The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-20
WESTERN MILITARY INSTITUTE.
BLUE LICK SPRINGS, KY, June 81, 1850

To his excellency, j. j. CBiTTENDEN:
SIu: The undersigned visters appointed by your
excellency TO attend the annual examination oil the
cadets of the Western Military Institute, under the
general superntendence of Colonel Thornton r.
Johnson, commencing ON the nth and ending on
the 2lst instant, have performed the duty assigned
them; and have the honor, respectfully, to submit
the following brief report of their labor and observa
ton:
Since the removal of the Institute from George
town to Blue Lick Springs, one hundred and sixty
seven cadets representing seventeen States and one
Territory, have matriculated, of whom seventeen
arc absent on leave, thirteen have been honorably
discharged, seven have been dismissed, and one
hundred and thirty three were in attendance at the
close of the session.
The undersigned attended the examination and
exercises Of the sections and classes as they were
brought before their appropriate Professor the ae
uty and spectators, in whose presence they were
thoroughly and elaboratey examined IN their
course Of academic studies, and II is with no ordi-
nary degree of pleasure the Board bear testimony
TO the prompt aud correct answers given by the
Cadets to the questions Propounded by the Faculty
and others present thus afordng the best evidence
that they arc well and thoroughly taught IN their
respective departments.
The text books used and the course of instruction
adopted at the Institute are, are advised, al
most identical with those Of the United States Mill
tary Academy at Wcsi Point in addition to which I,
instruction in the ancieN languages is given, which
may be considered fair average Of the course OF
study of the colleges of the United States; and as
school, and the others graduates OF colleges OF
high distinction and well qualified TO teach in their
respective departments, the Board can see no rea
son why complete and thorough education cannot
be obtained at the Western Military Institute
The Cadets arc instructed in military science,
not 80 much with view OF qualifying them for the
army of promoting physical development, by
healthfu exercise, good habits, subordinaton, and
discipline and 10 employ leisure hours which might
be Otherwise devoted to coarse alnusements, or be
idly and uselessly thrown away. But military en-
ercises arc never permitted TO interfere with the
academic studies of the Cadet.
The Board of Nisiters have carefully inspected
the quarters Of the Cadets, and find them neat and
comfortable, the police good, and such as In every
respect to merit their entire appreciation; and from
personal examination, and all the information
which they have been able TO obtain, they have
found the fare prepared for the Cadets 10 be clean,
vholescme and abundant. They also deemed IL
Sheir duty TO examine the arms, and found them ln
such admirable condition that the handling would
not soil a white glove.
In concluding this report the Board Of Visiters
beg leave to add that the location Of the institute
nj the Blue Lick Springs Is well and iavorably
known, not only la the Western States, but IN the
entire Mississippi valley. that II would be useless 70
set forth its advantages, and commend II 20 public
favor on that ground. But they unwilling ~
withhold an expression of their unqualified appro-
baton of the course Of study, the good order, po-
lice, and discipline observed and enforced at the
Institute, and their cutire confidence IN the high
qualifications of the gen @ral and joint superintend-
ent and corps OF Professors 20 command and teach
in their respective departments, and Tor these rea-
they commend IL 10 public favor ana patron
age. Respectfully, p. DUDLEY,
Adyufonf General AND Er OF. Ch@"ma"'
LUCIUs DEsHA,
w. G.. TALBOT,
JOHN ID. MORRIS,
GEORGE w. WILLIAMS,
JOHN s. WILLIAMS,
July l5- Members Board Of pisifers.