reached which is not condemned.

The examinations are entirely _vivâ voce_. Each cadet is subjected to a

searching oral examination of from seven to ten minutes, illustrated on

the blackboard where the subject admits of it. The daily record of the

proficiency of a cadet in any subject forms, as already stated, by far

the most important element in fixing his relative standing among his

classmates: it is only exceptionally that the public examinations alter

materially the order of merit which has been previously framed from the

weekly class reports.

At the close of each examination the Academic Board reports to the

Secretary of War the names of all cadets who are pronounced deficient in

studies or discipline, to be discharged from the Academy unless

otherwise recommended by the Academic Board.

The rule of discharge for deficiency, even in one solitary subject, is

very rigidly enforced; unless where exceptional circumstances, such as

loss of time on account of illness, or having been unavoidably prevented

from joining the Academy until some time after the rest of his class,

induce the Board to recommend that the cadet shall have another trial by

being put back to the next lower class.

Some detail is necessary to explain how the marks obtained by a cadet at

the daily recitations are employed to determine the credit he is to

receive in any given branch of study at the period of his graduation.

Where a subject is studied for two years, the maximum time allotted to

any branch of study, the marks gained during the first year help only to

fix a cadet’s relative standing in his class for the year next ensuing.

The credits shown by the weekly class reports of the second year alone

are taken into account in determining the credit due to a cadet at the

end of his residence.

The exact method of fixing the credits due for any one subject is as

follows. The professor makes out a roll of the class in the order of

merit finally fixed by the Academic Board at the June examinations. The

first on the roll then receives credit for the maximum number of marks

allotted to the subject; the last on the roll receives a credit of

one-third of that maximum only. The _common difference_ for all the

members of the class between those limits is then calculated, and the

remaining members receive credits varying from the first cadet and from

each other by the amount of that common difference. The figures thus

determined represent the credits assigned for any one subject at the

period of graduation, and the figure of general merit for each cadet is

made up of the aggregate credits obtained by him for all the branches of

study, with one column included for discipline.

Proficiency in drill or riding does not affect the figure of general

merit, except indirectly. Inattention or carelessness at these exercises

would be noted by a certain figure of demerit, and would thereby

diminish, as will be hereafter explained, the credit to be allotted for

discipline at the final examination.

_Graduation._

The qualifications required for obtaining an appointment to the army are

simply _graduation_, or in other words that a cadet shall have passed

through the four years’ course at the Academy without being found

_deficient_ in any one branch of study or in discipline. The proportion

of cadets who fail to graduate is very considerable--nearly one-half.

The present first class is a fair sample. It numbered 74 on entrance,

and its members are now only 39, and of these three had belonged to the

next higher class, and were put back for deficiency. From 1842 to 1852

the exact proportion who succeeded in graduating was 0.510. From 1852 to

1862 the exact proportion was 0.523.

Although the ultimate consequences of idleness in being declared

_deficient_ at the half-yearly examinations are generally sufficient to

insure diligence, an immediate penalty is attached to any adverse report

against a cadet for want of attention to study, or any misconduct in the

recitation halls. The instructor of any section notes on his weekly

class reports any cases of decided idleness and all infractions of

discipline, and to each reported instance a double penalty is attached,

as to every instance of misconduct at the Academy; the one immediate, in

punishment according to the scale of the offense; the other prospective,

consisting of a certain figure of demerit, which will rise up in

judgment against the delinquent at the end of his residence, and

diminish his credit for _discipline_.

The _certainty_ of the penalty which attaches to idleness, both in the

immediate punishment it entails, and its more serious ultimate

consequences, is found to be sufficient, as a general rule, to attain

the desired object; hence the character of the cadets for diligence is

decidedly high.

The members of the graduating class have their choice of the services to

which they shall be appointed according to their standing on the roll in

order of merit. The order of precedence of corps of the United States

army is: 1, Engineers; 2, Ordnance; 3, Artillery; 4, Cavalry and

Infantry; and that is, as a general rule, the order of choice. The

Secretary of War may sanction subsequent transfers from one branch of

the service to another, but such transfers are very rare.

Beyond the privilege of choice, the only direct inducement held out to

distinction among his classmates to any cadet, is one which is purely

honorary. By an order from the Secretary of War so early as the year

1818, the five cadets most distinguished in studies and discipline in

each class at the June examinations, are published each year in the

United States Army Register (Army List). The distinction is highly

prized.

The advantages resulting from a degree or peculiar distinction at West

Point after appointment to the army, in respect to professional

advancement or the obtaining staff employment, are very small. No

special qualification is required by law or regulation for admission to

the staff. When a vacancy occurs any one who desires may make

application for the vacant appointment to the Adjutant General of the

army. The decision rests with the Secretary of War or the President. The

head of the department in which the vacancy exists is the proper person

to insist, if he thinks proper, on the possession of certain

qualifications by the officer who is to be employed as his subordinate.

Even graduation at West Point is not insisted on as a necessary

qualification for staff employment.

_Discipline._

Every young gentleman who passes his probationary examination in the

January after his admission, receives his _warrant of cadet_, and signs

an engagement to serve in the military force of the United States during

the eight years next ensuing. He thus becomes amenable to the articles

of War and to trial by court-martial.

The discipline of the Academy has no resemblance to that of an ordinary

civil college, but is peculiarly and essentially military. The cadets

are required to clean their own rooms, make their own beds, and clean

their own arms and belts.

The staff for the maintenance of discipline is distinct from that of

tuition. The professorial staff simply report infractions of discipline

in study, but have no power to punish. All professors and instructors,

however, as well as all military officers who may be stationed at West

Point, are expected to report to the superintendent any improper conduct

on the part of a cadet which may come under their observation.

The punishments to which a cadet is liable are comprised in the three

classes following, viz.:--

1st. Privation of recreation, &c.; extra duty (not guard); reprimands;

arrests or confinement to barrack room or tent; confinement in light

prison. _Inflicted only by the superintendent or by his authority._

2d. Confinement in dark prison. _Only by sentence of court-martial, and

seldom or never resorted to._

3d. Suspension; dismissal with privilege of resigning; public dismissal.

_Only by sentence of a garrison or general court-martial, which must be

approved by the Secretary of War._

“Breach of arrest” is treated as a military offense of the worst nature,

and is classified with “mutinous conduct.”

All offenses are classified under five heads, and are recorded according

to the following scale:

An offense of the 1st class counts 5 demerit.

“ 2d “ 4 “

“ 3d “ 3 “

“ 4th “ 2 “

“ 5th “ 1 “

All offenses reported or to be reported against cadets, are read out at

evening parade on the day after commission, excepting offenses in the

section rooms reported by the instructors, which are read out on Monday

evening’s parade; so that every cadet may have the opportunity of

presenting a written explanation, or plea, in extenuation, of the

offense charged against him.

