Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-07-24
Correspondence Of the Herald.
WeSt Point.

MK. BENSErr-
SIR-I have just returned from a short visit at
West Point. This place is highly interesting, as
military post, an0 doublv interesting ne niltary
and scientinc school For romance Of scenery and
beauty of landscape it is not surpassed by any other
spot the globe. The view from the cupola of the
West Point Hotel, up and down the Hudson river
and over the undulating surface Of the Highlands,
taking in all the buildings and cadet encanpm
on the Point, the remains Of Fort Putnam, the
steamers and other craft the Hudson far the
eye can reach, until vision is lost in the remote
tnge of the distant horizon most sublimely grand
and will be admired by all, but those " who look
with brute unconscious gaze;" who mark not the
tnts that Burke has enchantingly and classicaly
embodied IN his work ON the Sublime and Beautiful.
1t is new twenty-three years since visited West
Point before. had just retired from the Army Of
the United States, having resigned my commission
which held in the corps of Artillery; although,
yet, had not changed my military dress. That dis
tinguished patriot and good man, James Monroe,
then President of the United States, was there at
the time and attered me by saying he regretted my
leaving the service. ] replied, that the soldiers
motto was, golden chain wooden leg - but
in those piping times of peace, there not much
chance for either, as his Excelency well knew to
which he bowed assent.
The buildings erected by government on the Point
all of stone, and of the most substantial kind
The Recitation Hall is about three hundred feet by
one hundred, and has room ON the basement, sup
ported by two rows Of columns, that would hold
twenty thousand persons standing 1t is twice as
large as Guildha in London. This room is with
out wooden floor and is used for exercising the
cadets in bad weather. In one end of this building
is the Library, which is open to all visitors, well
to the cadets and officers of the institution. This
library will be shortly removed to another college,
which is now erecting, (not being erected) which
will also contain laboratory and apparatus for lee
lures on chemistry and natural philosophy.
The church is handsome building, with pedi-
ment and columns of the Ionic order; has organ
and handsome painting above the pulpit The
Hospital is well situated and has in attendance first
rate medical talent There appears to be settled
clergyman present, but we had learned and highly
appropriate sermon on Sunday, by the Rev. DR.. VAIN
wright, of New York, who there with his inter-
esting family.
The houses Of the professors, teachers and off.
GERS connected with the academy, are of the first
class for durability and comfort, and their gardens
and walks are kept in very handsome style. The
hotel, kept by MIR. Holt, is a handsome, spacious
building, with splendid promenade N three sides =
The house is as well kept as can be expected IRON
the conditions under which the lease Is granted
Inc landlord would forfeit MS lease were ne to
NIT enc bottle of wine or any quantity OF ardent
spirits to be drank in the hotel. There are, how
ever, cider and porter in abundance. The porter is
good, and the cider, although of the ''hard" kind,
which don't like, fOams and sparkes ike cham
payne. The waters are polite and attentive. but
the head waiter, MIR. Doty, late OF the American
Hotel, New York, would by his good nature and
agreeable manners, keep any splenetic in good hu-
NOR. An omnibus takes the passengers and baggage
from the landing TO the hotel and back again. al one
shilling mead, which Is a great convenience. II
Congress spring was at West Point, the whole fash.
ionabie world would visit 1t. All persons, even
mo don wish the use II chaly beatc
waters, should prefer it. prefer il to all other
places in this country, except my own house and
grounds, which are car the sea.
The band of music at the Point, although not equal
to that of the Emperor at Vienna, is quite respecta
BILE, and, together with the military maneuyres of
the Cadets, adds great interest and amusement to
the visitor
The corps Of Cadets, not far short of three hun
dred As fire a set OF young $ can be found
in any literary and scientific Institution in the world
The urbanity Of their manners, the grace and prSc
sion OF their movements, the elegance Of their mill
tary operations, their obi ging and commune att We
disposition, add interest TO them that no intelli-
gent or observing stranger can overlook. You see
before you In these young men, the law makers of
future time, and the governors and other functional
of many states in this vast republic as well as
officers that yet may shed blaze of glory their
country.
Whether II be from pride modesty, the officers
at the Point do not appear to possess, as am told
that urbanity of manners and elegance Of demeanor
which distinguish gentlemen Of the same grades in
European military service. think we were not so
in by-gone days-but it may be caused by the refine
ments Of the e-(mistaken gentility.) 1t cannot
grow out Of superior education, which is always
ennosling to the military mind Nor can il be the
pomp OF official station; for salaries from seven
TO fourteen hundred dollars per annum will not
enable any man TO play the gentleman to any grea,
extent. IL modesty be the cause of their reputcd
cool reserve, they should rccollect that to hold
| commission under the United States should be a
passport TO any society," in this any other country
la England a Lieutenant sits down with a Lord or
Duke, and precedence is resered to on state oc
| sions only. But every body knows how little our
State Commissions, Of any grade, are re .arded at
home abroad Ii Is the Standing Of the individu-
ais in society that stamps the character Of these
commits sions.
Between forty aud fifty horses are kept by the go
vernment at West Point, for the use of the cadets
They go through the broad sword exercise six diy-
sion attack and defence, and at the time are
learning to become expert horsemen. This course is
extremely judicious. They only lack in number;
there should be hundred horses at least to cna-
bic them TO form squadron and go through the evo-
utions handsomely. ID l were Emperor the first
or could influence the free men in Congress to do
this, they should have them and more too View
none Of the shows Of the Roman Triumvirs but we
should spare no expense In furtherng the interests
OF this national and most valuable academy. The
Cadets have balls three times a week, 10 which
they invite the lady and gentlemen visitors at the
Hotel. But their camp dance, including excellent
walt zing, which is performed on calm evenings in
the open air. seems to have taken the of the la
dies more than any thing else-thrty or forty ends
Of candles are placed along Of benches to give
them light, and indeed the young fellows like
figures wires.
have been assured by several Of the cadets that
there is no quarrelling or pickering among them;