Guide to West Point, and the U.S. Military Academy Part 2

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

Northward from the Library a path leads down the bank to KOSCIUSZKO'S GARDEN--a shelving terrace overhung with shrubbery, and rendered inviting by a cool spring of water, and a tradition that the patriot Pole, whose name the spot bears, here sought retirement and seclusion.

The Monument to "Dade and his Command" tells its own story, and American history has yet to furnish an example of devotion to duty similar to that exhibited by those whose names are here inscribed. A little beyond is seen Battery Knox, whose armament proclaims the tidings on all occasions of national joy or sadness. From this point, the lower pathway, called the "Chain Battery Walk," conducts the visitor through a delightful ramble to Gee's Point and the North Wharf, or by a branch, to the Hotel above. The upper path returns to the road along the crest of the bank, and a few steps brings the tourist to FORT CLINTON.

Within the latter, on the extreme angle nearest the river, stands a marble column, sacred to military virtue in the person of Kosciuszko, and forming in itself by reason of the ideas it evokes, a striking contrast to the dark halo of despite and shame that hovers around the name of Arnold, whose apostasy is inseparably connected with the very name of West Point. THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO was a native of Poland, whose education began at Warsaw and was completed at Paris. Having determined to cast his lot with the Americans, then struggling for liberty, he was furnished by Franklin with letters to Washington, and came to America. He was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Washington, and subsequently commissioned as Colonel of Engineers. Highly distinguished for his courage and skill in the campaign against Burgoyne, and as the directing Engineer at West Point, he returned to Poland at the close of the Revolution, rewarded by the thanks of Congress and the commission of Brevet Brigadier-General, to serve as a General of Division under Poniatowski. In the Polish Insurrection of 1793 he was chosen Generalissimo, with the powers of a Roman Dictator.

He immediately issued a decree, authorizing the insurrection, and at once proceeded to unite the Polish divisions, and in a few days the Russians were driven from the Palatinate. Meantime, the Prussians having joined Russia, the rest of the struggle was a continuous resistance against superior forces, until at last, at Maciejowice, on the 10th of October, 1794, he was completely defeated and overwhelmed by the Russians. He fell wounded from his horse, with the bitter wail on his lips, "Finis Polonie." Taken prisoner, and conveyed to a fortress near St. Petersburg, he underwent a long confinement until the accession of Paul I., who, feeling an admiration for his character, restored him to freedom, and presented him with his sword.

"I have no longer occasion for a sword," sadly replied Kosciuszko, "since I have no longer a country." He visited America in 1797, and was triumphantly and warmly welcomed by the grateful people. He returned to Switzerland and resided at Solothurn, where he died on October 15, 1817. His body was interred at Cracow with great pomp in the funeral vaults of the Kings of Poland, between the coffins of Poniatowski and Sobieski. The Senate decreed in his honor the erection of an enormous mound on the Heights of Bronislawad. The gratuitous labor of all cla.s.ses succeeded in raising this "Mound of Kosciuszko"

to the height of 300 feet in three years, and it will remain for ages a n.o.ble monument of his country's grat.i.tude. Kosciuszko was never married, and the simple column at West Point, in full view of thousands of travelers, will long serve as a memorial of grat.i.tude from the American nation, and an enduring protest against the destruction of Poland, and the ruin and death of many freedom lovers as n.o.ble and virtuous as Kosciuszko himself.

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

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

[Ill.u.s.tration: 1866. West Point AND ITS VICINITY.]

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

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

From West Point westward, the road diverges to the CEMETERY, overlooking Camptown, where the soldiers are quartered, Washington's Valley, a little beyond, Const.i.tution Island, the Foundry, and the village of Cold Spring. The tasteful monuments, with their military insignia and mournful inscriptions, unveil the attachment of many who fell in Florida, Mexico, Oregon, and in the Rebellion, for the spot protected and consecrated by their Alma Mater. The branch road south, immediately without the first West gate, leads to Fort Putnam, and intersects the river route a little above Cozzens' Hotel. The main road west, known as the "Canterbury Road," leads to Turner's Station, on the Erie Railroad, about fourteen miles distant, pa.s.sing Long Pond, and the vicinity of many other ponds indicated on the map, most of which afford fine resorts for angling and hunting in the appropriate season. Three miles from West Point a branch from this road leads across the mountain to Canterbury, Cornwall, and Newburg, but the route is so rough as to render it unsuitable for pleasure driving.

Just before reaching this point a road extends south through Eagle Valley to Highland Falls, affording a circuit of about seven miles, through a region abounding with new beauties at every turn. The road is in good condition, and the proposed intention of the Cozzens'

Brothers to add to the attractions of their Hotel by erecting a mountain retreat at the Round Pond, will doubtless lead to further improvements.

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

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

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

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

Reveille { April 1 to Sept. 30 5, A.M.

Roll-call. { March and Oct. 5:30, A.M.

{ Nov., Dec., Jan. and Feb. 6, A.M.

Breakfast Roll-call 7, A.M.

Guard-mounting 7:30, A.M.

Riding 11, A.M., to 1, P.M.

Dinner Roll-call 1, P.M.

Company Drill March 15 to April 1, 4:10, P.M.

Battalion Drill May 16 to May 31, 4:10, P.M.

Skirmish Drill Oct. 15 to Oct. 31, 4:10, P.M.

Light Artillery Drill, } Heavy Artillery Drill, } April 1 to May 15, 4:10, P.M.

Mortar Practice, } Evening Dress Parade Sunset.

Tattoo 9:30, P.M.

Taps 10, P.M.

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

Reveille 5, A.M.

Infantry Drill 5:30, A.M.

Infantry Drill Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 5, P.M.

Breakfast Roll-call 7, A.M.

Morning Dress Parade 8, A.M.

Guard-mounting 8:30, A.M.

Artillery Drill 9, A.M.

Engineering Drill 10:30, A.M.

Band Practice 10, A.M.

Drill of New Cadets 11, A.M., and 5, P.M.

Evening Dress Parade Sunset.

Tattoo 9:30, P.M.

Tattoo on Party Evenings 9:50, P.M.

Taps 10, P.M.

For the purpose of military instruction, the Cadets are organized into a battalion of four companies, called A, B, C, and D Companies. These are arranged with reference to stature, and they contain the four Academic or collegiate cla.s.ses indiscriminately mingled. The companies are officered in the usual way, by selecting the Captains and Lieutenants from the cla.s.s longest at the Academy; the Sergeants from the next lowest cla.s.s, and the Corporals from the next in order.

"Chevrons," or badges of gold lace, are worn on each arm by these officers to denote their rank, as follows:

[Ill.u.s.tration: Adjutant.

Quartermaster.

Serg't-Major.

Q'r-M'r-Serg't.

Captain.

Lieutenant.

1st Sergeant.

Sergeant.

Color-bearer.

Color Corporal. (Below the elbow.) Corporal. (Below the elbow.)]

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

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

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

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

[Ill.u.s.tration: The Cadet's Encampment]

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

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

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

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

beats,

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