The commandant of cadets attends at his office, in the square of the

cadet barracks, between the hours of breakfast and the first study every

morning to receive reports of offenses.

Explanations in writing, on paper of prescribed uniform size, may be

taken to the commandant by any cadet charged with an offense not later

than the commandant’s second orderly hour after publication, as a

general rule from which any departure requires to be explained.

If the commandant considers the excuse satisfactory, he erases the

offense and tears up the excuse, but forwards an abstract of all

offenses which have not been explained to his satisfaction, with the

written explanations, for the decision of the superintendent.

The superintendent may, on further inquiry, find the explanations of

some of the offenses forwarded satisfactory, in which case he erases

such offenses. To the remainder he allots such immediate punishment, and

such marks of demerit in addition, as the cases respectively justify; or

he may consider the demerit marks sufficient without any immediate

punishment.

Thus the offenses of which a cadet may be guilty during his residence

are recorded against him by a very elaborate and just method, and rise

up against him at the period of his graduation. No instance of

carelessness or inattention to orders is too trifling to be taken notice

of.

If any cadet has more than 100 demerit recorded against him in any six

successive months, he is immediately discharged from the Academy as

deficient in discipline.

But during the first year’s residence, offenses count one-third less

than those committed during the subsequent three years; a cadet of the

first year would therefore only be discharged as deficient in discipline

who had obtained a demerit of 150 within any period of six successive

months.

The marks of demerit of all the fourth class cadets who have not proved

deficient in discipline, are wiped out entirely at the end of their

first year, and do not therefore affect their relative standing at the

period of graduation. The demerit of the first year is only taken into

account, so as to determine, in combination with the credits received

for progress in study, the relative standing of the cadets in their

class for the year next ensuing.

At the final examination, the credit to be allotted to any cadet on the

score of discipline is made up by means of the demerit rolls as follows.

Each cadet receives a credit of 16.67 for every month during his

residence, in which he has had no demerit recorded against him, to be

deducted from his aggregate marks of demerit at the end of his

residence. The monthly credit is fixed at 16.67, because that number

forms the sixth part of the 100 marks of demerit, which if recorded in

six months against any cadet would have occasioned his discharge.

Notwithstanding that the demerit marks of the fourth class are wiped out

at the end of the first year, and do not count against the cadets at

their final examination, the credit of 16.67 is still allowed to cadets

for every month of their first year in which no demerit was recorded

against them and deducted from their aggregate marks of demerit at the

end of their residence.

The positive marks of merit for discipline due to any cadet at the end

of his residence are thus determined. The cadet of the graduating class

having the lowest aggregate demerit recorded against him is placed

_first_ in discipline, and is credited with the maximum of marks due to

that subject, viz., 300. The whole class is then arranged in the same

sense, the cadet having the highest demerit being placed last, and

receiving only one third of the maximum, viz. 100. The common difference

between these limits is then calculated for each cadet of the class, and

applied as already explained.

Although the nominal value placed on discipline is represented by the

same number of marks only as are allotted to each of the more important

branches of study, in fixing the relative standing of cadets at their

final examination; it should be remembered that no candidate can reach

that period at the Academy who is not fairly well conducted. It would be

quite impossible for any cadet to remain at the Academy who had earned

for himself the sentence “deficient in discipline,” even though the

marks of demerit required for that sentence might have been earned by a

succession of minor infractions of discipline. And a cadet who might be

guilty of any serious willful offense would be at once removed from the

Academy.

Owing to the very limited time allowed for recreation, games are almost

unknown; and almost the only athletic amusement indulged in is boating

on the river, for which, however, Saturday afternoons afford the only

available time.

No difficulty is found to arise from the difference of age among the

cadets in maintaining an uniform system of discipline. The same rules

are applied to all during the whole period of residence.

The cadet officers and non-commissioned officers greatly assist in

maintaining discipline. A daily abstract of offenses show that out of 15

offenses recorded therein, 11 were reported by cadet officers or

non-commissioned officers.

The daily duties are assimilated as much as possible to those of a

battalion in quarters, and are as follows:

_The officer in charge_, detailed daily from the assistant instructors

of tactics, is responsible for the proper performance of all the

military duties of the battalion during the day. His tour of duty

commences at guard mounting (7.30 a.m. in barracks, 8 a.m. in camp); at

which time he reports for orders to the commandant at the office of the

latter. He has an office adjoining that of the commandant where he must

constantly be present from _reveillé_ to _taps_ (the signal for putting

out lights at 10 p.m.), except when absent on duty or at meals. He is

present in the cadets’ mess hall during all meals, and superintends

every parade and roll call. He visits the sentries at his discretion. On

being relieved, he includes in the usual morning report of his company,

all offenses which may have come to his knowledge as having occurred

during his tour of duty.

_The officer of the day_, is detailed usually from the roster of the

cadet officers, although every cadet of the highest class is appointed

at least once to perform this duty. He is present at guard mounting and

receives his guard in the usual military manner, after which he reports

for order to the commandant and is generally under the orders of _the

officer in charge_. His post of duty is the guard room, which is in the

same building as, and immediately beneath, the offices of the commandant

and the officer in charge. He causes all calls to be sounded at the

proper time; is present at all parades and roll calls; and receives

reports of all absentees, whom it is his duty immediately thereafter to

seek and to order when found to repair to their respective duties unless

properly excused. He reports to the officer in charge all absentees whom

he may not be able to find, and all cadets who fail to obey his orders.

He directs the formation of all the class sections before marching to

the section rooms; receives reports of absentees from the section

marchers, and requires the latter to march off their sections in a

proper military manner. He is responsible for the suppression of all

irregularities in quarters or their vicinity during his tour. He visits

the quarters during the hours of independent study and receives reports

of absentees. He visits all the quarters at _Taps_, and reports

absentees to the officers in charge. He afterwards visits the room of

every cadet absent every 15 minutes until the return of the absentee, or

until otherwise directed by the officer in charge. On the back of the

guard report which he forwards next morning to the commandant, he

records all offenses which come to his knowledge as having occurred

during his tour; and presents with it all permits and passes that have

come into his hands, all of which are required to be deposited with him.

The officer of the day is relieved from study during his tour of duty.

_Daily Guard._--A cadet guard, consisting of one sergeant, four

corporals, and 24 privates, is mounted every morning at 7.30. The cadets

of the guard remain in the guard-room during the day, excepting the

hours of study.

