West Point

Large thick 4to (12 1/2 x 10 1/2 in.; 318 x 267 mm). 103 mounted albumen photographs of the academic board and graduating cadets, including one group photograph; a few prints faded.  Contemporary brown morocco, upper cover with a raised panelled border decorated and lettered in gilt, spine with raised bands, brass hinges and clasps, gilt edges.

An 1870 U.S. Military Academy at West Point yearbook, including notable officers who served in the Indian Wars of the West.

Entering West Point in 1866, many of the cadets pictured here served in the Civil War before entering the Academy.  The first 38 images depict members of the academic board of West Point, including the commandant Thomas Gamble Pitcher.  The remaining images (save for an image of a trophy and one group photograph) depict the graduating cadets of the class of 1870.  Included are portraits of a number of notable officers, including Edward S. Holden (noted astronomer and future president of the University of California), Robert G. Carter (Medal of Honor recipient for distinguished gallantry in action against Comanche Indians on the Texas frontier), Alexander Oswald Brodie (future Rough Rider and Governor of Arizona Territory), Edward John McClernand (Medal of Honor recipient for valor in action near Bear Paw Mountain, Montana), John Brown Kerr (Medal of Honor recipient for distinguished bravery against Sioux Indians in South Dakota), Winfield Scott Edgerly (served in the Seventh Cavalry and survived Little Big Horn).