page_title: Eggnog Riot
section_title: 24 January – 8 March 1827
hierarchical_section_title: Eggnog Riot / Timeline of events / 24 January – 8 March 1827
context_page_description: The Eggnog Riot, sometimes known as the Grog Mutiny, was a riot that took place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, on 24–25 December 1826. It was caused by a drunken Christmas Day party in the North Barracks of the academy. Two days prior to the incident, a large quantity of whiskey was smuggled into the academy to make eggnog for the party, giving the riot its name.
  The riot eventually involved more than one-third of the cadets by the time it ceased on Christmas morning. A subsequent investigation by academy officials resulted in the implication of 70 cadets and the court-martialing of 20 of them and one enlisted soldier. Among the participants in the riot—though he was not court-martialed—was future Confederate States President Jefferson Davis.
context_section_description: In 1819, Attorney General of the United States William Wirt opined "the Corps ... form part of the land forces of the United States..." and its members were thus subject to military law and trials by court-martial. Wirt's opinion was supported by United States Secretary of War John C. Calhoun and President of the United States James Monroe, and the trials began on 26 January, with Lieutenant Gird serving as trial judge advocate. These court-martial trials were held one by one without break.
  Nineteenth century American military justice was founded in the American Revolution. The sentences were reviewed by the secretary of war, the United States Congress, and the president. A general court consisted of between five and thirteen officers serving as jurors and magistrates. The accused was his own lawyer, prepared his own defense, and could plead guilty to one or more charges against him while contesting other charges. 
  A standard trial began with the charges being read, the defendant giving his plea, and opening statements by the prosecution and defense attorneys. Witness testimony then began, followed by closing statements given by the prosecution and defense attorneys, and the jury's decision. If the defendant was found guilty, then the sentencing ensued. Trials were held from 08:00 to 15:00 daily or during daylight hours, whichever was later. The twenty cases were divided into three parts by the war department for administrative convenience.
  During the progression of the trials, Davis was released from house arrest along with two other cadets. However, Cadet Humphreys was arrested on 27 January. Gird stayed as trial judge advocate until 8 March, when he asked to be released. He was replaced by Lieutenant William H. C. Bartlett.
caption: 1807 or 1808 picture of U.S. Attorney General William Wirt, who in 1819 stated that West Point cadets were subject to military law and trials by court-martial
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