Life & conditions at West Point

West Point, NY June 18th /55

Dear Father

    I write you another letter to let you no that I am not contented any better with my situation. The longer I stay, the worse I hate it. It don't suit me a tall. I though that I would like it when I came here, but my notion is very much change indeed. The place is a beautiful one but I have much taste for it but I though it would be better stay until the examinination then I intend to leave. I can't stand it any longer. It will will depend altogether on circumstances whether I will stand an examination or not it is owing to how I feel. The Plebes (that what they call us) are nearly starve for something to eat I have had a better appetite since I have been here than I ever had before. It is owning to there faire being so rough. Those that never had an appetite before can get one by coming here. And in drilling they speak to us as though we were negro and I stand it any longer I would not mind it so much if it was not for the Yankee I can't bare them atall you can't speak to them if do they will make us walk before the for three or four hours marking time like a horse would be on one of those tread-wheel it matters not if you are tired we have it to do. I heard several of the old cadet says that they intend to leave on that account. And there are several of the Plebe that are going to leave too. We have to lay on the floor and

that is not very comfortable. The sentinals come to our room and tell us to make down our beds and we do so and when they change sentinels the one that change will come in and ask what we are doing with our beds down and we tell them that we had orders to do it and we have to put them so that is the way we are treated. I would rather be any where in this world than here. And I hate to do any thing for to be dismiss I will do it before I stay here. I have never been use to such at home. They make us get up a five o'clock in the morning (which I don't mine) and stand for about an hour without ever moving. This sort of work I can't stand. If I was to stay here my clothing would amount to great deal. They don't care what they charge for any article, you have it to pay for provided you get it. I have not gotten any more than I possible could help. The bed clothing that I have got, I don't suppose I have to pay for them provided I leave which I no I will. I can't stand it to be pull about by these infernal Yankee before I do it I will try what venture than is in my fist. The way they speak to us it is out of the question. I want you to answer this letter and let me know the result. Even if I pass an examination I don't think that I could undergo the hard ship that I would have to between this time and next January and if I was found next January & would not like & would not assign reason had I not of heard some of the Old Cadet have said so. They said there was scarcely any one here last June but what studied the coarse a good deal . I am
Your son.
Robt H Gleaves