1st. If he has obtained 350 demerit in the two preceding years, he is detained twelve days; if 325, 300, 275, 250, or 200 demerit within the same period, he is detained ten days, eight days, five days, three days, or two days respectively.
2d. He is required to sign a certificate, declaring that he has inno manner improperly interfered with, or molested or injured new cadets. The furlough of any cadet declining to sign this certificate is limited to one month, from 28th July to 28th August. Although there have been instances of cadets declining to sign this certificate, it is probable that, as a general rule, the cadet conscience places a liberal interpretation on the words of the formula.
Leave of absence from the Academy for one to two days is occasionally granted, but only for exceptional reasons.
Buildings.
Thecadet barrackis a handsome stone building of four stories. It contains 176 rooms, of which 136 are cadets’ quarters, 14 feet by 22 feet, arranged in eight divisions, each division having its own entrance, and having no interior communication with the other divisions. Not more than two cadets are lodged in the same room. The two beds in each room are curtained off from the room, and separated from each other by a partition. There are numerous bathing rooms in the basement, to which the cadets have access.
Each division of quarters is under the superintendence of an assistant instructor of tactics, who visits the rooms of his division three times in the course of each day, and occasionally during the night. He makes a daily report in writing to the commandant of the condition of the rooms under his charge, noting all delinquencies that may have come to his knowledge since his last report.
A division of quarters is divided into twosubdivisions of quartersof two floors each, each subdivision being under the charge of one of the cadet officers, who has his quarters therein, and who is responsible for the discipline of his subdivision, and for the proper fulfillment of all orders that may be issued relative to the police of quarters. He visits all the rooms of his subdivision 30 minutes after reveillé, and immediately aftertaps(lights out), notes all irregularities, and makes a daily report in writing to the superintendent of his division, recording all delinquencies, and certifying that since the report of the previous day he has faithfully performed all duties required of him asinspector of subdivision.
TheAcademyis a building detached, containing the following rooms and departments, viz.:—
Chemical department, comprising laboratory, lecture-room, room for electrical experiments, and a work-room;fencing department;gymnasium;mineralogical collection;engineering department, comprising drawing and model rooms;artillery model room;mathematical model room;drawing academy;trophy room;picture and statue galleries;mineralogical section rooms; and 10recitation rooms(or halls of study).
Another detached building contains theobservatory; andlibraryof 20,000 volumes, to which the cadets have access at stated times.
There are no rooms specially set apart for day rooms, reading or recreation rooms.
Themess hallis a detached building. The central hall where the cadets take all their meals is 96 feet by 46 feet and 20 feet high. Quarters for the purveyor with kitchen and bakery, and with quarters for the necessary servants in the basement, are attached.
The cadets are formed in the barrack square previous to each meal, and are marched to and from the mess hall. The officer in charge visits the mess hall at all meal times. The senior cadet officer present is responsible for good order.
TheRiding Schoolis detached and is admirably adapted to its purpose.
Expenses.
The Academy is entirely supported by the State. The average annual cost for 62 years has been $137,315; and this sum includes the cost of all buildings and structures, of repairs and maintenance. The yearly appropriations during the last eight years have varied from $170,000 to $200,000, but does not include certain sums which are paid out of the regular appropriation to the War Department.
A new cadet is admitted to the Academy on the 1st of July. From that date he is credited with Government pay at the rate of $30 a month, which allowance is calculated as sufficient to pay for the whole cost of his equipment and maintenance. As the monthly pay is, however, small compared with the first cost of uniforms and outfit, a new cadet usually deposits with the treasurer of the Academy on entrance from $60 to $80, to be credited to his account. Thenceforth all wants and necessaries are supplied to the cadet by the Government, the prices being a trifle above cost and charged against his account. At the end of his residence, a balance is struck, and the sum standing to his credit, if any, is paid over to him. It is possible by this arrangement for a very careful and steady lad to secure his education, his maintenance during four years, a position in the army, and $100 in addition, at the time of his graduation.
STAFF FOR GOVERNMENT AND INSTRUCTION, JAN. 1, 1872
Superintendent.—Col.Thomas H. Ruger, 18th Infantry.
Military Staff.
Adjutant.—Captain Robert H. Hall, 10th Infantry.Quartermaster.—Captain Tally McCrea, 1st Artillery.Treasurer.—1st Lieut. James M. Marshall, 4th Artillery.Surgeon, U.S.A.—Thomas A. McParlin, M.D.Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A.—Van Buren Hubbard, M.D.
Adjutant.—Captain Robert H. Hall, 10th Infantry.Quartermaster.—Captain Tally McCrea, 1st Artillery.Treasurer.—1st Lieut. James M. Marshall, 4th Artillery.Surgeon, U.S.A.—Thomas A. McParlin, M.D.Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A.—Van Buren Hubbard, M.D.
Adjutant.—Captain Robert H. Hall, 10th Infantry.
Quartermaster.—Captain Tally McCrea, 1st Artillery.
Treasurer.—1st Lieut. James M. Marshall, 4th Artillery.
Surgeon, U.S.A.—Thomas A. McParlin, M.D.
Assistant Surgeon, U.S.A.—Van Buren Hubbard, M.D.
Academic Staff.
Commandant of Cadets and Instructor of Artillery, Cavalry and Infantry Tactics.—Lieut. Col.Emory Upton, 1st Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Artillery Tactics.—Captain Alexander Piper, 3d Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics.—Captain Joseph S. Conrad, 2d Infantry.Assistant Instructor of Artillery and Infantry Tactics.—Capt. John Egan, 4th Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Cavalry Tactics.—Captain Alfred E. Bates, 2d Cavalry.Assistant Instructor of Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry Tactics.—1st Lieut. William S. Starring, 2d Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics.—1st Lieut. John F. Stretch, 10th Infantry.Professor of Mathematics.—Albert E. Church, LL.D.Assistant Professor of Mathematics.—1st Lieut. John P. Story, 4th Artillery.Acting Assistant Professors of Mathematics.—1st Lieut. William F. Reynolds, jr., 1st Artillery; 2d Lieut. John E. Greer, Ordnance; 2d Lieut. Albert H. Payson, Engineers; 2d Lieut. Frank Heath, 3d Artillery; 2d Lieut. Philip M. Price, jr., 2d Artillery.Professor of Drawing.—Robert W. Weir, N.A.Assistant Professor of Drawing.—1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st Artillery.Acting Assistant Professor of Drawing.—2d Lieut. Charles W. Whipple, 3d Artillery.Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—Henry L. Kendrick, LL.D.Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—2d Lieut. John Pitman, jr., Ordnance.Acting Assistant Prof, of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—2d Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, 4th Artillery.Professor of the Spanish Language.—Patrice de Janon.Assistant Professor of the Spanish Language.—1st Lieut. James O’Hara, 3d Artillery.Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—Peter S. Michie.Assistant Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—1st Lieut. James Mercur, Engineers.Acting Assistant Professors of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—2d Lieut. Edward S. Holden, 4th Artillery; Additional 2d Lieut. Edgar W. Boss, Engineers.Professor of the French Language.—George L. Andrews.Assistant Professor of the French Language.—1st Lieut. Geo. G. Greenough, 4th Artillery.Acting Assistant Professor of the French Language.—2d Lieut. Thomas H. Barber, 1st Artillery.Professor of Ethics and Law.—John Forsyth, D.D.Assistant Professor of Ethics and Law.—Captain John S. Poland, 6th Infantry.Professor of Military and Civil Engineering.—Junius B. Wheeler.Assistant Professor of Military and Civil Engineering.—Captain Jarrett J. Lydecker, Engineers.Acting Assistant Professors of Military and Civil Engineering.—Captain Oswald H. Ernst, Engineers; 1st Lieut John C. Mallery, Engineers.Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery.—CaptainThomas C. Bradford, Ordnance.Assistant Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery.—1st Lieut. James W. Reilly, Ordnance.Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, Military Signaling and Telegraphy, Commanding Company E, Engineers.—CaptainOswald H. Ernst, Engineers.Assistant Instructor of Military Signaling and Telegraphy, and Acting Signal Officer.—1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, on duty with Company E, Engineers.—2d Lieut. Frederick A. Mahan, Engineers.Sword Master.—Antoné Lorentz.
