Benton, an appointment-was procured for him as a cadet. He was received at West Point on the 1st of July, 1822, at seventeen years and eight months of age, stood at the head of his class through his whole four years of study, and was graduated at its head on the 1st of July, 1826, having served as Acting iVssistant Professor of Matiiematics during the last two years of his ' course. From August 30, 1S2(;. to August 30, 1829,

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

he coDtiuued to be employed at the academy, first as Assistant Professor, and later as Principal Assistant Professor of Engineering. In 1828 he took part as assistant engineer in the construction of Fortress Monroe, Va., and from 1829 to 1832 was engaged in the construction of Fort Adams, Newport Harbor; R. I. From 1832 to 1884 he was assistant to the chief engineer at Washington, D. C. In the latter year he returned to the Point, and became Acting Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy. To the fiill professorship in this department he finally received an appointment from General Jackson in 1836, and continued to fill the position until 1871, when he resigned and was appointed colonel in the regular army on the retired list. The instrument by which he was appointed to his professorship in 1836 is still in his possession. It was forwarded to General Cass, and sent by him, through his son, to Professor Bartlett. It was as follows:

" I hereby appoint Second Lieut. 'Williaiu H. C. liartlett, of the Corps of Engineers, Prof, of Nat. and Exper. I'liilosophy (vice Courtney resigned.