I reported at West Point on the 30th or 31st of May, and about two weeks later passed my examination for admission, without difficulty, very much to my surprise.
A military life had no charms for me, and I had not the faintest idea of staying in the army even if I should be graduated, which I did not expect.

The encampment which preceded the commencement of academic studies was very wearisome and uninteresting.

When the 28th of August came--the date for breaking up camp and going into barracks--I felt as though I had been at West Point always, and that if I staid to graduation, I would have to remain always.

I did not take hold of my studies with avidity, in fact I rarely ever read over a lesson the second time during my entire cadetship.

I could not sit in my room doing nothing.