The Cadets Graduating Song. Words by a Lady of the Army, Music by a Cadet.

New York: Firth, Pond & Co, 1848. Wraps. Illustrated musical score with lithographed view at West Point, looking toward Constitution Island and World's End, with three cadets in different uniforms. The central figure is a cadet in dress uniform, with two chevrons displayed on both sleeves, and wearing the tall cylindrical cap with visor and feather. There are two additional cadets, one wearing his uniform and great coat & holding a bayonet, the other with uniform seen from behind, both wearing bell crown caps. The Cadet Monument bearing flags is seen in the middle ground.

The class of 1847 included many who fought in the Mexican War and Civil War, including Ambrose Burnside (Mexican War, general in Union Army), Orlando Willcox (Medal of Honor, First Bull Run), Romeyn Ayres (helped suppress New York City draft riots of 1863), Henry M. Black (Mexican War, Union Army, Commandant of Cadets at USMA), and Egbert Viele (engineer who submitted first formal proposal for New York City subway).

The song is accredited to Mrs. General Winfield Scott, who was the patroness of the class of 1847. Scott married Maria D. Mayo (1789 – 1862), the daughter of a wealthy Virginian in 1817.

The lyrics focus on the change in color of the cadets' uniforms: "This world we may find a rough, hard world, As we travel its mazes through: but with right stout hearts, we'll play our parts, When we change the grey for the blue! Hurrah! Hurrah! for the merry bright month of June, that opens a life so new! When we doff the Cadet, And don the Brevet, And change the grey for the blue!".

Tall 4to, 5pp. Disbound, slightly ruffled at left edge, otherwise bright and clean. OCLC: 15491927. Very good condition. Item #24694

Price: $350.00