The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-05
The West Point Examination.
OUR SPECIAL MILITARY CORRESPONDENTS.

The Organization of the Board of Visle,-IAe Re
rieW-IHe Examination in Engineering
Order of Eramination-Cavai, Exercises
Squad Drilis-A Tennessee Giant
The Board Of Visiters appointed by the President
to attend the semiaanual examination of the Cadets
Of the United States Military Academy, being or
ganzed by the choice of Judge Whipple, of Michi-
gam as its President, and Sherrard Clemens, Esq,
Of Virginia, as Secretary, was duly received here
with the usual honors, by the academic and military
staff on Thursday last the first of june After having
been escorted through the various public buildings
they attended a review Of the corps of Cadets, upon
the plain in front of the Superntendents quarters
Here the corps appeared for the first time this year
in their summer uniform Of white pants much
more becoming dress than their full winter suit Of
gray. The review was in the main fine one, but
did not quite equal the one Of last year. than which
none could have been better Upon marching in
review the first time the corps did full justice to the
excellent training received from the hands of their
commandment, Brevet Major Garrett, of the Seventh
Infantry but when having completed their first
circuit and taken the quick step, the music broke in
upon them-it did so at an unfortunate moment and
with unusually quick air. Accordingly the guides
were forced to change step and strike rapid pace
whole battalion, and it was not until the usual quick
time had been resumed that they recovered from its
effects. But passing the second time before the
Board they presented if possible finer appearance
than at first, clearly showing that if the review
should in any way fall short Of the last year,
the fault should be neither their own nor should it
be that of their energetic commandant. The review
being completed, the Board Of Visitors, together
with the academic board, the cadet officers Of the
first class and other invited guests repaired to din
ner at the quarters of the superintendent, Col Lee,
of the Engineers. The parade took place shortly
after o'clock in the afternoon; and at the very
instant tie evening gun poured forth its wonted
thunder, the flag dropped from its staff as though
shot away, and long ere the echoes had died amid
the Highlands, the sun had sunk behind Old Gro
Nest, thus ending the first day Of the June exami
nation.
On Friday morning, at O'Clock, the board com.
menced with the examination of the first class in
engineering. In this department there are four
sections, averaging thirteen EACH and Of these
three sections were examined yesterday, and the
fourth is now before the board. The order of ex-
animation Of the various classes, as published on
Wednesday, is as follows:-
J. First First (ssnissr, Class cheering
3. First (senior) Class. Ethics
Z. Second tJuniorl Class Philosophy
g. Fourth (Freshman) Class Mathematics 81
First (senior) Class, Infantry Tactics
s. Third lsophomore) Glass;. French.
g. First (SeDior) Class ...... Artillery Tactics
1C Fourth Crest mani Glass. English studies.
II. First lsepior) Class Cavalry Tactics
r. Second (yunior) Class. Chemistry
"a. Second and Third Class Department Of Drawing.
The exercises Of the first class in the department
Of cavalry took place yesterday afternoon at
o'clock. Lieut.. Sackatt Was In his element, and as
his stentorion voice broke forth the plain.
could but too well imagine how the enemy Hust
have quaked before that terrible yell in the
haaog Sass to ss SaSc a mas
it will be but refreshing their memories
to mention him as q tall. fine looking o1acer, of
perhaps one Or two and thirty weighing probably not
to "rotundty in the belt" this does but improve his
appearance as the beau-idesl Of dashing dragon.
Having put his men through the various evolutions
Of the squadron and platoon, he gave the command
"charge!" and with shout, fourshing their sabres
in the air. they dashing headlong up the plain.
Forming again, he sent them back they wheeled.
and up they came, full speed, once more. Then
coming into line, down they charged, yelling at the
shout which came up from "Old Stormy" (Lieut.
Sackett) himself as he formed them for dismissal.
Pre-eminent among the best riders in this class is
Cadet Lee, of South Carolina. He rode spirited
animal, and was ever foremost in the charge.
Cadet vilepign, Of South Carolina, is also fine
rider, and lead the last charge that was made.
Cadets Lee and Rogers Of Virginia, Randall OF
Texas, Davant Of South Carolina, Pender OF North
Carolina, Wright Of New York, and Mullins Of Mis-
sissippi were among the fine riders that we noticed
conspicuous during the dril, The sauaar..,n was IN
constant .notion before tb. Board for a full hour
and half, and yet seemed 70 experience but little
fatigue at the close Of the exercises from the VIC
lent drin which they had undergone
| The candidates for admission are coming In rapid
| ly every day. A certain number of older cadets
are detailed to initiate them into the first principles
/ Of soldiers profession, and these drill them in
| squads morning and evening upon the plain. /
went out this morning TO watch these proceedings,
/ which are udicrous In the extreme. or all sizes,
shapes and appearances, coming from every part Of
the Union, and clothed in every possible dress the
| candidates form most motley collection. Ny at
| tention particularly drawn to one squad, one
! Of whose members doomed conspicuously above
every one upon the plain. Upon enquiry learned
| that this man twas from Tennessee, and measured
six feet and seven inches in height. relative Of
his measuring six feet and four inches was in the
Academy several years ago. and he was reputed to be
the very shortest Of seven brothers. If the one
who Is about to enter succeeds In obtaining his
mission ia the army, be will make noble looking
officer. A.BC.
Our Albany Correspondence.
ALBANY, June 1, 1854.
The Knor Noidings.