Read Ebook: Guide to West Point and the U.S. Military Academy by Boynton Edward C Edward Carlisle

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The buildings appropriated to the occupation and education of the Cadets, are not without attractive interest to the visitor. The CADETS' BARRACK, from its magnitude, symmetrical proportions, durability, and castellated structure, seldom fails to elicit commendation from all lovers of architecture who are drawn to its vicinity. The building contains eight divisions, of which two are assigned to each of the four companies of Cadets. Two occupants only are found in a room, each uniformly furnished with an iron bedstead, an iron table, chair, books, and wearing apparel; all other furniture being carefully excluded as unnecessary or unworthy of the student soldier. Warmed by furnaces, lighted by gas, with daily access to bath-rooms, and invigorated by their military exercises, the Cadets present an appearance of health and contentment seldom seen in other collegiate institutions.

THE ACADEMIC BUILDING contains, on the first floor, a gymnasium, with bowling-alleys, an apartment for fencing and sword exercise, and the Chemical laboratory. The second floor contains recitation rooms, and the models and collections pertaining to the departments of Engineering and Mineralogy and Geology. Besides the models of bridges, buildings, engines, and arches, illustrative of the progress of civil engineering, others relating to field works, fortifications, their system of attack and defense, and the models of Fort Wagner, before Charleston, and San Juan d'Ulloa, off Vera Cruz, will claim attention. The third floor is occupied by recitation and lecture rooms, the Picture gallery, Drawing Academy, and the Museum of ordnance and trophies. The Picture gallery contains specimens selected from the productions of the most proficient Cadets in the classes which have gone forth since 1838, and among them the names of many prominent army officers will be recognized. Regarded as an evidence of skill and cultivated taste, on the part of those who were first made aware of their power to acquire the art of sketching and coloring after entering the Military Academy, and as the result of a few months' instruction, no one can view this collection without experiencing the liveliest feelings of satisfaction and pleasure.

The MUSEUM OF ORDNANCE AND TROPHIES exhibits all the various progressive stages in the manufacture of swords, muskets, cartridges, powder, and shot; models of field and siege guns, and the anatomical structure of horses for instruction in the department of cavalry. The collection of ancient and experimental weapons; of Rebel torpedoes, and Rebel shot from many battle-fields; of flag-staffs and flags from Mexico; Indian trophies and curious projectiles, and the numerous flags borne by the regular army in the last war with England, in the Florida war, in Mexico, and in the Rebellion, with their inscriptions, excites a degree of interest which cannot be overcome by a momentary glance.

The colors of the FOURTH REGIMENT OF U.S. INFANTRY bear the following historical inscriptions:

The first Flag Carried 1794. Retained at Reorganization 1808. Tippecanoe 1811.

IN THE FLORIDA WAR.

Gaines's Pen 1836. Thlonalosassa 1836. Okeechobee 1837.

Palo Alto 1846. Resaca de la Palma 1846. Monterey 1816. Vera Cruz 1847. Churubusco 1847. Molino del Rey 1847. Chapultepec 1847. City of Mexico 1847.

IN THE REBELLION.

Yorktown 1862. Gaines's Mill 1862. Malvern Hill 1862. Bull Run No. 2 1862. Antietam 1862. Fredericksburg 1862. Chancellorsville 1863. Gettysburg 1863. Wapping Heights 1863. Wilderness 1864. Spottsylvania 1864. North Anna River 1864. Po-Potmail Creek 1864. Coal Harbor 1864. Petersburg 1864. Lee's Surrender 1865.

The colors of some other regiments and batteries bear even a greater number of inscriptions, but none date as far back in the past.

A pedestal and shell, brought from South Carolina, is inscribed on its four sides by Rebel and Union hands, as follows:

FIRST FACE.

Fifteen Inch Hollow Shot, fired by the Abolition Fleet of Iron Clads, at Fort Sumter, April 7, 1863.

SECOND FACE.

THIRD FACE.

FOURTH FACE.

The centre of the room is occupied by a model of the Silver Mine of Valenciana, in Mexico, purchased in the City of Mexico in 1847, by subscription among the officers of the army, whose names are affixed. The upper surface represents the operatives, made of silver amalgam, practising their several divisions of labor, while the sides exhibit the galleries of the mine, with the miners at work. The case contains, besides, many mineral specimens, and models of Aztec idols. The whole is surmounted by an eagle and a portion of drapery taken from over the Vice-President's Chair in the Mexican Senate Chamber.

