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 REPORT 
 
 ON THK 
 
 MILITARY ACADEMY 
 
 AT 
 
 4 
 
 WEST POINT, U.S., 
 
 RY 
 
 LIE U T.-C L N E L F L ET C ftER, 
 
 =c=± 
 
 SCOTS FUSILIEU (JOAllJ)?^ 
 
 MilHdry Seritfary to His Exi'tili'nojj tfte Governor Gcnentl of CauiulH. 
 
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 REPORT 
 
 ov Tm 
 
 MILITARY ACADEMY 
 
 ▲T 
 
 WEST POINT, U.S.. 
 
 BT 
 
 LIEUT.-COLONEL FLETCHER, 
 
 SCOTS FUSILIER GUARDS, 
 MUtary Secrefarf/ to His Excellency tJte Governor General of Canada. 
 
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REPORT 
 
 ON THB 
 
 MILITARY ACADEMY 
 
 ▲T 
 
 WEST POINT, U. S. ;•' ^ ' ' 
 
 Before commencing ti report on the Mllitarj'' Atiulem}^ at General Mhc 
 West Point, I would wish to draw attention to the very able <louKall'« report. 
 Memorandum submitted to the Roj'al Commission on Military 
 Education in 18G8, b}'^ Colonel, now General Macdougall, and 
 which appears as an juldenda fo the report of the Commission. 
 General Macdougall deals so fully with the subject, and details 
 i«o clearly the system of education pursued at the Military 
 Academy, that there is little in these respects to add to his 
 report, especially as it has receivet^l the approval of those who 
 are connected with the Actulemy, an< I who are consequently / V^ 
 
 Jbest qualified to judge of the correctness of the statements and 
 of the accuracy of the information. As, however, (leneral i: 
 
 Macdougall's report was divawn up with an object somewhat 
 <lifferent to that which occasioned my visit, 1 projwsc whilst 
 alluding to the subjects of which he has already so ably ' 
 treatetl, to enlarge somewhat more fully on certain portions 
 of the organization and system of the Academy', and to tlirect 
 attention to ]K)ints which ti-om a Canadian point of view 
 ai)i)car to deserve attention. 
 
 If I am correct in my conclusions a short account of the 'i'|,e lonnation of 
 formation and gi'adual gi-owth of the Military A( Julomy will the Military 
 not bo out of place, 08 it Avill show how the institution w^as AoiulomyatWcBt 
 almost^contemporary with the iii-st fbnnation by the Unite<l l**^'"** 
 States oTa.) defensive foi*ce, and how its gi*owth has proccoiled 
 j)ari passu With its demands and requirements. 
 
 As early as 17tO, at the outset of the Revolutionary War, 
 the M'ant of trainotl officers was much felt, and a Committee, 
 appointed to rep)rt on the state of the army, rccommeiKle«l 
 
f- 
 
 The ActCongioss 
 of 1802. 
 
 Impi"Ovement in 
 the System of 
 the Acwlemy in 
 1818. 
 
 tho formation of a ]\[ilitary Academy for the instruction ot 
 o^coi'8. Notliing at that time was done to carry into pi*Rctico 
 tho views of this Committee, and tho subject Avas bi-ought U]> 
 again and again without result, until gradually, as the 
 Artillery and Engineei-s, consisting in 1704, of four battalions^ 
 became better organizoil, steps we;e taken for the instruction 
 of the cadets attaclied to these corps : books were bought, 
 and in 1798, when an additional regiment of tho same arm of 
 tho senice was raisotl, and wlien the cadets numbered tifty-six^ 
 four ter.chei's were appointed. 
 
 Tlie ground work of a Military Academy in connection with 
 a Military force had thus been laid, but it was not unrtil 1802 
 that an Act of Congress was passed dividing the Artillery and 
 Kngineei*s into two conw, and allotting forty cadots to the 
 former and ten to the latter. These corps wore to bo con- 
 centrated at West Point, and were to form a Military Academy. 
 Tho selection of West Point was due to its importance as a 
 frontier fortress which commanded the Hudson Hivor at the 
 narrowest portion of its channel, and guardetl one of the most 
 important linos of approach fi-om the British Possessions. In 
 1S08, tho cadets were increased by 156, and 1812, their limit 
 was fixed at 260, the strength of the anny being at that time 
 over ton thousand men ; four professors, in addition to 
 tho officers detailed for instruction, were also appointed to the 
 staff of the Academy. Thus a foundation was laid for the 
 training of the officers of tho small army with which it wa* 
 deemed necessary to supplement the State Militia. 
 
 Much, however, remained to lie done to bring tho Academy 
 to its jjrosent efficient condition, and it was not until 1818 
 that a system, which with little modification has been followed 
 to the present day, was finall}' determined upon. The 
 cadets were dedareil to be soldiers, subject to Martial Law,^ 
 two general annual examinations were ordered, and steps 
 v;ore taken to train tho young men during the summer months 
 in camps o*" instruction. Since then, although many improve- 
 ments and changes may have occurred, the organization and 
 method of training and discipline have remained the same in 
 IM'inciplo as in 1818, the growth of the institution depending 
 partly on the interest shewn in its welfare by the successive 
 Secretaries of War, more on the qualities of its supoi*intondents, 
 and somewhat on the tone of the army, which it feeds and from 
 Avhich in retui-n it draws its life. It would seem invidious to 
 select from the many able superintendents the names of those 
 who have moi-o especially influenced the destinies of the Acade- 
 my ; but to Major Thayer in 1817, and to Major Belafiold in 
 1838, appear to be duo many of the improvements which have led 
 to its continued success ; whilst in 1852 the presence of Colonel 
 Robert E. Loe could not fail to have exercised over all who- 
 were brought in contact with him, an influence which wa* 
 eubsequently felt in a more extended sjihore. 
 
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Such given veiy slioi-tly han been the history of the Academy 
 fi-om its comnioncemont in the wai* of the Revolution — when 
 the need of educated oiHcera waH felt as goon tm an army hod 
 been organizeil, up to the present time, when the experience 
 of those who have seen much service in the great war of 1861 
 is bmnght to bear on tlio ti'aining of the futui'O officers of the 
 United Stales Army. 
 
 J 
 
 The situation of the Academy, selected at fiist on account of The situation of 
 its suitability as a fortress, Avfien the garrison of an i mwr- th« Academy, 
 tant frontier post served as the training s«'hool for fhe cadets, 
 has proved to be one of the best that could have beeii chosen, 
 even had nothing excepting its desirability as a site for a college, 
 intluencetl the choice. Standing on a loft}' plateau over 
 looking the great river which flei*ves as one of the main 
 arteries of the commerce of New York, it embraces both in 
 its immediate vicinity and in the surrounding country, scenery 
 which can scarcely be surpassed in beauty. Its isolation 
 affoixls means of carrying out the discipline which forms part 
 of the system of its instruction, whilst the various and chang- 
 ing features of the landscape prevent the feeling of loneliness 
 which might otherwise be oppressive. Perhaps, unknowingly, 
 but none the less surelj^ must the scenery around West 
 Point, exercise a beneiicial influence over the j'oun^ men who 
 pass with little intermission four of the most susceptible years 
 of their life in contact with some of the driest details of educa- 
 tion, and yet surrounded by the most beautiful scenes of 
 nature. The healthiness of the situation is evinced by the al)- 
 senco of sickness among the cadets, and by the fact of its 
 being chosen as a summer resort of visitors from all parts of 
 the United States. The area in the hands of the Government 
 includes a little over 2,100 acres. Much of this is wood and 
 i*ock, but there is sufficient plateau to allow of a large exercis- 
 ing gi"0und, used in summer for encampments, in addition to 
 the space required for the sevei*al buildings. These include 
 barracks for about 300 cadets, class rooms, mess rooms for the 
 •cadets and for tlie officere ; offices, a libi*ary, chapel, hospital, 
 And a riding school. The officei-s mostly live in detached 
 houses in the vicinity, and the small garrison of 250 men, 
 viz. : — 75 cavalry, 75 engineers, and 100 laborers drawing the 
 pay of artillery men, are quartered in bairacks about half a 
 mile from the College, and below the plateau on which it 
 stands. Without being architecturally beautiful, the buildings 
 ings appear fitted for the pui*poses for which they are 
 intended, excepting the gymnasium which is small, and the * 
 
 «hapel which, judging by the exterior, partakes of the charac- 
 ter of most garrison chapels. 
 
