Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1882-04-08
A ROMANCE OF WEST POINT.

Under the willows in the picturesque
little cemetery at West Point, nesting
in the shadow Of Storm King Noun
tain, and overlooking the Hudson Xiv
er, is monument erected by the COM
rades of his class of '6l, to Patrick Sars-
field O'Rourke. He had strange, ro-
mantle history, and his name is one of
the hallowed memories among the old
professors at the Point. He was born
in Washington, of Irish parents, and
while little more than three years old
lost his father. His mother was i'll poor
circumstances, though she belonged TO
formerly well-to-do and respectable fam
lily in the old country. When about
six or seven years old little O'Rourke
took up the occupation of newsboy. and
being spry and active, did pretty we'll
at the business. lie was exceedingly
attentive to his mother, brought her
home all his small earnings, while at
the same time be entered into all the
sports and pastimes of his tellow-news-
boys, and was noted for his skill rs
swimmer. One day when at the foot
of Pier No. so, North River, in the
summer of the year, little girl two
years old, the daughter of Horace +.
Clerk, son in. law of Commodore Van
derbilt, was allowed by careless nurse
to stray along the string piece
of the pier, and it suddenly fell
into the water. Young O'Rourke, who
had been bathing in the vicinity,
plunged in after her, AID making gal
liant struggle, brought her safely ashore.
When the father of the child learned
the facts of the rescue, he took imme-
date steps to seek ont the boy and re-
ward him. He found him bright and
intelligent, and he determined to send
him TO school.
After an experience of the common
schools he was sent to the Free Acade-
nv, and made a good showing for him
self. When Mr.. Clark became a mem
Der of Congress, he had al appointment
in his Gift to West Point, aud there he
sent O'Rourke, who was now grown to
be about nineteen years old, and quite
handsome and promising. In point OF
morals and department he was the
model boy of the post, though in his
first year he was subjected to many
taunts and humiliation on account OF
his birth, circumstances and religion,
and especially on account OF saying his
prayers faithfully morning and night
lie was befriended 10y a roommate
named Mcconnell, one of the family OF
the McConnells, the large iron masters
ofMcConnellsyille, Pa. 1t was then-as
it is, believe, now-the boy reputed to
be of poor parents, who was unceremo-
niously treated by the plutocratlc ca
dets. but Mcdonnell had manly, gen
erous spirit, and resented any Sights or
insults offered to O'Rourke. Whenever
abused. Mcconnell was ready TO take
his part, and avenge him if he suffered.
Years aitcrward, when he had made q
gallant record in the war, and was edl-
tor of Republican paper 10 Little
Rock, Ark, | heard from Colonel Nc
Connell the particulars of O'Rourkes
history Toward the end Of his second
year at West Point, O'Rourke began
TO forge ahead in certain branches. En-
tering on the fourth and last year he
was noted for bis skill and daring in
cavalry riding and general proficiency
in other military exercises. AT this
time he contributed TO different serial
publications, translated from French
and Spanish, and was admitted on all
sides to be the foremost cadet at the
Point in the way of possessing variety
of accomplishments. In his twenty
third year he stood five feet eleven
inches, straight as poplar, with raven
black curly hair, regular features, and q
fine set Of teeth. On horseback be
looked to particularly good advantage,
sitting on his animal as it, like cen
taur, he were part Of it. Ol'ourke was
great favorite, as with his many at
fractions Of mind and person, he was
devoid OF pretension, and modest aud
unassummiDg alter manly fashion.
Some of the old teachers Of the acade-
nv, like Professor Kendrick, remember
him well, and speak with admiration OF
his several brilliant qualities.
The commencement exercises at West
Point usually begin about the opening
of the leafy month Of June, when the
scenery of the post is set off to advan-
tage by the bright green foliage of the
trees-elm, sycamore, maple, cotton
wood and hickory. 1t is at this time
the female friends, relatives, and ac-
duaintances of the cadets visit the Point
aud gladden. the hearts of the embryo
warriors. And it was about this time
III 1862 that O'tourke was preparing 10
graduate in a class OF s!Xty-seven mem
bers. The exercises are carried on IN
the library, where the staff OF professors
attend, and the cadets enter in sections
of from six TO nine, and are examined
in rotation in chemistry, mineralOgy,
engineering. law, philosophy, French,
Spanish, tactcs, siege work, DC. There
is also in attendance a board of visitors,
composed OF some OF the most promi-
nent men in the country. To acquit
himself creditably before this assem-
bly cadet needs 10 lave bis wits about
him. and TO be as cool as a cucumber
A number Of ladies are always Oh hard,
and take delight in admiring the dap
per figures of the cadets. When o.
Rourke's turn came for examination he
made, am informed, more favorable
impression than any other in the gradn-
ating class, his answers were SD clear
and unembarrassed, while the rule is
confusion and hesitation.
- D.,at frfo 81