In the CHAPEL, east of the Academic building, may be seen a fine picture over the chancel, by Professor Weir, typical of Mars and Minerva. On the west side, the walls present memorial tablets of the general officers of the Revolution, and the guns presented by Congress to Major-General Greene, implanted beside a niche of trophy colors taken from English and Hessian regiments. On the east side are memorial tablets of all the officers of our army who fell in the Mexican War, and trophy guns and colors taken by Generals Scott and Taylor, during their campaigns in the same war.

The LIBRARY BUILDING contains temporarily the offices of the Superintendent, Adjutant, Quartermaster, and Treasurer. On the second floor, which is not usually open to visitors, is situated the Lecture-room and apparatus of the department of Philosophy and Astronomy. The dome contains an equatorial telescope, and the flank towers a transit instrument and mural circle. The Library occupies the east end of the building. It contains about 20,000 volumes, chiefly on professional and scientific subjects, and several fine portraits of former Superintendents and Chiefs of the Engineer Department.

The capacious RIDING HALL stands on the bank of the river, a little below the Library; and from the interesting exercises therein, it is deservedly regarded as one of the most attractive points at the Military Academy. The hours for riding are from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., except during the period of the Cadets' encampment, with occasional interruptions, when the evolutions of a squadron are practised on the Plain. The course of instruction embodies running at the heads, running at the ring with poised sabre, exercises with pistols, leaping bars and hurdles, and many other feats which afford little room for monotony or wearisome interest, even among those accustomed to witnessing equestrian displays.

Northward from the Library a path leads down the bank to KOSCIUSZKO'S GARDEN--a shelving terrace overhung with shrubbery, and rendered inviting by a cool spring of water, and a tradition that the patriot Pole, whose name the spot bears, here sought retirement and seclusion. The Monument to "Dade and his Command" tells its own story, and American history has yet to furnish an example of devotion to duty similar to that exhibited by those whose names are here inscribed. A little beyond is seen Battery Knox, whose armament proclaims the tidings on all occasions of national joy or sadness. From this point, the lower pathway, called the "Chain Battery Walk," conducts the visitor through a delightful ramble to Gee's Point and the North Wharf, or by a branch, to the Hotel above. The upper path returns to the road along the crest of the bank, and a few steps brings the tourist to FORT CLINTON.

"I have no longer occasion for a sword," sadly replied Kosciuszko, "since I have no longer a country." He visited America in 1797, and was triumphantly and warmly welcomed by the grateful people. He returned to Switzerland and resided at Solothurn, where he died on October 15, 1817. His body was interred at Cracow with great pomp in the funeral vaults of the Kings of Poland, between the coffins of Poniatowski and Sobieski. The Senate decreed in his honor the erection of an enormous mound on the Heights of Bronislawad. The gratuitous labor of all classes succeeded in raising this "Mound of Kosciuszko" to the height of 300 feet in three years, and it will remain for ages a noble monument of his country's gratitude. Kosciuszko was never married, and the simple column at West Point, in full view of thousands of travelers, will long serve as a memorial of gratitude from the American nation, and an enduring protest against the destruction of Poland, and the ruin and death of many freedom lovers as noble and virtuous as Kosciuszko himself.

The "DRIVES" at West Point and its vicinity, although limited in extent by the rugged character of the region, are possessed of infinite variety and beauty, from the constantly changing aspect of river, mountain, and valley. Besides the routes on the Post itself, the road South, along the riverbank to Fort Montgomery, about four miles distant, from its smoothness, easy grades, and the numerous attractive residences by the wayside, affords many present and pleasing after reminiscences of a sojourn at this delightful retreat.

Prominent among these attractions, and scarcely a mile distant from West Point, on the very brink of a precipice towering over the Hudson, stands COZZENS' HOTEL, the name of which is inseparably associated with the name of its founder, whose benevolence, geniality, and hospitality is so intimately connected with West Point and the traveling public.

Directly west of the Hotel stands the picturesque little church of the "Holy Innocents," erected by Professor Weir, to commemorate the early decease of two of his children. A little distance below, the village of Highland Falls is situated, on both sides of a mountain stream bearing the name of Buttermilk Falls, derived from the foaming passage of the water over steep rocks into the Hudson below. From this point onward to Fort Montgomery, the occasional expanse of the river, the charming country seats dotting the bank, and the magnificence of the mountains, continually inspires a feeling of happiness and contentment.

