George Mason Graham: State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, published September 1, 1860

We are informed that Col. Sherman has succeeded in procuring at Washington a large number of Minnié rifle-muskets made especially for the use of cadets, together with other arms and accoutrements, so that he can now fully equip a corps of two hundred and fifty cadets.

That looks like getting the sons of Louisiana ready for any emergency of Civil War or servile insurrection that may arise; the thanks of the people of the state are due Colonel Sherman for his promptness and efficiency, not only in this important matter, but in everything that pertains to the good of the Seminary.

We also learn that steps are being made to secure Bragg's famous “Buena Vista Battery,” which gave the Mexicans “a little more grape,” and the presidency to General Taylor. Colonel Bragg generously offers to purchase it for the Seminary if the authorities at Washington can be induced to part with it.¹

While speaking of the Seminary, we should correct a wrong impression in regard to the admission of cadets for next session. It is generally believed that no one can be admitted who has not obtained, before the beginning of a session, a special appointment from the superintendent; this is not so. The session commences the first of November, and anyone between fifteen and twenty-one years of age, with a knowledge of the primary English branches, who presents himself in person at the Seminary may be received as a cadet.

It is already known that there will be a large number of cadets next session, and probably more will apply for admission than the building can accommodate. We would then advise those who wish to reap the advantages of the Seminary, not to fail but to be present by the first of November, else the opportunity might be lost.

We will also warn the public not to judge of the course of study by that of any other military institution, where very little attention is paid to literary studies. The Board of Supervisors of the Seminary[,] being firmly of the opinion that a thorough study of language is one of the best means of mental discipline and development, has determined that every facility shall be given for literary culture. Hence there will be taught a very extensive course of ancient and modern languages.

As the Seminary educates free of cost, one cadet from each Parish and four from the city of New Orleans, we hope the city and Parish papers will join us in laying the above facts before the public.

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¹ The battery was not obtained. – ED.

SOURCES: Walter L. Fleming, General W.T. Sherman as College President, p. 273-5; “State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy,” The Constitutional, Alexandria, Louisiana, Saturday, September 1, 1860, p. 2