the best among those who have finished their course
are appointed as officers in the army.

[_Travels_:

A public examination of the cadets takes place every year at the end
of June, by a commission, appointed by the secretary of war. This
commission consists of staff-officers from the army and navy,
members of congress, governors of states, learned men, and other
distinguished citizens. After this examination, the best among those
who have finished their course are appointed as officers in the
army....
...]

The cadets live in two large massive buildings, three stories high, and
are divided into four companies. The institution possesses four
principal buildings. The two largest serve as barracks for the cadets,
a third contains the mess-room, and the fourth the church. A large level
space, consisting of several acres, lies in front of the buildings,
forming a peninsula, and commanding the navigation of the Hudson, above
which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight feet. Towards the
river it is surrounded by steep rocks, so that it is difficult to
ascend, unless by the usual way.

[_Travels_:

.... The cadets are divided in four companies, and live in two large
massive buildings, three stories high....
...
The institution possesses four principal buildings. The two largest
serve as barracks for the cadets, a third contains the messroom and
inn, and the fourth the church, chemical laboratory, library, and
the hall for drawing, in which are some of the best drawings of the
cadets....

A large level space, consisting of several acres, lies in front of
the buildings, forming a peninsula and commanding the navigation of
the Hudson, above which it is elevated one hundred and eighty-eight
feet. Towards the river it is surrounded with steep rocks, so that
it would be difficult to ascend, unless by the usual way....
...]

The party now ascended the rocky mountain on which are to be seen the
ruins of Fort Putnam. The way led through a handsome forest of oak,
beech, chestnut and walnut trees. The fort occupying the summit of the
mountain, was erected in an indented form, of strong granite, and is
altogether inaccessible on the side next the enemy. It had but a single
entrance, with very strong casemates. It was built on private property
during the revolution; the owner of the ground claimed it, and
government were obliged to restore it. The government afterwards