CHAPTER III

WEST POINT

Patriotic emotions on entering West Point--Determines to be head of his class--Better prepared rivals, Biddle, Halleck, and Butler--Distinguished classmates--Extra French lessons-- Letters describe life and studies--Father and uncle William disappointed at standing at first examination--Abominates smoking and chewing--Early rising--Halleck and Biddle compare notes--"Little Stevens is driving ahead like the Devil"--Gains first place--Spends 4th of July in New York--Southern contempt for Yankee farmers--Determined to resent it--Dialectic Society--Second year encampment--Military ball--Contrasts his situation with that on entering--Characteristics drawn by Professors Bartlett and Church--Extra drawing lessons, great gains--Admires General Miller's "I'll try, sir"--Generous rivalry--Eleven good friends--Visit home 24