United States Military Academy - Class of 1861

Item LTR-11664

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


United States Military Academy
West Point, NY
January 21, 1861
 
 
Honorable Francis Elias Spinner
 
My Dear Sir,
 
Your favor of the 17th inst. is at hand. I trust that you will pardon my assurance in addressing you thus, in return, without an “invitation,” but I deem it a duty, as well as a pleasure to thank you sincerely for the kindness which you have shown me on this and other occasions. Believe me, I shall ever remember the disinterested favor which I have received from one whose position is so far superior to my own; and yet more, from one who has never known or seen me. 
 
Nearly five years ago, I had. The honor of receiving through your kind influence the appointment of “Cadet” which I still hold. The vacancy at that time occurred as you are aware, by the failure of my immediate predecessor. This simple failure was certainly ill calculated to encourage me in making the attempt; for I was conscious then, as now, of no superior talent or ability beyond that of my unsuccessful predecessor. Yet, I determined upon accepting the appointment and with it the chance of failure and mortification. The result has amply justified my most sanguine hopes. Nine examinations besides the preliminary one, have been satisfactorily passed; the tenth and last will take place in June next, when I shall graduate and receive a commission in the United States Army. Providence permitting.
 
Allow me again, my dear sir, to express my deep gratitude to you for awarding me the appointment; for I feel that to your kindness I owe in the greatest measure all the pleasure which I now experience in my past success. If I have fulfilled your least expectations and performed the arduous task satisfactorily and honorably, so as to cause you no regret at having opened the way for me. I am satisfied and the satisfaction is increased by the conviction that I have always tried to do my duty faithfully.
 
In addition to these expressions of gratitude, may I be permitted to inquire who my successor is to be? I shall hereafter take the greatest interest in the progress and success of cadets appointed from our district and if my immediate successor will address me, I might with the benefit of experience be able to offer a few hints which would prove beneficial to him in preparing to enter the academy.
 
If the appointee has not been selected, permit me to offer one suggestion, however trite it may appear and let me hope that you will not deem me presumptuous in so doing. When the fact is considered that in the acceptance of a “Cade appointment” the future character and reputation of the person to a great extent is involved, it is certainly no more than right that care should be taken as to who is allowed the privilege of accepting it. (for the refusal of such an appointment is a rare occurrence.) 
 
I have found by careful observations, that those cadets who are smartest in mind do not always succeed the best, for they are the very class of individuals who are most usually afflicted with lazy and unsteady habits. If, under ordinary circumstances the watch-word of success is application, still more is it absolutely indispensable when applied to a West Point Cadet. Yet with this, any person of the most ordinary aptitude can make his way through the mazes even of a five-year course. 
 
I have seen scores of cadets dismissed and found deficient, manifestly for the lack of this most important qualification, they were smart enough perhaps, often too smart. Satisfied with their books and the time and opportunity thus offered to become unsteady and negligent, would eventually result in their dismissal.
 
I would most respectfully suggest therefore that the appointment be offered to some one who is known to possess steady and studious habits, who will promise to apply himself to the task and at the same time, if possible, one who is ambitious to excel. A strong frame and healthy constitution are indispensable of course and also, as you will willingly allow a patriotic heart especially in these times.
 
Pardon me for intruding so long upon your time and patience. If the opportunity would permit, I would like very much to ask your honest opinion upon the affairs of our unhappy and perplexed country, but I will not so far intrude. I trust and believe that there is till hope for a peaceable compromise. Yet, if the sword must be unsheathed, mine shall be willingly drawn to defend and preserve this glorious Union of states and to honor that noble old flag the “stars and stripes” which has waved sp proudly over it.
 
My oath of allegiance has long since been signed and God forbid that I should ever desert the banner under which I am enlisted. I trust that your influence will be patriotically exerted in behalf of the same cause.
 
With sentiments of regard, I remain Sir, Your obedient Servant.
William A. Elderkin
Cadet, United States Military Academy