Eggnog Riot
Encyclopedia
The Eggnog Riot, sometimes known as the Grog Mutiny, was a riot
that took place at the United States Military Academy
in West Point, New York
, on 24–25 December 1826. It was caused by the smuggling of whiskey, two days prior to the incident, to make eggnog
for a Christmas Day party in the North Barracks of the Academy. The riot eventually involved more than one-third of the cadets by the time it ceased on Christmas
morning. A subsequent investigation by Academy officials resulted in the implication of seventy cadets and the court-martial
ing of nineteen of them and one enlisted
soldier. Among the participants in the riot—though he was not court-martialed—was Jefferson Davis
.
George Washington
drank eggnog that contained not only rum, but also significant amounts of sherry
, brandy
, and whiskey. A large number of small dairy
farms in Colonial America made milk, cream, and eggnog more accessible to the American public.
In 1817, Sylvanus Thayer
took command at the United States Military Academy. By 1826, the Academy had 36 men serving as faculty and staff with four recognized departments - mathematics
, engineering
, natural philosophy
(now the physics
, chemistry
and life sciences
departments), and military tactics
. Alcohol possession at the Academy was prohibited along with drunkenness
and intoxication, both of which could lead to expulsion
. Tobacco
use and gambling
could lead to demerits
, minor incarceration
, or a loss of privilege
s. By 1826, concern had been raised that drinking was starting to get out of hand among the 260 cadets at the Academy.
), Alexander J. Center (New York
), and Samuel A. Roberts (Alabama) almost get into a fight with the proprietors of another tavern concerning getting whiskey back to West Point. Private
James Dougan, the duty security guard
, agreed to let the three cadets take a boat across the Hudson to smuggle the whiskey. The cadets planned to purchase a half-gallon of whiskey as an alcohol
base for the eggnog party that would take place in the North Barracks
two nights later. Phillip St. George (Virginia
) was the 24-hour duty cadet guard of the day. Burnley, Center, and Roberts successfully got two gallons of whiskey, smuggling them into North Barracks Room #33. Cadet T.M. Lewis (Kentucky
) also returned with a gallon of rum
from Benny's Tavern to North Barracks Room #5.
(Virginia). Bomford was questioned about his parent
al correspondence
by Thayer while Lee questioned Thayer about trigonometry
problems for artillery
gunnery. Classes continued that day as did inspection
of the barracks.
party took place at Thayer's residence. Wine
was served. Reverend Charled McIlvane, the Academy chaplain
, was among the attendees. During the party, a conversation ensued between Thayer and Major
William J. Worth
, the Commandant
of cadets, about Jefferson Davis (Mississippi
). This was about Davis's disciplinary problems. Entertainment was provided by the West Point band
. The party ended at 21:30.
), and David Farrelly (Pennsylvania), met at Benny Haven's tavern
. Most of the discussion was about everyday life among the cadets. They left before Academy quartermaster
Aeneas Mackay arrived. Meanwhile at the North Barracks, cadets were planning the party that also included stealing bits and pieces of food during their visits to the mess hall
. During this time, cadets residing in the South Barracks found out about the North Barracks' planned Christmas party.
Nathaniel Eaton (Massachusetts
) was in charge of the external post of the North Barracks. Captain Ethan Allen Hitchcock
, a faculty member in military tactics, was also stationed in the North Barracks. Eaton and Hitchcock met and discussed about the smuggled liquor in the North Barracks. The eggnog party started among nine cadets in North Barracks Room #28. Numerous cadets appeared as the party progressed along with another party at Room #5 that seven cadets mentioned, including Davis, and others not mentioned. Farrelly returned to North's or Havens and returned with another gallon of whiskey early Christmas morning.
Hitchcock made another patrol around the barracks at 03:00. Lieutenant
William A. Thornton was asleep at 03:00 as the events unfolded. Cadet Charles Whipple (Michigan Territory
) was division
superintendent during the first part of the incident, was going back into North Barracks Room #5 at 02:00 after hearing a commotion, interrupting a round of singing among eight cadets, including Davis. Whipple returned to his room after a verbal exchange among Davis and the other cadets.
By 04:00, voices made from the floor above Hitchcock were loud enough to have the faculty member investigate Room #28 where Hitchcock knocked on the door and found six cadets drunk from the eggnog (and two others found sleeping on a bed). Hitchcock ordered two of the cadets back to their rooms. After they left, Hitchcock found two more cadets on the beds, ordering them to leave. Then he confronted Cadet James W.M. "Weems" Berrien (Georgia
), who then approached Hitchcock with as much force as Hitchcock had given to Berrien. Hitchcock ordered one more cadet to leave the room, then read the Riot Act
to the five residents of the room for possessing alcohol on the premises. The captain left the room at 04:15. Berrien started letting go of his rage toward Hitchcock which led William D.C. "Billy" Murdock (District of Columbia) to lead an effort to organize a riot against Hitchcock.
Hitchcock went down to his room to sleep. He heard three knocks on the door on to have the people leave away from him. After finding another cadet drunk, Hitchcock saw Davis head over to Room #5 where 13 cadets were partying. Davis warned the rest of the cadets of Hitchcock's arrival. The captain entered the room, ordered one of the cadets to open up another cadet's footlocker
, but the cadet refused. Hitchcock ordered no more disorder, left the room, and started looking for Thornton around 04:50.
