Page "Ulysses S. Grant" Paragraph 8

The influence of Grant's family brought about the appointment to West Point, while Grant himself later recalled " a military life had no charms for me ".

Grant, then standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 117 lbs., graduated from West Point in 1843, ranking 21st in a class of 39.

Part of Grant's demerits were due to his refusal, at times, of compulsory church attendance, then a West Point policy that Grant viewed as anti-republican.

Grant freely admitted that he was lax in his studies ; however, he achieved above average grades in mathematics and geology.

He established no close or lasting friendships while at West Point, though to his own later advantage, he closely observed the many notable officers he would serve with and command in the future.

At West Point, Grant studied under artist Robert Walter Weir and produced nine surviving artworks.

Trained under Prussian horse master, Herschberger, Grant established a reputation as a fearless and expert horseman, setting an equestrian high-jump record that lasted almost 25 years.

Grant later recalled that his departure from West Point was of the happiest of his times, and that his intent had been to resign his commission after serving the minimum term of obligated duty.

Although naturally suited for cavalry, he was assigned to duty as a regimental quartermaster, managing supplies and equipment in the 4th U. S. Infantry, and achieved the rank of brevet second lieutenant.