 The Academy is capable of containing 300 cadets, but the size of the 
 actual number under mstruction seldom amounts to more than Academy. 
 260, the pi'esent number being 246. 
 
Tlic Staff. 
 
 ■i i Y' 
 
 d 
 
 The staff of insfiuction,diwcl]>lino, and general MipcnMnion, 
 consists of the Superintendent, "Brigadier General Buger,"" 
 " Brigadier General Upton, Commandant of Cadets," eight 
 professors, thirty three instructors, assistant instructors, and 
 assistant professors, also an Adjutant, Treasurer, Quartoi'raaster, 
 two medical officers, and a Sword-master. Of these, all except- 
 ing the professor ol" ethics, who is also the Chaplain, the pro- 
 tesst>rs of drawing and Spanish ; the Swoi*d-master and the two 
 medical officers are gradiujtes of West Point, and, haring the 
 [►rofessors, are actuiilly sei'ving in the army. The pi*ofe8sors 
 arc commissioned as such, and draw the pay of Lieutenant- 
 Colonels. The Supenntendent is an otficer of high nink, and 
 selected for his especial capacity for the office. On him de- 
 volves in great measure the arrangement of the studies as well 
 as the discipline of the Academy. Although appeals may ho 
 made from Lis decision to the Secretary of War, it is generally 
 considered as final, and he has the power of assembling courts 
 martial for the triai »of serious offences. The educational staff 
 is not concernal with the discipline of the cadets, except 
 during their attendance in the class rooms, or as it is termetl 
 at repetition, when any irregularities of conduct are recorded 
 and reported. The instructors, assistant instructoi'S, and 
 assistant professoivs, are detached from the army, and are 
 selected for their acquii'ementa and qualifications. They retain 
 the appointment lur fouryears, and then return to regimental 
 or statf dut^-. 
 
 The mttliod ct 
 conducting tlic 
 duty in the 
 Academy. 
 
 CadetR treated as 
 soldiers. 
 
 The diMciplino is more especially under the commandant or 
 cadets in his capacity as commanding the battalion formed 
 from the four companies into which the cadets arc divided, 
 lie is assisted bj' company officers as well as by the catlot 
 officers who act under them. The duty is carrietl on in a 
 manner similar to that of any other battalion allowing the 
 modifications necessary for young ni;en undergoing scholastic 
 instruction. Dui'ing the months of July and August, when 
 the cadets are uiuU-r canvas, and when studies are suspended, 
 the discipline is exactiv similar to that of soldiers, only some 
 what more strict. iMioy are divided into foui' companiesr 
 according to their size, the flank companies comprising tho 
 tallest. To each company a certain portion of tha barracks is 
 allotted, and from the senior or fii-st class, cadet company 
 officers are apix)inted, from the second class sergeants, and 
 from the thiixl corporals. 
 
 These officers and nop-commissioned officei-s are held res- 
 
 I)onsible for quietness anU good behaviour in tiie barracks and 
 )arracks rooms, and for the discipline of the squads marching 
 to class rooms or elsewhere, they also command at parades, 
 before the parade is handed over to the regular officers. 
 
 In regai-d to discipline, the closest supeiwislon is exercised 
 over the cadets at all hours and under almost all circumstances }. 
 
and when the number of officoi'H, 50, is coiislcUM'cii in oon4)Mri- 
 Mon with the number of cadets, 24«), little diflieully can bo 
 found in carrying out the system. At the Hamo time a princi- 
 ple of honour is inculcate<l into the minds of the youn^ men, 
 and has become identified with their teelings. A cadet's wonl 
 is bolieve<i, and the ctulet officer and iion-commissi(nied oflficei* 
 receive the support of their comrades in ihe execution of their 
 duties. 
 
 / 
 
 To illustrate clearly the system pursu^-d at West Point, it Tli« career of n 
 % rwixy be well to follow the career of :i yt)iin<jj nmn from his Cadet. 
 
 ;• J rti-st nomination up to the time of his ])assin,i; the final exami- 
 
 nation. To obtain admission into the Academy, a nomination 
 is necessary from the Secretary of State fbi* War, on tiif i"e- 
 commendation of the represenfTitivc in (Vt.'i^ross of one of the 
 Heverai districts then unrepresente<l iu the Academy. Each \ . ,, 
 congi'essional district, and there are now .JOO, i.s entitled to one ' ; 
 
 representative. Several of these distrit ts, however, fail to 
 wend cadets, owing to the distance, the sparse ])opulation, and 
 the <lifHculty in some districts of obtuiiiing sufficient education 
 to enable the lads to pass the rc<|uin'd examination. In 
 t addition to this motle of a<lmisMiou, the President ot" the 
 
 Vl Uniteii States is allowed to nominate ten cadets in each year. 
 
 I generally .selected from .^ons of officers who have .served or are 
 
 j / Herving in the army. . j,«. 
 
 Modtr of AdiniH- 
 Hioii into thi! 
 Acftilcmy. 
 
 The nomination is followed by a (|ualllying 
 in the month of June if possible, if not in 
 
 examination Tin- entraufe 
 All'i^ust. A exfiminutloM. 
 knowledge of English reading and wi-iling, an acquaintance 
 with the first four rules of arithmetic, of reduction, simple 
 and compound proportion, vulgai* and tlecimal fractions, of the 
 elements of the English grammar, of geography, and of the 
 hiwtor}- of the United States, is all that is considered neces- 
 Hary, the object being that the common s«Ikk)Is of the country 
 accessible to all should be able to furnisb sufficient education 
 for entrance into the Acadymy. 
 
 •- ^ir '>■: ■ 
 
 As the age of atlmission is from 17 to 22, the quantications 
 •lemanded are not hitjh, and are in the reach of the vast ma- 
 jority of the people. >lany of the candidates are, of coui-se, 
 educated \feyond these requirements, and it is fbuntl practi- 
 <*«lly that unless a young man has recei^ ed instruction some- 
 what in excess of that demanded, be will, exce|)t be' possess 
 great ability and power of application, fail in the subsequent 
 examinations, and consequently lie forced to leave the 
 Academy. 
 
 The cadet, who, bj- the way, must not bo le<s than five feet in Examination l»y 
 height, has to jjass an examination by a Medical Boani, to a Medical Board, 
 ascertain whether to use tlie woiiis of the regulations, " he 
 ** possesses the requisite phj'sieal ability to serve his country 
 *' in the arduous arid laborious station of a military officer, not 
 
 ■««>«..«»-■— r^-7;~ 
 
 MW.*".^ -. ^ <iii ■ ! *, ._ 
 
 rfi^j^ . ..m.uLjA-i 
 
t 
 
 w 
 
 The conmc of 
 InHti'uctiou. 
 
 " onl}' at the time of his examinatioti, bnt during hici life, 
 ** until a^e shall disable him." Having satisfied these condi- 
 tions, he i« I'equired to take an oath of allegiance to the Consti- 
 tution and Government of the United States, the oath since 
 the war of ISGl, specifying the priority of allegiance to the 
 United States over any that may he duo to an individual state. 
 He then be comes llohle to military service for eight yeaiu, if 
 so required.* 
 
 Supposing him to have joined in Juno, he is at once allotted 
 to a company accoiTliiig to his size, and goes into camp. During 
 the two months he is uruler canvas, ho becomes acquainted 
 with his class-mates, and selects one of the same company (to 
 which his choice is limited), to share his room. 
 
 When study re- commences at the end of August, he passeM 
 into the fourth or lowest class to rlso yearly in turn, and after 
 examination, to the tliiitl, second and first classes. During 
 these four years, the lol lowing course of instruction is pui-sued. 
 
 1. Infantry, artillery, and cavalry tactics; and military 
 police and discipline. 
 
 2. Use of the sword, bayonet, &c. 
 
 H. Mathematics. - '^■■^''''■-^■■. ■•> .r-' ''--'i^i^y 
 
 4. French langimge. ; > 
 
 5. Spanish iRnguage. . % ' : r • 
 a. Drawing. 
 
 7. Chemical physics, cheinihti'v, minemlogy and geology. 
 
 8. Natural and experimental philosophy. 
 
 9. Ordnance, guniiery, and the duties of a Military Liib- 
 orator}'. 
 
 10. Ethics, and National, International and Military Law. 
 n. Practical Military Engineering, Military Signalling, and 
 
 Telegraphing. 
 