Meanwhile Thornton had strolled the North Barracks between 21:00 on the 24th and 02:00 on Christmas Day regarding the partying before going to sleep at 02:00. He was awaken by loud yells and, once out of his room, was attacked by two cadets. The lieutenant then put cadet William P.N. Fitzgerald (New York) under arrest for brandishing a weapon. Fitzgerald retreated from Thornton, then told two cadets in Room #29 about the lieutenant's arrest. Noises erupted from the South Barracks which distracted Thornton. While going to investigate that commotion, Thornton was knocked out by Roberts, who was ejected from Room #28 by Hitchcock earlier that evening.
Davis was asleep, but other cadets went looking for Hitchcock. Three other cadets were discovered by Cadet James G. Overton (Tennessee
), a relief sentinel, about their actions. They explained to Overton about needing drum
s and fife
. Hitchcock found another inebriated cadet who wandered the cadet. This was by 05:00. Several cadets then attacked the door of Room #8 where Hitchcock was staying. Guion drew his pistol
and fired a shot in the room. Hitchcock then opened up the door and yelled at the cadets to stop their actions. This was in wake of several broken window
panes. The captain then began arresting cadets for their actions.
Hitchcock then ordered Eaton to find Worth's headquarters. Overton asked Hitchcock to find Thayer and Hitchcock replied "No Mr. Overton. Fetch the 'com'(Commandant Worth) here!" Several of the drunken cadets thought Hitchcock had stated the Bombardiers
would be the ones to quell the riot. Several cadets that were not drunk took up arms in defense of the North Barracks. Meanwhile two enlisted soldiers of Battery A, 2nd U.S. Artillery
awoke unaware that Major Worth's and Colonel Thayer's quarters were awoken by the commotion in the North Barracks. Thayer awoke at 05:00 to the drum sounds going on. He ordered his aide Patrick Murphy to get Major Worth over what was going on in the North Barracks. Hitchcock continued getting back the North Barracks, getting into a fight with Cadet Walter Otey (Virginia) even though several cadets claimed the barracks was there. Other cadets who were not drinking got involved in restoring order also by 06:00. The main rioters attempted to recruit other cadets, but to no avail.
Thornton awoke from the stairway
after being knocked out and returned to his room. Hitchcock greeted him in his room at 05:45. Overton could not find Eaton who was checking the South Barracks, but did find Worth. Hitchcock met Worth and told Worth of what had transpired. By the time Thayer's aide had arrived in the North Barracks' guardroom. The Second Artillery had arrived to the North Barracks by the time of Reveille
at 06:05.
by cadets, cries of pain, and threats on Academy officials. North Barracks residents who were not partying from the eggnog were appalled at the damaged property. Some of the cadets remained in their rooms drinking. Cadets in the South Barracks were well rested while other cadets in the North Barracks were disheveled. Other cadets involved appeared in parade formation though they were drunk. Worth met with Thayer after the first formation to discuss what had happened in the North Barracks the previous evening. Thayer instructed Worth to get the officers into the North Barracks and restore order.
Captain Mackay, Academy quartermaster, took down details of the damages to the property at North Barracks so repairs could take place the next couple of days. Several cadets were discussing in the North Barracks what transpired that evening. Other information spread through both North and South Barracks. Many cadets who were drunk made it to company
roll call
at 06:20 though they were subdued. A meeting officially ended the mutiny when two sober cadets discussed two drunk cadets at the same time Cadet Captain James A.J. Bradford (Kentucky) called to corps to attention and dismissed them from the mess hall after breakfast. Chapel
formation took place after breakfast, followed by two hours of service. Most of the drunk cadets were still recovering during the services.
Thayer was advised by Worth over the results at North Barracks. Captain Hitchcock and Lieutenant Thornton were bruised while several cadets suffered minor injuries though Fitzgerald suffered a hand injury. Worth told Thayer between fifty and ninety were involved in the mutiny. Later that day, Thayer met with Gouverneur Kemble
, an ordnance
manufacturer in Cold Spring, New York
to discuss different items, including what transpired the previous evening at West Point. Kemble asked Thayer what he would do with the misconduct to which Thayer replied he did not know.
A faculty and staff meeting took place. All but Captain Thomas C. Legate of the 2nd Artillery A Battery and a few assistant professors
attended. Thayer informed them the incident had been informed to Major General
Alexander Macomb, Chief of Engineers
and Inspector General
of the Academy, and was awaiting word from the War Department
(now part of the Defense Department
) and the Chief Engineer
from United States Army Corps of Engineers
(which was Macomb). The superintendent also informed the attendees that the inquiry will take place during semester finals in January 1827, so some of the cadets will face both examinations and an inquiry. Cadet Battalion Order 98 was read at formation and posted at several prominent locations at the Academy. Twenty-two cadets were placed under house arrest
until further notice. Among them was Davis, who was observed as a malefactor by Hitchcock and Thornton.
as soon as possible to investigate the Christmas riots. No deadline was given by the War Department in Washington, DC though the academy was expected to get it done as soon as possible. Major Worth was president with Lieutenant Henry H. Gird acting as secretary
(court reporter
). Two other faculty and staff would be selected by Thayer for court duties. If information was further disciplinary actions, Thayer was empowered to court-martial
any cadet or other military personnel if warranted. Worth recommended Hitchcock and Lieutenant William Bryant despite Hitchcock's involvement in controlling the riots in North Barracks.
