Treats of methods at Hazelwood school. ; Later edition published with title: Public education. ; Half-title: Public education. ; Mode of access: Internet.
Undated manuscript in Alden Partridge's handwriting, which may have been written in 1828 based on a printed variant of the lecture. The lecture defines elementary education and discusses why current system of education in the U.S. is defective: it is not practical, it neglects physical exercise, students have too much idle time, students allowed too much pocket money, the same course of education is prescribed for all, students are expected to complete their education in a prescribed length of time. His organization of an educational institution, stemming from his 16 years experience, would be strictly military. Military science and instruction would be mandatory because it is useful in reading and writing history, important for legislators, and is useful to the traveler. Would also add classical and scientific instruction, scientific operations in the field (pedestrian excursions), practical agricultural pursuits, lectures on many various subjects, and add mechanic shops to teach use of tools. The day would be divided 8 hours study, 8 hours sleep, 3 hours meals and personal duties, 2 hours military and other physical exercise and 3 hours for agricultural or scientific pursuits and duties and to attend lectures. Advantages cited as gaining as much book knowledge in 6 years as the present system; preparing accomplished soldiers, agriculturists, mechanics, political economists, legislators and statesmen; instilling habits of industry, economy and morality; and a vigorous physical constitution. ; Transcription by Joseph Byrne. Transcriptions may be subject to error.
A. M. Rodriguez writes Alden Partridge regarding the academy at Norwich, Vermont; there are currently 20 cadets under the direction of Mr. McKay and a smaller number studying French or Spanish from him; Rodriguez is simply not qualified to teach all the subjects assigned him by Mr. McKay and doesn't believe that Mr. McKay is being fair in his distribution of teaching responsibilities; he hopes to move on to teach elsewhere (possibly at one of the academies that are being contemplated in Baltimore or New York) as opportunity arises; expresses little confidence in the success of the academy without Partridge's presence. ; Transcription by Raymond Bouchard. Transcriptions may be subject to error.
Fayetteville agrees to furnish Partridge with academy buildings; a mathematics teacher is already in place; believes opposition to a military school will not last long. ; Signature of writer is illegible.
Manuscript of a plan for a bill entitled "An act making further provision for the Military Academy at West Point, State of New York," proposed by Alden Partridge. The following is paraphrased from the original. It is not a complete transcription. 1st: Admit 400 cadets rather than 250 2nd: Admit cadets not less than 14 nor more than 18 years of age. Each prospective cadet will be examined by the academic staff and must be found to possess ability to read distinctly, pronounce correctly and write legibly; parse sentences; perform with facility and accuracy the rules of arithmetic simple and compound, rules of reduction, simple and compound proportion, vulgar and decimal fractions. Cadets must engage, with parents' consent to remain until completion of their course of study and receive their diploma. Cadets will agree to stay in service at least three years after graduation unless discharged by the proper authority. Cadets may leave upon receiving their diploma but must pay for their education, the cost to be determined by the President and regulation. 3rd: The Academy will be under the supervision of an officer of the Corps of Engineers and will report directly to the President for the correct management of the Academy 4th: The Commandant of the Corps of Engineers will be the Inspector, visiting as often as directed by the Secretary of War, and will report on the progress and management of the Academy to the Secretary of War 5th: The President will constitute a Board of Visitors of five men who are versed in military science. The inspector will be president of the Board. The president and the Board will be present at general examinations, twice a year, and will be compensated per diem and for travel 6th: The Inspector and Board will submit two reports a year after each general examination on the state and progress of the Academy and will make recommendations for its advancement and improvement. The reports will be delivered to the Secretary of War to lay before Congress 7th: Staffed by professors and teachers; a chaplain who will also be a professor of history, geography and ethics; a professor of Latin, Greek and English languages; a teacher of practical astronomy, including navigation; and a sword master 8th: There will be allowed to each professor