William P. Smith diary, 1853-1855.

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William P. Smith diary, 1853-1855.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/299036464

Typewritten transcript of diary kept by William P. Smith, a native of Virginia, while a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The diary begins with a narrative of Smith's journey to West Point by train and continues with a description of his studies, his performance in class, examinations and recitations, guard and march duties, homesickness and treatment for ill health, walks and other amusements, school meals, and the activities and misbehavior of other cadets. Smith mentions visits to West Point by General Winfield Scott, General Joseph G. Totten, and Jefferson Davis, then secretary of war. In the concluding pages of the diary Smith describes his trip by steamship and by train to his hometown near Staunton, Va., and his reunion with family members.

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Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries

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SNAC Resource ID: 7279669

Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries

Related Entities

There are 5 Entities related to this resource.

Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6wx874x (person)

Winfield Scott (June 13, 1786 – May 29, 1866) was an American military commander and political candidate. He served as a general in the United States Army from 1814 to 1861, taking part in the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, the early stages of the American Civil War, and various conflicts with Native Americans. Scott was the Whig Party's presidential nominee in the 1852 presidential election, but was defeated by Democrat Franklin Pierce. He was known as Old Fuss and Feathers for his insi...

Totten, Joseph Gilbert, 1788-1864

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w67w6w74 (person)

Army officer and engineer. From the description of Joseph Gilbert Totten correspondence, 1841 February 5. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70980636 ...

Smith, William P., 1833 or 1834-1895

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6kd35r9 (person)

United States Military Academy

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w67x01xt (corporateBody)

West Point, N.Y., was originally utilized as a strategic defense location during the American Revolution. West Point is geographically located on a 100 ft. plateau overlooking the Hudson River. After the American victory Congress created a Corps of Invalids (veterans) that were transferred to West Point for the purpose of instructing candidates for commission. In 1802 Congress legally established the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Academy produced many leaders of American forc...

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6xk8d2z (person)

Mary Ann Lamar Cobb (1818-1889), wife of Gen. Howell Cobb (1815-1868). From the description of Letter to Mary Ann Lamar Cobb, 1888 Oct. 2. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 38476494 Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) was born in Kentucky. He attended Transylvania University for a short time before enrolling at West Point in 1824, at the age of 16. He graduated in 1828 and immediately joined the First Infantry. His regiment was engaged in the Blackhawk War of 1831. In 1833, he became a...