year he
rejoined his regiment at Fort Assinniboine, Montana.

Here, however, his stay was to be very brief at this time. Promotion
apparently had been slow, and doubtless many a time the heart of the
ambitious young officer must have been somewhat heavy. The teachings of
his father, however, were now bearing fruit and not for a moment did
Lieutenant Pershing relax his steady, persistent labors. Whether
recognition and promotion came or not he was to be prepared.

But the quiet, efficient young officer had not been unnoticed or
forgotten by those who were higher in authority. At this time a new
instructor in military tactics was needed in the United States Military
Academy at West Point. What could be more natural than that the choice
should fall upon Pershing? He was a hard worker, he had seen active
service on the plains, he had learned how to deal with men, and,
besides, he had had actual experience in teaching tactics when he had
been stationed at the University of Nebraska. And behind the experience
was a personality quiet, modest and marvelously efficient. Lieutenant
John Joseph Pershing was assigned to duty at the United States Military
Academy as Assistant Instructor of Tactics, June 15, 1897.

To be back again in the well-remembered and beloved institution where he
himself had been trained was a joy and honor. His devotion to and
appreciation of West Point strengthened and intensified by his
experiences in the years that had intervened since his graduation, we
may be sure that the heart of Lieutenant Pershing was proud of the
confidence which had been manifested in his selection to fill the vacant
position.

Here again there was a continuance of his previous record of quiet and
efficient service. It is true he was older now and he was more ready for
the public and social duties of his position than perhaps he had been
in his earlier days. And to the social side of his new task he responded
as became one in his position.

It was not long, however, before a fresh opportunity presented
itself--the one for which he had been waiting. The troubles between
Spain and the Island of Cuba had for a considerable time been
threatening to involve the United States. Many people sympathized with
the Cubans in their longing and their efforts to secure their
independence. The sturdy fight which the Islanders were making appealed
strongly to many patriotic Americans who were glorying in the traditions
of the struggle their o