_Sentries_ are posted during the hours of recreation, the most important

posts being the different entrance halls of the cadet barracks. Ten

minutes after the _call to quarters_, during the day on Sundays, and

every evening, it is the duty of each such sentry to visit all the rooms

belonging to his particular entrance hall. He then orders all cadets

whom he may find visiting in rooms not their own to their proper

quarters, and reports all who fail to comply promptly with his orders to

the sergeant of the guard, as well as all absentees; and the sergeant of

the guard passes on all such reports to the officer of the day. A sentry

similarly reports every irregularity that may occur on his beat, and

particularly the name of any cadet who may have absented himself from

the barracks for more than ten minutes. A high sense of the honorable

confidence reposed in a sentry seems to be generally entertained; and

there is every reason to believe that the cadet sentries at West Point

perform their duties in a trustworthy and satisfactory manner.

The general duties of the battalion are assimilated as much as possible

to those of a battalion in quarters. The daily detail of duties is drawn

up by the cadet adjutant. The cadets for guard are detailed by the first

sergeants of their respective companies at each evening parade, and the

daily routine is in this respect as nearly as possible the same as that

of military life.

There is no yearly vacation; and the furlough which each cadet may

obtain at the end of his second year is subject to the following

conditions, viz.:--

1st. If he has obtained 350 demerit in the two preceding years, he is

detained twelve days; if 325, 300, 275, 250, or 200 demerit within the

same period, he is detained ten days, eight days, five days, three days,

or two days respectively.

2d. He is required to sign a certificate, declaring that he has in _no

manner improperly interfered with, or molested or injured new cadets_.

The furlough of any cadet declining to sign this certificate is limited

to one month, from 28th July to 28th August. Although there have been

instances of cadets declining to sign this certificate, it is probable

that, as a general rule, the cadet conscience places a liberal

interpretation on the words of the formula.

Leave of absence from the Academy for one to two days is occasionally

granted, but only for exceptional reasons.

_Buildings._

The _cadet barrack_ is a handsome stone building of four stories. It

contains 176 rooms, of which 136 are cadets’ quarters, 14 feet by 22

feet, arranged in eight divisions, each division having its own

entrance, and having no interior communication with the other divisions.

Not more than two cadets are lodged in the same room. The two beds in

each room are curtained off from the room, and separated from each other

by a partition. There are numerous bathing rooms in the basement, to

which the cadets have access.

Each division of quarters is under the superintendence of an assistant

instructor of tactics, who visits the rooms of his division three times

in the course of each day, and occasionally during the night. He makes a

daily report in writing to the commandant of the condition of the rooms

under his charge, noting all delinquencies that may have come to his

knowledge since his last report.

A division of quarters is divided into two _subdivisions of quarters_ of

two floors each, each subdivision being under the charge of one of the

cadet officers, who has his quarters therein, and who is responsible for

the discipline of his subdivision, and for the proper fulfillment of all

orders that may be issued relative to the police of quarters. He visits

all the rooms of his subdivision 30 minutes after reveillé, and

immediately after _taps_ (lights out), notes all irregularities, and

makes a daily report in writing to the superintendent of his division,

recording all delinquencies, and certifying that since the report of the

previous day he has faithfully performed all duties required of him as

_inspector of subdivision_.

The _Academy_ is a building detached, containing the following rooms and

departments, viz.:--

_Chemical department_, comprising laboratory, lecture-room, room for

electrical experiments, and a work-room; _fencing department_;

_gymnasium_; _mineralogical collection_; _engineering department_,

comprising drawing and model rooms; _artillery model room_;

_mathematical model room_; _drawing academy_; _trophy room_; _picture

and statue galleries_; _mineralogical section rooms_; and 10 _recitation

rooms_ (or halls of study).

Another detached building contains the _observatory_; and _library_ of

20,000 volumes, to which the cadets have access at stated times.

There are no rooms specially set apart for day rooms, reading or

recreation rooms.

The _mess hall_ is a detached building. The central hall where the

cadets take all their meals is 96 feet by 46 feet and 20 feet high.

Quarters for the purveyor with kitchen and bakery, and with quarters for

the necessary servants in the basement, are attached.

The cadets are formed in the barrack square previous to each meal, and

are marched to and from the mess hall. The officer in charge visits the

mess hall at all meal times. The senior cadet officer present is

responsible for good order.

The _Riding School_ is detached and is admirably adapted to its purpose.

_Expenses._

The Academy is entirely supported by the State. The average annual cost

for 62 years has been $137,315; and this sum includes the cost of all

buildings and structures, of repairs and maintenance. The yearly

appropriations during the last eight years have varied from $170,000 to

$200,000, but does not include certain sums which are paid out of the

regular appropriation to the War Department.

A new cadet is admitted to the Academy on the 1st of July. From that

date he is credited with Government pay at the rate of $30 a month,

which allowance is calculated as sufficient to pay for the whole cost of

his equipment and maintenance. As the monthly pay is, however, small

compared with the first cost of uniforms and outfit, a new cadet usually

deposits with the treasurer of the Academy on entrance from $60 to $80,

to be credited to his account. Thenceforth all wants and necessaries are

supplied to the cadet by the Government, the prices being a trifle above

cost and charged against his account. At the end of his residence, a

balance is struck, and the sum standing to his credit, if any, is paid

over to him. It is possible by this arrangement for a very careful and

steady lad to secure his education, his maintenance during four years, a

position in the army, and $100 in addition, at the time of his

graduation.

STAFF FOR GOVERNMENT AND INSTRUCTION, JAN. 1, 1872

SUPERINTENDENT.--Col. THOMAS H. RUGER, 18th Infantry.

_Military Staff._

_Adjutant._--Captain Robert H. Hall, 10th Infantry.

_Quartermaster._--Captain Tally McCrea, 1st Artillery.

_Treasurer._--1st Lieut. James M. Marshall, 4th Artillery.

_Surgeon, U.S.A._--Thomas A. McParlin, M.D.

_Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A._--Van Buren Hubbard, M.D.

_Academic Staff._

_Commandant of Cadets and Instructor of Artillery, Cavalry and

Infantry Tactics._--Lieut. Col. EMORY UPTON, 1st Artillery.

_Assistant Instructor of Artillery Tactics._--Captain Alexander

Piper, 3d Artillery.

_Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics._--Captain Joseph S.

Conrad, 2d Infantry.

_Assistant Instructor of Artillery and Infantry Tactics._--Capt.

John Egan, 4th Artillery.

_Assistant Instructor of Cavalry Tactics._--Captain Alfred E.

Bates, 2d Cavalry.

_Assistant Instructor of Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry

Tactics._--1st Lieut. William S. Starring, 2d Artillery.

_Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics._--1st Lieut. John F.

Stretch, 10th Infantry.

