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Towns of Bloominggrove, Cornwall and Monroe

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It would fill a volume in itself were we to undertake a very minute description of West Point, its scenery, Military Academy and other objects of interest. In on attempt to give an idea of the most important features, we have endeavored to be as concise as appeared compatible with clearness and perspicuity. Before dismissing the subject however, a brief and cursory glance at the early history of the Military Academy may not be uninteresting.

At the close of the Revolutionary war, whilst the nation was yet in its earliest infancy, it seemed necessary to provide some means of defence, without the burden and danger of maintaining a large standing army. The most feasible plans had been again and again discussed in Congress, without receiving any unanimous concurrence, until Washington proposed that an Institution be established for the instruction of youth in the science of war, with a view to organizing a corps sufficient to officer our armies in any case of emergency. As officers are the nerve and sinew of an army, this plan appeared better than any previously offered, and consequently was immediately adopted. Although this was as early as 1793, yet owing to the difficulties and delays incident to such an enterprise, especially in the then unsettled condition of our affairs, the plan proposed by Washington was not, fully carried out till 1802, when West Point, already a military station, was fixed upon as the place best adapted to the location of the Institution. A few buildings were erected, several instructors appointed, and about 20 young men were sent on to learn the science of arms. Still the enterprise was a novelty, and required time and experience to ensure success. Gradual improvements were made from year to year, though owing to the many difficulties and obstacles it had to contend with, the existence of the Academy seemed at times very precarious. Thus matters continued till 1812. The commencement of the war aroused all the latent military zeal in the country, and the Institution was the first object of attention. The number of Professors was much increased; new and commodious buildings were erected; and the corps of Cadets greatly enlarged-provision being made for the education of 260 which was henceforth to be the limit. Five years subsequent to this enlargement, the accession of Col. Thayer to the command at West Point, and the superintendence of the Military Academy, gave a new and unprecedented impetus to affairs. He, himself having been one of the first graduates of the Institution under the old organization, was well aware that many imperfections in the system required remedying before anything like perfection could be attained. And having spent several years in France, carefully examining and noting the course pursued in their military schools, he had acquired experience enough to adopt their most important features in place of the many imperfections but too apparent in our own system. Having also gained for himself distinction and honor by his services during the last war, he was well acquainted with the practical part of his profession. We thus find in him a combination of all the qualifications requisite for the station which he occupied. Educated, experienced and energetic-a better selection could not have been made. In him were nicely balanced the refinement of the scholar, and the efficiency of the theoretical and practical soldier. The improvements which he introduced established the Academy on a firm basis, and gave it the high character it bears. Having faithfully and satisfactorily discharged the duties of his office for 16 years, he was relieved in 1833 to superintend the fortifications erecting in Boston harbor. Comparing the Institution as Col. Thayer found it, with what it was when he left it, we cannot but justly style him the father of the Military Academy.

The whole number of graduates from the establishment of the Institution to the present time, is 1330, of whom 630 are now in service. The condition of the Academy is at present very flourishing. It has in times past suffered much from prejudice and misrepresentation. Its enemies have been many, but they are growing less and less every year. It always has had many strong friends, and their number is increasing in a rapid ratio. Its importance is now better appreciated by the country at large. The recent conduct of its graduates in the Mexican campaign has greatly enhanced Its reputation, and raised it in the estimation of the nation. A grateful people are acknowledging their obligations, and are ready to pledge their cordial support to its claims. All now feel that the honor of the country is closely interwoven with that of its Military Academy.”

As connected with the Revolutionary history of the Point, we are called upon to say something about Arnold and his treasonable attempt to place that post in possession of the enemy. This story has been written an hundred times, and we shall not repeat it further than to state the manner of his escape, as told by an eye Witness and one of his own Barge-men, who rowed him to the Vulture, an English ship, then in the river below the Highlands, and which, as yet, is not found in the history of that transaction. Further than that, we have not space to gratify the reader.