The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-19
WESTERN MILITARY INSTITUTE.
BLUE LICK SPRINGS, KY, June 81, 1850

To his cxcellency, J. J. CRITrENDEN:
SIn: The undersigned, visiters appointed by your
excelency to attend the annual examination OF the
cadets of the Western Military Institute under the
general superintendence of Colonel Thornton F.
Johnson, commencing on the 18th and ending on
the 2lst instant, have performed the duty assigned
them; and have the honor, respectfully, to submit
the following bricfreport 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
are 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 they were
brought before their appropriate Professor the Fac
ulty and spectators, in whose presence they were
thoroughly and claborately examined In their
Of academic studies, and il is wit no ordi-
nary degree of pleasure the Board bear testimony
TO the prompt ard correct answers given by the
Cadets to the questions propounded by the Faculty
and others present thus affordng the best evidence
that they well and thoroughly taught in their
respective departments.
The text books used and the course of instruction
adopted at the Institute are We arc advised, al
most identical with those of tho United States Mill
tary Academy at West Point, in addition to which
instruction in the ancient languages given, which
may be considered = fair average OF the course OF
study of the colleges Of the United States and as
three members OF the Faculty educated at that
school, and the others graduates Of colleges OF
high distinction and well qualified to teach in their
respective departments the Board can rce no rea
son why a complete and thorough education cannot
be obtained at the Western Military Institute.
The Cadets are instructed in military science,
not 90 much with view OF qualifying them for the
army as Of promoting physical development, by
healthfu exercise, good habits, subordinston, and
discipline, and to employ leisure hours, which might
be otherwise devoted to coarse amuscmens, or be
idly and uselcssly thrown away. But military
ercises never permitted 10 interfere with the
academic studies of the Cadet.
The Board Of Visiters have carefully inspected
the quarters Of the Cadets, and find them neat and
comfortable, the police good, and such 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 TO be clean
wholesome, and abundant. They also deemed il
their duty TO examine the arms and found them in
such admirable condition that the handling would
Aot soil a white glove.
In concluding this report, the Board Of visiters
beg leave to add, that the location Of tho institute
at the Blue Lick Springs is 80 well and favoraby
known, not only in the Western States. but in the
entire Mississippi valley, that it would be useless to
set forth ts advantages, and commend it TO public
favor on that ground. But they arc unwilling to
withhold 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 entire confidence in the high
ent and corps of Professors TO command and teach
in their respective departments; and for these
sons they commend il to public favor and patron
age. Respectfully, p. DUDLEY,
Adjutonf General and Er OF. Chairman
LUCIUS DESHA,
w. G.. TALBOT
JOHN ID. NORRIS,
GEORGE w. WILLIAMS,
JOHN s. WILLIAMS,
July Is Members Board Of Visifcrs