Partly-printed document, one page, 7.75 x 10, March 27, 1839. Report from the Engineering Department of the US Military Academy, headed, “Extract from the Class and Conduct Reports of the Military Academy, for the Month of February 1839, furnished for the information of Parents and Guardians.” The report card lists his class ranks as follows: “Second Class, composed of 49 Members, Cadet Sherman, In Natural Philosophy is 10, Chemistry is 4, Drawing is 7. His demerit for the Month is 4 and commencement of Academic year 33.” Signed at the conclusion by General Joseph Gilbert Totten. In fine condition, with a small split along one of the intersecting folds.
Although Sherman excelled academically, he held little regard for the Academy’s demerit system—both qualities displayed in this report on his progress. In his Memoirs, he reflected on his time at West Point: ‘In studies I always held a respectable reputation with the professors, and generally ranked among the best, especially in drawing, chemistry, mathematics, and natural philosophy. My average demerits, per annum, were about one hundred and fifty, which reduced my final class standing from number four to six.’ A decidedly unique piece from very early in Sherman’s military career.
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