is rider's training
into a famous jumper. Horse and rider are vividly described by General
James B. Fry, in his Reminiscences:

"The class, still mounted, was formed in line through the center of the
hall. The riding master placed the leaping bar higher than a man's
head and called out, 'Cadet Grant!' A clean-faced, slender, blue-eyed
young fellow, weighing about one hundred and twenty pounds, dashed from
the ranks on a powerfully built chestnut-sorrel horse, and galloped
down the opposite side of the hall. As he turned at the farther end
and came into the stretch at which the bar was placed, the horse
increased his pace and measuring his stride for the great leap before
him, bounded into the air and cleared the bar, carrying his rider as if
man and beast had been welded together. The spectators were
breathless."

"Sam" Grant graduated from the Military Academy in July, 1843, one of
thirty-nine out of a class that had originally numbered one hundred.
Among his classmates were Sherman, Thomas, Meade, Reynolds, and other
soldiers later known to fame. It cannot be said, however, that his
entry into the army was auspicious. He was still by no means
reconciled to the idea of being a soldier. He had not received the
assignment he had coveted, the Dragoons; and moreover his health was
poor. He was troubled with a persistent cough which indicated weak
lungs--but thanks to his life in the open and horseback riding he
escaped a possible attack of consumption.

After a three months' furlough visiting his father's home, now at
Bethel, Ohio, he reported for duty at the Jefferson Barracks, near St.
Louis, as a second lieutenant in the infantry. The best horseman in
his class had to walk!

But there were compensations. Outside of duty, Grant could always
procure a mount; and about five miles away from the Barracks--just an
easy canter--was the home of his college chum and roommate, Lieut.
Frederick T. Dent. The Dents had a big, hospitable country place, and
they speedily made Fred's friend feel at home. One member of the
family who had heard much about "Sam" Grant from her brother's letters,
long before Grant appeared in person, was Julia Dent now a charming
girl of seventeen. It was not long before her friends began teasing
her about "the little lieutenant with the big epaulets"--and while she
laughed and blushed she didn't seem to mind.

The little round of social gayeties, however, was of brief duration.
Troubl