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CHAPTER XV.
GRADUATION--IN THE ARMY.
"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet."
MY four years were drawing to a close. They had been
years of patient endurance and hard and persistent
work, interspersed with bright oases of happiness and
gladness and joy, as well as weary barren wastes of
loneliness, isolation, unhappiness, and melancholy.
I believe I have discharged--I know I have tried to
do so--every duty faithfully and conscientiously.
It had been a sort of bittersweet experience, this
experimental life of mine at West Point. It was almost
over, and whatever of pure sweetness, whatever of
happiness, or whatever reward fortune had in store for
me, was soon to become known.
"Speaking of the Military Academy, we understand that
the only colored cadet now at West Point will not only
graduate at the coming June commencement, but that his
character, acquirements, and standing on the merit roll
are such as will insure his graduation among the highest
of his class."--Harper's Weekly, April 28th, 1877.
All recitations of the graduating class were
discontinued on the last scholar day of May.
On June 1st examination began. The class was
first examined in mineralogy and geology. In
this particular subject I "maxed it," made
a thorough recitation. I was required to discuss
the subject of "Mesozoic Time.
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