FORT MONTGOMERY is situated on the north bank of Pooplopen's Creek, at its junction with the Hudson. It is elevated about 130 feet above the water, and the view from its ruined parapet covers an extent, and surpasses if possible in wildness, the landscape seen from the West Point Hotel. FORT CLINTON, similarly elevated, stood directly opposite on the south side of the creek, and both works possess more than ordinary interest from having been the scene of a bloody assault and capture by a British force, under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, in October 1777. The forts were simultaneously carried at the point of the bayonet by overwhelming numbers; the last named, by a column moving up the bank of the river, and the former, by one moving down the valley, between the Dunderberg and Bear Mountain, through which the creek makes its way.

From West Point westward, the road diverges to the CEMETERY, overlooking Camptown, where the soldiers are quartered, Washington's Valley, a little beyond, Constitution Island, the Foundry, and the village of Cold Spring. The tasteful monuments, with their military insignia and mournful inscriptions, unveil the attachment of many who fell in Florida, Mexico, Oregon, and in the Rebellion, for the spot protected and consecrated by their Alma Mater. The branch road south, immediately without the first West gate, leads to Fort Putnam, and intersects the river route a little above Cozzens' Hotel. The main road west, known as the "Canterbury Road," leads to Turner's Station, on the Erie Railroad, about fourteen miles distant, passing Long Pond, and the vicinity of many other ponds indicated on the map, most of which afford fine resorts for angling and hunting in the appropriate season. Three miles from West Point a branch from this road leads across the mountain to Canterbury, Cornwall, and Newburg, but the route is so rough as to render it unsuitable for pleasure driving. Just before reaching this point a road extends south through Eagle Valley to Highland Falls, affording a circuit of about seven miles, through a region abounding with new beauties at every turn. The road is in good condition, and the proposed intention of the Cozzens' Brothers to add to the attractions of their Hotel by erecting a mountain retreat at the Round Pond, will doubtless lead to further improvements.

The "Drives" on the east side of the Hudson are easy of access by the steam ferry, and are possessed of even stronger attractions. From the landing the road rises to the "Highland House," and from thence southward as far as Anthony's Nose, the route is one of exquisite beauty. Besides the numerous country seats, nowhere surpassed in elegance, and the thriving farms along the way, the Robinson House, situated at the base of Sugar Loaf Mountain, about one mile below, presents an object of deep and attractive interest. Preserved with all its original features, and as far as possible in the same condition as when it was made the scene of Arnold's treachery--hallowed by the footsteps of Washington and almost every general officer of the Revolution, and rendered impressive from its antiquity and the absence of all evidences of the progress of modern architecture and comfort, the Robinson House has survived, with its umbrageous foliage, for nearly a century, and remains at this day almost the only relic of its former princely proprietor.

From the Highland House northward the road, remarkable for its smoothness and delightful sheltering trees, extends to INDIAN FALLS, some three miles distant. Passing a deep ravine, through which a sequestered tributary of the Hudson flows deep in the forest glade--so deep that, scarce even the Summer's noon-tide sun can force a single ray through the dense shade--the mountain stream after meandering through miles of untrodden woods, and chafing over its rocky bed, suddenly leaps the rocks fifty feet in height into a deep and glassy pool, forming a scene of surpassing beauty. Beyond, the road continues to Cold Spring, passing the Foundry and affording landscape views north and south, all capable of exciting the most pleasurable emotions.

The MILITARY EXERCISES, everywhere an attractive spectacle to the American public, are at West Point productive of the most lasting and gratifying impressions, from the unrivaled excellence of the Band, the uniform neatness of the Cadets, and the precision with which the most difficult maneuvers are executed by them. The European traveler, accustomed to schools of instruction separate and apart for the education of Engineers, Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry Officers, witnesses here with astonishment the perfection and familiarity which the Cadets exhibit in the performance of all the duties pertaining to these four branches of military organization. Some of these exercises are daily and continuous throughout the year, others, owing to the severity of the climate, are restricted to the period between the 15th of March and the 1st of November; and during the Encampment, which includes a part of June and the months of July and August, all studies are suspended, while daily practical instruction prevails as in actual field service.

Commencing on the 1st of September and extending over a term of nine months and a half, during which time the Cadets occupy the Barracks and pursue their Academic studies, their military exercises are as follows:

Rev?ille Heavy Artillery Drill, } April 1 to May 15, 4:10, P.M. Mortar Practice, } Evening Dress Parade Sunset. Tattoo 9:30, P.M. Taps 10, P.M.

During the Encampment the hours are changed, and are as follows:

Rev?ille 5, A.M. Infantry Drill 5:30, A.M. Infantry Drill Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 5, P.M. Breakfast Roll-call 7, A.M. Morning Dress Parade 8, A.M. Guard-mounting 8:30, A.M. Artillery Drill 9, A.M. Engineering Drill 10:30, A.M. Band Practice 10, A.M. Drill of New Cadets 11, A.M., and 5, P.M. Evening Dress Parade Sunset. Tattoo 9:30, P.M. Tattoo on Party Evenings 9:50, P.M. Taps 10, P.M.