168.83 (US$ at 2008 prices) worth of damages. Thayer testified he never order the Bombardiers, the Second Artillery on policing the barracks. The Academic Board recommended James W. Hamilton (At-large) be discharged for bad conduct and five others, all fourth classmen (freshman
or plebe), were dismissed for lack of aptitude in certain academic disciplines or bad conduct. Several other cadets also were dismissed. A final report was presented to Thayer on 19 January 1827. Both Thayer and Worth met after dinner that evening. Following testimony, it was determined that seventy cadets were involved. After examination of the cadets, Thayer picked the worst offenders, then those who introduced the whiskey though Center was excluded, followed by the cadets who incited the riots, and several others for poor conduct during the riot.
Lieutenant Gird served as trial judge advocate with the trials commencing on 26 January. These courts-martial were held one by one without break. Attorney General of the United States William Wirt
opined "the Corps ... form part of the land forces of the United States..." and its members were thus subject to military law
and trials by courts-martial. This was supported by United States Secretary of War
John C. Calhoun
and President of the United States
James Monroe
on Wirt's 1819 opinion.
19th century military justice was bound on the American Revolution
. Swift and surprisingly fair, the sentences
were reviewed by the Secretary of War, the United States Congress
, and the President. A general court consisted between five and 13 officers, serving as jurors
and magistrate
s. The accused was still his own lawyer
prepared for his own defense, and could plead guilty to one or more charges against him while dismissing other charges. A standard trial
was charges being read, the defendant
giving his plea, opening statements by the prosecution and defense attorneys, witness
testimony, closing statements given by the prosecution and defense attorneys, and jury decision. If the defendant was found guilty, then the sentencing ensued. Trials were held 08:00 to 15:00 daily or during daylight hours, whichever was later. Twenty cases were divided among three parts by the War Department for administrative convenience.
During the progression of the courts-martial, Davis was released from house arrest along with two other cadets. Cadet Humphreys was arrested though on 27 January.
Gird stayed as trial judge advocate until 8 March when asked to be released. He was replaced by Lieutenant William H.C. Bartlett.
in late March. Barbour then sent the information to President John Quincy Adams
. Adams read the findings, and adjusted some of the verdicts for the cadets shown in the next section. The case was closed on 3 May.
and forfeited a whiskey ration for the like period.
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
that took place at the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
in West Point, New York
West Point, New York
West Point is a federal military reservation established by President of the United States Thomas Jefferson in 1802. It is a census-designated place located in Town of Highlands in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 7,138 at the 2000 census...
, on 24–25 December 1826. It was caused by the smuggling of whiskey, two days prior to the incident, to make eggnog
Eggnog
Eggnog, or egg nog, is a sweetened dairy-based beverage traditionally made with milk and/or cream, sugar, beaten eggs , and liquor...
for a Christmas Day party in the North Barracks of the Academy. The riot eventually involved more than one-third of the cadets by the time it ceased on Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
morning. A subsequent investigation by Academy officials resulted in the implication of seventy cadets and the court-martial
Court-martial
A court-martial is a military court. A court-martial is empowered to determine the guilt of members of the armed forces subject to military law, and, if the defendant is found guilty, to decide upon punishment.Most militaries maintain a court-martial system to try cases in which a breach of...
ing of nineteen of them and one enlisted
Enlisted rank
An enlisted rank is, in most Militaries, any rank below a commissioned officer or warrant officer. The term can also be inclusive of non-commissioned officers...
soldier. Among the participants in the riot—though he was not court-martialed—was Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Finis Davis , also known as Jeff Davis, was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, serving as President for its entire history. He was born in Kentucky to Samuel and Jane Davis...
.
Background
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
drank eggnog that contained not only rum, but also significant amounts of sherry
Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown near the town of Jerez , Spain. In Spanish, it is called vino de Jerez....
, brandy
Brandy
Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine. Brandy generally contains 35%–60% alcohol by volume and is typically taken as an after-dinner drink...
, and whiskey. A large number of small dairy
Dairy
A dairy is a business enterprise established for the harvesting of animal milk—mostly from cows or goats, but also from buffalo, sheep, horses or camels —for human consumption. A dairy is typically located on a dedicated dairy farm or section of a multi-purpose farm that is concerned...
farms in Colonial America made milk, cream, and eggnog more accessible to the American public.
In 1817, Sylvanus Thayer
Sylvanus Thayer
Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General Sylvanus Thayer also known as "the Father of West Point" was an early superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point and an early advocate of engineering education in the United States.-Biography:Thayer was born in Braintree, Massachusetts,...
took command at the United States Military Academy. By 1826, the Academy had 36 men serving as faculty and staff with four recognized departments - mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, natural philosophy
Natural philosophy
Natural philosophy or the philosophy of nature , is a term applied to the study of nature and the physical universe that was dominant before the development of modern science...