Commandant of Cadets and Instructor of Artillery, Cavalry and Infantry Tactics.—Lieut. Col.Emory Upton, 1st Artillery.
Assistant Instructor of Artillery Tactics.—Captain Alexander Piper, 3d Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics.—Captain Joseph S. Conrad, 2d Infantry.Assistant Instructor of Artillery and Infantry Tactics.—Capt. John Egan, 4th Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Cavalry Tactics.—Captain Alfred E. Bates, 2d Cavalry.Assistant Instructor of Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry Tactics.—1st Lieut. William S. Starring, 2d Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics.—1st Lieut. John F. Stretch, 10th Infantry.
Assistant Instructor of Artillery Tactics.—Captain Alexander Piper, 3d Artillery.
Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics.—Captain Joseph S. Conrad, 2d Infantry.
Assistant Instructor of Artillery and Infantry Tactics.—Capt. John Egan, 4th Artillery.
Assistant Instructor of Cavalry Tactics.—Captain Alfred E. Bates, 2d Cavalry.
Assistant Instructor of Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry Tactics.—1st Lieut. William S. Starring, 2d Artillery.
Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics.—1st Lieut. John F. Stretch, 10th Infantry.
Professor of Mathematics.—Albert E. Church, LL.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics.—1st Lieut. John P. Story, 4th Artillery.Acting Assistant Professors of Mathematics.—1st Lieut. William F. Reynolds, jr., 1st Artillery; 2d Lieut. John E. Greer, Ordnance; 2d Lieut. Albert H. Payson, Engineers; 2d Lieut. Frank Heath, 3d Artillery; 2d Lieut. Philip M. Price, jr., 2d Artillery.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics.—1st Lieut. John P. Story, 4th Artillery.
Acting Assistant Professors of Mathematics.—1st Lieut. William F. Reynolds, jr., 1st Artillery; 2d Lieut. John E. Greer, Ordnance; 2d Lieut. Albert H. Payson, Engineers; 2d Lieut. Frank Heath, 3d Artillery; 2d Lieut. Philip M. Price, jr., 2d Artillery.
Professor of Drawing.—Robert W. Weir, N.A.
Assistant Professor of Drawing.—1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st Artillery.Acting Assistant Professor of Drawing.—2d Lieut. Charles W. Whipple, 3d Artillery.
Assistant Professor of Drawing.—1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st Artillery.
Acting Assistant Professor of Drawing.—2d Lieut. Charles W. Whipple, 3d Artillery.
Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—Henry L. Kendrick, LL.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—2d Lieut. John Pitman, jr., Ordnance.Acting Assistant Prof, of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—2d Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, 4th Artillery.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—2d Lieut. John Pitman, jr., Ordnance.
Acting Assistant Prof, of Chemistry, Mineralogy, and Geology.—2d Lieut. Samuel E. Tillman, 4th Artillery.
Professor of the Spanish Language.—Patrice de Janon.
Assistant Professor of the Spanish Language.—1st Lieut. James O’Hara, 3d Artillery.
Assistant Professor of the Spanish Language.—1st Lieut. James O’Hara, 3d Artillery.
Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—Peter S. Michie.
Assistant Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—1st Lieut. James Mercur, Engineers.Acting Assistant Professors of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—2d Lieut. Edward S. Holden, 4th Artillery; Additional 2d Lieut. Edgar W. Boss, Engineers.
Assistant Prof. of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—1st Lieut. James Mercur, Engineers.
Acting Assistant Professors of Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—2d Lieut. Edward S. Holden, 4th Artillery; Additional 2d Lieut. Edgar W. Boss, Engineers.
Professor of the French Language.—George L. Andrews.
Assistant Professor of the French Language.—1st Lieut. Geo. G. Greenough, 4th Artillery.Acting Assistant Professor of the French Language.—2d Lieut. Thomas H. Barber, 1st Artillery.
Assistant Professor of the French Language.—1st Lieut. Geo. G. Greenough, 4th Artillery.
Acting Assistant Professor of the French Language.—2d Lieut. Thomas H. Barber, 1st Artillery.
Professor of Ethics and Law.—John Forsyth, D.D.
Assistant Professor of Ethics and Law.—Captain John S. Poland, 6th Infantry.
Assistant Professor of Ethics and Law.—Captain John S. Poland, 6th Infantry.
Professor of Military and Civil Engineering.—Junius B. Wheeler.
Assistant Professor of Military and Civil Engineering.—Captain Jarrett J. Lydecker, Engineers.Acting Assistant Professors of Military and Civil Engineering.—Captain Oswald H. Ernst, Engineers; 1st Lieut John C. Mallery, Engineers.
Assistant Professor of Military and Civil Engineering.—Captain Jarrett J. Lydecker, Engineers.
Acting Assistant Professors of Military and Civil Engineering.—Captain Oswald H. Ernst, Engineers; 1st Lieut John C. Mallery, Engineers.
Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery.—CaptainThomas C. Bradford, Ordnance.
Assistant Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery.—1st Lieut. James W. Reilly, Ordnance.
Assistant Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery.—1st Lieut. James W. Reilly, Ordnance.
Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, Military Signaling and Telegraphy, Commanding Company E, Engineers.—CaptainOswald H. Ernst, Engineers.
Assistant Instructor of Military Signaling and Telegraphy, and Acting Signal Officer.—1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st Artillery.Assistant Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, on duty with Company E, Engineers.—2d Lieut. Frederick A. Mahan, Engineers.
Assistant Instructor of Military Signaling and Telegraphy, and Acting Signal Officer.—1st Lieut. Edward H. Totten, 1st Artillery.
Assistant Instructor of Practical Military Engineering, on duty with Company E, Engineers.—2d Lieut. Frederick A. Mahan, Engineers.
Sword Master.—Antoné Lorentz.
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.