 12. Military and civil engineering, ami the science of wr.r. 
 
 As the cadet is snpi>osed to have received, and in many 
 instances has i'eceive<l, only the most elementary education 
 l)efore reaching the Academy, it must be granted that to 
 acquire in any useful degree a knowledge of the subjects con- 
 tained in this catalogue of studies, will require close and 
 almost incessant application. Such, on reference t^ the regu- 
 lations for the employment of time proves to he the case. 
 
 Fi-om early morning luitil liod time, the cadet's time w 
 mapped oui, and occupitwi, study, parades, and military exor- 
 cises succeed each other with little int4)rmission ; and relaxa- 
 tion is affoitlefl, not by dmuscment, but by a change of study. 
 
 * NoTC— It ban never loeii neccMary to iusist on the fulfilment of thi« 
 provigo by unwilling cKttetM. an ooiumifuiionti arc valuable priaea, and by fcr 
 the greater majority mnke the ariuy their career for a much longer period 
 than that stipulated. 
 
 '] I 
 
 I il 
 
^m 
 
 I I 
 
 f!' 
 
 • \ 
 
 
 -i-^.. 
 
 :.'■•■ i- 
 
 or W the Iruinini^ of the body in place of the mind. Excepting 
 on ^tunlays and Sundaj'B, when the ])Oi'iod of leiHure in Homo- 
 what extended, the cadet has never nioi'o than half an hour at 
 a time for i*ecreation, suppoHin^ that ho empioy», as is in- 
 tended, the time he remains in hiH room for private 8tud3^ 
 The system is to give instructi<m in the class nwms at what are 
 t«rmo<l I'ccitations, after the lessons set by the professors or 
 nssistant proi'cssors have been prej)are(l privately in thecadetn' 
 room. 
 
 The several classes are paraded in small detachments, gone- 
 rally of not more than twelve, and marched to the class rooms, 
 which are airy and fully large onougb for the number they 
 contain. . , , „. 
 
 7^; 
 
 Every cadet is usually calleil iij) and examined viva voce at 
 each i-ecitation, notes ])ro])aroil ft'oni inemory and written on 
 large slates attached to the wall being |)ermitted to assist the 
 rejilies. The most complete silence and the greatest attention 
 is enforced and Incomes a habit, the small numlsir under in- 
 struction permitting of the closest supervision. The following 
 table of the cniployment of time will give an idea of the 
 careful manner in which each day's work is mapjietl out. 
 
 *V«'/-?^' if. 
 
 ■'f' 
 
 1 ' 
 
 'V - ',>■, 
 
 •f->t* ■: 
 
 
 •t 
 
 i-,\rl- 
 
 I '^-••%'-r 
 
 . ■'-•■ 
 
 
 .%m 
 
 
 ■ ■ii W iM.MpiiW. H II»M|I M ti 'i i 
 
J.V 
 
 , Fourth. 
 
 Third. 
 
 Second. 
 
 First. 
 
 "-v^ 
 
 Roll call immediately after Reveille — Police of quarterw, clennino; arms, accou- 
 trementH, &c. Inspection of rooms, 30 minutcB after Ileveilk- lloU call. 
 Study. - 
 
 llrcakfast at 7. Guard mounting at half-ppst. Recreation. Class Parade at 8. 
 
 ■ ©■ 
 
 03 a 
 
 C B 
 
 • >^ 
 
 ■as 
 
 23 S" 
 
 '.^ r 2. 
 
 ^= » 
 
 o « =* 
 
 c 
 
 W 
 
 rt 
 
 ? O 8S S 3 ■< 
 
 
 o 
 
 S » s 
 
 
 c P £ 3 2. 
 
 ^ f*t- ^.t fa^ 
 "T- "^ 05 <? 
 
 ot 2 S uj 
 r. ,2 £-Sd 
 
 0= ?• P C 
 
 aS-g c 
 
 ^ "1 C "^ 
 
 • "< £,- 
 
 t?i o 
 K s 
 ? r B 
 
 Dinner at 1. Pwccreation. Class Parade at 2. 
 
 
 qcp 
 
 
 ^^ 2 S*^'H,2 
 
 2" '-'• S O ~ 3^ S 
 C P* * OS 
 
 2 ^5?" 
 5S 2 1=^® 
 P- g 2 s» "ora 
 
 g 
 
 p 
 
 •=1 a.- p 
 
 >-j i_j a — J B 
 
 as" W "^ "O O- 
 
 ?. n ^ f^ or. 
 
 a 2. 1 s S 
 
 (/: » P P 
 
 2" p rt S3 
 
 c "^ ■*• P 
 
 I' - B "<=^ 5 
 
 . ^ -^ 111 
 
 a> p.' 
 
 A. A. 
 
 9^ a. 
 
 P C?" 
 
 c-o' 
 
 t7^ OR 
 
 Military Exi-rcises, Parade at Sunset ; Cavalry Exercises (3rd clnsis) 4 to 6 ; 
 Military Signals and Telegraphy, 4 to 5. 
 
 Supper after Parade ; Recreation , Evening Call to Quarters. 
 
 Study. 
 
 Study. 
 
 ' ; ' 
 
 Study. 
 
 Study. 
 
 T«*too at half-past 9 ; signal to extinguish lights and inspection of rooms at 10. 
 
 Class. 
 
 
 Cb 
 
 ?i. 
 
 1 
 
11 
 
 Given gcnernll}', the course of the four yenn*' studios iadi- • 
 vided under th<' following hend» : — 
 
 *''"'■' ;., 
 "Fii-styear: Practical instiniction in infantry tacties, police 
 "and discipline; practical instruction in artillery tactics; 
 " instruction in small-arms, &c. ; tii-st part of the course of 
 '* mathematicii,; and iirst psirt of the coui-se of French." 
 
 " Second year • Practical instruction in infantry tactics ; . _ 
 
 *• practical instruction in cavalry tactics; police and discipline; 
 "practical iuHtruction in artillery tactics; vcmaindor of the 
 \ " course of mathematics ; remainder of the course of French ; 
 
 " the course of Spanish ; and tirst part of the course of drawinjr." 
 ''Third year: Theoretical and practical instruction in infati- 
 " try, cavalry, and artillery tactics; police and discipline; 
 " natural and experimental philosophy; chemical physics and 
 " chemistr}- ; remainder of the com-se of drawing; ]U'ac(ical 
 " military engineering; theoretical and practical instnu-tion in 
 " military signals and telegraph}'." 
 
 "Fourth year; Practical instruction in infantry tactics, police 
 "and discipline; practical instruction in artillery tactics; 
 \ , "practical instruction in cavalry tactics; military and civil 
 
 '; " engineering, and the science of war ; theoretical and pi-acti- 
 
 " cal iuHtruction in onlnance and gunnery ; practical military 
 "engineering; ethics and law, mineralogy and geology; and 
 " theoretical and practical instruction in niilitary signals and 
 " telegraphy." ■ , . , . ., ,...-^ . . \ . 
 
 Having briefly detailed the coui*se of stinly through which a The system of 
 cadet passes, it remains to draw attention to the other portion discipline, 
 of his instruction, which i.^ co!^i prised under the heads of police 
 and discipline. In these respects his iifo is that of a soldier, 
 ) only with a far stricter surveillance. j,.. ^ 
 
 Eeveille. is at 5 a.m., during the months of May, June, Jul}*, , 
 und August, at 5-30 a.m. during April and September, and 
 at 6 a.m. during the remainder of the year. 
 
 Surgeon's call at 6-30. ^,. . ,. .. . i ,i...'-s 
 
 • Breakfast at 7. - ., 
 
 Troop at 7 a.m. in barracks, and at 8 a.m. in camp. 
 
 Dinner at 1 p.m. ^ ' * , ' 
 
 Retreat at Bunset. ^ * ' 
 
 Call to quarters for study in barracks at thirty minutes after 
 return from supper, M^hich immediately follows evening C. 
 
 parade. 
 
 Tattoo at 9 p.m. 
 
 Lights out at 10 p.m. 
 
