At the Academy I was not considered a good soldier, for at no time was I selected for any office, but remained a private throughout the whole four years.

Then, as now, neatness in dress and form, with a strict conformity to the rules, were the qualifications required for office, and I suppose I was found not to excel in any of these.

In studies I always held a respectable reputation with the professors, and generally ranked among the best, especially in drawing, chemistry, mathematics, and natural philosophy.

My average demerits, per annum, were about one hundred and fifty, which.
reduced my final class standing from number four to six.
In June, 1840, after the final examination, the class graduated and we received our diplomas.

Meantime, Major Delafield, United States Engineers, had become Superintendent; Major C.F.Smith, Commandant of Cadets; but the corps of professors and assistants remained almost unchanged during our whole term.