_Professor of Mathematics._--ALBERT E. CHURCH, LL.D.

_Assistant Professor of Mathematics._--1st Lieut. John P. Story,

4th Artillery.

_Acting Assistant Professors of Mathematics._--1st Lieut. William

F. Reynolds, jr., 1st Artillery; 2d Lieut. John E. Greer,

Ordnance; 2d Lieut. Albert H. Payson, Engineers; 2d Lieut.

Frank Heath, 3d Artillery; 2d Lieut. Philip M. Price, jr.,

2d Artillery.

_Professor of Drawing._--ROBERT W. WEIR, N.A.

_Assistant Professor of Drawing._--1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten,

1st Artillery.

_Acting Assistant Professor of Drawing._--2d Lieut. Charles W.

Whipple, 3d Artillery.

_Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology._--HENRY L.

KENDRICK, LL.D.

_Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology._--2d

Lieut. John Pitman, jr., Ordnance.

_Acting Assistant Prof, of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology._--

2d Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, 4th Artillery.

_Professor of the Spanish Language._--PATRICE DE JANON.

_Assistant Professor of the Spanish Language._--1st Lieut. James

O’Hara, 3d Artillery.

_Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy._--PETER S. MICHIE.

_Assistant Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy._--1st

Lieut. James Mercur, Engineers.

_Acting Assistant Professors of Natural and Experimental

Philosophy._--2d Lieut. Edward S. Holden, 4th Artillery;

Additional 2d Lieut. Edgar W. Boss, Engineers.

_Professor of the French Language._--GEORGE L. ANDREWS.

_Assistant Professor of the French Language._--1st Lieut. Geo. G.

Greenough, 4th Artillery.

_Acting Assistant Professor of the French Language._--2d Lieut.

Thomas H. Barber, 1st Artillery.

_Professor of Ethics and Law._--JOHN FORSYTH, D.D.

_Assistant Professor of Ethics and Law._--Captain John S. Poland,

6th Infantry.

_Professor of Military and Civil Engineering._--JUNIUS B. WHEELER.

_Assistant Professor of Military and Civil Engineering._--Captain

Jarrett J. Lydecker, Engineers.

_Acting Assistant Professors of Military and Civil Engineering._--

Captain Oswald H. Ernst, Engineers; 1st Lieut John C. Mallery,

Engineers.

_Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery._--Captain THOMAS C. BRADFORD,

Ordnance.

_Assistant Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery._--1st Lieut. James

W. Reilly, Ordnance.

_Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, Military Signaling

and Telegraphy, Commanding Company E, Engineers._--Captain

OSWALD H. ERNST, Engineers.

_Assistant Instructor of Military Signaling and Telegraphy, and

Acting Signal Officer._--1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st

Artillery.

_Assistant Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, on duty

with Company E, Engineers._--2d Lieut. Frederick A. Mahan,

Engineers.

_Sword Master._--Antoné Lorentz.

COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.

The studies pursued, and the instruction given at the Military Academy,

are comprised under the following heads, in the Official Regulations:--

I. INFANTRY, ARTILLERY, AND CAVALRY TACTICS, AND MILITARY POLICE AND

DISCIPLINE.--This course will conform to the system of Infantry Tactics

and Military Police and Discipline, established for the government of

the Army, and will comprise the schools of the soldier, company, and

battalion, the evolutions of the line, the manual exercise and manœuvres

of Light Infantry and riflemen, with the police and discipline of camp

and garrison. (2.) Artillery Tactics will comprise exercise of field,

siege, and garrison artillery; manœuvres of batteries; mechanical

manœuvres and target practice. (3.) Cavalry tactics will comprise the

schools of the trooper mounted, of the platoon, and of the squadron; and

equitation.

II. THE USE OF THE SWORD, &C.--Will comprise the use of the small-sword,

broadsword, and bayonet, and such military gymnastics as circumstances

may permit.

III. MATHEMATICS.--This course will comprise:

(1.) _Algebra._--Fundamental operations; involution and evolution;

reduction and conversion of fractional and radical qualities; reduction

and solution of equations, including those of the third degree ratios

and proportions; summation of infinite series and figurate numbers;

nature, construction, and use of logarithms.

(2.) _Geometry._--Geometry of right lines, planes, and volumes and

spherical geometry; and the formation and construction of determinate

geometrical equations.

(3.) _Trigonometry._--The solution of all the cases in plane and

spherical trigonometry; analytical investigation of trigonometrical

formulæ; and the construction of trigonometrical tables.

(4) _Mensuration and Surveying._--Mensuration of planes; surfaces and

volumes; principles and practice of common land surveying; different

methods of plotting and calculating such surveys; trigonometrical

surveying; measurement of heights and distances; leveling; and use of

instruments in plotting, surveying, &c.

(5.) _Descriptive Geometry._--The graphic illustration and solution of

geometrical problems in space; and the particular application of this

method to spherical projections, construction of maps, to shades and

shadows, and perspective, and isometric projections.

(6.) _Analytical Geometry._--Construction of algebraic expressions;

solution of determinate problems; determination and discussion of the

equations of the right line, plane and conic sections; discussion of the

general equations of the second degree involving two or three variables;

determination of loci, &c.

Differential and Integral Calculus, with its application to maxima and

minima, the drawing of tangents, rectification of curves, radii of

curvatures, quadratures, cubatures, &c.

IV. FRENCH LANGUAGE.--This course will comprise:

French Grammar; reading and writing French; and translating (from text

and orally) English into French and French into English.

V. SPANISH LANGUAGE.--This course will comprise:

Spanish Grammar; reading and writing Spanish; and translating (from text

and orally) English into Spanish and Spanish into English.

VI. DRAWING.--This course will comprise:

Topography, with lead-pencil, pen and ink, and colors.

Figures, with pen and ink.

Landscape, with the lead-pencil.

Landscape, with colors.

VII. CHEMISTRY, MINEROLOGY, AND GEOLOGY.--This course will comprise:

_Chemical Physics._--Magnetism; static and voltaic electricity;

electro-magnetism; magneto-electricity; thermo-electricity; animal

electricity; construction and use of apparatus illustrating the

principles of the foregoing subjects and their mutual relations.

Heat--its nature, sources, and effects; relation between thermal energy

and other forces; measurement and equilibrium of temperatures; thermal

and aqueous phenomena of the atmosphere; light as a chemical agent.

_Chemistry._--Its general laws and language; inorganic and organic

chemistry theory of radicals, types, and substitutions; animal

chemistry; animal nutrition, heat, and force; relation between the

mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms; applications of chemistry to

agriculture, fermentation, &c.

_Mineralogy._--Crystallography; structure, practical determination and

uses of minerals; descriptive mineralogy.