 Both in respect to conduct in the barraclcs room, on parade, 
 
12 
 
 or oi) duty, the cadet is treated us a soldier, the cadet officers 
 and non-commissioned otHcers receiving the consideration due 
 to their rank. The punishments to which he is liable are 
 comprised in the three following classes : — 
 
 The systems of 
 Puuinhmcnt. 
 
 1st. Privation of recreation, extra duty (not guai-d), repi-i- 
 mands, arrests, i.e., confinement to his room or tent, or in the 
 light prisons, reduction of officei's and non-commissioned officer. 
 
 2nd. Confinement in dark prison. 
 
 3ifl. Suspension, dismissal, with the jirivilege of resigning, 
 public dismissal. 
 
 The punishment of the first class may be inflicted by the 
 superintendent, or with his approval ; of the second class, only 
 by virtue of a sentence f)f a Court Mai*tial, except in cases of 
 mutinous conduct and of breach of arrest ; of the third class 
 by the President or the Secretary of War. 
 
 For all gi'ave offences, and in this category are included 
 many that at most schools or colleges would be considered 
 venial, dismissal is the penalty. Disobedience to orders, 
 drunkenness, or even the ])Ossession of spirituous liquoi*s, 
 gambling, absence, telling a falsehood, challenging to fight a 
 duel, bullying another cadet, combining under pretence of 
 procuring a retlress of grievances, &c., &c., render a cadet 
 liable to dismissal, which is generally inflicted, excepting the 
 case should have been of a com])ai'atively slight nature. For 
 all other offences in addition to the penalty inflicted, marks 
 are imposed, which influence the cadet's final classification, 
 and if amounting to one hundreil during six mouths, entail 
 ilismissal. .:^.. . 
 
 
 To insure uniformity, the offences are divided into five 
 classes, of which the 1st class counts one, the 2nd class two, 
 and so on to the 5th class, which counts five, and they in- 
 clude every possible oft'ence or deficiency from gross neglect of 
 duty, to having a button off the uniform. To give an idea 
 of the minutw of the enumeration of oftences it may 
 be well to state that there are no less than sixty-stven 
 offences in the fii*st class, seventj'-cight in the second class, 
 ninety-four in the thiitl class, sixty-five in the fourth class, and 
 thirty-five in the fifth class. 
 
 In the first year the offences count one-third lesfl^ and ai*e 
 not recoi"ded until after the fii-st month following the cadet's 
 iuimission to the academy. They also do not affect the cadet's 
 cai*eer, excepting in regai"d to his classification fbr the ensuing 
 year, and unless the total numbers amount to 150, (i.«. 100 
 counting one-thiixl loss) when he would be dismissed as failing 
 in discipiline. 
 
If ■ 
 
 When in barra<;k!>i, the cadet is constant!}- visiteil by the The daily life of 
 officer of the day, and other officers, who are responsible for the cadet, 
 discipline. His i-oom, which is alno his stud}*, contains him- 
 self and his comrade. It is simply furnished with necessaries, 
 but no luxmnes, not even a cai'pet or a piece of matting are 
 allowed. Each of the two cudelH is weekly responsible for 
 its cleanliness, whilst the caro of thuir arms, of their clothes, 
 &c., devolves on the cadets themselves. They march foi* 
 meals to the mess room, where discipline similar to that of a 
 private soldier's mess is enforced, the whole of the cadets 
 springing to attention by wonl of command on the entry 
 into the room of an officer. The food is good and amply 
 sufficient, whilst the health of the young men affords an evi- 
 dence of the general excellence in this respect of their mode 
 of life. »>• ; ,v» V ^ ' >! . ' 
 
 Games and recroationj such as are common to all English Absence of 
 Schools appeal" almost unknown at West-Point, boating was recreation, 
 until lately permitted on Saturday sifternoons, but is now for- 
 bidden, as tending to distract too gieatly from the objects of 
 the academy. Drill, both on foot and on horeeback, in the 
 riding school or in the exercising gi'ound. is supjiosed to affoi"d 
 sufficient exercise, and the gymnasium is also frequerited by 
 volunteers. Dancing is taught and ])ractised during the winter 
 months, the young men dancing together, whilst during the 
 summer camps, the ladies from the large hotels in the vicinity 
 furnish more agreeable pai'tncrs. 
 
 With regard to militaiy training, the infantry drill is per- Military cxerci 
 formed with great S7na?'tness, the companies drilling, even after ccs. 
 five months of winter cessation, with the precision of highly 
 trained soldiers. The rudiments of artillery (field and garri- 
 son), of practical engineering, and of cavalry are also taught, 
 and officei"s, who, during the late war were transferred from 
 one branch of the service to another, and were frequently 
 called on to assume high commands, speak most highly of the 
 training they received in all branches of their profession at 
 West Point. -. • 
 
 .ni) 
 
 Saturday nflernoon is a-half holiday', and on Sunday after partial remissiou. 
 church soi-vice, whiclv the cadets are expected to attend, of study on 
 unless prevented by conscientious scruples, nothing beyond Saturdays and 
 roll call interferes with their liberty. The services are gener- Sundays, 
 ally those of the Episcopalian C!hurch. There is a good 
 library from which books may be taken and retained over 
 Saturdays and Sundays; on other days especial permission 
 must be obtained. Besides these books and those requii*ed •' 
 
 for study, no litereture is allowed in th« baiTack rooms, ex- 
 cepting one newspaper per cadet. This rule is enforced as far 
 as Is possible. ^.^ . v^ « (7wr;> 
 
 jtmm^mttmim^ 
 
The pay of the 
 uidcts. 
 
 14 
 
 Tho cadets ni*e payed by the country at the rate -^ of $500 per 
 jinnum, but none of the money passes into their po.ssession. 
 A debtor and creditor account is kept with the Treiisurer, and 
 the articles requiretl are furnishe*! from the government stores. 
 ]t is a pnnishiuile offence for u wwlet to receive money from 
 liis friends, aUhouglv, </f course this regulation cannot be 
 rigidly enfo -ced. Out of his paj' the cadet has to pi'ovido 
 uniforms, clothes, b<x>ks, &c., whilst $4 per month 's deducted 
 for his equipment when he grjuluates imd receives a com- 
 mission. 
 
 i > 
 
 Such, given generally, is the routine of a cadet's life fiom 
 the time of his entry into the academy, up to the end of his 
 four years' course, liroken, if he behares well, by a two months' 
 furlough at the expiration of tiie tii>it two years. ,. r,»T . t^^ 
 
 It now remains to be seen how he rises from class to class, 
 and liow tho final graduation is accomplished. 
 
 The system 
 examinatious. 
 
 Thei'e arc two examinations in every year, one in January' 
 the other in June; these are ccmducted by the Academic 
 Jioaixl, consisting of the SuiKJrintendcnt, the Commandant of 
 Cadets, the Pi'ofcssoi's and the Jnstructoi's of Practical Military 
 Engineering, Onlnance, and of trunnery. To this Board is 
 assigned the general supervision of the system of instruction, 
 the pu reliable of Ixxiks, 3fcc., and it reports directly to the Sec- 
 jctnry of War. The June examinations take place in the 
 ])re.scnce of the Board of Visitoi-s, the meral^era of which are 
 appointed each year by the President of the United States, and 
 whose tluly it is to i-ejwrt to the Secretary of War for the 
 information of Gjngress on the state of discipline, instruction, 
 &c., of the acatlemy. They usually consist of members of 
 Congiess, heads of o<lucational establishments, and other emi- 
 nent persons, the only proviso being that no person who 
 has been dismissed from the acatlemy should ever be ap]X)inte<i 
 a visitor, nor any grsuluate until the expiration of ten jears 
 li-om the period of graduation. / 
 
 Tho half yearly examini.it ions are hold to determine the pro- 
 gress made by the cadets, which is calculated mainly from tho 
 marks which they obtain at ti»e dally recitations, checked in 
 some measure by the result** of a viva voce examination. All 
 cadets declared deficient in any one of the several branches of 
 8tudy,or in discipline are, as a rule, required to withdraw from the 
 Academy, although in some special instances they are reduccil 
 to a lower class. The most important examinations are held by 
 the whole Academic Boaiil, the less important by Committees of 
 the Board. Of the former, tho June examination ranks first. 
 