The studies pursued, and the instruction given at the Military Academy, are comprised under the following heads, in the Official Regulations:—
I.Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry Tactics, and Military Police and Discipline.—This course will conform to the system of Infantry Tactics and Military Police and Discipline, established for the government of the Army, and will comprise the schools of the soldier, company, and battalion, the evolutions of the line, the manual exercise and manœuvres of Light Infantry and riflemen, with the police and discipline of camp and garrison. (2.) Artillery Tactics will comprise exercise of field, siege, and garrison artillery; manœuvres of batteries; mechanical manœuvres and target practice. (3.) Cavalry tactics will comprise the schools of the trooper mounted, of the platoon, and of the squadron; and equitation.II.The Use of the Sword, &c.—Will comprise the use of the small-sword, broadsword, and bayonet, and such military gymnastics as circumstances may permit.III.Mathematics.—This course will comprise:(1.)Algebra.—Fundamental operations; involution and evolution; reduction and conversion of fractional and radical qualities; reduction and solution of equations, including those of the third degree ratios and proportions; summation of infinite series and figurate numbers; nature, construction, and use of logarithms.(2.)Geometry.—Geometry of right lines, planes, and volumes and spherical geometry; and the formation and construction of determinate geometrical equations.(3.)Trigonometry.—The solution of all the cases in plane and spherical trigonometry; analytical investigation of trigonometrical formulæ; and the construction of trigonometrical tables.(4)Mensuration and Surveying.—Mensuration of planes; surfaces and volumes; principles and practice of common land surveying; different methods of plotting and calculating such surveys; trigonometrical surveying; measurement of heights and distances; leveling; and use of instruments in plotting, surveying, &c.(5.)Descriptive Geometry.—The graphic illustration and solution of geometrical problems in space; and the particular application of this method to spherical projections, construction of maps, to shades and shadows, and perspective, and isometric projections.(6.)Analytical Geometry.—Construction of algebraic expressions; solution of determinate problems; determination and discussion of the equations of the right line, plane and conic sections; discussion of the general equations of the second degree involving two or three variables; determination of loci, &c.Differential and Integral Calculus, with its application to maxima and minima, the drawing of tangents, rectification of curves, radii of curvatures, quadratures, cubatures, &c.IV.French Language.—This course will comprise:French Grammar; reading and writing French; and translating (from text and orally) English into French and French into English.V.Spanish Language.—This course will comprise:Spanish Grammar; reading and writing Spanish; and translating (from text and orally) English into Spanish and Spanish into English.VI.Drawing.—This course will comprise:Topography, with lead-pencil, pen and ink, and colors.Figures, with pen and ink.Landscape, with the lead-pencil.Landscape, with colors.VII.Chemistry, Minerology, and Geology.—This course will comprise:Chemical Physics.—Magnetism; static and voltaic electricity; electro-magnetism;magneto-electricity; thermo-electricity; animal electricity; construction and use of apparatus illustrating the principles of the foregoing subjects and their mutual relations. Heat—its nature, sources, and effects; relation between thermal energy and other forces; measurement and equilibrium of temperatures; thermal and aqueous phenomena of the atmosphere; light as a chemical agent.Chemistry.—Its general laws and language; inorganic and organic chemistry theory of radicals, types, and substitutions; animal chemistry; animal nutrition, heat, and force; relation between the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms; applications of chemistry to agriculture, fermentation, &c.Mineralogy.—Crystallography; structure, practical determination and uses of minerals; descriptive mineralogy.Geology.—The earth’s features; classification, structure, modes of occurrence and distribution of rocks; rock veins; division of geological history into ages; the various agents of geological changes; geology of the United States.VIII.Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—This course will comprise:Mechanics.—1st. General classification of the physical sciences; general constitution and physical properties of bodies; measurements of the masses; densities and weights of bodies; definitions and descriptions of natural forces. 2d.Mechanics of Solids.—Work; laws of equilibrium and of motion; free and constrained motion of solids; motion of projectiles; planetary motions and the general principles of physical astronomy. 3d.Mechanics of Fluids.—Mechanical properties of fluids; equilibrium and motion of fluids; general principles of buoyancy; equilibrium and stability of floating bodies; specific gravity; and barometrical measurements. 4th.Mechanics of Molecules.—General principles of sound, heat, light, and electricity, to be taught principally by lecture. 5th.Application.—Objects and principles of machines; friction; stiffness of cordage and adhesion; discussion of the elementary machines—cord, lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, pullies, screw, hydraulic press, and hydraulic ram.Acoustics.—Theory of the internal structure of bodies; nature of sound; waves in general; velocity of sound in solids, liquids, and gasses, and measurement of distances by sound; qualities of sound; reflection, refraction, divergence and decay of sound; echoes, hearing and speaking trumpets, and description of the ear.Optics.—Nature of light; laws of its deviation; laws of vision; optical instruments; chromatics; achromatism; polarization, interference, and chromatics of polarized light.Astronomy.—Description of the solar and stellar systems; celestial and terrestrial spheres; figure and magnitude of the earth; its motions, with the appearances and vicissitudes arising therefrom; theory of astronomical reductions; eclipses, occultations, and transits; tides and twilight; use of astronomical instruments and tables; methods of making, clearing, and calculating observations for time, latitude, longitude, the earth’s magnetism and true meridian.IX.Ordnance and Gunnery.—This course will comprise:Ordnance.—1st. The theory and preparation of gunpowder, cannon, artillery carriages, projectiles, implements, machines, small-arms, ammunition, and military fireworks. 2d. Practical instruction in making musket, rifle, pistol, cannon and howitzer cartridges; preparation of strap, grape, and canister shot, fuzes, slow and quick match, port-fire, signal rockets, carcases, fire-balls, light balls, and incendiary composition; loading shells, shrapnel shot and grenades; putting up stores for transportation; loading caissons; in determining the pressure on the bore of a gun; in determining the initial velocity of projectiles; in the manner of proving powder, and when circumstances will admit of it, the operation of casting cannon solid and hollow, casting of projectiles and the usual methods of testing gun-metals, will be witnessed.Gunnery.—Embracing the study of the movements of projectiles; the theory of pointing fire-arms; the different kinds of fires and their effect; the art of breaching, and the composition of batteries.X.Ethics and Law.—This course will comprise:Ethics.—1st. Common basis with law. 2d. In moral science, the pursuit ofthe highest good for each and all; the realization of excellence by virtue, the fulfillment of obligations to God and our country, to ourselves and others; and 3d, In its practical division, the duties, vices and passions.Law.—1st. General principles. 2d. International law. 3d. Political organization and constitution of the United States. 4th. Rules and articles of war: and the organizations, powers, forms, and proceedings of courts-martial.XI.Practical Military Engineering.—This course will comprise:The preparation of trench and battery materials—gabions, facines, sandbags, &c.; the manner of tracing and profiling batteries and intrenchments, by cords, pickets and laths; the defiladement of intrenchments and other works; the distribution and posting of working parties, with their implements and materials in the construction of batteries, intrenchments, &c.; the construction of the various revetments for batteries and intrenchments, the laying of platforms for field, siege, and garrison artillery; the construction of palisades, fraises, abatis, rifle-pits, and trous-de-loup; the manner of placing intrenchments and other works, together with houses, walls, fences, &c., in a state of defense; the trace, defiladement, and construction of the several kinds of trenches and saps; descent and passage of a ditch, and other operations of a siege; the manner of laying out, constructing, tamping and springing mines, both for attack and defense, with the application of electricity thereto; trestle, ponton, and other bridge exercises; military reconnoissance of a route for the march of a column of troops, and of a locality for defensive works.XII.Military and Civil Engineering, and the Science of War.Military Engineering.—1st Principles and methods of planning and constructing temporary works, comprising intrenchments, inclosed works, batteries, lines, bridge-heads, with the modes of their attack and defense. 2d. Permanent Fortifications.—Principles of planning and constructing permanent works for land and sea-coast defense, with an analysis and description of the modern systems of fortifications; the attack and defense of permanent works, including mines.Civil Engineering.—Comprising building materials, masonry, carpentry, bridges, roads, railroads, canals, and river and harbor constructions. The theory and description of mechanism and machines. The principles of architecture.Descriptive drawing as applied to civil engineering, architecture and fortification.Science of War.—The military organization of states and kingdoms; composition and organization of an army; strategy illustrated and explained by military history; the operations of a campaign, comprising the movements of troops and their general dispositions for attack and defense.
I.Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry Tactics, and Military Police and Discipline.—This course will conform to the system of Infantry Tactics and Military Police and Discipline, established for the government of the Army, and will comprise the schools of the soldier, company, and battalion, the evolutions of the line, the manual exercise and manœuvres of Light Infantry and riflemen, with the police and discipline of camp and garrison. (2.) Artillery Tactics will comprise exercise of field, siege, and garrison artillery; manœuvres of batteries; mechanical manœuvres and target practice. (3.) Cavalry tactics will comprise the schools of the trooper mounted, of the platoon, and of the squadron; and equitation.
