existed to a higher degree in the class of
'86 than in any class since the war. The West
Point under Merritt, Michie and Hasbrouck was
still the West Point of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan,
Schofield and Howard. The deep impression these
great men made during their visits to West Point
in our day went far to inspire us with the
soldier's spirit of self-sacrifice, duty and
honor. Those characteristics were carried with us
into the Army and have marked the splendid career
of the class during the past twenty-five years.
The Class of '86 has always been known in the Army
and is known to-day as a class of all-around solid
men--capable of ably performing any duty and of
loyally fulfilling any trust. The individual
character of each man has made itself felt upon
his fellows in the Army from the start. In civil
life, as professional men, or as men of affairs,
wherever placed the Class of '86 has always made
good. Well may we congratulate ourselves upon
reaching this quarter century milestone, on the
achievements of the class.

If I thought you would listen longer I should
continue, but the evening will be full of song
and reminiscence. Those of us out here will
assemble at Manila and wish we were with you at
West Point. It may be that age and experience will
prevent a repetition of the lurid scenes enacted
at the class dinner in New York in '86. Yet when
you feel time turn backward and the hot blood of
those days again courses through your veins, there
is no telling what may happen. Still all will be
for the glory of the Class and will be condoned.
Then here's to the Class of '86, wives and
sweethearts, children and grandchildren, your
health and your success!

Always affectionately,
J. J. P.

CHAPTER IV

FIGHTING THE APACHES AND THE SIOUX

AT last the days at West Point were ended and the class of '86 was to
take its place with others in the wide, wide world. To young Pershing
fell the lot to be assigned to the Sixth Cavalry in the southwest, where
General Miles, the successor of General Crook, was soon