 •Note. — A free ration is aluo given of the value of $109.50 per annum. 
 
 hmt^ 
 
 M^MHMili 
 
16 
 
 as by it tlie final standing and consequent niibseqiient 
 careei's of those who c'oniiwse the fiiist class is determined. 
 The January examination of the fourth class standing second, 
 as on its results depends the fii-st classification of the fourth 
 jilass, when u> ually from one-sixth to one-eighth are jn-onouncd 
 deficient, ana are remove<l. The decision as to whether a 
 cadet should g^jatluate, i.e., "'hether he should be qualified for 
 obtaining an appointment to the army, rests on his having 
 passed through the four gears' coui-se of the Academy without 
 being found deficient in any one branch of study or of 
 discipline. 
 
 iW*-- 
 
 The proportion who fail (judging by the statistics of sixty- 
 one yeai-s, tVom 1802 to 1863,) is more than one half, 4,626 
 students having been admitted into the Aca<lemy during those 
 yeai-s, of which only 2,020 have graduated. 
 
 Since the commencement of the war, every cadet who has The future of the 
 graduated has entered the army, the commissions to be grantetl cadets, 
 being in excess of the number of tliosc who pass the final ex- 
 amination. The rewards for success ai-e the publication in 
 the army I'egister of the names of the five senior cadets, and 
 the selection accoitling to his position in the list of gi-aduates 
 of the ami of the service the cadet would desire to enter. The 
 first of these rewaitls is much coveted, and the future cai'eer 
 of these successful cjvdets is a satisfactory' proof of the correct- 
 ness of the Judgment iwmetl of their character and capabilities 
 whilst at the Academy. 
 
 Tn the published list of the selected five of each year ft'o'« Digtininiishcd 
 1818 to that of the great civil war, are found the names of a officers from 
 large majority of officers who have attained fame in the ser- West Point in 
 vice. Among those who became well known in connection tl»e war of 1861, 
 with the war of 1861, are tlenerals Lee, Pendleton, Ewell, Bar- "^**'- 
 nard, Meigs, Bragg, J3eaui'egai\i, llalleck, Itosecranz, Franklin, 
 MacClellan, &c., &c., and whatever may l)e the political 
 opinions of the men ut present cojmected with West Point, they 
 must feel pi-oud that its s^^stem of education should have 
 brought to the fi*ont officers such as tliose here enumerated. 
 
 Tn regard to the selection of the branch of the seiTice in selection of the 
 which the cadet may elect to sen'e, the engineers rank fii-st, arm of the soi-vice 
 then the oi*d)iance, which is unrepresented as a distinct arm in given to cmlets. ^ 
 European armies, and in some measure resembles our manu- 
 facturing departments, then the artillery, and lastly, brackettcd 
 together, tlio cavalry and infantry. 
 
 The cadets usually make tl\^ir selection in the oitler thus Engineer and " ~ 
 given; the engineering service being that which is most Artillery oadetg.^ 
 sought after. It sometimes, however, happens that a preference 
 will be shewn for the cavalry, although the service entails 
 almost complete bajiishment from civiliwtion, as the regiments 
 
16 
 
 I 
 
 
 CadetH almost 
 alTcays enter tlic 
 anay. 
 
 are stationed in small (lotafhment:^ on the plains to pi-otect 
 the fi'outier againsk the Indiuu tribes. 
 
 The eatlets who choose the engineer service, are sent to Ihe 
 heatlqnarters of that corps at Long Island, to wliat answers, o»» 
 H small Kcale, to the engineers' establishment at (Chatham. 
 There they undergo a coui-se of instruction in niflitary engineer- 
 ing, and in the actual command of men,which is considei-ea neces- 
 sary before they undertake the work that in peace time is 
 i*equired ft*om American engineei's, viz. : the supei-viHion of 
 public works, especially of harbour improvements. The 
 Hi-tillery go through a course of practical gunnery at Fortress 
 Munroe, which i-esembles the artillery school at Shoebuiyness. 
 The cavalry and infantry join their regiments. 
 
 It has been alleged that many of those who graduate adopt 
 a civil in place of a military career, in which the education 
 they have received ensures them reniuncrative emi)loyment. 
 This may have been the case in former years, when the educa- 
 tional institutions of the country had not advanced to their 
 present excellent condition, and Avhen professions had not 
 acquired that distinctive character Avhich appears to pertain to 
 a higher condition of civilization. For instance, when railway* 
 were fii*st established, the engineering acquirements of the 
 cadets, together with their acquaintance with methods of 
 discipline, recommended them for employment, and the effi- 
 cient manner in which they perfonned their dutie?, gave them 
 a prestige which contiinied after the first need had been sup 
 plied. Even then, however, the cadets as a rule entered the 
 army, and only aiter some years' service accepted these ap- 
 pointments. Now the colleges and schools educate young 
 men as civil engineers as well as for other professions, and 
 consequently the United States officers seldom look for any- 
 thing beyond their army career. ^^ .. r. ►/ 
 
 The question that next arises is the cost of maintaining this 
 school of instruction, and on referring to the Estimates, it 
 will be seen that the total amount spent on the Academy dur- 
 ing sixty -two years, viz. : — from 1802 to 1864, was $7,133,235^ 
 and during the last ten years the greatest annual expenditure 
 ;; ■ . has been $183,796, and the lowest $146,940. This expenditure 
 
 > 'v., ' includes the purchase of lands, erection of buildings, furnish- 
 
 ing of libraries, class rooms and barracks, the pay of pro- 
 fessors, of cadets, and of officers (in addition to their army 
 pay and allowances), fuel, stationery, &c., &c. but not tlie 
 ' tbrage of the fifty horees on the strength of the establishment, 
 
 ' ^ ;> nor the wages of the laborera employed about the grounds, 
 and who ai'e pi-ovideti by the garrison. 
 
 BeportsofBoardi The reports of the Boaixts of Visitors serve as a guarantee, 
 
 ofriiitore. in addition to the results obtained, tliat the money voted has 
 
 been well npent, and that the objects of the Academy have been 
 
 Cost of the 
 
 llilitory 
 
 Academy. 
 
 / 
 
 f? 
 
,/ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 17 
 
 kept cftreftilly in view, and as far as possible have been 
 fulfilled. These objects include more than the mere preparation 
 of officers for the United States army ; this main end must be 
 attained by a strict adherence to Bppnblican principles, and 
 by safeguards, lest the institution of West Point should in- 
 directly encourage aristocratic tendencies. The Academy is 
 to be open to all classes of the community, the education 
 necessary for entrance must be within reach of those Avho can 
 affoi*d only to attend the ordinary schools, and the expenses 
 are to be limited to what the ]K)orest citizen can meet. At the 
 Academy all cadets are to be equal, not. only as regards their 
 treatment by their superiors, but in their social relations 
 among themselves. For this reason they ai'e not permitted to 
 jjossess Rny money, or private property, and in the opinion 
 of some of the visitors, should be debarred in great measure 
 from society and from intercourse with the ofticers, as it is 
 naturally found that the better lx)rn and better bred cadets 
 have more friends who are enabled to visit the Academy, 
 and are, especially if the}'' are the sons of old comrades, 
 more ajipreciated by the families of the officers than 
 those who may not have possessed the same advantages. On 
 this point, however, there is a difference of opinion, some who 
 are well capable of forming a correct judgment advocate 
 society as tending to soften the asperities of the life the cadets 
 are called on to lead, and in regai-d to mixing sociall}' with the 
 officers consider that they receive benefit by intercourse with 
 men who have acquired the experience and are imbuo<l with 
 the principles of army life. " 
 
 With regard to the classes from which tlie cadets ai'e taken, The position 
 they may tis a body be fitly considered as a fair specimen of in society 
 American citizens. Careful recoi-cls have been prepared, rang- of the cadetB. 
 ing from the year 1842, to 18G.S, and if the latter year bo 
 taken as affording an example, the following table will 
 shew the several occupations and professions of the fathers of 
 the young men : — • . ,, ' - . 
 
 Fathers who are or were farmere or planters 38 
 
 Mechanics '. 12 - 
 
 ' Judges or Lawyers .39 -. 
 