II.The Use of the Sword, &c.—Will comprise the use of the small-sword, broadsword, and bayonet, and such military gymnastics as circumstances may permit.
III.Mathematics.—This course will comprise:
(1.)Algebra.—Fundamental operations; involution and evolution; reduction and conversion of fractional and radical qualities; reduction and solution of equations, including those of the third degree ratios and proportions; summation of infinite series and figurate numbers; nature, construction, and use of logarithms.
(2.)Geometry.—Geometry of right lines, planes, and volumes and spherical geometry; and the formation and construction of determinate geometrical equations.
(3.)Trigonometry.—The solution of all the cases in plane and spherical trigonometry; analytical investigation of trigonometrical formulæ; and the construction of trigonometrical tables.
(4)Mensuration and Surveying.—Mensuration of planes; surfaces and volumes; principles and practice of common land surveying; different methods of plotting and calculating such surveys; trigonometrical surveying; measurement of heights and distances; leveling; and use of instruments in plotting, surveying, &c.
(5.)Descriptive Geometry.—The graphic illustration and solution of geometrical problems in space; and the particular application of this method to spherical projections, construction of maps, to shades and shadows, and perspective, and isometric projections.
(6.)Analytical Geometry.—Construction of algebraic expressions; solution of determinate problems; determination and discussion of the equations of the right line, plane and conic sections; discussion of the general equations of the second degree involving two or three variables; determination of loci, &c.
Differential and Integral Calculus, with its application to maxima and minima, the drawing of tangents, rectification of curves, radii of curvatures, quadratures, cubatures, &c.
IV.French Language.—This course will comprise:
French Grammar; reading and writing French; and translating (from text and orally) English into French and French into English.
V.Spanish Language.—This course will comprise:
Spanish Grammar; reading and writing Spanish; and translating (from text and orally) English into Spanish and Spanish into English.
VI.Drawing.—This course will comprise:
Topography, with lead-pencil, pen and ink, and colors.Figures, with pen and ink.Landscape, with the lead-pencil.Landscape, with colors.
Topography, with lead-pencil, pen and ink, and colors.
Figures, with pen and ink.
Landscape, with the lead-pencil.
Landscape, with colors.
VII.Chemistry, Minerology, and Geology.—This course will comprise:
Chemical Physics.—Magnetism; static and voltaic electricity; electro-magnetism;magneto-electricity; thermo-electricity; animal electricity; construction and use of apparatus illustrating the principles of the foregoing subjects and their mutual relations. Heat—its nature, sources, and effects; relation between thermal energy and other forces; measurement and equilibrium of temperatures; thermal and aqueous phenomena of the atmosphere; light as a chemical agent.
Chemistry.—Its general laws and language; inorganic and organic chemistry theory of radicals, types, and substitutions; animal chemistry; animal nutrition, heat, and force; relation between the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms; applications of chemistry to agriculture, fermentation, &c.
Mineralogy.—Crystallography; structure, practical determination and uses of minerals; descriptive mineralogy.
Geology.—The earth’s features; classification, structure, modes of occurrence and distribution of rocks; rock veins; division of geological history into ages; the various agents of geological changes; geology of the United States.
VIII.Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—This course will comprise:
Mechanics.—1st. General classification of the physical sciences; general constitution and physical properties of bodies; measurements of the masses; densities and weights of bodies; definitions and descriptions of natural forces. 2d.Mechanics of Solids.—Work; laws of equilibrium and of motion; free and constrained motion of solids; motion of projectiles; planetary motions and the general principles of physical astronomy. 3d.Mechanics of Fluids.—Mechanical properties of fluids; equilibrium and motion of fluids; general principles of buoyancy; equilibrium and stability of floating bodies; specific gravity; and barometrical measurements. 4th.Mechanics of Molecules.—General principles of sound, heat, light, and electricity, to be taught principally by lecture. 5th.Application.—Objects and principles of machines; friction; stiffness of cordage and adhesion; discussion of the elementary machines—cord, lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, pullies, screw, hydraulic press, and hydraulic ram.
Acoustics.—Theory of the internal structure of bodies; nature of sound; waves in general; velocity of sound in solids, liquids, and gasses, and measurement of distances by sound; qualities of sound; reflection, refraction, divergence and decay of sound; echoes, hearing and speaking trumpets, and description of the ear.
Optics.—Nature of light; laws of its deviation; laws of vision; optical instruments; chromatics; achromatism; polarization, interference, and chromatics of polarized light.
Astronomy.—Description of the solar and stellar systems; celestial and terrestrial spheres; figure and magnitude of the earth; its motions, with the appearances and vicissitudes arising therefrom; theory of astronomical reductions; eclipses, occultations, and transits; tides and twilight; use of astronomical instruments and tables; methods of making, clearing, and calculating observations for time, latitude, longitude, the earth’s magnetism and true meridian.
IX.Ordnance and Gunnery.—This course will comprise:
Ordnance.—1st. The theory and preparation of gunpowder, cannon, artillery carriages, projectiles, implements, machines, small-arms, ammunition, and military fireworks. 2d. Practical instruction in making musket, rifle, pistol, cannon and howitzer cartridges; preparation of strap, grape, and canister shot, fuzes, slow and quick match, port-fire, signal rockets, carcases, fire-balls, light balls, and incendiary composition; loading shells, shrapnel shot and grenades; putting up stores for transportation; loading caissons; in determining the pressure on the bore of a gun; in determining the initial velocity of projectiles; in the manner of proving powder, and when circumstances will admit of it, the operation of casting cannon solid and hollow, casting of projectiles and the usual methods of testing gun-metals, will be witnessed.
Gunnery.—Embracing the study of the movements of projectiles; the theory of pointing fire-arms; the different kinds of fires and their effect; the art of breaching, and the composition of batteries.
X.Ethics and Law.—This course will comprise:
Ethics.—1st. Common basis with law. 2d. In moral science, the pursuit ofthe highest good for each and all; the realization of excellence by virtue, the fulfillment of obligations to God and our country, to ourselves and others; and 3d, In its practical division, the duties, vices and passions.
Law.—1st. General principles. 2d. International law. 3d. Political organization and constitution of the United States. 4th. Rules and articles of war: and the organizations, powers, forms, and proceedings of courts-martial.
XI.Practical Military Engineering.—This course will comprise:
The preparation of trench and battery materials—gabions, facines, sandbags, &c.; the manner of tracing and profiling batteries and intrenchments, by cords, pickets and laths; the defiladement of intrenchments and other works; the distribution and posting of working parties, with their implements and materials in the construction of batteries, intrenchments, &c.; the construction of the various revetments for batteries and intrenchments, the laying of platforms for field, siege, and garrison artillery; the construction of palisades, fraises, abatis, rifle-pits, and trous-de-loup; the manner of placing intrenchments and other works, together with houses, walls, fences, &c., in a state of defense; the trace, defiladement, and construction of the several kinds of trenches and saps; descent and passage of a ditch, and other operations of a siege; the manner of laying out, constructing, tamping and springing mines, both for attack and defense, with the application of electricity thereto; trestle, ponton, and other bridge exercises; military reconnoissance of a route for the march of a column of troops, and of a locality for defensive works.
XII.Military and Civil Engineering, and the Science of War.
