bounty.  His new duties were uncongenial, but, despite his youth, he faced his responsibilities with a determination which men of maturer years might well have envied.  In everything he was scrupulously exact.  His accounts were accurately kept; he was punctuality itself, and his patience was inexhaustible.  For two years he submitted cheerfully to the drudgery of his position, re-establishing his health, but without advancing a single step towards the goal of his ambition.  But before he was nineteen his hopes were unexpectedly realised.

1842.

The Military Academy at West Point not only provided, at the expense of the nation, a sound and liberal education, but offered an opening to an honourable career.  Nominations to cadetships were made by the Secretary of War, on the recommendation of members of Congress, and in 1842 a vacancy occurred which was to be filled by a youth from the Congressional District in which Clarksburg was included.  Jackson, informed of the chance by a friendly blacksmith, eagerly embraced it, and left no stone unturned to attain his object.  Every possible influence that could be brought to bear on the member for the district was immediately enlisted.  To those who objected that his education was too imperfect to enable him even to enter the Academy, he replied that he had the necessary application, that he hoped he had the capacity, and that he was at least determined to try.  His earnestness and courage won upon all.  His application was strongly backed by those who had learned to value his integrity and exactness, and Mr. Hays, the member for the district, wrote that he would do all in his power to secure the appointment.  No sooner had the letter been read than Jackson determined to go at once to Washington, in order that he might be ready to proceed to West Point without a moment’s delay.  Packing a few clothes into a pair of saddlebags, he mounted his horse, and accompanied by a servant, who was to bring the animal home, rode off to catch the coach at Clarksburg.  It had already passed, but galloping on, he overtook it at the next stage, and on his arrival at Washington, Mr. Hays at once introduced him to the Secretary of War.  On presenting him, he explained the disadvantages of his education, but begged indulgence for him on account of his pluck and determination.  The Secretary plied him with questions, but Jackson was not to be diverted from his purpose; and so good was the impression which he made that he then and there received his warrant, accompanied by some excellent advice.  “Sir,” said the Secretary, “you have a good name.  Go to West Point, and the first man who insults you, knock him down, and have it charged to my account!”

Mr. Hays proposed that the new-fledged cadet should stay with him for a few days in order to see the sights of Washington.  But as the Academy was already in session, Jackson, with a strong appreciation of the value of time, begged to decline.  He was content to ascend to the roof of the Capitol, then still building, and look once on the magnificent panorama of which it is the centre.