(now the physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
and life sciences
Life sciences
The life sciences comprise the fields of science that involve the scientific study of living organisms, like plants, animals, and human beings. While biology remains the centerpiece of the life sciences, technological advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have led to a burgeoning of...
departments), and military tactics
Military tactics
Military tactics, the science and art of organizing an army or an air force, are the techniques for using weapons or military units in combination for engaging and defeating an enemy in battle. Changes in philosophy and technology over time have been reflected in changes to military tactics. In...
. Alcohol possession at the Academy was prohibited along with drunkenness
Drunkenness
Alcohol intoxication is a physiological state that occurs when a person has a high level of ethanol in his or her blood....
and intoxication, both of which could lead to expulsion
Expulsion (academia)
Expulsion or exclusion refers to the permanent removal of a student from a school system or university for violating that institution's rules. Laws and procedures regarding expulsion vary between countries and states.-State sector:...
. Tobacco
Tobacco
Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be consumed, used as a pesticide and, in the form of nicotine tartrate, used in some medicines...
use and gambling
Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods...
could lead to demerits
School discipline
School discipline is the system of rules, punishments and behavioral strategies appropriate to the regulation of children and the maintenance of order in schools. Its aim is to control the students actions and behavior....
, minor incarceration
Incarceration
Incarceration is the detention of a person in prison, typically as punishment for a crime .People are most commonly incarcerated upon suspicion or conviction of committing a crime, and different jurisdictions have differing laws governing the function of incarceration within a larger system of...
, or a loss of privilege
Privilege
A privilege is a special entitlement to immunity granted by the state or another authority to a restricted group, either by birth or on a conditional basis. It can be revoked in certain circumstances. In modern democratic states, a privilege is conditional and granted only after birth...
s. By 1826, concern had been raised that drinking was starting to get out of hand among the 260 cadets at the Academy.
20:50 - 22:15
At Martin's Tavern, cadets William R. Burnley (AlabamaAlabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
), Alexander J. Center (New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
), and Samuel A. Roberts (Alabama) almost get into a fight with the proprietors of another tavern concerning getting whiskey back to West Point. Private
Private (rank)
A Private is a soldier of the lowest military rank .In modern military parlance, 'Private' is shortened to 'Pte' in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries and to 'Pvt.' in the United States.Notably both Sir Fitzroy MacLean and Enoch Powell are examples of, rare, rapid career...
James Dougan, the duty security guard
Security guard
A security guard is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. Security guards are usually privately and formally employed personnel...
, agreed to let the three cadets take a boat across the Hudson to smuggle the whiskey. The cadets planned to purchase a half-gallon of whiskey as an alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
base for the eggnog party that would take place in the North Barracks
Barracks
Barracks are specialised buildings for permanent military accommodation; the word may apply to separate housing blocks or to complete complexes. Their main object is to separate soldiers from the civilian population and reinforce discipline, training and esprit de corps. They were sometimes called...
two nights later. Phillip St. George (Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
) was the 24-hour duty cadet guard of the day. Burnley, Center, and Roberts successfully got two gallons of whiskey, smuggling them into North Barracks Room #33. Cadet T.M. Lewis (Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
) also returned with a gallon of rum
Rum
Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane by-products such as molasses, or directly from sugarcane juice, by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid, is then usually aged in oak barrels...
from Benny's Tavern to North Barracks Room #5.
23 December 1826
07:00
Thayer met with George Bomford (New York) and Robert E. LeeRobert E. Lee
Robert Edward Lee was a career military officer who is best known for having commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War....
(Virginia). Bomford was questioned about his parent
Parent
A parent is a caretaker of the offspring in their own species. In humans, a parent is of a child . Children can have one or more parents, but they must have two biological parents. Biological parents consist of the male who sired the child and the female who gave birth to the child...
al correspondence
Communication
Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender's intent to communicate at the time of communication; thus communication can occur across vast...
by Thayer while Lee questioned Thayer about trigonometry
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies triangles and the relationships between their sides and the angles between these sides. Trigonometry defines the trigonometric functions, which describe those relationships and have applicability to cyclical phenomena, such as waves...
problems for artillery
Artillery
Originally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
gunnery. Classes continued that day as did inspection
Inspection
An inspection is, most generally, an organized examination or formal evaluation exercise. In engineering activities inspection involves the measurements, tests, and gauges applied to certain characteristics in regard to an object or activity...
of the barracks.
17:45
A ChristmasChristmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
party took place at Thayer's residence. Wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
was served. Reverend Charled McIlvane, the Academy chaplain
Chaplain
Traditionally, a chaplain is a minister in a specialized setting such as a priest, pastor, rabbi, or imam or lay representative of a religion attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, police department, university, or private chapel...
, was among the attendees. During the party, a conversation ensued between Thayer and Major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
William J. Worth
William J. Worth
William Jenkins Worth was a United States general during the Mexican-American War.-Early life:Worth was born in 1794 in Hudson, New York, to Thomas Worth and Abigail Jenkins. Both of his parents were Quakers, but he rejected the pacifism of their faith...
, the Commandant
Commandant
Commandant is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy. This usage is common in anglophone nations...
of cadets, about Jefferson Davis (Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
). This was about Davis's disciplinary problems. Entertainment was provided by the West Point band
Marching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
. The party ended at 21:30.
