This letter was written by a West Point Cadet named James, on March 20^th, 1858.  This tumultuous time in American History produced officers for the approaching conflict, leaving us to wonder if he is among the several “James” listed on available class rolls who went on to fight in the Civil War.

Writing to his cousin, he laments his condition by talking of the isolation of his position, saying, “When you get tired of breathing City air and want some fresh and invigorating, I assure you, you cannot [find] any other place more formed in this respect than our post. Besides the novelty of things here will contribute greatly to your enjoyment.  I don’t feel so lonesome now that you are so much nearer and hope you will pity my forlorn condition and add to my few pleasures by visiting me. I cannot tell you how I should enjoy a visit to the city.”

He goes on to talk of being one of the few unfortunate Cadets to have to stay several days longer than the rest of his class during the June furlough.  He apologizes to his cousin (and apparently his female cousins) for the delay and says, “I am sorry that the young ladies will have to delay their visit so long, as they must do if they visit you at the same time with myself, but it can’t be helped.”  James gives insight into his present state by saying, “I am afraid they would find in me a sorry being, as I have been without the pale of civilization so long that I am almost a barbarian in manners and a perfect green horn. They would have to chaperone me around the city instead of my chaperoning them.  However, I would be more the less glad to see them and hope they will as well as you pay us a visit during the examination in June, which extends from the 1^st to then e 15^th of that month.”

After the exam period, James looks toward having “all sorts of military exercises of the most novel and interesting character, and the “Grays” are ready for the campaigns.”  His comrades on furlough are “trying to get used to the ladies so as not to be frightened if, while they are on leave of absence, they should be adopted by any of the fair sex.  Those who are just on the eve of donning the “Gray for the Blue” then put on the last polish before setting out on their heart-breaking careers and those doomed to spend the encampment here, convinced(?) them their greatest pleasures – the enjoyment of ladies society – If they want to flirt, break ??? and hearts and spend two weeks of pleasure, this is the place for them, and nothing would give me more pleasure than to see them here.  They can return to New York with me and I assure them they will not regret their visit if they come.”

He closes with well wishes, a hope to see family and friends soon, an invitation to the “young ladies” and signs it as the receiver’s cousin, James.

The letter measures 10.1” x 8” and is folded vertically at center.  Two horizontal folds divide it into uneven thirds.  Four very light water stains are noted near the top but do not compromise any of the writing. A few pinhole gaps are noted at the intersections of the folds.  There is a 1” separation at the edge of the top left fold but is clean and not overly notable when the letter is flat. All ink has given to a very nice shade of period appropriate brown and remains clear. A small penciled notation on the reverse fold section reads “1858”.   [cm][ph:L]

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