p13  Chapter III

Who Should Go to
West Point

A young man, earnestly seeking to determine the problem of his future career in life, will naturally pass the various professions in review, endeavoring to select the one which will most perfectly conform to his tastes and abilities. Supposing he is impressed with the principle of the preceding chapter, inspired with a desire to attain Military Glory, and has made the soldier's life his study; he will find that he must either prepare himself for a quiet and monotonous life, or one of excitement and adventure. If he wants to enjoy society, and possess the advantages of a city, the Artillery will claim him in the protection of our seaports. If he desires to lead an active life, let him go to the Cavalry and aid in the protection of the frontier settlers from depredations by Indians and renegade white men. The Infantry invites him to share both of these lives. If such lives as these present no attractions, or if there is sufficient doubt that in time they will, West Point should no longer be considered as the place from which to start out in life. The "would‑be" cadet must have sufficient  p14 courage to endure many hardships and privations which will end in future good. He will learn his first real lesson of life at West Point, and it will be a most trying and difficult one. It requires a bright mind, most excellent deportment and manly spirit to acquire it, at such an early age. The fear of a failure in the mastery of the course of instruction should intimidate no one. The course is a most thorough and difficult one, but it is made easy in consequence of the perfect system of teaching. Industry and perseverance are the only requisites to insure success. Let the physical and mental requirements for admission to the Academy be carefully examined, as I name them, in connection with these remarks, and I think any one can readily say whether he should go to West Point.

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