and teacher and to professor of natural and experimental philosophy, two assistants; to the professor of mathematics, five assistants; to the professors of engineering and of history, geography and ethics, two assistants each; to the teacher of drawing who will include in his department practical geometry and surveying, the teacher of French, the teacher of Latin, Greek and English, and to the sword master, two assistants each; to the teacher of practical astronomy and navigation, one assistant 9th: The Superintendent is the professor of tactics and is allowed one assistant who will be a military officer and who will be in charge in the absence of the Superintendent 10th: Salaries: professors, $1600.00; teachers, $1200.00; sword master and assistant professors, $800.00; assistant teachers, $600.00; assistant sword master, $500.00. All to include quarters and fare. 11th: Cadets will be organized into companies for military instruction. Encampments will take place no more than six weeks/year 12th: Academic courses: all branches of sciences and instruction to be pursued. Rules for the classification of cadets to be compiled by the Superintendent and academic staff = complete course of education 13th: Cadets who complete their course of study and receive their diploma are entitled to promotion into the Army/Navy; if no vacancies, they will be attached as supernumerary officers with brevet rank until there is a vacancy. 14th: Cadets will receive no pay or subsistence but will be provided with board, books, stationery, fuel, bedding, furniture, swords, and uniforms to be determined by regulation 15th: There will be a paymaster and treasurer to the Academy, duties of which are to pay persons belonging to the Academy and who is to be accountable for monies paid to the Academy, as well as for furnishings and supplies 16th: The Superintendent shall admit as many musicians as directed by the President. They will be entitled to the same compensation as allowed musicians in the Army. The superintendent may also employ attendants and waiters, not exceeding 24, as directed by the President 17th: The government of the Academy will be strictly military. All persons attached or belonging to the institution shall be amenable to the Rules and Article of War 18th: The President is authorized to establish rules and regulations necessary for the internal and external organization of the Academy 19th: The President is authorized to cause to be distributed medals as reward of merit 20th: The Academy will consist of the Inspector, the Superintendent and assistant, several professors, teachers and assistants and of the cadets attached
Henry Wyles Cushman writes from Norwich, Vermont, to Elijah Woodward Carpenter in Bernardston, Massachusetts, with news of a recent march to Windsor, Vermont, by the students at the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy; he speaks highly of Captain Partridge's lectures and his style of delivery; wishes to teach school next winter. ; Transcriptions may be subject to error.
Would like the use of one of Partridge's drummers for a few weeks to teach the skill to another boy at his institution; the War Department is loaning him stands of arms for training purposes; Mr. Woodworth is there and he expects Mr. Crozet any day.
Has 32 students at his academy; please secure musicians for him; discusses those he has engaged to teach at his academy; please come soon; lectures should begin in January; discusses plans for land purchases and the erection of buildings; will Partridge recommend him and his academy and help him procure arms from the U.S.? ; Transcription by Megan Liptak. Transcriptions my be subject to human error.
Regarding the organization of the military department of his academy; discusses the salary and qualifications he would like in a teacher; Partridge should send someone who conforms to these requirements. ; Part of cover torn away. The author writes from the unincorporated community of Darvills, Virginia in Dinwiddie County.
Alonzo P. Buck writes to thank Alden Partridge for providing him an education; discusses his current studies; is to teach school at Randolph, Vermont; his brother wishes him to join a profession soon and has hinted he may help him obtain a midshipman's warrant; gives Vermont news, including a recent flood and the election of Samuel C. Crafts as governor of Vermont. Letter is sent with frank of Daniel Azro Ashley Buck. ; Transcription by Raymond Bouchard. Transcriptions may be subject to error.
Elijah Gardner Welles writes from Hudson, New York, to Alden Partridge at the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, regarding a proposed academy to be established at Hudson; he wishes to teach oratory and history at the proposed academy; could Partridge please come there to make arrangements for an immediate opening? ; Transcription by Renee Townsley. Transcriptions may be subject to error.