18:00
Four cadets, Walter B. Guion (Mississippi), Davis, John Stocker (PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
), and David Farrelly (Pennsylvania), met at Benny Haven's tavern
Tavern
A tavern is a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and be served food, and in some cases, where travelers receive lodging....
. Most of the discussion was about everyday life among the cadets. They left before Academy quartermaster
Quartermaster
Quartermaster refers to two different military occupations depending on if the assigned unit is land based or naval.In land armies, especially US units, it is a term referring to either an individual soldier or a unit who specializes in distributing supplies and provisions to troops. The senior...
Aeneas Mackay arrived. Meanwhile at the North Barracks, cadets were planning the party that also included stealing bits and pieces of food during their visits to the mess hall
Cafeteria
A cafeteria is a type of food service location in which there is little or no waiting staff table service, whether a restaurant or within an institution such as a large office building or school; a school dining location is also referred to as a dining hall or canteen...
. During this time, cadets residing in the South Barracks found out about the North Barracks' planned Christmas party.
22:00 to 04:15
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
) was in charge of the external post of the North Barracks. Captain Ethan Allen Hitchcock
Ethan A. Hitchcock (general)
Ethan Allen Hitchcock was a career United States Army officer and author who had War Department assignments in Washington, D.C., during the American Civil War, in which he served as a major general.-Early life:...
, a faculty member in military tactics, was also stationed in the North Barracks. Eaton and Hitchcock met and discussed about the smuggled liquor in the North Barracks. The eggnog party started among nine cadets in North Barracks Room #28. Numerous cadets appeared as the party progressed along with another party at Room #5 that seven cadets mentioned, including Davis, and others not mentioned. Farrelly returned to North's or Havens and returned with another gallon of whiskey early Christmas morning.
Hitchcock made another patrol around the barracks at 03:00. Lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
William A. Thornton was asleep at 03:00 as the events unfolded. Cadet Charles Whipple (Michigan Territory
Michigan Territory
The Territory of Michigan was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from June 30, 1805, until January 26, 1837, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Michigan...
) was division
Division (military)
A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers. In most armies, a division is composed of several regiments or brigades, and in turn several divisions typically make up a corps...
superintendent during the first part of the incident, was going back into North Barracks Room #5 at 02:00 after hearing a commotion, interrupting a round of singing among eight cadets, including Davis. Whipple returned to his room after a verbal exchange among Davis and the other cadets.
By 04:00, voices made from the floor above Hitchcock were loud enough to have the faculty member investigate Room #28 where Hitchcock knocked on the door and found six cadets drunk from the eggnog (and two others found sleeping on a bed). Hitchcock ordered two of the cadets back to their rooms. After they left, Hitchcock found two more cadets on the beds, ordering them to leave. Then he confronted Cadet James W.M. "Weems" Berrien (Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
), who then approached Hitchcock with as much force as Hitchcock had given to Berrien. Hitchcock ordered one more cadet to leave the room, then read the Riot Act
Riot Act
The Riot Act was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain that authorised local authorities to declare any group of twelve or more people to be unlawfully assembled, and thus have to disperse or face punitive action...
to the five residents of the room for possessing alcohol on the premises. The captain left the room at 04:15. Berrien started letting go of his rage toward Hitchcock which led William D.C. "Billy" Murdock (District of Columbia) to lead an effort to organize a riot against Hitchcock.
04:30 to 06:05
Footlocker (luggage)
A Footlocker is a storage box used in the military in which soldiers store their belongings. They came to be known as "footlockers" because they were essentially a type of locker which was usually located at the "foot" of a soldier's bunk or bed...
, but the cadet refused. Hitchcock ordered no more disorder, left the room, and started looking for Thornton around 04:50.
Meanwhile Thornton had strolled the North Barracks between 21:00 on the 24th and 02:00 on Christmas Day regarding the partying before going to sleep at 02:00. He was awaken by loud yells and, once out of his room, was attacked by two cadets. The lieutenant then put cadet William P.N. Fitzgerald (New York) under arrest for brandishing a weapon. Fitzgerald retreated from Thornton, then told two cadets in Room #29 about the lieutenant's arrest. Noises erupted from the South Barracks which distracted Thornton. While going to investigate that commotion, Thornton was knocked out by Roberts, who was ejected from Room #28 by Hitchcock earlier that evening.
Davis was asleep, but other cadets went looking for Hitchcock. Three other cadets were discovered by Cadet James G. Overton (Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
), a relief sentinel, about their actions. They explained to Overton about needing drum
Drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments, which is technically classified as the membranophones. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a...
s and fife
Fife (musical instrument)
A fife is a small, high-pitched, transverse flute that is similar to the piccolo, but louder and shriller due to its narrower bore. The fife originated in medieval Europe and is often used in military and marching bands. Someone who plays the fife is called a fifer...
