The New York herald., 1870-06-09
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY

Graduation Of tho First Class Of Midship-
MONA Pleasant and an Animated Scene
Remarks Of secretary Robes0n-Awardins
the Honors-Names OF tho Graduates.
ANNAPOLIS, June 7, 1870.
Yesterday was the day for the graduating Of the
frst class OF the mdshpmen at the Naval Academy.
The diplomas were to be given out at half.past ten
O'Clock A. NJ. Long previous 10 that hour the ave.
nues leading TO the Academy were thronged with
people anxious to behold the exercises. Not only
were there denlzens OF our own community, but
there were the unfamiliar faces OF hundreds who
represented nearly every State in the galaxy.
When we reached the Academy, which seemed never
TO have presented a brighter and more animated
appearance, the scene was peculiarly attractive
the walks lined with people, and greatly inter-
spersed among them were ladies attired In strict
consonance with stern Fashions latest at. To what
ever locality the greater preponderance OF female
beauty may be ascribed we are not wiling and
neither will we concede even In larger communi-
ties that greater collection OF feminine loveliness
could be concentrated in one spot than was gathered
together on this occasion. The city for three or
four weeks past has been filed with strangers
friends and relations Of the midshipmen,
who were here to bid adieu to the young men who
to start out on the voyage Of life to make their
mark In the navy OF the country. This is occasion
which always brings great number OF strangers to
the city, but we do not know OF any previous in
stance when there were greater number here The
day was one OF most exceeding pleasantness and
beautv considering too, that for nearly two weeks
previous we had ncessant rains The sun shone
forth in brilliant splendor If to atone for his long
absence, and II had the effect to lend additional and
increased animation to the scene. The freshness OF
the verdure the foliage OF the many trees the bud
ding Mowers and their delightful odors were natures
contributions and they were keenly reshed.
AT precisely haif-past ten O'Clock the fine band
markers appeared upon the lawn and took up their
positions. In few seconds the glisening bayonets
Of the cadets appeared over the mound, and IN a
few more themselves In double quick, with true
military precision. They quickly formed into line
and went through the manual Of arms In credit:
able style. The first class was then called TO the
front, where there were Admiral Porter, Secretary
Robson and other naval officers high in command.
The Secretary Of the Navy stepped forward and
addressed the graduates In brief and per-
tinent address, IN which he referred to their
education and charged them to be animated
with the spirit which had filed the earlier
naval heroes Admiral Porter then called out
the names OF each graduate and delivered the diplo
mas, which were gracefully received and evidently
with much pride and satisfaction. At the conclu-
sion the happy released ones threw their accoutre-
ments over the heads OF their comrades and walked
or with the air Of admiras, while the band appro
priatey played eve amt got long to stay here.''
The five honors were awarded to the following