For the purpose of military instruction, the Cadets are organized into a battalion of four companies, called A, B, C, and D Companies. These are arranged with reference to stature, and they contain the four Academic or collegiate classes indiscriminately mingled. The companies are officered in the usual way, by selecting the Captains and Lieutenants from the class longest at the Academy; the Sergeants from the next lowest class, and the Corporals from the next in order. "Chevrons," or badges of gold lace, are worn on each arm by these officers to denote their rank, as follows:

These appointments are conferred by the Superintendent as honorary distinctions, and are continuous for one year unless forfeited by misconduct. The discipline and spirit of the Corps is in a great degree dependent upon the Cadet Officers, and while they promptly and cheerfully obey their commands, "off duty" they are equals.

In the exercise of their appointments they are required to report to the authorities infractions of the Regulations on the part of their comrades, but all domineering and captious inclinations are restrained, by what may be termed a popular opinion among the Cadets.

The Corps of Cadets usually numbers about 250, and they are organized as already stated into four companies. Immediately intrusted with their supervision and military instruction is the Commandant of Cadets, who is a Lieutenant-Colonel, and he is assisted by six officers, like himself detailed from the army. This organization prevails for all infantry instruction, and for the maintenance of discipline in camp and barracks. In other branches of military instruction, special arrangements are ordered on the basis of class standing in the several classes.

The ENCAMPMENT commences at the close of the Annual Examination, about the 20th of June, and the camp is located on the Northeast portion of the Plain. This period, affording as it does the only relaxation from study during the year, and as the time for the realization of the long-cherished expectations of the graduating and furlough classes, to enjoy the pleasures of home and early friendships, is one of unusual interest and hilarity. With the disappearance of these two classes, orders are promulgated to pitch the tents, and march into camp at a stated hour. The latter is preceded by a general stampedeing force of Cadets, conveying from the barracks to the now unoccupied recitation rooms all unnecessary articles of furniture. Gray forms are seen with heads crowned with washstands, chairs, mattresses, and other camp-prohibited articles, working with such vigor that, in two or three hours, the barracks are cleared of all Cadet property save their military accoutrements. Before breakfast the camp is laid out and the tents pitched, and at the appointed hour the battalion, with the Band and with colors unfurled, marches to its Summer home.

The Encampment consists of eight rows of tents, two to each company, opening on four streets parallel to each other, and a broad avenue runs through the centre of the camp. The tents of the Company Officers and of the Army Instructors of Tactics, are situated opposite their respective companies, while the tent of the Commandant of Cadets is placed centrally at the East end of the broad avenue. The Guard tents, five or six in number, are situated in a line a little distance in front of the whole camp. A chain of six or eight sentinels surrounds the camp day and night. The guard consists of three reliefs, which walk post in turn, during the twenty-four hours for which each guard is detailed. This detail is drawn as equitably as possible from the four companies, and guard duty recurs once in from three to five days, making the duty a real hardship to those not inured to it. The subdivisions of the guard require each relief to walk two hours, and then wait four hours before it is again posted. The operation of changing is as follows: When the relief is duly formed and inspected by the Officer of the Guard, it is marched by its Corporal around the line of posts, and after "Taps," each sentinel challenges the longed-for delegation with a fierce, "Who comes there?" as though the enemy were upon him. The reply of the Corporal leads to a further demand for a cabalistic word which, when whispered, so elevates the party in the estimation of the sentinel, that he quickly abandons his vigilant, defiant manner, and quietly yields his post to his successor, whose place in the ranks of the relief is then most cheerfully accepted.

The camp is governed by the same regulations that accompany an army in the field, except in the preparation of meals, which are supplied at the Cadets' Mess throughout the year.

The presence of visitors contributes much to enliven this period of hardship in Cadet life, and the tri-weekly dancing parties on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, notwithstanding their abrupt termination at 10 P.M., affords never to be forgotten reminiscences in after life, of social enjoyment and enlightened intercourse with the fair daughters of America, not a few of whom date back their after career to the bewitching influence which marks this season. The Encampment usually terminates on the 29th of August, when the Cadets return to Barrack-life, and recommence their studies. An illumination of the camp usually takes place on the evening before it is broken up, and the convolutions of a "stag dance" are performed on the Parade-ground, with a fervor and vivacity worthy of imitation in a Camanche war-dance. This curious cross in the terpsichorean art, between the pigeon wing, double shuffle, hoe-down, and the quadrille, is a frequent diversion in the Cadet camp. It is performed by twenty or more Cadets, who gyrate between two rows of candles stuck in the ground, cadencing their movements by the very uncertain sounds of a plebeian fiddle and the low muffled rattle of a drum, accompanied by whimsicalities and contortions unknown save at West Point.

