Offer to become a Cadet to West Point for Eckstein Case (1858-1944) of Carlyle, Illinois

1878. Headed "War Department" in Washington, this document informs Mr. Case that "the President has CONDITIONALLY selected you for appointment as a Cadet of the United States Military Academy at West Point." The 3 following pages give information about appointment and admission of cadets. These include qualifications, character of physical and academic examination; academic duties, pay of cadets ($540 per year); assignment to corps after graduation (8 years service). It also includes the complete course of study and books used at the Military Academy for all four years including Mathematics, French, Spanish, Tactics, use of small arms, natural and experimental philosophy, chemistry, drawing, military engineering, mineralogy & geology, ethics and law, ordinance & gunnery.

At the foot of the last page, the applicant is to sign and date his acceptance - this is unsigned. It seems Mr. Case spent two years at USMA but there is not a record of him graduating.

4pp, 8 1/2 x 14", printed form signed by the Chief Clerk for the Secretary of War, other manuscript additions (dated, "Eckstein Case, Carlyle Illinois, Thru' Hon. W.A.J. Sparks, M.C. Carlyle, Illinois" at the bottom left. 3 period folds, tiny separations at right margin of folds o/w very good.