Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872 to Thomas Miller
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05560 Author/Creator: Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872 Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 January 1836 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25.5 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Describes his early impressions of West Point. Describes it as "one of most delightful places on earth" in the summer, attracting crowds and steeped in Revolutionary War history that gives the place "a shade of venerable grandeur." In contrast, it is cold, lonely, and monotonous in the winter. He is critical of the institution, writing "The education we acquired is the highest order but the habits usually contracted are decidedly bad... I think it very doubtful about my remaining here to complete the course." Indicates that he recently finished his first year exam. Disapproves those "men of talents & education" who spent their vacation "in drunkenness and rioting" and the lack of discipline enforced by the school.
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