 Merchants 29 ' 
 
 Boai-ding House or Hotel Keepei-s 5 
 
 Physicians 18 A' 
 
 Army, Navy, or Marine Corps 38 
 
 Clergymen 11 
 
 In the Civil employment of the General or State 
 
 Government 14 
 
 , Miscellaneous, as Bank Officers, .Editoi-s, Pi*ofes- 
 
 soi*8. Masters of Vessels, &c 42 
 
 The occupation not stated, or no occupation 19 
 
 Total for the year 18G3 260 
 
 2 
 
18 
 
 General syBtem All, therefore, starting fair, as far as Republican principled 
 of the cducfttioQ. can insure a uniform level, no variation is allowotl in the edu- 
 cation of the cadets. Their knowledge prior to entry into the 
 ' Acatlemy is presumed to be slight, and in four years sufficient 
 
 instruction with regard to what may be acquired from bool<8, 
 and to what results from dinciplino must bo inculcated to 
 make them capable of ftilfiUing their duties as officers. It is 
 recognized as a principle, that the training of the mind is 
 more important tnan the mere acquisition of knowledge. For 
 this purpose mathematics are used as the groundwork of the 
 education, and gradually as the cadet advances, the subjects of 
 instruction become more technical, and, therefore, more mili- 
 tary in their character. A good average standard is aimed at, 
 and an accui-ate acquaintance with what is taught is expected. 
 It is a subject of regi*et among some of the superior officers, 
 that the general knowledge, such as is comprised in what is 
 usually termed a gentleman's education, is not sufficiently 
 afforded at West Point, and that classics, history, and even 
 English composition are in respect to the fii'st entirely, and to 
 the othei*8 almost entirely absent from the course of study, 
 yet they agree that in the four years' course more could not be 
 expected than is at present taught. By many another year's study 
 is advocated, making the course five, in place of four years, 
 but it may be doubted whether young men would readily 
 ^ submit to an additional period of severe discipline and close 
 confinement, and whether three and twenty would not bo 
 rather old to commence the duties of a junior officer. To 
 obviate this objection, and to make the age of juimission six- 
 teen, in pla(;e of seventeen, might on the other hand result in 
 a difficulty in assimilating the discipline of boys with that of 
 young men. That the course is a hard one all agree, and 
 officers in looking back on their career at West Point, allow 
 its great benefits without professing to feel a regret tJiat it is 
 over ; their retrospect is not so pleasant as that of a man who 
 thinks of the time he has spent at an English public school. 
 Still, men who have even tasted the freedom of army life, 
 go through West Point, and speak highly of the advantages 
 they have thereby acqliiretl. In one instance an officer, now 
 an instructor at the Academy, had passed through a college 
 course, had served as a Lieutenant in the Civil War, and had 
 then entered the Academy and graduated after four years' 
 study. 
 
 Effects of tbe The effects of the education at West Point, Iwth for good 
 
 system of educa- and for evil, may be seen in the United States officers. Their 
 **Th"u"]t!^'^^ ^^S^ *^°®' their acquaintance with all branches of their pro- 
 States Army Of- f'^^^^O'^ their oai*eful performance of duty for duties sake, and 
 fleers. without hope of rew^d are very remarkable. On the other hand, 
 
 owing to the absence of special training for separate anus, they 
 do not appear to attain so high a standaixl of perfection in 
 technical knowledge as officers who are limited to one particu- 
 lar bi'onoh of the service, whilst in general information and in 
 
1 
 
 ■i 
 
 W' 
 
 :^:-- 
 
 1§ ■ .-.^•■....v .' 
 
 the history of other countries, both military and civil, they ai-e 
 occasionally less proficient than they ought to be. The life of 
 an American officer has, however, in this respect, somethinff 
 to answer for ; he is often stationed far fi*om civilization, and 
 far from even the military society of his comrades, without 
 the means of procuring and transporting books, even if ho 
 should wish for them. The impetus to military study pro- 
 voked by the recent wars of Europe, and kept up by the ex- 
 pectation of future active employment, is not present to fire 
 the imagination and spur the energy of the American officer. 
 He is inclined to look back on the past great wai* in his 
 own country, wliere he doubtless gained much and most 
 valuable experience ; and, perhaps, to forget or rather fail to 
 remember, that to avoid retrogression, continual advance is 
 necessary. 
 
 And now, in conclusion, two questions suggest themselves ; conculsion. 
 the fii*st, which has already been partially answered is : Has 
 the Academy fulfilled the objects which its founders had in 
 view, and which the countiy that supports it, might expect in 
 consideration of the expense it entails ?^The second is, now far 
 Avould its organization, its disci])line and course of instruction, 
 be suitable fbr countries other than the United States, for to 
 graft incautiously the institutions of one nation on to those of 
 another would probably have the same result, as that of 
 putting old wine into new bottles. 
 
 The Academy at West Point, as has been shown, had its origin Has the Went 
 in the struggles of the revolutionary war, when those who com- Point Academj 
 manded the armies and guided the policy of the insurrectionary fulflll«<l Ho 
 States, saw clearly that to merit success, troops must be com- ** ^* 
 manded by officei's who had learnt their business. Consequently 
 the small standing army, and especially the artillery corps, 
 was used as a means of training cadets, and one of the most 
 important garrisons and frontier fortresses was selected as the 
 place best suited for the gari'ison and school. As the require- 
 ments of the army increased,and as it became divided into detach- 
 fuents (tpread over a largeextentof frontier, what was at fii-st a 
 place for instruction in the details of military duties, became 
 an institution for the acquirement of education, relating m«re 
 pai'ticularly to the military profession, keeping at the same 
 time clearly in view the practical as well as the theoretical 
 training. The cadets were soldiers preparing to be officers, and 
 consequently wore under the necessity of careful instruction as 
 well as of severe discipline. 
 
 The result has proved most satisfactoiy, the frontiers have West Point Of- 
 been protected against the Indiafts, whilst in the one foreign ficers in Mexiran 
 war in which the United States have been engaged, viz. : — war. 
 that against the neighbouring Republic of Mexico, the officers 
 of West Point were selected for commands and for staff 
 appointments in the volunteer troops that were raised, and 
 
^ 
 
 war. 
 
 thoy acquitted themselves in ii manner that added to their 
 own renown and the to rejnitation of the Academy. The great 
 test of their value wan, however, uft'onlod by the civil war of 
 1861, when the two divisions of the Union raised armies of a 
 size hitherto unknown and unimaji^ined on the continent of 
 America, and when a people who had long live<l in peace, and 
 knew nothing of the realities of war, woih) called on at once to 
 experience its most severe trials. The small regular army 
 of little more than fittoen thousand men, split up as it was 
 by the divided o])inion8 of the officers, who had in most 
 inistances taken sides accoitling its they belonged to the 
 Northern or to the Southern States, could do little or nothing 
 In the great civil as a body to influence the struggle. The great majority of 
 the trooi)s that fouglit in the Avar, were volunters raised hastily 
 from the States militia, and as a rule, officered by men elected 
 to that iwsition by the soldiei'M they were to command. Officei'S 
 who had boon trained at AVcst Point, and who had returnetl to 
 civil life, were indeed frequently chosen as colonels of the new 
 regiments, notably (J enerals Grant and McClellan ; but the 
 nation did not believe in the tiecessity of military education, 
 considering war to be a trade that any one might practice without 
 training or exj^eriencc. Thoi-e was also a feeling of jealousy, 
 especially in the Northern States, of the supposed caste 
 tendencies of the West Point officers ; whilst in some instances 
 t heir oAvn esprit de corps lead them to prefer inferior gi'ades 
 in the regular araiy iu higher cummands in the volunteer 
 force. For those causes the commencement of the war 
 saw men apix)intod to high jwsitions who had never been 
 trained as officers, and tlte consequence was that failure 
 ensued. Gradually, however, the value of previous education 
 became felt, and as the war progi-essed, the West Point officei*8 
 more and more came to the front, until at its termination 
 with scarcely an exccptioji on both sides, those who have left a 
 Tuime in its historj'^ had previously received their training at 
 the Academy. During its progress the cadets were eagerly 
 sought for, and more than one instance can be quoted where 
 lads left the Academy to join the armies in the field, and 
 Avithin little more th«n a year had attained the rank of 
 general. There is no higher testimony to the value of military 
 training, and to the efficiency of that training as afforded at 
 ♦Vest Point, than the narrative of the four years Avhich com- 
 prised the great struggle between the Northern and the 
 seceding States. The general knoAvledge of the several 
 branches of their profession was invaluable to the West Point 
 officers. They were not opposed to the more. carefully ti*ained 
 soldiers, and to officers in some respects more highly educated 
 in their peculiar branches of the service, which compose Euro- 
 pean armies, but they wore required to take command at one 
 time of infantry, at another of cavalry or artilleiy, or to put 
 in motion the engineering intelligence which existed in so 
 remarkable a degree among the volunteer regiments. This 
 work they did steadily, efficiently, and with the sense of 
 
 West Point ha« 
 proved a hucccbs, 
 

 
 71 
 1^ 
 
 konor and duty, inculcatod at tho Acadomy ; whilst iu addition 
 they furnitthed a loaven of Boldierliko feeling that permeated 
 the maHHes of men swept together into the vast armies that 
 both sides brought into the field. As far as tho American 
 nation and the American army were concerned, West Point 
 had proved a success, and every thini<ing man, whether on tho 
 Nortnorn or on the Southern side, mimt acltnowle<lge that the 
 officers it has trained, wore not only fully competent for tho 
 performance of their duties, but proved on a emergency that 
 U ey were qualified to imdertako res]>on8ibilitie8 beyond what 
 cot Id have been reasonably expected from them . 
 
