Emory Upton to his Sister, January 20, 1860

West Point, January 20, 1860.

MY DEAR SISTER: The nature of your letter shows conclusively your deep interest in my welfare. Your letter did me much good. In order to answer its questions, I had to examine myself to ascertain what motives actuate me. I can not be too thankful for having been reared under Christian influences, for especially at this time do I need the assistance of God to keep me in the path of rectitude. We are living in perilous times. Government, society, everything seem to be on the verge of revolution. The passions of the people are being waked up, and they must have vent. God is directing the storm, and all is for the best. We may ask, How have we incurred his displeasure ? The answer is easy. Mormonism, spiritualism, intemperance, slavery, corruption in politics, either of which is almost sufficient to curse a people. Few there are who have not bowed the knee to Baal. We must have reform. We must return to reason and virtue. Why should we expect tolerance when God suffered such calamities to befall his own chosen people? He scourged them with war, and he will punish us likewise. If we are to have war, I shall have no conscientious scruples as to engaging in it, for I believe I shall be on the side of right. I am ambitious; but I shall strive to limit it to doing good. It will profit a man nothing to gain the whole world and lose his own soul.  Since I first began to call upon God, I have daily asked his assistance and direction, and I feel that he is nearer me now than ever before.  You know not to what temptations we are exposed here, yet he has not allowed me to be tempted further than I could bear.  Whenever lethargy, indifference or skepticism has crept over me, the remembrance that our sister and brother died happy, trusting in God, has been an incentive to renewed effort to continue faithful to the end.  I shall trust in God.  If he intends me to occupy a high position he will raise me to it; if not, I shall be happy in having done my duty and in meeting his approval.  There will be no limit to the opportunities of doing good in the army.  There will be wounded soldiers to minister to, and the dying to comfort.  Surely I can do good.  These remarks may be premature; but the conviction strengthens that we must have war.  I thank God that none of my relatives will feel its horrors; but I pity those where conflict must occur.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 18-9

Emory Upton to his Sister, June 3, 1860

WEST POINT, June 3, 1860.

MY DEAR SISTER: . . . This is the anniversary of my arrival at West Point. Four years ago today, in the pride and buoyant spirits of a young military aspirant, I took my first lessons in military life. ’Tis pleasant to look back upon the past and compare it with the present. Four years of constant confinement and regular duties have passed, and we now stand on the threshold of our first class-year. Hard times and troubles are all over, and inviting scenes lie before us.

One short year more, and the key which is to unlock the honors and emoluments of our profession will be delivered into our hands. I hope to do well, since my general standing in a great degree will depend on my examination. Chemistry, infantry, artillery, and cavalry tactics will follow the examination in ethics. Were it not for drawing, I should, without doubt, better my last year's standing. I shall probably not fall below it. The Secretary of War has decided not to grant us a leave. My only plea is a broken shoulder, got in the riding-hall, but, as I am getting “painfully smart,” my hopes, even in that direction, are diminutive. You may, therefore, regard my leave as extremely doubtful, and even dismiss it from your mind.  I am very sorry to disappoint my loved ones.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 18-9

Emory Upton to his Sister, October 21, 1860

WEST POINT, October 21, 1860.

MY DEAR SISTER:  The Price of Wales created a good deal of excitement here on Monday last.  The plain was thronged with people eager to get a glimpse of the future King of England.  We were drawn up in line in front of barracks to receive the prince.  He and his suite were mounted and preceded by a platoon of dragoons as escort.  As he came galloping along the line we came to “present arms.”  I never experience such queer feelings before, and, had I not been under military discipline, I believe my enthusiasm would have given vent to itself in cheers.  The crowd was wild, but was doubtless somewhat restrained by the example of the corps.  After the review, the officers of my class were introduced to his Royal Highness.  I can now say that my rustic hand has grasped the hand of royalty.  He has a kind and very pleasant countenance, and he will probably make a good if not a brilliant sovereign.  The members of his suite are perfect gentlemen, (General Bruce, Duke of Newcastle, Dr. Ackland, and others).  They came into the engineering-rooms and I had quite an interesting conversation with them.  They spoke pure English.  We rode before them in the riding-hall with saddles, and then with blankets.  One cadet was thrown almost off his horse, but he regained his seat with such skill and address as to make the prince clap his hands.  After the ride, the prince expressed his admiration of our horsemanship to the officer in command. . . .