_Geology._--The earth’s features; classification, structure, modes of

occurrence and distribution of rocks; rock veins; division of geological

history into ages; the various agents of geological changes; geology of

the United States.

VIII. NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY.--This course will comprise:

_Mechanics._--1st. General classification of the physical sciences;

general constitution and physical properties of bodies; measurements of

the masses; densities and weights of bodies; definitions and

descriptions of natural forces. 2d. _Mechanics of Solids._--Work; laws

of equilibrium and of motion; free and constrained motion of solids;

motion of projectiles; planetary motions and the general principles of

physical astronomy. 3d. _Mechanics of Fluids._--Mechanical properties of

fluids; equilibrium and motion of fluids; general principles of

buoyancy; equilibrium and stability of floating bodies; specific

gravity; and barometrical measurements. 4th. _Mechanics of

Molecules._--General principles of sound, heat, light, and electricity,

to be taught principally by lecture. 5th. _Application._--Objects and

principles of machines; friction; stiffness of cordage and adhesion;

discussion of the elementary machines--cord, lever, inclined plane,

wheel and axle, pullies, screw, hydraulic press, and hydraulic ram.

_Acoustics._--Theory of the internal structure of bodies; nature of

sound; waves in general; velocity of sound in solids, liquids, and

gasses, and measurement of distances by sound; qualities of sound;

reflection, refraction, divergence and decay of sound; echoes, hearing

and speaking trumpets, and description of the ear.

_Optics._--Nature of light; laws of its deviation; laws of vision;

optical instruments; chromatics; achromatism; polarization,

interference, and chromatics of polarized light.

_Astronomy._--Description of the solar and stellar systems; celestial

and terrestrial spheres; figure and magnitude of the earth; its motions,

with the appearances and vicissitudes arising therefrom; theory of

astronomical reductions; eclipses, occultations, and transits; tides and

twilight; use of astronomical instruments and tables; methods of making,

clearing, and calculating observations for time, latitude, longitude,

the earth’s magnetism and true meridian.

IX. ORDNANCE AND GUNNERY.--This course will comprise:

_Ordnance._--1st. The theory and preparation of gunpowder, cannon,

artillery carriages, projectiles, implements, machines, small-arms,

ammunition, and military fireworks. 2d. Practical instruction in making

musket, rifle, pistol, cannon and howitzer cartridges; preparation of

strap, grape, and canister shot, fuzes, slow and quick match, port-fire,

signal rockets, carcases, fire-balls, light balls, and incendiary

composition; loading shells, shrapnel shot and grenades; putting up

stores for transportation; loading caissons; in determining the pressure

on the bore of a gun; in determining the initial velocity of

projectiles; in the manner of proving powder, and when circumstances

will admit of it, the operation of casting cannon solid and hollow,

casting of projectiles and the usual methods of testing gun-metals, will

be witnessed.

_Gunnery._--Embracing the study of the movements of projectiles; the

theory of pointing fire-arms; the different kinds of fires and their

effect; the art of breaching, and the composition of batteries.

X. ETHICS AND LAW.--This course will comprise:

_Ethics._--1st. Common basis with law. 2d. In moral science, the pursuit

of the highest good for each and all; the realization of excellence by

virtue, the fulfillment of obligations to God and our country, to

ourselves and others; and 3d, In its practical division, the duties,

vices and passions.

_Law._--1st. General principles. 2d. International law. 3d. Political

organization and constitution of the United States. 4th. Rules and

articles of war: and the organizations, powers, forms, and proceedings

of courts-martial.

XI. PRACTICAL MILITARY ENGINEERING.--This course will comprise:

The preparation of trench and battery materials--gabions, facines,

sandbags, &c.; the manner of tracing and profiling batteries and

intrenchments, by cords, pickets and laths; the defiladement of

intrenchments and other works; the distribution and posting of working

parties, with their implements and materials in the construction of

batteries, intrenchments, &c.; the construction of the various

revetments for batteries and intrenchments, the laying of platforms for

field, siege, and garrison artillery; the construction of palisades,

fraises, abatis, rifle-pits, and trous-de-loup; the manner of placing

intrenchments and other works, together with houses, walls, fences, &c.,

in a state of defense; the trace, defiladement, and construction of the

several kinds of trenches and saps; descent and passage of a ditch, and

other operations of a siege; the manner of laying out, constructing,

tamping and springing mines, both for attack and defense, with the

application of electricity thereto; trestle, ponton, and other bridge

exercises; military reconnoissance of a route for the march of a column

of troops, and of a locality for defensive works.

XII. MILITARY AND CIVIL ENGINEERING, AND THE SCIENCE OF WAR.

_Military Engineering._--1st Principles and methods of planning and

constructing temporary works, comprising intrenchments, inclosed works,

batteries, lines, bridge-heads, with the modes of their attack and

defense. 2d. Permanent Fortifications.--Principles of planning and

constructing permanent works for land and sea-coast defense, with an

analysis and description of the modern systems of fortifications; the

attack and defense of permanent works, including mines.

_Civil Engineering._--Comprising building materials, masonry, carpentry,

bridges, roads, railroads, canals, and river and harbor constructions.

The theory and description of mechanism and machines. The principles of

architecture.

Descriptive drawing as applied to civil engineering, architecture and

fortification.

_Science of War._--The military organization of states and kingdoms;

composition and organization of an army; strategy illustrated and

explained by military history; the operations of a campaign, comprising

the movements of troops and their general dispositions for attack and

defense.

DISTRIBUTION OF STUDIES BY YEARS AND CLASSES.

_Subjects.--First Year--Fourth Class_.

MATHEMATICS.--Davies’ Bourdon’s Algebra. Davies’ Legendre’s Geometry and

Trigonometry. Church’s Descriptive Geometry.

FRENCH LANGUAGE.--Bolmar’s Levizac’s Grammar and Verb Book. Agnel’s

Tabular System. Berard’s Leçons Françaises. *Spier’s and Surrenne’s

Dictionary.

ARTILLERY AND INFANTRY TACTICS.--Practical Instruction in the Schools of

the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery.

SMALL-ARMS.--Instruction in Fencing and Bayonet Exercise.

_Second Year--Third Class_.

MATHEMATICS.--Church’s Descriptive Geometry, with its application to

Spherical Projections. Church’s Shades, Shadows, and Perspective.

Davies’ Surveying. Church’s Analytical Geometry. Church’s Calculus.

FRENCH LANGUAGE.--Bolmar’s Levizac’s Grammar and Verb Book. Berard’s

Leçons Françaises. Chapsal’s Leçons et Modèles de Litterature Française.