. Hitchcock found another inebriated cadet who wandered the cadet. This was by 05:00. Several cadets then attacked the door of Room #8 where Hitchcock was staying. Guion drew his pistol
Pistol
When distinguished as a subset of handguns, a pistol is a handgun with a chamber that is integral with the barrel, as opposed to a revolver, wherein the chamber is separate from the barrel as a revolving cylinder. Typically, pistols have an effective range of about 100 feet.-History:The pistol...
and fired a shot in the room. Hitchcock then opened up the door and yelled at the cadets to stop their actions. This was in wake of several broken window
Window
A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
panes. The captain then began arresting cadets for their actions.
Hitchcock then ordered Eaton to find Worth's headquarters. Overton asked Hitchcock to find Thayer and Hitchcock replied "No Mr. Overton. Fetch the 'com'(Commandant Worth) here!" Several of the drunken cadets thought Hitchcock had stated the Bombardiers
Bombardier (rank)
Bombardier is a rank used in artillery units in the armies of Commonwealth countries instead of corporal. Lance-bombardier is used instead of lance-corporal....
would be the ones to quell the riot. Several cadets that were not drunk took up arms in defense of the North Barracks. Meanwhile two enlisted soldiers of Battery A, 2nd U.S. Artillery
Battery A, 2nd U.S. Artillery
For this article, “Company A” and “Battery A” are interchangeable. A battery of four to six cannons, with two to three two-cannon sections was the basic unit of the artillery branch. The organization was commanded by a captain with first and second lieutenants as section chiefs and chief of...
awoke unaware that Major Worth's and Colonel Thayer's quarters were awoken by the commotion in the North Barracks. Thayer awoke at 05:00 to the drum sounds going on. He ordered his aide Patrick Murphy to get Major Worth over what was going on in the North Barracks. Hitchcock continued getting back the North Barracks, getting into a fight with Cadet Walter Otey (Virginia) even though several cadets claimed the barracks was there. Other cadets who were not drinking got involved in restoring order also by 06:00. The main rioters attempted to recruit other cadets, but to no avail.
Thornton awoke from the stairway
Stairway
Stairway, staircase, stairwell, flight of stairs, or simply stairs are names for a construction designed to bridge a large vertical distance by dividing it into smaller vertical distances, called steps...
after being knocked out and returned to his room. Hitchcock greeted him in his room at 05:45. Overton could not find Eaton who was checking the South Barracks, but did find Worth. Hitchcock met Worth and told Worth of what had transpired. By the time Thayer's aide had arrived in the North Barracks' guardroom. The Second Artillery had arrived to the North Barracks by the time of Reveille
Reveille
"Reveille" is a bugle call, trumpet call or pipes call most often associated with the military or summer camp; it is chiefly used to wake military personnel at sunrise...
at 06:05.
06:05-18:30
Reveille sounded at 06:05 along with gunfire, glass breaking, profanityProfanity
Profanity is a show of disrespect, or a desecration or debasement of someone or something. Profanity can take the form of words, expressions, gestures, or other social behaviors that are socially constructed or interpreted as insulting, rude, vulgar, obscene, desecrating, or other forms.The...
by cadets, cries of pain, and threats on Academy officials. North Barracks residents who were not partying from the eggnog were appalled at the damaged property. Some of the cadets remained in their rooms drinking. Cadets in the South Barracks were well rested while other cadets in the North Barracks were disheveled. Other cadets involved appeared in parade formation though they were drunk. Worth met with Thayer after the first formation to discuss what had happened in the North Barracks the previous evening. Thayer instructed Worth to get the officers into the North Barracks and restore order.
Captain Mackay, Academy quartermaster, took down details of the damages to the property at North Barracks so repairs could take place the next couple of days. Several cadets were discussing in the North Barracks what transpired that evening. Other information spread through both North and South Barracks. Many cadets who were drunk made it to company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
roll call
Roll call
Roll call is the calling of the names of people from a list to determine the presence or absence of the listed people . The term applies to the calling itself, to the time moment of this procedure, and to a military signal that announces it Roll call is the calling of the names of people from a...
at 06:20 though they were subdued. A meeting officially ended the mutiny when two sober cadets discussed two drunk cadets at the same time Cadet Captain James A.J. Bradford (Kentucky) called to corps to attention and dismissed them from the mess hall after breakfast. Chapel
West Point Cadet Chapel
The Cadet Chapel at the United States Military Academy is a place of Protestant denomination worship for many members of the United States Corps of Cadets. The chapel is a classic example of gothic revival architecture, with its cross-shaped floor plan, soaring arches, and ornate stone carvings...
formation took place after breakfast, followed by two hours of service. Most of the drunk cadets were still recovering during the services.
Thayer was advised by Worth over the results at North Barracks. Captain Hitchcock and Lieutenant Thornton were bruised while several cadets suffered minor injuries though Fitzgerald suffered a hand injury. Worth told Thayer between fifty and ninety were involved in the mutiny. Later that day, Thayer met with Gouverneur Kemble
Gouverneur Kemble
Gouverneur Kemble was a two-term United States Congressman, diplomat and industrialist. He helped found the West Point Foundry, a major producer of artillery during the American Civil War....
, an ordnance
Artillery
Originally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
manufacturer in Cold Spring, New York
Cold Spring, New York
Cold Spring is a village located in the Town of Philipstown in Putnam County, New York. The population was 1,983 at the 2000 census. It borders the smaller village of Nelsonville...
to discuss different items, including what transpired the previous evening at West Point. Kemble asked Thayer what he would do with the misconduct to which Thayer replied he did not know.