Bishop McIlvaine, of Ohio, preached us a sermon last Sunday. He was chaplain here thirty years ago, and during his ministry a great revival took place. He attended our prayer-meeting and commenced to relate his experience here, but, unfortunately, his interesting narrative was interrupted by the “call to quarters.” West Point was then a hot-bed of infidelity, but he rooted it out, and his influence is felt to this day. I was introduced to him, and he gave me a warm invitation to visit him at Cincinnati next year. Please give me credit for not saying anything about my studies in this letter.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 23-4

Emory Upton to his Sister, October 28, 1860

 WEST POINT, October 28, 1860.

MY DEAR LITTLE SISTER: Your letter was duly received; and, as it was full of information, it was read with no ordinary degree of satisfaction. You alone of the thirteen children remain at home. What a change! One by one they have left the paternal roof, until you only are left “to honor thy parents.” None of us can reproach our father and mother for neglect of duty. I can now appreciate the effect of the discipline under which we were trained. Rigid though it was at times, yet the chastisement was always given in love rather than in anger. Our characters were formed early; and, hence, none of us when thrown upon our own resources have thus far disgraced our name. You are now my only home correspondent, and you must write all that transpires at home. Every letter you write has two values, one to yourself and one to the recipient; therefore think not that your letters are worthless; they help to develop your mental faculties. . . . Education is not wholly acquired in the school-room.  Accomplishments must result from mingling in society.  Education and politeness make the accomplished lady.  You will soon be sent away to school, but bear in mind that you can improve out of school.  Every day, by close observation, you can discern more and more what is your duty.  Observe the actions of others, but do so without evincing curiosity, for that were rude.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 24-5

The South Carolina Cadets at the United States Military Academy to the Editor of the Columbia (S. C.) Guardian, November 9, 1860

WEST POINT, November 9, 1860.

To the Editor of the “Columbia (S. C.) Guardian.”

MR. EDITOR—SIR:  From what we have seen and heard, South Carolina will undoubtedly, at an early period, redeem her assertions, take her destinies in her own hands, and proceed at once to organize for herself a new and separate government (a government of which our beloved Calhoun would approve were he with us at this time), one in which the benefits are equally distributed to all.

Now we, her sons and representatives at the United States Military Academy at West Point, are eager to manifest our devotion and affection to her and her present cause; so will we, simultaneously with her withdrawal, be found under the folds of her banner, fighting for liberty or equality.

Though the reception of a diploma here at the National Academy is certainly to be desired by all of us, yet we can not so stifle our convictions of duty as to serve the remainder of our time here under such a man as Mr. Lincoln as commander-in-chief, and to be subjected at all times to the orders of a government the administration of which must be necessarily unfriendly to the Commonwealth which has so far preserved a spotless record, and of which we are justly proud.

We hereby swear to be true to her lone star in the present path of rectitude, and if, by chance, she goes astray, we will be with her still.  All we desire is a field for making ourselves useful.

George N. Reynolds, 

Henry S. Farley,

Jno. Y. Wofford,

J. S. Weatherby, 

Jno. Blocker, 

J. S. Boatwright, 

Jas. H. Hamilton. 

SOURCES: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 27-8; “South Carolina Cadets at West Point,” The Liberator, Boston, Massachusetts, Friday, November 30, 1861, p. 1; “Insubordination at West Point—The South Carolina Cadets, at the Military Academy Taking an Oath,” Salem Weekly Advocate, Salem, Illinois, Thursday, November 29, 1860, p. 4; Colburn's United Service Magazine and Naval and Military Journal, 1861. Part 1, February 1861, 187-8; “South Carolina Cadets at West Point,” Richmond Daily Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, Saturday, November 24, 1860, p. 1.