Agnel’s Tabular System. Rowan’s Morceaux Choisis des Auteurs Modernes.

*Spier’s and Surrenne’s Dictionary.

SPANISH LANGUAGE.--Josse’s Grammar. Morale’s Progressive Reader.

Ollendorff’s Oral Method applied to the Spanish, by Valazquez and

Simonne. *Seoane’s Neuman and Barretti’s Dictionary.

DRAWING.--Topography, &c. Art of Penmanship.

INFANTRY, ARTILLERY, AND CAVALRY TACTICS.--Practical Instruction in the

Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in

Artillery and Cavalry.

_Third Year--Second Class._

NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY.--Bartlett’s Mechanics. Bartlett’s

Acoustics and Optics. Bartlett’s Astronomy.

CHEMISTRY.--Fowne’s Chemistry. Chemical Physics, from Miller.

DRAWING.--Landscape. Pencil and Colors.

ARTILLERY, CAVALRY, AND INFANTRY TACTICS.--United States Tactics for

Garrison, Siege, and Field Artillery. Upton’s Infantry Tactics.

Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and

Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.

PRACTICAL MILITARY ENGINEERING.--Myer’s Manual of Signals. Practical and

Theoretical Instruction in Military Signaling and Telegraphy.

_Fourth Year--First Class._

MILITARY AND CIVIL ENGINEERING, AND SCIENCE OF WAR.--Mahan’s Field

Fortifications. Mahan’s Outlines of Permanent Fortification. Mahan’s

Civil Engineering. Mahan’s Fortifications and Stereotomy. Mahan’s

Advanced Guard and Outpost, &c. Mahan’s Industrial Drawing. *Moseley’s

Mechanics of Engineering.

MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY.--Dana’s Mineralogy. Hitchcock’s Geology.

ETHICS AND LAW.--French’s Practical Ethics. Halleck’s International Law.

Kent’s Commentaries (portion on Constitutional Law). French’s Law and

Military Law. Benét’s Military Law and the Practice of Courts Martial.

*Webster’s Dictionary.

ARTILLERY, CAVALRY, AND INFANTRY TACTICS.--United States Tactics for

Cavalry. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company,

and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.

ORDNANCE AND GENNERY.--Benton’s Ordnance and Gunnery. Practical

Pyrotechny.

PRACTICAL MILITARY ENGINEERING.--Practical Instruction in fabricating

Facines, Sap Fagots, Gabions, Hurdles, Sap Rollers, &c.; manner of

laying out and constructing Gun and Mortar Batteries, Field

Fortifications, and Works of Siege; formation of Stockades, Abattis, and

other military obstacles; and throwing and dismantling Pontoon Bridges.

Myer’s Manual of Signals. Practical Instruction in Military Signaling

and Telegraphy.

[* Books marked * are for reference.]

PROGRAMME OF CAMP DUTIES FROM JULY 5, TO AUGUST 30.

Reveillé, 5 a.m. Policing camp just after reveillé. Infantry company

drills, for all classes, 5.30 a.m. Surgeon’s call, 6.30 a.m. Breakfast

call, 7 a.m. Parade call, 8 a.m. Guard mounting, immediately after

parade. Siege and sea-coast artillery drill for 1st class; Light Battery

drill, 2d class; Foot Light Battery drill, 4th class; 9 till 10 a.m.

Laboratory duty for two weeks, signaling, practical and topograpical

engineering, for rest of term for 1st class, 10 till 12 a.m. Laboratory

duty for 3d class for two weeks, 10 till 12 a.m. Infantry squad drill

for 4th class, 10 till 11 a.m. Dinner, 1 p.m. Policing camp, 4 p.m.

Infantry company’s drill for all classes, 5.30 p.m. Parade, sunset,

Supper, after parade. Tattoo, 9.30 p.m. Taps, 9.45 p.m.

I. REGULATIONS

RELATIVE TO

THE ADMISSION OF CADETS INTO THE MILITARY ACADEMY.

Applications for admission into the United States Military Academy at

West Point, should be made by letter to the Secretary of War. By

provision of law, each Congressional and Territorial district, and the

District of Columbia, is entitled to have one cadet at the Military

Academy, and no more. The district appointments are made on the

nomination of the member of Congress representing the district at the

date of the appointment. The law requires that the individual selected

shall be an actual resident of the Congressional district of the State

or Territory, or District of Columbia, from which the appointment

purports to be made. Also, appointments “at large,” not to exceed ten,

are annually made. Application can be made, at any time, by the

candidate himself, his parent, guardian, or any of his friends, and the

name placed on the register. No preference will be given to applications

on account of priority; nor will any application be entered in the

register when the candidate is under or above the prescribed age; the

_precise age_ must be given; _no relaxation of the regulation in this

respect will be made_; nor will any application be considered in cases

where the age and other qualifications of the candidates are not stated.

The fixed abode of the candidate, and _number_ of the Congressional

district which he considers his permanent residence, must be set forth

in the application. The pay of a cadet is $30 per month, to commence

from his admission into the Military Academy, and is considered ample

with proper economy, for his support.

The appointments will be made annually in the month of February or

March, on the applications made within the preceding year. The claims of

all the candidates on the register will be considered and acted upon. No

certain information can be given as to the probable success of the

candidate, before the arrival of the period for making the selections.

Persons, therefore, making applications, must not expect to receive

information on this point.

As a general rule, no person will be appointed who has had a brother

educated at the institution.

QUALIFICATIONS.

Candidates must be over sixteen and under twenty-one years of age, at

the time of entrance into the Military Academy; must be at least five

feet in height, and free from any deformity, disease, or infirmity,

which would render them unfit for the military service, and from any

disorder of an infectious or immoral character. They must be able to

read and write well, and perform with facility and accuracy the various

operations of the four ground rules of arithmetic, of reduction, of

simple and compound proportion, and of vulgar and decimal fractions.

It must be understood that a full compliance with the above conditions

will be insisted on--that is to say--the candidate must write in a fair

and legible hand, and without any material mistakes in spelling, such

sentences as shall be dictated by the examiners; and he must answer

promptly, and without errors, all their questions in the above-mentioned

rules of arithmetic: failing in any of these particulars, he will be

rejected.

It must also be understood, that every candidate will, soon after his

arrival at West Point, be subjected to a rigid examination by an

experienced medical board; and should there be found to exist in him any

of the following causes of disqualification, to such a degree as will

immediately, or in all probability may at no very distant period, impair

his efficiency, he will be rejected:

1. Feeble constitution and muscular tenuity; unsound health from

whatever cause; indications of former disease; glandular swellings, or

other symptoms of scrofula.

2. Chronic cutaneous affections, especially of the scalp, or any

disorder of an infectious character.