07:00-08:00
Professors in the United States
In the U.S., "Professors" commonly occupy any of several positions in academia, typically the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Full Professor....
attended. Thayer informed them the incident had been informed to Major General
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
Alexander Macomb, Chief of Engineers
Chief of Engineers
The Chief of Engineers commands the US Army Corps of Engineers. As a staff officer at The Pentagon, the Chief advises the Army on engineering matters and serves as the Army's topographer and the proponent for real estate and other related engineering programs....
and Inspector General
Inspector General
An Inspector General is an investigative official in a civil or military organization. The plural of the term is Inspectors General.-Bangladesh:...
of the Academy, and was awaiting word from the War Department
United States Department of War
The United States Department of War, also called the War Department , was the United States Cabinet department originally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the United States Army...
(now part of the Defense Department
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
) and the Chief Engineer
Chief of Engineers
The Chief of Engineers commands the US Army Corps of Engineers. As a staff officer at The Pentagon, the Chief advises the Army on engineering matters and serves as the Army's topographer and the proponent for real estate and other related engineering programs....
from United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Army Corps of Engineers
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency and a major Army command made up of some 38,000 civilian and military personnel, making it the world's largest public engineering, design and construction management agency...
(which was Macomb). The superintendent also informed the attendees that the inquiry will take place during semester finals in January 1827, so some of the cadets will face both examinations and an inquiry. Cadet Battalion Order 98 was read at formation and posted at several prominent locations at the Academy. Twenty-two cadets were placed under house arrest
House arrest
In justice and law, house arrest is a measure by which a person is confined by the authorities to his or her residence. Travel is usually restricted, if allowed at all...
until further notice. Among them was Davis, who was observed as a malefactor by Hitchcock and Thornton.
6 January 1827
Thayer reviewed Order #49, dated 30 December 1826, and signed by Macomb. The order was to assemble a court of inquiryInquiry
An inquiry is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim.-Deduction:...
as soon as possible to investigate the Christmas riots. No deadline was given by the War Department in Washington, DC though the academy was expected to get it done as soon as possible. Major Worth was president with Lieutenant Henry H. Gird acting as secretary
Secretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
(court reporter
Court reporter
A court reporter, stenotype reporter, voice writing reporter, or transcriber is a person whose occupation is to transcribe spoken or recorded speech into written form, using machine shorthand or voice writing equipment to produce official transcripts of court hearings, depositions and other...
). Two other faculty and staff would be selected by Thayer for court duties. If information was further disciplinary actions, Thayer was empowered to court-martial
Courts-martial in the United States
Courts-martial in the United States are criminal trials conducted by the U.S. military. Most commonly, courts-martial are convened to try members of the U.S. military for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice , which is the U.S. military's criminal code...
any cadet or other military personnel if warranted. Worth recommended Hitchcock and Lieutenant William Bryant despite Hitchcock's involvement in controlling the riots in North Barracks.
7 January 1827
Gird reviewed information as he sent out to the cadets the courts of inquiry during the exams.8–22 January 1827
167 witnesses testified. These proceedings occurred at the same time as the general examinations. MacKay states US$United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
168.83 (US$ at 2008 prices) worth of damages. Thayer testified he never order the Bombardiers, the Second Artillery on policing the barracks. The Academic Board recommended James W. Hamilton (At-large) be discharged for bad conduct and five others, all fourth classmen (freshman
Freshman
A freshman or fresher is a first-year student in secondary school, high school, or college. The term first year can also be used as a noun, to describe the students themselves A freshman (US) or fresher (UK, India) (or sometimes fish, freshie, fresher; slang plural frosh or freshmeat) is a...
or plebe), were dismissed for lack of aptitude in certain academic disciplines or bad conduct. Several other cadets also were dismissed. A final report was presented to Thayer on 19 January 1827. Both Thayer and Worth met after dinner that evening. Following testimony, it was determined that seventy cadets were involved. After examination of the cadets, Thayer picked the worst offenders, then those who introduced the whiskey though Center was excluded, followed by the cadets who incited the riots, and several others for poor conduct during the riot.
24 January-8 March 1827
William Wirt (Attorney General)
William Wirt was an American author and statesman who is credited with turning the position of United States Attorney General into one of influence.-History:...
opined "the Corps ... form part of the land forces of the United States..." and its members were thus subject to military law
Military law
Military justice is the body of laws and procedures governing members of the armed forces. Many states have separate and distinct bodies of law that govern the conduct of members of their armed forces. Some states use special judicial and other arrangements to enforce those laws, while others use...
and trials by courts-martial. This was supported by United States Secretary of War
United States Secretary of War
The Secretary of War was a member of the United States President's Cabinet, beginning with George Washington's administration. A similar position, called either "Secretary at War" or "Secretary of War," was appointed to serve the Congress of the Confederation under the Articles of Confederation...
John C. Calhoun
John C. Calhoun
John Caldwell Calhoun was a leading politician and political theorist from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, but often changed positions. Calhoun began his political career as a nationalist, modernizer, and proponent...
and President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
James Monroe
James Monroe
James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States . Monroe was the last president who was a Founding Father of the United States, and the last president from the Virginia dynasty and the Republican Generation...
on Wirt's 1819 opinion.