Emory Upton to his Sister, December 1, 1860

WEST POINT, December 1, 1860.

MY DEAR SISTER:  You must pardon me, but I must introduce the general and all-absorbing topic of conversation—secession.  What do people at home think of it?  I believe the Union is virtually dissolved.  South Carolina can not retract.  Her honor demands that she secede, else she would be a “by-word.”  But secession is revolution.  She will seize Fort Moultrie, and hence a collision with the General Government must follow.  War would alienate all the other Southern States from the Union, and a terrible and bloody revolution will result.  Every one in South Carolina is for disunion, at least none dare avow themselves for the Union, and from the accounts of the New York daily papers I sincerely believe she will secede on the 18th or 19th of this month.  If so, the North and the South will be speedily arrayed against each other, and the result will be that the North will be victorious.  The South Carolina Cadets published a manifesto a short time since as follows:

• The South Carolina Cadets of the United States MilitaryAcademy to the Editor of the Columbia (S. C.) Guardian, November 9, 1860

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 27

Emory Upton to his Sister, December 21, 1860

WEST POINT, December 21, 1860

DEAR SISTER:  We are on general review in mineralogy and geology preparatory to our last January examination, and, possibly, our very last.  These are delightful studies, and the method of instruction here renders us very familiar with minerals.  Each rock has now its story for us. . . . The political horizon is very black.  Today’s papers inform us that South Carolina has seceded.  The veil behind which Webster sought not to penetrate has been “rent in twain,” and secession, with its evils, is now a reality.  Let her go.  She has been a pest, an eye-sore, an abomination ever since she entered the Union.  Were it not that her example may become contagious, few would regret her course; but, in the present excited state of feeling at the South, there is imminent danger that the whole South will drift into the terrible gulf which secession opens before them.  I believe in Union, but South Carolina has taken the initiative, and she is responsible for whatever follows, and posterity will hold her Every friend of freedom will execrate her course. War, I believe, must speedily follow, and by her act. The papers say, “Buchanan has ordered the commandant of Fort Moultrie to surrender if attacked”; if true, what a traitor! Floyd has sent twenty-five thousand stand of arms to different Southern posts within the past year, and for what? Certainly not for the use of soldiers garrisoning them. What, then, is the inference? That they shall be convenient for secession. The Administration must be deeply implicated in this plot to destroy the government. Its conduct can not be explained otherwise. I heartily rejoice that Abraham Lincoln is elected, and that we have such a noble set of Republicans at Washington to meet this critical emergency. As for myself, I am ambitious, and desire fame, but I will stand by the right; for what is the worth of fame when purchased by dishonor? God orders or suffers all things.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 29-30

Emory Upton to his Sister, January 12, 1861

 WEST POINT, January 12, 1861.

MY DEAR SISTER: This is examination-week. My reports have not been quite so good as you may have desired, but I shall be quite satisfied with the results of the examinations. .. Truly troublous times are upon us. We are at sea, with no chart to guide us. What the end will be, our wisest statesmen can not foresee. The South is gone, and the question is, Will the Government coerce her back? The attempt, I think, will be made, but we can not predict the result. Southern men are brave, and will fight well, but their means for prosecuting a long war wanting.  Four States are now out of the Union, and South Carolina has fired the first gun.  She has resisted the entrance of the Star of the West to Fort Sumter, and, no doubt, there will be bloodshed before you  receive this, since the Brooklyn (man-of-war) is on the way to Charleston, and is bound to re-enforce that fort. . . . Members of my class continue to resign.  The corps is already sensibly reduced in numbers, and, from present Prospects we will almost be reduced to a moiety.  Should the United States officers from the seceding States resign, there will be many vacancies, and, very probably, they would be filled by graduating us soon. . . . In my next letter I will try to say nothing upon secession, but it is the absorbing topic of thought at present.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 30-1

Emory Upton to his Brother, February 2, 1861

 WEST POINT, February 2, 1861.