3. Severe injuries of the bones of the head; convulsions.

4. Impaired vision from whatever cause; inflammatory affections of the

eyelids; immobility or irregularity of the iris; fistula lachrymalis,

&c., &c.

5. Deafness; copious discharge from the ears.

6. Loss of many teeth, or teeth generally unsound.

7. Impediment of speech.

8. Want of due capacity of the chest, and any other indication of a

liability to a pulmonic disease.

9. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or both of the superior

extremities on account of fractures, especially of the clavicle,

contraction of a joint, extenuation, deformity, &c., &c.

10. An unnatural excurvature or incurvature of the spine.

11. Hernia.

12. A varicose state of the veins, of the scrotum and spermatic cord,

(when large,) sarcocele, hydrocele, hemorrhoids, fistulas.

13. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or both of the inferior

extremities on account of varicose veins, fractures, malformation, (flat

feet, &c.,) lameness, contraction, unequal length, bunions, over-lying

or supernumerary toes, &c., &c.

14. Ulcers, or unsound cicatrices of ulcers likely to break out

afresh.

The above Regulations were issued by the War Department in 1862.

Although it appears from this official document, that “applications for

admission into the United States Military Academy at West Point, should

be made by letter to the Secretary of War,” and that “the claims of all

candidates on the register will be considered and acted upon,” it is

also stated, that “_the district appointments are made on the nomination

of the member of Congress representing the district at the date of the

appointment_.” This delicate duty, and great privilege of selecting, out

of all the young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years,

in a Congressional district of at least 70,000 inhabitants, who aspire

to serve their country in a military capacity, the one _best_ qualified,

or even _well_ qualified, is not imposed or conferred directly by law,

but by the practice of the appointing power, on the member for that

district.

_Summary of Qualifications (in Circular of 1871)._

A sound body and constitution, a fixed degree of preparation, good

natural capacity, an aptitude for study, industrious habits,

perseverance, an obedient and orderly disposition, and a correct moral

deportment are such essential qualifications that candidates knowingly

deficient in any of these respects should not, as many do, subject

themselves and their friends to the chances of future mortification and

disappointment, by accepting appointments to the Academy and entering

upon a career which they can not successfully pursue.

_Method of Testing the Qualifications of Candidates._

Candidates should be able to _read_ with facility from any book,

giving the proper intonation and pauses, and to _write_ portions that

are read aloud for that purpose, spelling the words and punctuating the

sentences properly. Some historical work should preferably be chosen,

and successive passages read till the reading exercises are ended. Then,

from another part of the book, a suitable paragraph or paragraphs, of

reasonable length, should be read aloud to the candidates, with proper

intonations and pauses, as a guide to punctuation, and written down by

them as read.

In Arithmetic they should be able to perform with facility examples

under the four ground rules, and hence should be familiar with the

tables of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and be

able to perform examples in reduction and in vulgar and decimal

fractions, such as:

Add ⅔ to ¾; subtract ⅖ from ⅚; multiply ¾ by ⅞; divide ⅖ by ⅜

Add together two hundred and thirty-four thousandths, (.234,)

twenty-six thousandths, (.026,) and three thousandths, (.003.)

Subtract one hundred and sixty-one ten thousandths (.0161) from

twenty-five hundredths (.25.)

Multiply or divide twenty-six hundredths (.26) by sixteen thousandths

(.016.)

They should also be able to change vulgar fractions into decimal

fractions, and decimals into vulgar fractions, with examples like the

following:

Change 15/16 into a decimal fraction of the same value.

Change one hundred and two thousandths (.102) into a vulgar fraction.

In simple and compound proportion, examples of various kinds should be

given, and the candidates should understand the principles of the rules

followed.

In English Grammar candidates should exhibit a familiarity with the

nine parts of speech and the rules in relation thereto; should be able

to parse any ordinary sentence given to them, and, generally, should

understand those portions of the subject usually taught in the higher

academies and schools throughout the country, under Orthography,

Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody.

In Descriptive Geography they should name, locate, and describe the

natural grand and political divisions of the earth, and be able to

delineate any one of the States or Territories of the American Union,

with its principal cities, rivers, lakes, seaports, and mountains.

In History they should be able to name the periods of the discovery

and settlement of the North American continent; of the rise and progress

of the United States, and of the successive wars and political

administrations.

The examinations in Orthography, Grammar, Geography, and History may

be either oral or written.

Candidates undoubtedly deficient in any one requisite, or more than

one, should resign any expectation of admission till the deficiency is

overcome.

Candidates should first be examined by a medical practitioner, with

reference to the physical requirements and disqualifications set forth

in the circular; such as are manifestly disqualified being so informed.

The condition of body and mind considered together should be regarded,

as well as general proficiency in the studies as a whole. Especially

should natural ability and manifest aptitude for acquiring and applying

knowledge take precedence of mere scholastic finish and readiness of

answer to former problems. Other things being equal, preference should

be given, in order, to those whose claims are strengthened by military,

naval, or other distinguished service rendered to the country by

themselves or their immediate relatives; and it is better for candidates

to be nearer the minimum than the maximum age.

BOARD OF VISITORS

In the Regulations for the government of the Military Academy, approved

July 1, 1816, provision for the appointment of a Board of Visitors, to

consist of five competent gentlemen, who should attend at each general

examination, and report thereon to the War Department through the

Inspector, who appears to have been from the start the senior officer of

the corps of Engineers.

In 1846 (Aug. 8), Congress authorized the appointment annually, by the

President, of a Board of Visitors, whose duty it was made to attend each

yearly examination, and report to the Secretary of War upon the

discipline, instruction, police and fiscal affairs of the Academy. The

members were to be taken from one half of the number of States,

alternating yearly with the other half, each member being a _bona fide_

resident of the State from whence appointed, and each Congressional

district being in turn designated to furnish an appointee. Of the

members each year, not less than six must be taken from among officers

actually serving in the militia.

_Extract from Act of Congress approved August 8, 1846, amended by Acts

of March 16, 1868, and February 21, 1870._

That the President is authorized to appoint a Board of Visitors to

attend the annual examination of the Military Academy, whose duty it

shall be to report to the Secretary of War, for the information of

Congress, at the commencement of the next succeeding session, the actual

state of the discipline, instruction, police, administration, fiscal

affairs, and other concerns of the institution: _Provided_, That the

whole number of visitors each year shall not exceed seven: _Provided,

further_, That no compensation shall be made to said members beyond the

payment of their expenses for board and lodging while at the Military

Academy, and an allowance, not to exceed eight cents per mile, for

traveling by the shortest mail route from their respective homes to the

Academy, and back to their homes. And in addition to the other members

of the Board of Visitors to be appointed by the President, according to

law, to attend the annual examination of cadets at the United States

Military Academy, there shall be on every such board two Senators, to be

designated by the Vice-President, or President _pro tempore_ of the

Senate; and three members of the House of Representatives, to be

designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, such

designations respectively to be made at the session of Congress next

preceding the time of such examination; and the Senators and members so

appointed shall make full report of their action as such visitors, with

their views and recommendations in regard to the said Military Academy,

within twenty days after the meeting of Congress, at the session next

succeeding the time of their appointment.

EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF VISITORS FOR 1871.

Twenty-five years ago West Point was substantially separate from the

outside world; for several months of the year a mail was not received

oftener than once in three or four days. The presence of visitors was

almost wholly unknown, and the officers and cadets formed a community by

and of themselves. The relations existing between the officers and

cadets was like that at present existing between the officers and

soldiers at a military post. Cadets were permitted to visit at the

quarters of professors and officers on Saturday afternoons, and at no

other time. But so reserved were the manners of officers, even on such

occasions, that the privilege, though recognized, was very rarely

exercised. There was substantially no social intercourse between the

officers and the cadets.

In those days, too, the rigor of discipline put all cadets, the sons

of the rich and the sons of the poor, upon a common footing. The

regulations not only prohibited any cadet from receiving money from his

parents and friends, but no place existed, or was permitted to exist, on

the limits, where cadets could expend money. Occasionally a cadet was

allowed to purchase what he pleased under the head of “sundries;” not

exceeding one dollar in amount, and that only on the order of an officer

in charge.

But all this has changed. West Point is now or fast becoming a place

of fashionable resort. Hotels have been erected in near proximity to the

post, and hundreds of visitors now repair thither where one did in

former years. This influx of fashionable life has caused a relaxation of

the rules in regard to cadets visiting. The great distance between

officers and cadets has been gradually diminished. Cadets of the first

class may now visit officers every day in the week, and officers and

cadets associate together with a freedom of intercourse not formerly

known. Insensibly the standard of discipline has been lowered, until the

Academy has less than formerly the character of the Regular Army, and

more the features of a militia establishment, where officers and men are

separated while on duty, but mingle in social intercourse when the hour

of drill or parade has passed.

Although the regulation in regard to cadets receiving money remains

unchanged, yet, at present, a new functionary, known as the “cadet

confectioner,” is allowed to keep open on cadet limits a place of resort

which cadets are known to frequent daily to enjoy the table, and where

they may treat their fellows without stint or limit. Thus one of the

elements of equality which formerly existed among the cadets is

destroyed, and the son of a wealthy man may fare sumptuously, while the

poor boy must confine himself to such food as the mess-hall affords.

Many other causes might be mentioned as contributing to the present

condition of things, and many other illustrations of the change from the

custom of former years might be given. But those members of the board

who have been appointed by the Vice-President and Speaker of the House

of Representatives, and whose duty it is by law specially made to report

to Congress upon this subject, will doubtless do so at length, and

therefore this board pass the subject without as full a consideration as

would otherwise be demanded. But this board, feeling the importance of a

high state of discipline to the efficiency of the Academy, to accomplish

the purpose for which it is maintained, earnestly recommend a return to

the stricter kind of discipline which was administered years ago. An

army must be governed by different methods and upon different principles

from a civil society and to an army and to every military establishment

discipline is a necessity.

With a view to this end, in the opinion of this board, the

superintendent and commandant of cadets should always be officers of

high rank, who, by their age and military distinction, can command not

only the respect but the implicit obedience of the cadets.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VISITORS FOR 1863.

The Board of Visitors invited by the Secretary of War to visit the

Military Academy at West Point, to make “a full and free investigation

of the Military and Scientific instruction of the Cadets, and of the

internal police, discipline, and fiscal concerns of the institution, and

communicate the results of their observations, with any suggestions for

the improvement of the Academy,” consisted of the following members:

Oliver S. Munsell, _Illinois_, PRESIDENT. Birdsey G. Northrop,

_Mass._, SECRETARY. Thomas M. Allen, _Missouri_. Henry Barnard,

_Connecticut_. Samuel W. Bostwick, _Ohio_. Thomas Brainard, _Penn._

Cyrus Bryant, _Illinois_. A. W. Campbell, _West Virginia_. Ralph W.

Emerson, _Mass._ Oran Faville, _Iowa_. John H. Goodenow, _Maine_. P. D.

Gurley, _District of Columbia_. Oliver P. Hubbard, _New Hampshire_.

Edward Maynard, _District of Columbia_. Henry S. Randall, _New York_.

William H. Russell, _Conn._ William A. Rust, _Maine_. Albert Smith, _New

Hampshire_.

The Visitors introduce an account of their inspection with the following

remarks:

Some of our number came with objections and prejudices against the

Academy. But all doubts as to the value and importance of the

institution were banished by the evidence presented in the course of our

personal inquiries into its present condition and actual results. The

Mexican war clearly evinced the value of military science. Still more

has the present war demonstrated the necessity of maintaining, and even

enlarging our Military Academy.

This Academy belongs to the whole nation. So far as its purpose and

numbers permit, it is the Peoples’ College. It is maintained for the

special benefit of no particular section, sect, party, or class. We

could discover no evidence of aristocracy, exclusiveness, or caste. The

Cadets represent all sects and parties, and almost all nationalities,

now naturalized among us. The poor are not denied its privileges, for

the expenses of all are paid alike. If particular dogmas have at any

time prevailed here, the fact is an accidental, rather than an essential

one, and should be referred to the ruling influences at the seat of

government, and not to any inherent element in the local organization at

West Point.

Their Report has been communicated to the Secretary, by whom the same

will be transmitted to Congress--to receive such attention as the

Secretary and Congress may see fit to bestow on its various suggestions.

By permission of the Secretary, we transfer to our pages, that portion

of the Report in which the subject of the Admission of Cadets--their

number, age, attainments, and mode of appointment, is discussed with

considerable fullness.

ADMISSION OF CADETS.

In concluding the report of their inspection of this, the only national

military school, to which the country naturally looks for the

organization and command of her armies, and the construction of her

works of defense, the Visitors would respectfully urge on the

consideration of the Department, an immediate and thorough revision of

the law and regulations relating to the admission of Cadets--the number,

the qualifications required, and the mode of ascertaining these

qualifications, and of making the appointments. No matter how

appropriate may be the location, how complete the buildings and

equipment, and how skillful and faithful the teachers, unless there is a

constant and sufficient supply of pupils of the right age, character,

bodily and mental vigor and aptitude, as well as aspirations for a

military career, the public will be disappointed in the practical

workings of the institution.