 In oi-der to reply to tlie second question, viz. : — How far an How far w«mld 
 institution condiicted on the principles that govern West an Academy 
 Point would be adapted to countries other than the United p"?*l*r^ ^^""J*, 
 States, certain peculiarities of its constitution require to be ^^o^jjor •oun- 
 carefully considered. In the first place, as has already been tricB ? 
 Jointed out, tho spii'it of the nation rcciuires that the Academy 
 should be conducted as far as is jwssiblo on Eepublican prin- 
 ciples, and should educate officers drawn froni all classes of 
 society ; consequently the enti*ance into the Academy is by 
 means of a low qualifying examination, and the four yeai's' 
 study and discipline are relied on to inculcate into the young 
 men sufficient education to fit them for their futnre duties. 
 With this object they work during these yeai-s under high 
 pressure, and under a severe code of military discipline. This 
 necessitates a large staff of teachei's and of officers chai'ged 
 with their supennsion ; indeed, one officer to about every five 
 cadets is the proportion at present allotted. In an ordinary 
 military school it would be difficult tc pi-ocure or to juslity 
 the employment of so many officers, but West Point is mojo 
 than a mere school, it is almost the nucleus of the 
 army to which its scattered officei-s return tor duty in order to 
 renew their studies and to remedy the inconveniences attach- 
 ing to life passed away from the society of their comrades in 
 charge of small detachments. They remain at West Point 
 lor only four years, and consequently a large proportion have West Point the 
 the advantage of a second course passed as instructors instead nucleus of the 
 of as studentM. The cadets isolatetl from the world, and **™y- 
 more especially from the busy money making world of the 
 United States, are surroundetl by tho accompaniments of 
 militarj'' life, ^hey are brought into daily contact with 
 officers who have distinguished themselves in the Civil War, 
 or who have passed through the adventurous scenes of Indian • , 
 
 skirmishei), and their severe military discipline has conse- 
 quently a reality which the expectancy of engaging in a 
 similar career would natuially give it. Othei-wise the con- 
 trol to which they are subjected would be too irksome for 
 young men to endure. If they were training for a civil 
 career, they would feel the tedium and resti-aint of the con- 
 tinual drills, and of the army regulations, which are essential 
 as pai't of their education. Even now, after theii* two months' 
 
a 
 
 furlough, iho Boverity of the West Point disciplino somowhut 
 aflbctt* them, but the pi-izo is in view, as well as the feeling 
 that to fail would be discreditable. In fact, the necret of the 
 success of West Point lies in the fact that the Commis- 
 sions to be given in the army ai*o few, and that although they 
 may sometimes be obtained by direct appointment, or even in 
 a few instances by service in the ranks, yet that a prestige 
 
 The Kccrct uf the attaches to a West Point officer which others do not possess ; 
 
 Butceis of West consequently, the cadets look wi^h eager hope to the 
 reward for their work which the fact of graduating at the 
 Academy insures. They form a class, with their own tradi- 
 
 Point is in the 
 Military career 
 it opens to the 
 cadets. 
 
 tions and Ihoir own esprit de corps, a class even more distant 
 than the officers of European armies. Their men are usually 
 Irish and Germans, few native Americans entering the ranks ; 
 thus the West Point officers preserve the historical memories 
 of the service, and feel that althougii in peace time they may bo 
 neglected, yet that on them must devolve the cimduct of 
 armies, which in the event of war, so great a nation as the 
 United States would be forced to rai(?e. The ties of society 
 do not bind them together, is they come from all classes ; 
 even their nationality is so wide that the sjmpathy in this 
 respect of a New Englander with a Texan cannot be great, 
 but they have been educated in the same school, are ground in 
 the same mill, and have consequently the double bond of union 
 of a common education a« well as of a similar pi*ofcssion. 
 This esprit de corps acts on the officers of the army and reacts 
 on the csulets, imbuing them even as lads with the spirit that 
 should animate officers. In fact. West Point is essentially a 
 Military Academy, and the success of its training depends on 
 that aim being constantly kept in view. Under similar con- 
 ditions an Academy resembling that of West Point could be 
 initiated, but it is essential that a true military spirit should bo 
 infused, a spirit which can at first only be created bj' 
 the influence of able men imbued with soldier-like feeling, 
 and accustomed to military life. 
 
 (Joncral Sher- 
 man'fl addrctiH to 
 the cadcte. 
 
 «'i 
 
 In an addi'css recently delivered to the cadets, by Genei*al 
 ynerman, ho carefully points out that highly instructed as 
 they may bo, it iij^ only by the experience of actual military 
 life that they can learn the duties of officers ; to quote his 
 own words : — , 
 
 " The only schools where war and its kindred sciences can 
 be properly learned are in the camp, in the field, on the 
 plains, in the mcantains, or at the regular forts whore the 
 aimy is. You must understand men, without which your 
 past knowledge were vain. You must come into absolute 
 contact with soldiers, partake of their food and labours, share 
 their vicissitudes, study their habits, impress youitjclf on 
 them, and bo impressed by them, until they realize that you 
 not only ix>ssess more lxM)k knowledge than tlioy, but that 
 you equal, if not Hurpass thom, in all the qualities of man- 
 

 " hood, in riding, in swimming, in enduring the march and 
 ** bivouac, in the sagacity of the woodman and hunter; and 
 *' what is most important of all, you must acquire that great 
 " secret of human control b}' which masses of men are led to 
 " deeds of infinite courage and heroism." 
 
 * 
 
 * 
 
 " Do not understand me as undervaluing education in any 
 " form, especially in the' manner pursued here, or that which 
 " results from a careful study of history and precedents ; but 
 " that I attach equal importance to, that ])ractical knowledge 
 " that can only he acquired by actual contact with men in 
 '* camp, on the picket line, and on the march, as also in the 
 " administration of affairs by which an ;rmy is enlisted, 
 " organized, clothed, equipped, fed, paid, and handled in 
 " battle." 
 
 These are the opinions derived from the •^ xperience of one 
 of the ablest of the United States officers, himself a graduate 
 of AVest Point ; and they seem to show that although the 
 Acatlomy is one of the most successful, if not f/ie most suc- 
 cessful of the military colleges established hy any nation, it 
 still requires to be su])plemonted by actual contact with the 
 realities of the military ])rofession, before officers capable of 
 leading men can be formed. 
 
 Consequently the deductions from a review of the history Deductions from 
 and system of West Point appear to be that a practical people the history and 
 whose existence commenced in war, acknowledge<l at the system of West 
 outset of its nationality, that military education was necessary **""**. 
 for itti officers, that the education was best given at a military 
 college, and that it was of essential importance that an inti- 
 mate connection should bo preserved between the Academy 
 which tied the army, and the army which in turn provided it 
 with instructors, ami imbued it with its spirit. 
 
 In fact, to obtain educated officers, a Military Academy wa« 
 requisite, and to render the discipline and instruction of tho 
 Academy practical and efficient, a career which would call into 
 at'tion the qualities thereby obtained, wa» essential to give life 
 and reality to its system of education. 
 