 MY DEAR BROTHER: I have not heard from you in a long time.  I want to ascertain your views on the subject of secession.  It has assumed immense importance.  The crisis has come.  How is it to be met?  The Union is in extreme peril.  Must it be dissolved?  No!  I say, let it be preserved, if it costs years of civil war.  What do you think of compromise?  I am opposed to it, as a dangerous precedent.  If the Union could be preserved without compromise, even at the expense of a war, I think it would be preferable to a compromise, since it would demonstrate that a republican government is adequate to any emergency.  But, rather than see the country forever disrupted, I would prefer an honorable adjustment.  These views I take on the supposition that the South feels herself aggrieved, and that she desires to perpetuate the Union, if possible. Northern aggression is the alleged, not the real, cause of secession. The Legislature of South Carolina declares she will not remain in the Union under any circumstances. They are wild on the subject of a Southern confederacy, and they have resolved to establish it at the price of a revolution. If this is the real cause of secession, the door to compromise should forever be closed, and the South should be completely subjugated. In the Union, their property is and ought to be protected; out of the Union, slavery is overthrown. I hope some day to see it abolished peaceably; but, if they go out, they of themselves overthrow it in blood. It is a great evil, but we are not responsible. Let them answer for and settle it themselves. I believe that an all-wise Providence is directing the storm, and that he will overrule everything for good. . . . Several Southern cadets left to-day, and many more will follow soon. Promotion will be rapid in the army about the time we graduate, and if there is a war we will not lack employment. Probably an assault will be made on Fort Sumter; they will meet with a warm reception. We are on our last term. Our studies-military engineering, law, ordnance, etc.—are very interesting and we look forward with great pleasure to our graduation.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 31-2

Emory Upton to Maria Upton, February 25, 1857

February 25, 1857.

DEAR SISTER: . . . I am glad to hear of your good health and assiduity to study, and that you are exerting every faculty in the laudable pursuit of education. I am striving equally hard for the same. I am sure that few have the facilities offered for getting an education which I have, and not to take advantage of these privileges is inconsistent. I study from 6 to 7 A. M., and from 8 A. M. to 1 P. M., including recitations; then from 2 to 4 P. M. I read newspapers and write letters; from 4 P. M. till sundown is release from quarters, which I usually spend in the library reading, and then study from 7 to 9.30 P. M.; so that you see my time is pretty well occupied. Perhaps a few of my daily marks would give you an idea of my progress. . . . So long as I can keep up to these marks I am not in danger of being found deficient. . . . I am passionately attached to West Point, and would not give up my appointment here for a million dollars.  I want you to come here next encampment and see the beautiful scenery that I have often tried to describe.

 SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 12-13

Emory Upton to Maria Upton, September 7, 1857

WEST POINT, September 7, 1857.

MY DEAR SISTER: . . . In your letter you allude to my demerit.  I must say that it gave me the bluest kind of blues; not because it made me have any apprehension of being “found,” but because you look upon them in a wrong light.  Now, I’ll disabuse you of this error.  You use the term “bad marks.” Bad signifies to you, evil, wrong, immoral, and wicked, which placed before Marks signifies that I have been doing something wrong or immoral—something which conscience disapproves.  That is wrong, not only in the sight of a military man, but of God.  Now, what moral wrong is there in “laughing in the ranks,” in being “late at roll-call,” “not stepping off at command,” “not having coat buttoned throughout,” and kindred reports?  Now is that wrong in the sight of God?  I say, no!  But it is wrong only in the sight of a military man, and it is from such reports that I get my demerits or “bad marks.”  I can say I have never received an immoral report, such as “using profane language.”  I thank you for the kind admonition, and to please you I will try to get as few as possible. I have only one so far this month, and if I get no more that will come off. I certainly shall be careful enough to prevent being cut a single day on furlough.

SOURCE: Peter Smith Michie, The Life and Letters of Emory Upton, p. 13-4