Page images
PDF
EPUB

try are of primitive rock, they have a bold and varied outline; particularly as large bare masses, here and there thrust themselves out from among the trees. The whole of this view is most delightful and enchanting; and indeed I cannot recollect any thing that can well be compared to it, except perhaps some of the most beautiful parts of the Lakes of Killarney.

There are many circumstances which give a peculiar interest to West Point. On a projecting rock directly behind the College, which it overlooks, stands old Fort Putnam, which Arnold intended to give up to the British. The present proprietor of the fort has, in a true spirit of barbarism, partly destroyed it, for the sake of the hewn stone of which it is built; and should he continue his ravages, this fine object will soon cease to exist. When I was there however, sufficient remained to form a ruin of such beauty, that it would bear no disadvantageous comparison with many of the finest old castles in England. I may add that the picturesque effect is very much increased, by the cedars that have sprung up above and between the ruined walls and casemates.

To the north of the Point, and at about a quarter of a mile from the College, is a small flat piece of ground, in a little nook, between the foot of the mountain and the river. On this spot, which has of late been converted into a garden, stands a small

wooden house, which General Washington made his head-quarters during the revolutionary war. On a very steep projecting point of rock immediately above this, is the burying-ground of the College, where a handsome column of white marble, surmounted by some appropriate military emblems, has been erected to those cadets who have died at the place, and whose names are inscribed on it. Another very chaste and beautiful monument stands at the north corner of the Parade, close to the road, by which every one must pass before he can arrive at the College. It is a small tapering obelisk of white marble standing on a simple pedestal, on which is this inscription, "To the memory of Colonel Wood of the engineers, killed in the sortie from Fort Erie, this monument was erected by his friend and commander Major-General Brown." Near this monument is ranged the artillery of the College, consisting of ten pieces of cannon of different sizes, besides a howitzer, and two mortars. Among the cannon are two beautiful brass field-pieces, which were brought to the United States by the French in the revolutionary war. They are highly ornamented; and on them is inscribed, "Ultima ratio regum," a motto at which all good republicans must be somewhat amused.

On the south side of the point, a narrow and very steep path, in which large fragments of rock have been laid to form steps, conducted me down

to a small platform, enclosed on three sides by the steep rocks, while on the fourth a perpendicular precipice, of near 100 feet, hangs over the river. Here dwelt Kosciusko,-Here,

Where once the garden smil'd,

And still where many a garden flower grows wild,
Where now a few torn shrubs the place disclose.

In this most beautiful spot, while plucking some sprigs from the rose-bushes and sweet-briers, that the Patriot himself had planted, I must have been strangely deficient in romance, if I had not enjoyed to the utmost that indescribable sensation, only to be felt at the abode of a departed hero.

The young men of the College, in a spirit of liberality that does them honour, have subscribed 1500 dollars to build a monument here. It was to be erected in the autumn of 1823; and when finished will be seen at a considérable distance. How would the Hero have rejoiced, if he could have known that his memory would have been thus venerated by the youth of a foreign land! A monument to the Champion of Freedom, will stand well in the Land of Liberty; and by none could it more properly be erected, than by the defenders of the Rights of Man.

The College was founded in 1801, and has ever since continued to educate officers for the American army. The discipline and the system of study were for a long time very imperfect; and it was not until

[ocr errors]

1817, when Colonel Thayer of the Engineers was appointed superintendent, that the College assumed the high character which it at present so well deserves. I cannot here omit mentioning the obligations I am under to this officer, for his politeness and kindness to me while I remained at West Point. I had a letter of introduction to him, from a general officer at Philadelphia; and immediately upon my presenting it, he gave me a room in his house, treated me with that hospitality which distinguishes his countrymen, and afforded me every opportunity of inspecting the establishment, of being present at the examinations, &c. Colonel Thayer, who has travelled a great deal in Europe, and particularly in France, obtained many valuable hints by visiting the Polytechnic school. The establishment at West Point has now, under his care, arrived as near to perfection, as any place of public education can easily be brought.

The number of Cadets allowed by Congress is 250, and as the course of education occupies four years, about sixty are admitted annually. The age for admission is from fourteen to twenty. At the first examination, at which many candidates are always dismissed as not sufficiently grounded in the elementary studies, the young men are admitted to what is called, a state of probation, and are subjected to a severe course of study, in French, in mathematics, &c. After six months there is a second examination, which cannot be passed with

out good talents, as well as great application. At the last admission of candidates, 37 out of 107 were rejected and sent away after this second examination. Those who are successful are admitted as cadets, and complete their four years' course of study, unless expelled for improper conduct, which however rarely happens. Each cadet is allowed by the government sixteen dollars per month, besides two rations per day, calculated at twelve dollars per month; so that the total expense for each cadet is twenty-eight dollars per month. The sixteen dollars, called pay, are to find clothing, books, stationery, candles, and all necessaries, which are furnished to them and placed to their account. If there be any surplus on the balancing of their accounts, they are allowed to draw for it as an encouragement to economy. This is the whole of their expenditure, as friends and relations are most strictly prohibited from furnishing cadets with any pocket money whatever.

The barracks of the cadets are spacious and well built. Three sleep in a room, to which is attached another room in which they study, keep their arms, &c.

The plan of studying, separately and by themselves, what has been previously explained and pointed out at lectures, is found to be much better than having all the cadets assembled in one hall. No cadet is permitted to go into the room of another during the hours of study; an officer being

« PreviousContinue »