The “diploma” given to graduates is reproduced on another page, and the following is the wording on it, to-wit:
“UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.
Be it known that Cadet ________ of the State of ________, having been carefully examined on all of the branches of the Arts, Science and of Literature taught at the United States Military Academy, has been judged worthy to receive the degree required by law, preparatory to his advancement in the U. S. Army.
In testimony whereof, and by virtue of authority vested in the Academic Staff, we do confer upon him this Diploma, and recommend him to the President for promotion in ____.
Given at West Point in the State of New York, this __ day of ____, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ____.”
It is signed by the members of the Academic Board in the order of their rank, and entered in the “Register of Graduates” that is kept at the Academy.
On the first of June the President of the United States, the Board of Visitors and others arrived, especially to witness the examinations of the graduating class. The usual salute, review, drills, fireworks and hop were on the program. All the members of my class, after having spent four years at the Academy, fully expected to graduate, but one of the number was found deficient and discharged on the last day. The weather on graduating day was perfect, and at the appointed hour my class was escorted by the Corps of Cadets to the grove in front of the Library, where a stand had been erected for the President, Secretary of War, Board of Visitors and invited guests.
While we were under the big elm trees, surrounded by our schoolmates, professors, instructors and the many others, listening to the Chaplain’s prayer, to the sweet music of the band we loved so well, and to the address of the Secretary of War, and receiving diplomas from the President’s hand, many thoughts flashed through my mind. It seemed like a dream. I thought of home, of my life since leaving it, and of the future, wondering what it had in store for me. My cadet life had been all and more than I had anticipated it to be, not a care and no one but self to think of for four years, with good food and clothing in plenty, kind friends and just teachers, cheerful surroundings and the most beautiful spot on earth, I was loath to say good-bye to my Cadet Home.
My heart is in the Highlands, shades