36. THE ENCAMPMENT.
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
"The author has, with painstaking industry, gathered into one view whatever could be gleaned from our annals, not only in regard to the origin and progress of the Military Academy, but in reference to the previous history of West Point as an important Military Station during the American Revolution.
"This work is a valuable addition to our historical literature, and will furnish to the thousands of graduates from the West Point Academy a most valuable souvenir of their alma mater."—Army and Navy Journal.
"The associations of West Point, the seat of the United States Military Academy, are in this respect remarkable, that they derive their interest exclusively from the circumstances incidental to the birth and progress of the nation. The history of the place is an important part of the nation's history. It was the objective point in that drama of Arnold's treason, which, by involving the fate of André, is remembered as one of the most romantic incidents in the story of the war. The aspect of the place in connection with the events of that time is given by that method of description which always leaves the sense of historic verity. The author has presented his subject not so much in his own narrative as by a judicious combination of extracts from documents and papers of original authority; although his own observations, by way of correction and explanation, are given in good taste, and indicate a candid judgment. Capt. Boynton's book should command the interest of those who know most of West Point, and of those who know nothing about it."—Atlantic Monthly.
"It records the earliest attempt at instituting a Military School by the Continental Congress in 1776. It conducts us through the life of the institution, arguing with terseness its constitutionality, defending its educational principles, and explaining the necessity for its preservation. We commend this volume to our readers with perfect confidence, believing that they will be more than amply repaid by its careful perusal. We ourselves have lingered with pleasure over its pages, and predict for the work great success, as one of the most valuable and interesting additions that has of late years been made to our historical literature."—United Service Magazine.
"Aside from its value as an historical record, the volume under notice is an entertaining guide-book to the Military Academy and its surroundings. We have full details of Cadet life from the day of entrance to that of graduation, together with descriptions of the buildings, grounds, and monuments. To the multitude of those who have enjoyed at West Point the combined attractions, this book will give in its descriptive and illustrated portion especial pleasure; while the critical reader will be quite ready to agree fully with the modest author, that a 'nucleus of truth' has been established as a basis for a more minute history, if such should ever be needed."—New York Evening Post.