The scene presented during the striking of the tents is quite lively and picturesque. In the early hours of the day all the property of the Cadets, such as blankets, clothing, etc., is carried by them to the rooms they are assigned to in the barracks, leaving in camp only their rifles and their accoutrements. At the appointed hour the "general" beats,

"Don't you hear the General say, Strike your tents and march away?"

when all spring to their posts, awaiting three taps on the bass drum. At the first tap, all except the corner tent cords are cast loose and the pins are withdrawn; at the second, the corner cords and pins are cast loose, and the tent is gathered around the tent-poles and steadied in an upright position, so that at the third tap all the tents instantly go down in concert, and woe to the "gross" one who fails to complete the prostration at the moment. While the tents are folded and piled by one party, a group enliven the scene by songs descriptive of their eagerness

"To join the army of the brave," etc.

Then the companies are formed, and taking their stacked arms march to the front on the Parade; the Commandant then, with Band and colors unfurled, marches the battalion to the general Parade, in front of the Superintendent's quarters, and the Encampment is no more.

The ACADEMIC EXERCISES of the Cadets are not devoid of interest even to those who are attracted to the spot by the glittering displays of military life; while to those interested in the progress of education, the peculiarities of the system pursued at West Point seldom fails to increase their belief, that the method here followed might be more generally introduced into the great American collegiate system.

The Corps of Cadets, in accordance with the usual custom, is divided into four classes, and the course of study extends through four years in duration. The classes are numbered inversely according to their entrance into the Academy, as the FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, and FOURTH Classes, corresponding to the Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Classes in other institutions. Each class is divided into convenient sections of from twelve to fifteen Cadets, for instruction in its special branches of study, the first Cadet on each section roll being its squad-marcher, and being responsible for its punctual attendance and deportment. The recitation hours are sounded on a bugle, when the sections for the hour are formed at the Barracks, their rolls are called, and they are marched to the Recitation-rooms by their several squad-marchers. The instructor is there waiting their attendance, and after receiving the squad-marcher's report of the absentees, he sends three or more Cadets to the black-board, to discuss the propositions he announces to each; for which purpose they proceed to place their diagrams or analyses on the board. Another is called up on the floor and questioned on the lesson for the day, until one of those at the board is ready. The latter being called on, first enunciates the proposition to be discussed, then gives a condensed analysis of how it should be solved, and then gives the full discussion, delineation, or demonstration with reference to his diagram or analysis. Last of all, and reaching the termination of his subject, the instructor proceeds to question him on the parts slighted or omitted, and upon topics connected with the subject-matter under consideration. It will be seen that the recitation proceeds upon the supposition that the Cadet understands his lesson beforehand, and that the instructor's province is to make sure of the Cadet's thorough and accurate knowledge; to amplify his conceptions, and supply his deficiencies, rather than teach him the subject of the lesson. He also enforces that orderly and lucid exposition and arrangement of the matter, which carries the conviction that the Cadet not only knows his topic, but is able to communicate it to others. He requires accuracy of language, the observance of certain recitation forms, and proprieties in decorum, to a degree far higher than is usually demanded in other institutions. Three sides of the section-room are provided with wall slates or black-boards, and a tray for chalk, wipers, and pointers, extends across the bottom of each. Every Cadet writes his name over his work, and when called upon to recite, assumes the "position of a soldier," until he wishes to refer to his work, when he does so with his pointer. It is a matter of no small magnitude to secure a becoming personal deportment and style in recitation, and to suppress the unmeaning, nervous turnings, rockings, and fumblings, which too often deform the manners of undisciplined students.

The instructor marks each recitation according to his estimate of its quality as referred to a scale of valuation ranging from zero to three, the maximum for a perfect and satisfactory exhibition of knowledge. A weekly report of these daily marks is made to the Superintendent, and exhibited to the Cadets who crowd the hall leading to the Adjutant's office every Monday, to see the official estimate of their performances during the past week. The recitation marks are aggregated for the semi-annual examination in January, and for the annual examination in June, and are mainly decisive of the numerical standing of each Cadet in the different courses of study. Frequent and thorough reviews occur, in which each individual's success is critically observed and considered in making out the standing--a greater weight justly belonging to the final and permanent conquest of a course, than to the earlier recitations. The final examination on the subject also has a material weight.

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