19th century military justice was bound on the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. Swift and surprisingly fair, the sentences
Sentence (law)
In law, a sentence forms the final explicit act of a judge-ruled process, and also the symbolic principal act connected to his function. The sentence can generally involve a decree of imprisonment, a fine and/or other punishments against a defendant convicted of a crime...
were reviewed by the Secretary of War, the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
, and the President. A general court consisted between five and 13 officers, serving as jurors
Jury
A jury is a sworn body of people convened to render an impartial verdict officially submitted to them by a court, or to set a penalty or judgment. Modern juries tend to be found in courts to ascertain the guilt, or lack thereof, in a crime. In Anglophone jurisdictions, the verdict may be guilty,...
and magistrate
Magistrate
A magistrate is an officer of the state; in modern usage the term usually refers to a judge or prosecutor. This was not always the case; in ancient Rome, a magistratus was one of the highest government officers and possessed both judicial and executive powers. Today, in common law systems, a...
s. The accused was still his own lawyer
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
prepared for his own defense, and could plead guilty to one or more charges against him while dismissing other charges. A standard trial
Trial
A trial is, in the most general sense, a test, usually a test to see whether something does or does not meet a given standard.It may refer to:*Trial , the presentation of information in a formal setting, usually a court...
was charges being read, the defendant
Defendant
A defendant or defender is any party who is required to answer the complaint of a plaintiff or pursuer in a civil lawsuit before a court, or any party who has been formally charged or accused of violating a criminal statute...
giving his plea, opening statements by the prosecution and defense attorneys, witness
Witness
A witness is someone who has firsthand knowledge about an event, or in the criminal justice systems usually a crime, through his or her senses and can help certify important considerations about the crime or event. A witness who has seen the event first hand is known as an eyewitness...
testimony, closing statements given by the prosecution and defense attorneys, and jury decision. If the defendant was found guilty, then the sentencing ensued. Trials were held 08:00 to 15:00 daily or during daylight hours, whichever was later. Twenty cases were divided among three parts by the War Department for administrative convenience.
During the progression of the courts-martial, Davis was released from house arrest along with two other cadets. Cadet Humphreys was arrested though on 27 January.
Gird stayed as trial judge advocate until 8 March when asked to be released. He was replaced by Lieutenant William H.C. Bartlett.
9 March-3 May 1827
Bartlett started his duties on 9 March at 10:00. The courts-martial was complete on 16 March. Thayer forward the records to General Maccomb and then-Secretary of War James BarbourJames Barbour
James Barbour was an American lawyer, amember and speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, the 18th Governor of Virginia, the first Governor to reside in the current Virginia Governor's Mansion, a U.S. Senator from 1814–1825, and the United States Secretary of War from 1825-1828.Barbour was a...
in late March. Barbour then sent the information to President John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
. Adams read the findings, and adjusted some of the verdicts for the cadets shown in the next section. The case was closed on 3 May.
Cadets
| Name | Court-martial date(s) | Verdict in court-martial | Adams review | Comments | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| William E. Aisquith | 29 January | Guilty - Suspended six months. Rank reduced from cadet lieutenant to private. | Remitted. | ||
| John C. Stocker | 30 January - 11 February | Guilty - Expelled on six charges. | Approved | ||
| Ben Humphreys | Not listed | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved. | ||
| Walt Guion | 9 February | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved. | ||
| David Farrelly | 10 February | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved. | ||
| Thomas M. "T.M." Lewis | 12–13 February | Guilty - Expelled on four charges. | Approved. | ||
| William P.N. Fitzgerald | 13-16, 19 February | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved. | Plead guilty to first charge, but not to rest. Lee testified in case. | |
| James W. M. "Weems" Berrien | Not listed. | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved his expulsion, but his remittance forbade Berrien from ever serving in the U.S. military again. | Lee testified in case. Berrien went to Secretary of War on 2 February for assistance, despite making poor comments about Hitchcock. | |
| John A. Campbell | Not listed | Call for expulsion with Berrien, but rejected. | Not applicable. | ||
| William R. Burnley | 23–27 February | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved. | Had two more arrests between the Eggnog riot and the court-martial.(19, 22 January, 17 February). | |
| Samuel Roberts | 26–28 February, 2 March | Guilty - Expelled. | Approved. | ||
| George Bomford | 2 March | Guilty - Expelled on four charges, but resigned. | Approved, but allowed for the cadet's resignation. | ||
| Anthony B. Johnson | 6 March | Guilty - Expelled on four charges. | Approved. | ||
| James L. Thompson | 6 March | Guilty - Expelled, but recommended sentence be remitted. | Not applicable | ||
| Hugh W. Mercer | 9, 10, 12 March | Guilty - Expelled on two of the four charges. | Remitted. | ||
| Benjamin F. Gard | 13 March | Guilty - Rank reduced from sergeant Sergeant Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent.... to private. Reprimanded. |
Permitted to keep cadet sergeant chevrons. | ||
| Thomas Swords, Jr. | 12 March | Guilty - Expelled, but court remitted sentence after found guilty. | