REPORTING.

MAY 20th, 1873! Auspicious day! From the deck of
the little ferry-boat that steamed its way across
from Garrison's on that eventful afternoon I viewed
the hills about West Point, her stone structures
perched thereon, thus rising still higher, as if
providing access to the very pinnacle of fame, and
shuddered. With my mind full of the horrors of the
treatment of all former cadets of color, and the
dread of inevitable ostracism, I approached
tremblingly yet confidently.

The little vessel having been moored, I stepped
ashore and inquired of a soldier there where
candidates should report. He very kindly gave me
all needed information, wished me much success,
for which I thanked him, and set out for the
designated place. I soon reached it, and walked
directly into the adjutant's office. He received
me kindly, asked for my certificate of appointment,
and receiving that--or assurance that I had it: I
do not now remember which--directed me to write in
a book there for the purpose the name and occupation
of my father, the State, Congressional district,
county and city of his residence, my own full name,
age, State, county, and place of my birth, and my
occupation when at home. This done I was sent in
charge of an orderly to cadet barracks, where my