 If these deductions from an examination into the history would a nimilar 
 and working of tho Military Acailemy at West Point be ac institution prove 
 ceptod as correct, i' ;'emains to be seen whether a similar of service to 
 institution would prove of service to Canada, and if so, in what t'anada? 
 manner the objects aimed at can best be attained. There is 
 considerable analogy between the defensive force now organ- 
 iwd in (Janada, and the ti-oops raised by the Union of tho 
 several States during the revolutionmy war. The men are of 
 muoh tke same class, ami if called out for service would show 
 
Can the neces- 
 Barv conditions 
 be fuiniled ? 
 
 a similar spirit and eqnal cajiacity ; but these men require at 
 least a leaven of officers who have been educated professionally, 
 and have received a training superior to what is within the 
 reach of those who have given their" service to the militia. 
 Therefore, unless Canada rely on the Imperial army for edu- 
 cated officers, she must be prepared to organize a system of 
 Si-oiieisional training, and should she with this object in view 
 etermine on the establishment of a military academy 
 somewhat on the model ot West Point, she would find but 
 little difficulty in adapting the means at her disposal to the 
 purj)Ose required. Able men as professors and instructors 
 could be obtained either from Canada or from the Imperial 
 array, where the staff college not only educates officers for 
 such positions, but preserves a recoi-d of their several ca- 
 pacities. Studenti would probably offer themselves, if suffi- 
 cient inducements be held out, whilst a site combining 
 many of the advantages of West Point could readily be se- 
 cured. To initiate a military academy care and a certain 
 exj^endituro of money are alone necessary, but to render it 
 really efficient, and to imbue it with the spirit which ani- 
 mates the otherwise dry bones of West Point training, a 
 career must be open to the students, and some means found 
 of continuing the education received at the academy, so 
 that the knowledge acquired from books may bo supplemented 
 by contact with military life. In fact, regimental training 
 should follow scholastic education and discipline, whilst in 
 the future should be seen the prospect of honorable employ- 
 ment connected with the profession of arms. 
 
 It will be asked how are these conditions to be fulfilled ? 
 The reply is not difficult. Gradual 1}% in Canada, permanent 
 military institutions will grow with the growth of the 
 country. The schools of gunnerj' require officers, the force in 
 the West, call it military or call it police, requires officei-s. 
 For the Militia, a trained staflT, under the names of Deputy 
 Atljutant Generals, and Brigade Majors is necessary, whilst to 
 keep in repair and to preserve from decay the fortifications, 
 some of which embody the most modern improvements and 
 were erected after careful consideration of the military condi- 
 tion of the Dominion, a force of engineers (small it may be) 
 whose services could also be utilized in other ways for the 
 public benefit is clearly requisite. These are merely indicar 
 tions of careers which may be open to the successful graduates 
 of a Canatlian Military College. Othei-s will doubtless suggest 
 themselves to those who know the country and can appreciate 
 its wants. The prizes will be worth contending for, and the 
 selection of the ann of the service would, as at West Point, 
 be the rewaixl of excellence in discipline and in study. But to 
 make officers, training beyond that of an Academj' is neces- 
 sary, and two yeai-s of active employment with some regular 
 troops does not appear to be too long for such a purpose. In 
 Canada, the Schools of Gunnery at Quebec and Kingston, and 
 
 
 I 
 
25 
 
 the Garrison of Halifax, would afford mean.s of giving the Subsequent 
 cadets, were they to be temporarily attached to them, an insight training of the 
 into military life, and would bring them into contact with ^'"^^*'- 
 soldiers. The former (of which by the way Canada has reason 
 to feel prond) might, if slijLfhtl}' enlargetl, furnish instruction 
 in gamson and tield artillery, and in some at least of tho 
 practical details of military engineering, whilst a knowledge 
 of discipline and of the management of men would gradually 
 be inculcated into the cadets by the performance of the 
 routine of dt:ily duty. The same would a])ply in even per- 
 haps a greater degree to Halifax, where two infantry regi- 
 ments of Imperial troo]>s are stationed, as well as detachments 
 of artillery and engineers, and where a garrison instructor is 
 speciall}' charged with the exiucation of the younger officers. 
 If, however, the difficulties in regard to expense could be over- 
 come, there is little doubt but that England possesses advan- 
 tages for the completion of military training, which cannot be 
 found within the Dominion. Possibly these advantages could 
 be afforded to a few of tho cadets, who, during their academic 
 course might evince a special aptitude for a militarj'- career. 
 If so, ('hatham for the Engineei's, Woolwich and Shoebruyness 
 for the Artillery, and Aldershot and Ilythe for Cavalry and 
 Infantry might, there is little doubt, bo open to Canadian 
 officers, who would thus be brought into contact with the most 
 recent developments of militarj' thought, and would by associa- 
 tion with European officers, extend their views l^ej'ond what 
 is possible to men whose military education is acquired solely 
 on this .side of the Atlantic. If such a course be pursued, and 
 if tho qualification for entry into the Canadian College be 
 somewhat higher than is necessary for West Point, the time 
 at the Academy might be shortened, and the whole education, 
 including the regimental training, be comj)leted in five years; 
 i.e. at 22 years of age capable otficers would be available for 
 their country's service. Again, — the college which would 
 probably be situated near one of the Schools of (riuinery, — 
 «iight serve like West Point, as a moans of ronowing in the 
 abler officers their professional education, by retaining some 
 of them for limited periods as professors and instructors. This 
 idea might even be extended, bv making the Academy tho 
 centij so to speak of the defensive foire, where its records, its 
 traditions, and its etibrts for iin]n'ovemenl would be preserved 
 and encouraged. 
 
 It may be objected (hat there would bo a i-isk lest the young 
 officers al'ter receiving tlu'ir oducalion should embrace some 
 othei' career, and deprive iho couutrv of their military 
 services. The best rejjly is, lot the career atfonl them suffi- 
 cient advantages to induce them to embrace it. If the service 
 bo honora < here is ]>recedont enough to show that it will 
 be ])refei y young officei's to a more lucrative employ- 
 
 memt; but a guarantee might, if thought advisable, ho 
 •xaetevl that at least five joju-h, irrespective of the time passed 
 
 # 
 
in 
 
 thoir education, should be given to the State. Judging, 
 \ however, from the example of other armies, slowness of pro- 
 
 motion is more to be feared than tailuro to embrace a military 
 career after a military education. 
 
 ConcluBion. ^neh given very generally and with outlines merely 
 
 sketched in is an attempt to adaj)t the system of West 
 Point to the requirements of the Canadian Militia. Those 
 who know the country, are best aware whether the plan is 
 feasible, but if the idea of establishing a military college 
 is jnit into practice, it may be well to consider how far 
 so successful an institution as the Academy at West Point 
 can be imitated in a country Avherc the conditions which load 
 to its foundation are somewhat similar, and where the end in 
 view is not unlike that which presented itself to the statesmen 
 who assisted in the development of the military system of the 
 United States. 
 
 In this paj)er I have dealt only with general principles, but 
 if further intbrmation be required, 1 shall be ready — as far as 
 lies in my power — to discuss the details connected with the 
 formation of an Academy of which the system r.ud object w^ould 
 somewhat resemble those of West Point. ' 
 
 H. C. FLETCHEH, 
 
 Lt. -Colonel Scots Fmilier Guarda, 
 
 Military Secretary 
 
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 ^i=':pBisriDix:. 
 
 BOOKS AND IX^CUMENTS rvEFERIlED TO. 
 
 Colonel, (now General Macdougall's) Ilcport to the Royal Com- 
 mission on Military Education of 1869. 
 
 History of West Point (R>ynton). 
 
 Eegulations of the United States Military Academy. 
 
 Annual Report or the Boaixl of Visitors for the year 1871, 
 " given as a specimen." 
 
 Official Register of Ofticei's and Cswlets for year 1873, contain- 
 ing regulations for admission to the Acjidemy. 
 
 Classiiication of Orteuces. 
 
 Special Regulations lor the Barracks. 
 
 List of Corps of Cadets, «&c., &c., for year 1874. 
 
 Specimen of a Cadet's Account Book. 
 
 Forms of Returns, showing progress in study of the Cadets by 
 marks. 
 
 Address to the Graduating Chws of 1869, by General William 
 T. Sherman, 
 
 J.; ^.y.4.1