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Towns of Bloominggrove, Cornwall and Monroe

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Contiguous to the Public Lands, south of the Ceded Territory, lies the property of Z. J. D. Kinsley, Esq., a graduate of the Military Academy, and for a long time an instructor in the Institution. After continuing in the service 17 years, he resigned his commission in the army, and retiring to private life soon after established an Academy on his own responsibility. The Institution is known as the 'Classical and Mathematical School,' and occupies one of the finest locations amid the highlands. It has no connection with the Military Academy, being entirely independent and separate from it. Standing as it does more than 250 feet above the water, on the brow of one of those wood-crowned hights, mid-way between the river and the mountain beyond, it possesses a beautiful southern exposure, and a most commanding prospect. The spacious buildings occupy the very site of a Revolutionary fortification, being one of a chain of redoubts extending from Fort Putnam to the river. Thus has its warlike glory passed away, its ramparts have been levelled, and Mars has yielded to Flora, the goddess of flowers and blossoms. In the rear, Fort Wyllys frowns upon it from an overhanging hight, and now but a wreck of its former grandeur opposes itself as a barrier to the fury of the north west blasts which dash against its time-worn bastions. From this site the Hudson assumes the aspect of a natural lake, entirely barricaded from egress at any point by the surrounding hills, which to all appearance form a perfect basin. The powerful steamboat darts from behind a wooded crag; parts the smooth waters with hurried strokes, and in a few moments is lost again to view as if by magic. The snow white sail issues from the green hills, dashes on in mad career before the favoring breeze, and anon seems disappearing into the caverns of Æolus, the sovereign of the winds. The highlands of the Hudson! What beauty, what variety of picturesque scenery do they present! Such being the favorable location of the school, it is found to be remarkably healthy during every period of the year. The discipline combines the strictness and accuracy of Military Police with Parental care and discrimination. The course of instruction is comprehensive, including all the usual preparatory branches of a thorough English and Classical education. In Latin and Greek a pupil may be fitted to enter at an advanced standing in any of our Colleges or Universities, or if he prefers it may read the whole course as far as it is pursued in such institutions. The most approved course of Mathematics has been adopted in the school, and is pursued with great care and accuracy, as being one of the best means of enlarging and strengthening the mental capacity of youth. The French language is very generally studied by the pupils, in the rudiments of which they are thoroughly drilled. An opportunity is also afforded of acquiring a knowledge of the German and Spanish languages; and to such as desire it, instruction is given in Instrumental and Vocal Music. One of the most important and peculiar features of the Institution is the Military Exercise to which its pupils are subjected. They are regularly organized as a Company, and, though it is not the design of the School to provide a Military Education, are required to perform such military duties and exercises as contribute to discipline, to health, and to an easy and graceful carriage. The daily drill quite familiarizes them with the practical duties of the soldier, and is found admirably to answer every purpose for which it was introduced. Frequent roll-calls, and class-parades, and marching to and from recitations and meals infuse into them a spirit of subordination highly conducive to their general improvement. In short, military precision pervades the whole system, imparting to it that life and energy which could by no other means be attainable.- The uniform consists of a blue cloth roundabout, standing collar, with a single row of ten gilt figured buttons in front, and four at each wrist-the button being a miniature representation of the school, including the Hudson and the Mountains in the rear. Blue cloth pantaloons with a stripe of black velvet on the outer seams from the waist to the ankle,complete the winter attire: whilst in summer, pantaloons of white drilling are substituted. When on dress parade in full uniform, with all their accoutrements and muskets, they pre sent quite an imposing appearance. The Academic year is divided into two terms of five months each. The winter term commences on the 1st of November and closes on the 31st of March; the summer term on the 1st of May and closes on the 30th of September; thus leaving the months of April and October for vacations. At the close of every month a Report exhibiting the scholarship and behavior of each pupil is sent to his parent or guardian. There is an examination at the end of every month, besides a general examination at the close of each term. The exercises on these occasions are public, and indeed at all times the school is open to visitors. A carefully selected Library of upwards of 1000 volumes is provided for pupils to read in their leisure moments: it consists of the works of such authors as may be read with safety and profit by youth. Mr. Kinsley is assisted in the duties of the school by several graduates of Yale and Union Colleges, and can, as occasion requires, obtain the services of accomplished instructors connected with the Military Academy. A better and more advantageous location for such an Institution could not be desired. Shut out from the din of the busy world, quiet and secluded, it affords every inducement to study, and seems intended by nature for just such a seat of learning.

The while number of inhabitants at West Point, including Professors, Officers, Cadets, citizens, and their families, amounts to about 1000. The number of Cadets is at present limited to the number of Congressional Districts, besides a few appointments at large made by the President. Should a vacancy occur by dismissal or graduation it may be supplied from the same district, the appointee being admitted at the next June examination. The course is limited to four years, and no Cadet is allowed to enter at an advanced standing. Usually but about one third of the original class graduate. The average number in each graduating class is 40. In 1844 but 25 received commissions, last year (1846) 60. It is well known that strict discipline is one of the first things taught at the Institution, but even this is not onerous to those who are disposed to obey. After graduating, each Cadet is required to remain in the Army four years, thus making in all eight years from the time he enters. There is but one furlough during the course; every class after having completed its second year is permitted to be absent during the encampment, or the months of July and August. Each Cadet board, clothing books, furniture and incidental expenditures. After deducting for all these purposes, some manage to lay by a small sum during the four years; generally, however, but Little of the savings of their pay remains after purchasing their Regimental Uniforms. While at the Academy the uniform is quite plain and not very expensive. It consists of a coatee of gray cloth, single breasted, standing collar, with three rows of gilt bell buttons on the breast: pantaloons of the same material, with a black velvet stripe down the outside seam, for winter wear; and of white drilling, for summer. The corps of Cadets is divided into four companies, which are regularly organized for military exercise and instruction. During the encampment they are instructed in company drill, after entering barracks, during the autumn, having become well acquainted with all the evolutions by companies, they are prepared to enter upon battalion drill, and evolutions of the line. But without going more into detail, we will give the course of instruction as concisely laid down in the Regulations for the Military Academy.-1st, Infantry Tactics, and Military Police-2d, Mathematics- 3d, the French Language-4th, Drawing-5th, Natural Philosophy-6th, Chemistry and Mineralogy-7th, Artillery Tactics, the Science of Gunnery, and the Duties of a Military Laboratory-8th, Engineering and the Science of War-9th, Geography, History, and Ethics-1Oth, the use of the Sword. Each department is separate, and has its own Professor or officer, and whatever extra assistants may be required. In addition to their regular studies the Cadets have a society among themselves for improvement in Literary exercises. It was established a number of years ago, but for some reason it was for a time discontinued; within a few years it has been revived again, and is now in a very flourishing condition. It is known as the Dialectic Society. In the regular course there are two examinations during the year; one in June, the other in January. These are very thorough ordeals, and are designed as accurate tests of the application and improvement of the Cadets.