I reported at
the Academy on June 1, 1849, with less than two dollars in my
pocket, which I conscientiously deposited with the treasurer, as
required by the regulations. My reception was of the most satisfactory
character. William P. Curlin of the second class, and Hezekiah H.
Garber of the third, both from Illinois, found me out very soon
after I reported, took me under their protection in a brotherly
way, and gave me some timely advice--not to take too seriously any
little fun the "men" might make of my blue dress-coat and fancy
gilt buttons, or anything like that; but I never experienced anything
even approaching to hazing. My rather mature appearance may have
had something to do with the respect generally paid me. It was
true I was only seventeen years and nine months old, as recorded
in the register, but my experience may have had some visible effect.

I was assigned to a room in the old South Barracks, which were
demolished the next year. My room-mates were Henry H. Walker and
John R. Chambliss, two charming fellows from Virginia. We had
hardly learned each other's names when one of them said something
about the "blank Yankees"; but instantly, seeing something that
might perhaps have appeared like Southern blood in my face, added,
"_You_ are not a _Yankee!_" I replied, "Yes, I am from Illinois."
"Oh," said he, "we don't call Western men Yankees." In that remark
I found my mission at West Point, as in after life, to be, as far
as possible, a peacemaker between the hostile sections. If the
great West could have been heard, and its more dispassionate voice
heeded, possibly peace might have been preserved.

My experience at West Point did not differ in many particulars from
the general average of cadet life, but a few incidents may be worthy
of special mention. My experience in camp was comparatively limited.
The first summer I was on guard only once. Then the corporal of
the grand rounds tried to charge over my post without giving the
countersign, because I had not challenged promptly. We crossed
bayonets, but I proved too strong for him, and he gave it up, to
the great indignation of the officer of the day, who had ordered
him to charge, and who threatened to report me, but did not. That
night I slept on the ground outside the guard tents, and caught
cold, from which my eyes became badly inflamed, and I was laid up
in the hospital during the remainder of my encampment. On that
account I had a hard