The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1884-09-24
WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY.

GENERAL WESLEY MERRITT. SUPERINTENDENT
or THAT INSTITUTION.
The entire nation ia interested in the
school where its military officers receive
their training; especially SO as under the
system of the appointment of cadets now in
force one is assigned to each Congressional
District and Territory in the Union West
Point was made the seat of the United States
Military Academy by An act of Congress,
passed March 16, 1902. Under its provisions
the corps Of engineers of the army were con-
stituted military academy, with fifty stu
dents or cadets who were to receive instruc-
ton under the senior engineer officer as Su-
Perintendent. By subsequent acts Professor
ships of Mathematics, Engineering, fhiloso-
ply and other subjects were introduced, and
the Academy made military body, subject
to the rules and articles of war. The trst
permanent Superintendent was appointed
In the year 1915. and year after it was
to inspection by Board of Visitors, to be
annually appointed by the President the
Speaker of the House of Representatives and
the President Of the Senate. 1t was in 1913
that the present system of the appointment
of cadets was begun, which, as before stated
trict and Territory in the Union. The can
didate is named by the Representative in
Congress for the time being, and ten appoint
ments at large are specially conferred by the
President of the United States.
Candidates for admission to the Military
Academy at West Point must be between
seventeen and twenty-five years of age, at
least five feet IN height, free from physical
in6rmity and able to pass an examination of
sufficient severity to afford expectation that
they can pursue successfully the course Of
mathematical and professional studies fol-
low ed in the institution. Each cadet ad-
mitted must bind himself to serve the Uni
ted States eight years from the time of his
admission. The financial allowance from
the Government for each cadet is $40 per
year. West Point is the home of about 600
military men and many women and chill
dren.
The present Superintendent of the Mill.
tary Academy at West Point and soldier in
command at sthat station, is General Wesley
Merritt. He was born in New York in the
year 1886; graduated at West Point in the
class of 1860, when he was commissioned
brevet Second Lieutenant of the Dragons.
In 1862 he was commissioned Captain in the
Second United States Cavalry. After hav-
ing served at Camp Floyd and Utah, he was
moved toWashington, where he served during
the winter of 1862 in the defense OF the
city. He was on the staff of General Stone
man when be made the raid on Richmond
in April, 1868. In June of the same year he
was promoted to be Brigsdier General of
Volunteers. He fought at Gettysburg, where
he commanded the reserve brigade of cav
airy, and was breveted MAJOR for his bravery
in that engagement. From 1868 to 1864 he
commanded division OF cavalry in Central
Virginia In the Richmond campaign of
1854 he commanded a brigade of cavalry
under General Sheridan, and was breYetted
Lieutenant Colonel and subsequently, Colo.
mel for distinguished services at this pc
rod. He fought under Sheridan
through the Shenandoah campaign, for
which services he was brevetted Major Gen
eral of Volunteers. At the battles of Five
Forks and other engagements and at the
surrender at Appomattox Court House, he
greatly distinguished himself, and was pro-
NOTED to be Major General, his commission
dating from Five Forks. General Merritt
was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel OF the
Ninth United States Cavalry on July 2S,
1866, about six months after being mustered
out of the volunteer service. Since then he
has served in various parts of the country
chiefly against the Indians. He was made
Colonel of the Fifth United States Cavalry
July l, 1876, and continued in active COM
mand OF that distinguished regiment from
October, 1876, to August, 1882. He was then
appointed Superintendent of the Mounted
Recruiting Service, but the appointment was
revoked and he was given his present posi-
ton.
The General is q strongly-built man, but
not tall. His head is large and massive. his
face weather-beaten and his abundant hair
sprinkled with gray. He is Well-preserved,
pleasant looking easily approached, affable
and courteous. The cadets admire and love
him, and the story of his distinguished and
brilliant services for his country are an in
spiration to them.