Military Engineering.—1st Principles and methods of planning and constructing temporary works, comprising intrenchments, inclosed works, batteries, lines, bridge-heads, with the modes of their attack and defense. 2d. Permanent Fortifications.—Principles of planning and constructing permanent works for land and sea-coast defense, with an analysis and description of the modern systems of fortifications; the attack and defense of permanent works, including mines.
Civil Engineering.—Comprising building materials, masonry, carpentry, bridges, roads, railroads, canals, and river and harbor constructions. The theory and description of mechanism and machines. The principles of architecture.
Descriptive drawing as applied to civil engineering, architecture and fortification.
Science of War.—The military organization of states and kingdoms; composition and organization of an army; strategy illustrated and explained by military history; the operations of a campaign, comprising the movements of troops and their general dispositions for attack and defense.
DISTRIBUTION OF STUDIES BY YEARS AND CLASSES.Subjects.—First Year—Fourth Class.Mathematics.—Davies’ Bourdon’s Algebra. Davies’ Legendre’s Geometry and Trigonometry. Church’s Descriptive Geometry.French Language.—Bolmar’s Levizac’s Grammar and Verb Book. Agnel’s Tabular System. Berard’s Leçons Françaises. *Spier’s and Surrenne’s Dictionary.Artillery and Infantry Tactics.—Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery.Small-Arms.—Instruction in Fencing and Bayonet Exercise.Second Year—Third Class.Mathematics.—Church’s Descriptive Geometry, with its application to Spherical Projections. Church’s Shades, Shadows, and Perspective. Davies’ Surveying. Church’s Analytical Geometry. Church’s Calculus.French Language.—Bolmar’s Levizac’s Grammar and Verb Book. Berard’s Leçons Françaises. Chapsal’s Leçons et Modèles de Litterature Française. Agnel’s Tabular System. Rowan’s Morceaux Choisis des Auteurs Modernes. *Spier’s and Surrenne’s Dictionary.Spanish Language.—Josse’s Grammar. Morale’s Progressive Reader. Ollendorff’s Oral Method applied to the Spanish, by Valazquez and Simonne. *Seoane’s Neuman and Barretti’s Dictionary.Drawing.—Topography, &c. Art of Penmanship.Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry Tactics.—Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.Third Year—Second Class.Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—Bartlett’s Mechanics. Bartlett’s Acoustics and Optics. Bartlett’s Astronomy.Chemistry.—Fowne’s Chemistry. Chemical Physics, from Miller.Drawing.—Landscape. Pencil and Colors.Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry Tactics.—United States Tactics for Garrison, Siege, and Field Artillery. Upton’s Infantry Tactics. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.Practical Military Engineering.—Myer’s Manual of Signals. Practical and Theoretical Instruction in Military Signaling and Telegraphy.Fourth Year—First Class.Military and Civil Engineering, and Science of War.—Mahan’s Field Fortifications. Mahan’s Outlines of Permanent Fortification. Mahan’s Civil Engineering. Mahan’s Fortifications and Stereotomy. Mahan’s Advanced Guard and Outpost, &c. Mahan’s Industrial Drawing. *Moseley’s Mechanics of Engineering.Mineralogy and Geology.—Dana’s Mineralogy. Hitchcock’s Geology.Ethics and Law.—French’s Practical Ethics. Halleck’s International Law. Kent’s Commentaries (portion on Constitutional Law). French’s Law and Military Law. Benét’s Military Law and the Practice of Courts Martial. *Webster’s Dictionary.Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry Tactics.—United States Tactics for Cavalry. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.Ordnance and Gennery.—Benton’s Ordnance and Gunnery. Practical Pyrotechny.Practical Military Engineering.—Practical Instruction in fabricating Facines, Sap Fagots, Gabions, Hurdles, Sap Rollers, &c.; manner of laying out and constructing Gun and Mortar Batteries, Field Fortifications, and Works of Siege; formation of Stockades, Abattis, and other military obstacles; and throwing and dismantling Pontoon Bridges.Myer’s Manual of Signals. Practical Instruction in Military Signaling and Telegraphy.
DISTRIBUTION OF STUDIES BY YEARS AND CLASSES.
Subjects.—First Year—Fourth Class.
Mathematics.—Davies’ Bourdon’s Algebra. Davies’ Legendre’s Geometry and Trigonometry. Church’s Descriptive Geometry.
French Language.—Bolmar’s Levizac’s Grammar and Verb Book. Agnel’s Tabular System. Berard’s Leçons Françaises. *Spier’s and Surrenne’s Dictionary.
Artillery and Infantry Tactics.—Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery.
Small-Arms.—Instruction in Fencing and Bayonet Exercise.
Second Year—Third Class.
Mathematics.—Church’s Descriptive Geometry, with its application to Spherical Projections. Church’s Shades, Shadows, and Perspective. Davies’ Surveying. Church’s Analytical Geometry. Church’s Calculus.
French Language.—Bolmar’s Levizac’s Grammar and Verb Book. Berard’s Leçons Françaises. Chapsal’s Leçons et Modèles de Litterature Française. Agnel’s Tabular System. Rowan’s Morceaux Choisis des Auteurs Modernes. *Spier’s and Surrenne’s Dictionary.
Spanish Language.—Josse’s Grammar. Morale’s Progressive Reader. Ollendorff’s Oral Method applied to the Spanish, by Valazquez and Simonne. *Seoane’s Neuman and Barretti’s Dictionary.
Drawing.—Topography, &c. Art of Penmanship.
Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry Tactics.—Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.
Third Year—Second Class.
Natural and Experimental Philosophy.—Bartlett’s Mechanics. Bartlett’s Acoustics and Optics. Bartlett’s Astronomy.
Chemistry.—Fowne’s Chemistry. Chemical Physics, from Miller.
Drawing.—Landscape. Pencil and Colors.
Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry Tactics.—United States Tactics for Garrison, Siege, and Field Artillery. Upton’s Infantry Tactics. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.
Practical Military Engineering.—Myer’s Manual of Signals. Practical and Theoretical Instruction in Military Signaling and Telegraphy.
Fourth Year—First Class.
Military and Civil Engineering, and Science of War.—Mahan’s Field Fortifications. Mahan’s Outlines of Permanent Fortification. Mahan’s Civil Engineering. Mahan’s Fortifications and Stereotomy. Mahan’s Advanced Guard and Outpost, &c. Mahan’s Industrial Drawing. *Moseley’s Mechanics of Engineering.
Mineralogy and Geology.—Dana’s Mineralogy. Hitchcock’s Geology.
Ethics and Law.—French’s Practical Ethics. Halleck’s International Law. Kent’s Commentaries (portion on Constitutional Law). French’s Law and Military Law. Benét’s Military Law and the Practice of Courts Martial. *Webster’s Dictionary.
Artillery, Cavalry, and Infantry Tactics.—United States Tactics for Cavalry. Practical Instruction in the Schools of the Soldier, Company, and Battalion. Practical Instruction in Artillery and Cavalry.
Ordnance and Gennery.—Benton’s Ordnance and Gunnery. Practical Pyrotechny.
Practical Military Engineering.—Practical Instruction in fabricating Facines, Sap Fagots, Gabions, Hurdles, Sap Rollers, &c.; manner of laying out and constructing Gun and Mortar Batteries, Field Fortifications, and Works of Siege; formation of Stockades, Abattis, and other military obstacles; and throwing and dismantling Pontoon Bridges.
Myer’s Manual of Signals. Practical Instruction in Military Signaling and Telegraphy.
* Books marked * are for reference.
PROGRAMME OF CAMP DUTIES FROM JULY 5, TO AUGUST 30.Reveillé, 5 a.m. Policing camp just after reveillé. Infantry company drills, for all classes, 5.30 a.m. Surgeon’s call, 6.30 a.m. Breakfast call, 7 a.m. Parade call, 8a.m.Guard mounting, immediately after parade. Siege and sea-coast artillery drill for 1st class; Light Battery drill, 2d class; Foot Light Battery drill, 4th class; 9 till 10 a.m. Laboratory duty for two weeks, signaling, practical and topograpical engineering, for rest of term for 1st class, 10 till 12 a.m. Laboratory duty for 3d class for two weeks, 10 till 12 a.m. Infantry squad drill for 4th class, 10 till 11 a.m. Dinner, 1 p.m. Policing camp, 4 p.m. Infantry company’s drill for all classes, 5.30 p.m. Parade, sunset, Supper, after parade. Tattoo, 9.30 p.m. Taps, 9.45 p.m.
PROGRAMME OF CAMP DUTIES FROM JULY 5, TO AUGUST 30.
Reveillé, 5 a.m. Policing camp just after reveillé. Infantry company drills, for all classes, 5.30 a.m. Surgeon’s call, 6.30 a.m. Breakfast call, 7 a.m. Parade call, 8a.m.Guard mounting, immediately after parade. Siege and sea-coast artillery drill for 1st class; Light Battery drill, 2d class; Foot Light Battery drill, 4th class; 9 till 10 a.m. Laboratory duty for two weeks, signaling, practical and topograpical engineering, for rest of term for 1st class, 10 till 12 a.m. Laboratory duty for 3d class for two weeks, 10 till 12 a.m. Infantry squad drill for 4th class, 10 till 11 a.m. Dinner, 1 p.m. Policing camp, 4 p.m. Infantry company’s drill for all classes, 5.30 p.m. Parade, sunset, Supper, after parade. Tattoo, 9.30 p.m. Taps, 9.45 p.m.
Applicationsfor admission into the United States Military Academy at West Point, should be made by letter to the Secretary of War. By provision of law, each Congressional and Territorial district, and the District of Columbia, is entitled to have one cadet at the Military Academy, and no more. The district appointments are made on the nomination of the member of Congress representing the district at the date of the appointment. The law requires that the individual selected shall be an actual resident of the Congressional district of the State or Territory, or District of Columbia, from which the appointment purports to be made. Also, appointments “at large,” not to exceed ten, are annually made. Application can be made, at any time, by the candidate himself, his parent, guardian, or any of his friends, and the name placed on the register. No preference will be given to applications on account of priority; nor will any application be entered in the register when the candidate is under or above the prescribed age; theprecise agemust be given;no relaxation of the regulation in this respect will be made; nor will any application be considered in cases where the age and other qualifications of the candidates are not stated. The fixed abode of the candidate, andnumberof the Congressional district which he considers his permanent residence, must be set forth in the application. The pay of a cadet is $30 per month, to commence from his admission into the Military Academy, and is considered ample with proper economy, for his support.
The appointments will be made annually in the month of February or March, on the applications made within the preceding year. The claims of all the candidates on the register will be considered and acted upon. No certain information can be given as to the probable success of the candidate, before the arrival of the period for making the selections. Persons, therefore, making applications, must not expect to receive information on this point.
As a general rule, no person will be appointed who has had a brother educated at the institution.
QUALIFICATIONS.
Candidates must be over sixteen and under twenty-one years of age, at the time of entrance into the Military Academy; must be at least five feet in height, and free from any deformity, disease, or infirmity, which would render them unfit for the military service, and from any disorder of an infectious or immoral character. They must be able to read and write well, and perform with facility and accuracy the various operations of the four ground rules of arithmetic, of reduction, of simple and compound proportion, and of vulgar and decimal fractions.
It must be understood that a full compliance with the above conditions will be insisted on—that is to say—the candidate must write in a fair and legible hand, and without any material mistakes in spelling, such sentences as shall be dictated by the examiners; and he must answer promptly, and without errors,all their questions in the above-mentioned rules of arithmetic: failing in any of these particulars, he will be rejected.
It must also be understood, that every candidate will, soon after his arrival at West Point, be subjected to a rigid examination by an experienced medical board; and should there be found to exist in him any of the following causes of disqualification, to such a degree as will immediately, or in all probability may at no very distant period, impair his efficiency, he will be rejected:
1. Feeble constitution and muscular tenuity; unsound health from whatever cause; indications of former disease; glandular swellings, or other symptoms of scrofula.
2. Chronic cutaneous affections, especially of the scalp, or any disorder of an infectious character.
3. Severe injuries of the bones of the head; convulsions.
4. Impaired vision from whatever cause; inflammatory affections of the eyelids; immobility or irregularity of the iris; fistula lachrymalis, &c., &c.
5. Deafness; copious discharge from the ears.
6. Loss of many teeth, or teeth generally unsound.
7. Impediment of speech.
8. Want of due capacity of the chest, and any other indication of a liability to a pulmonic disease.
9. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or both of the superior extremities on account of fractures, especially of the clavicle, contraction of a joint, extenuation, deformity, &c., &c.
10. An unnatural excurvature or incurvature of the spine.
11. Hernia.
12. A varicose state of the veins, of the scrotum and spermatic cord, (when large,) sarcocele, hydrocele, hemorrhoids, fistulas.
13. Impaired or inadequate efficiency of one or both of the inferior extremities on account of varicose veins, fractures, malformation, (flat feet, &c.,) lameness, contraction, unequal length, bunions, over-lying or supernumerary toes, &c., &c.
14. Ulcers, or unsound cicatrices of ulcers likely to break out afresh.
The above Regulations were issued by the War Department in 1862. Although it appears from this official document, that “applications for admission into the United States Military Academy at West Point, should be made by letter to the Secretary of War,” and that “the claims of all candidates on the register will be considered and acted upon,” it is also stated, that “the district appointments are made on the nomination of the member of Congress representing the district at the date of the appointment.” This delicate duty, and great privilege of selecting, out of all the young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years, in a Congressional district of at least 70,000 inhabitants, who aspire to serve their country in a military capacity, the onebestqualified, or evenwellqualified, is not imposed or conferred directly by law, but by the practice of the appointing power, on the member for that district.
Summary of Qualifications (in Circular of 1871).A sound body and constitution, a fixed degree of preparation, good natural capacity, an aptitude for study, industrious habits, perseverance, an obedient and orderly disposition, and a correct moral deportment are such essential qualifications that candidates knowingly deficient in any of these respects should not, as many do, subject themselves and their friends to the chances of future mortification and disappointment, by accepting appointments to the Academy and entering upon a career which they can not successfully pursue.Method of Testing the Qualifications of Candidates.Candidates should be able toreadwith facility from any book, giving the proper intonation and pauses, and towriteportions that are read aloud for that purpose, spelling the words and punctuating the sentences properly. Some historical work should preferably be chosen, and successive passages read till the reading exercises are ended. Then, from another part of the book, a suitable paragraph or paragraphs, of reasonable length, should be read aloud to the candidates, with proper intonations and pauses, as a guide to punctuation, and written down by them as read.In Arithmetic they should be able to perform with facility examples under the four ground rules, and hence should be familiar with the tables of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and be able to perform examples in reduction and in vulgar and decimal fractions, such as:
Summary of Qualifications (in Circular of 1871).
A sound body and constitution, a fixed degree of preparation, good natural capacity, an aptitude for study, industrious habits, perseverance, an obedient and orderly disposition, and a correct moral deportment are such essential qualifications that candidates knowingly deficient in any of these respects should not, as many do, subject themselves and their friends to the chances of future mortification and disappointment, by accepting appointments to the Academy and entering upon a career which they can not successfully pursue.
Method of Testing the Qualifications of Candidates.
Candidates should be able toreadwith facility from any book, giving the proper intonation and pauses, and towriteportions that are read aloud for that purpose, spelling the words and punctuating the sentences properly. Some historical work should preferably be chosen, and successive passages read till the reading exercises are ended. Then, from another part of the book, a suitable paragraph or paragraphs, of reasonable length, should be read aloud to the candidates, with proper intonations and pauses, as a guide to punctuation, and written down by them as read.
In Arithmetic they should be able to perform with facility examples under the four ground rules, and hence should be familiar with the tables of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and be able to perform examples in reduction and in vulgar and decimal fractions, such as:
Add ⅔ to ¾; subtract ⅖ from ⅚; multiply ¾ by ⅞; divide ⅖ by ⅜
Add together two hundred and thirty-four thousandths, (.234,) twenty-six thousandths, (.026,) and three thousandths, (.003.)Subtract one hundred and sixty-one ten thousandths (.0161) from twenty-five hundredths (.25.)Multiply or divide twenty-six hundredths (.26) by sixteen thousandths (.016.)They should also be able to change vulgar fractions into decimal fractions, and decimals into vulgar fractions, with examples like the following:
Add together two hundred and thirty-four thousandths, (.234,) twenty-six thousandths, (.026,) and three thousandths, (.003.)
Subtract one hundred and sixty-one ten thousandths (.0161) from twenty-five hundredths (.25.)
Multiply or divide twenty-six hundredths (.26) by sixteen thousandths (.016.)
They should also be able to change vulgar fractions into decimal fractions, and decimals into vulgar fractions, with examples like the following:
Change 15/16 into a decimal fraction of the same value.
Change one hundred and two thousandths (.102) into a vulgar fraction.In simple and compound proportion, examples of various kinds should be given, and the candidates should understand the principles of the rules followed.In English Grammar candidates should exhibit a familiarity with the nine parts of speech and the rules in relation thereto; should be able to parse any ordinary sentence given to them, and, generally, should understand those portions of the subject usually taught in the higher academies and schools throughout the country, under Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody.In Descriptive Geography they should name, locate, and describe the natural grand and political divisions of the earth, and be able to delineate any one of the States or Territories of the American Union, with its principal cities, rivers, lakes, seaports, and mountains.In History they should be able to name the periods of the discovery and settlement of the North American continent; of the rise and progress of the United States, and of the successive wars and political administrations.The examinations in Orthography, Grammar, Geography, and History may be either oral or written.Candidates undoubtedly deficient in any one requisite, or more than one, should resign any expectation of admission till the deficiency is overcome.Candidates should first be examined by a medical practitioner, with reference to the physical requirements and disqualifications set forth in the circular; such as are manifestly disqualified being so informed.The condition of body and mind considered together should be regarded, as well as general proficiency in the studies as a whole. Especially should natural ability and manifest aptitude for acquiring and applying knowledge take precedence of mere scholastic finish and readiness of answer to former problems. Other things being equal, preference should be given, in order, to those whose claims are strengthened by military, naval, or other distinguished service rendered to the country by themselves or their immediate relatives; and it is better for candidates to be nearer the minimum than the maximum age.
Change one hundred and two thousandths (.102) into a vulgar fraction.
In simple and compound proportion, examples of various kinds should be given, and the candidates should understand the principles of the rules followed.
In English Grammar candidates should exhibit a familiarity with the nine parts of speech and the rules in relation thereto; should be able to parse any ordinary sentence given to them, and, generally, should understand those portions of the subject usually taught in the higher academies and schools throughout the country, under Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody.
In Descriptive Geography they should name, locate, and describe the natural grand and political divisions of the earth, and be able to delineate any one of the States or Territories of the American Union, with its principal cities, rivers, lakes, seaports, and mountains.
In History they should be able to name the periods of the discovery and settlement of the North American continent; of the rise and progress of the United States, and of the successive wars and political administrations.
The examinations in Orthography, Grammar, Geography, and History may be either oral or written.
Candidates undoubtedly deficient in any one requisite, or more than one, should resign any expectation of admission till the deficiency is overcome.
Candidates should first be examined by a medical practitioner, with reference to the physical requirements and disqualifications set forth in the circular; such as are manifestly disqualified being so informed.
The condition of body and mind considered together should be regarded, as well as general proficiency in the studies as a whole. Especially should natural ability and manifest aptitude for acquiring and applying knowledge take precedence of mere scholastic finish and readiness of answer to former problems. Other things being equal, preference should be given, in order, to those whose claims are strengthened by military, naval, or other distinguished service rendered to the country by themselves or their immediate relatives; and it is better for candidates to be nearer the minimum than the maximum age.
Inthe Regulations for the government of the Military Academy, approved July 1, 1816, provision for the appointment of a Board of Visitors, to consist of five competent gentlemen, who should attend at each general examination, and report thereon to the War Department through the Inspector, who appears to have been from the start the senior officer of the corps of Engineers.
In 1846 (Aug. 8), Congress authorized the appointment annually, by the President, of a Board of Visitors, whose duty it was made to attend each yearly examination, and report to the Secretary of War upon the discipline, instruction, police and fiscal affairs of the Academy. The members were to be taken from one half of the number of States, alternating yearly with the other half, each member being abona fideresident of the State from whence appointed, and each Congressional district being in turn designated to furnish an appointee. Of the members each year, not less than six must be taken from among officers actually serving in the militia.
Extract from Act of Congress approved August 8, 1846, amended by Acts of March 16, 1868, and February 21, 1870.
That the President is authorized to appoint a Board of Visitors to attend the annual examination of the Military Academy, whose duty it shall be to report to the Secretary of War, for the information of Congress, at the commencement of the next succeeding session, the actual state of the discipline, instruction, police, administration, fiscal affairs, and other concerns of the institution:Provided, That the whole number of visitors each year shall not exceed seven:Provided, further, That no compensation shall be made to said members beyond the payment of their expenses for board and lodging while at the Military Academy, and an allowance, not to exceed eight cents per mile, for traveling by the shortest mail route from their respective homes to the Academy, and back to their homes. And in addition to the other members of the Board of Visitors to be appointed by the President, according to law, to attend the annual examination of cadets at the United States Military Academy, there shall be on every such board two Senators, to be designated by the Vice-President, or Presidentpro temporeof the Senate; and three members of the House of Representatives, to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, such designations respectively to be made at the session of Congress next preceding the time of such examination; and the Senators and members so appointed shall make full report of their action as such visitors, with their views and recommendations in regard to the said Military Academy, within twenty days after the meeting of Congress, at the session next succeeding the time of their appointment.
That the President is authorized to appoint a Board of Visitors to attend the annual examination of the Military Academy, whose duty it shall be to report to the Secretary of War, for the information of Congress, at the commencement of the next succeeding session, the actual state of the discipline, instruction, police, administration, fiscal affairs, and other concerns of the institution:Provided, That the whole number of visitors each year shall not exceed seven:Provided, further, That no compensation shall be made to said members beyond the payment of their expenses for board and lodging while at the Military Academy, and an allowance, not to exceed eight cents per mile, for traveling by the shortest mail route from their respective homes to the Academy, and back to their homes. And in addition to the other members of the Board of Visitors to be appointed by the President, according to law, to attend the annual examination of cadets at the United States Military Academy, there shall be on every such board two Senators, to be designated by the Vice-President, or Presidentpro temporeof the Senate; and three members of the House of Representatives, to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, such designations respectively to be made at the session of Congress next preceding the time of such examination; and the Senators and members so appointed shall make full report of their action as such visitors, with their views and recommendations in regard to the said Military Academy, within twenty days after the meeting of Congress, at the session next succeeding the time of their appointment.
EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF VISITORS FOR 1871.
Twenty-five years ago West Point was substantially separate from the outside world; for several months of the year a mail was not received oftener than once in three or four days. The presence of visitors was almost wholly unknown, and the officers and cadets formed a community by and of themselves. The relations existing between the officers and cadets was like that at present existing between the officers and soldiers at a military post. Cadets were permitted to visit at the quarters of professors and officers on Saturday afternoons, and at no other time. But so reserved were the manners of officers, even on such occasions, that the privilege, though recognized, was very rarely exercised. There was substantially no social intercourse between the officers and the cadets.In those days, too, the rigor of discipline put all cadets, the sons of the rich and the sons of the poor, upon a common footing. The regulations not only prohibited any cadet from receiving money from his parents and friends, but no place existed, or was permitted to exist, on the limits, where cadets could expend money. Occasionally a cadet was allowed to purchase what he pleased under the head of “sundries;” not exceeding one dollar in amount, and that only on the order of an officer in charge.But all this has changed. West Point is now or fast becoming a place of fashionable resort. Hotels have been erected in near proximity to the post, and hundreds of visitors now repair thither where one did in former years. This influx of fashionable life has caused a relaxation of the rules in regard to cadets visiting. The great distance between officers and cadets has been gradually diminished. Cadets of the first class may now visit officers every day in the week, and officers and cadets associate together with a freedom of intercourse not formerly known. Insensibly the standard of discipline has been lowered, until the Academy has less than formerly the character of the Regular Army, and more the features of a militia establishment, where officers and men are separated while on duty, but mingle in social intercourse when the hour of drill or parade has passed.Although the regulation in regard to cadets receiving money remains unchanged, yet, at present, a new functionary, known as the “cadet confectioner,” is allowed to keep open on cadet limits a place of resort which cadets are known to frequent daily to enjoy the table, and where they may treat their fellows without stint or limit. Thus one of the elements of equality which formerly existed among the cadets is destroyed, and the son of a wealthy man may fare sumptuously, while the poor boy must confine himself to such food as the mess-hall affords.Many other causes might be mentioned as contributing to the present condition of things, and many other illustrations of the change from the custom of former years might be given. But those members of the board who have been appointed by the Vice-President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and whose duty it is by law specially made to report to Congress upon this subject, will doubtless do so at length, and therefore this board pass the subject without as full a consideration as would otherwise be demanded. But this board, feeling the importance of a high state of discipline to the efficiency of the Academy, to accomplish the purpose for which it is maintained, earnestly recommend a return to the stricter kind of discipline which was administered years ago. An army must be governed by different methods and upon different principles from a civil society and to an army and to every military establishment discipline is a necessity.With a view to this end, in the opinion of this board, the superintendent and commandant of cadets should always be officers of high rank, who, by their age and military distinction, can command not only the respect but the implicit obedience of the cadets.
Twenty-five years ago West Point was substantially separate from the outside world; for several months of the year a mail was not received oftener than once in three or four days. The presence of visitors was almost wholly unknown, and the officers and cadets formed a community by and of themselves. The relations existing between the officers and cadets was like that at present existing between the officers and soldiers at a military post. Cadets were permitted to visit at the quarters of professors and officers on Saturday afternoons, and at no other time. But so reserved were the manners of officers, even on such occasions, that the privilege, though recognized, was very rarely exercised. There was substantially no social intercourse between the officers and the cadets.
In those days, too, the rigor of discipline put all cadets, the sons of the rich and the sons of the poor, upon a common footing. The regulations not only prohibited any cadet from receiving money from his parents and friends, but no place existed, or was permitted to exist, on the limits, where cadets could expend money. Occasionally a cadet was allowed to purchase what he pleased under the head of “sundries;” not exceeding one dollar in amount, and that only on the order of an officer in charge.
But all this has changed. West Point is now or fast becoming a place of fashionable resort. Hotels have been erected in near proximity to the post, and hundreds of visitors now repair thither where one did in former years. This influx of fashionable life has caused a relaxation of the rules in regard to cadets visiting. The great distance between officers and cadets has been gradually diminished. Cadets of the first class may now visit officers every day in the week, and officers and cadets associate together with a freedom of intercourse not formerly known. Insensibly the standard of discipline has been lowered, until the Academy has less than formerly the character of the Regular Army, and more the features of a militia establishment, where officers and men are separated while on duty, but mingle in social intercourse when the hour of drill or parade has passed.
Although the regulation in regard to cadets receiving money remains unchanged, yet, at present, a new functionary, known as the “cadet confectioner,” is allowed to keep open on cadet limits a place of resort which cadets are known to frequent daily to enjoy the table, and where they may treat their fellows without stint or limit. Thus one of the elements of equality which formerly existed among the cadets is destroyed, and the son of a wealthy man may fare sumptuously, while the poor boy must confine himself to such food as the mess-hall affords.
Many other causes might be mentioned as contributing to the present condition of things, and many other illustrations of the change from the custom of former years might be given. But those members of the board who have been appointed by the Vice-President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and whose duty it is by law specially made to report to Congress upon this subject, will doubtless do so at length, and therefore this board pass the subject without as full a consideration as would otherwise be demanded. But this board, feeling the importance of a high state of discipline to the efficiency of the Academy, to accomplish the purpose for which it is maintained, earnestly recommend a return to the stricter kind of discipline which was administered years ago. An army must be governed by different methods and upon different principles from a civil society and to an army and to every military establishment discipline is a necessity.
With a view to this end, in the opinion of this board, the superintendent and commandant of cadets should always be officers of high rank, who, by their age and military distinction, can command not only the respect but the implicit obedience of the cadets.
The Board of Visitors invited by the Secretary of War to visit the Military Academy at West Point, to make “a full and free investigation of the Military and Scientific instruction of the Cadets, and of the internal police, discipline, and fiscal concerns of the institution, and communicate the results of their observations, with any suggestions for the improvement of the Academy,” consisted of the following members:
Oliver S. Munsell,Illinois,President. Birdsey G. Northrop,Mass.,Secretary. Thomas M. Allen,Missouri. Henry Barnard,Connecticut. Samuel W. Bostwick,Ohio. Thomas Brainard,Penn.Cyrus Bryant,Illinois. A. W. Campbell,West Virginia. Ralph W. Emerson,Mass.Oran Faville,Iowa. John H. Goodenow,Maine. P. D. Gurley,District of Columbia. Oliver P. Hubbard,New Hampshire. Edward Maynard,District of Columbia. Henry S. Randall,New York. William H. Russell,Conn.William A. Rust,Maine. Albert Smith,New Hampshire.
Oliver S. Munsell,Illinois,President. Birdsey G. Northrop,Mass.,Secretary. Thomas M. Allen,Missouri. Henry Barnard,Connecticut. Samuel W. Bostwick,Ohio. Thomas Brainard,Penn.Cyrus Bryant,Illinois. A. W. Campbell,West Virginia. Ralph W. Emerson,Mass.Oran Faville,Iowa. John H. Goodenow,Maine. P. D. Gurley,District of Columbia. Oliver P. Hubbard,New Hampshire. Edward Maynard,District of Columbia. Henry S. Randall,New York. William H. Russell,Conn.William A. Rust,Maine. Albert Smith,New Hampshire.
The Visitors introduce an account of their inspection with the following remarks: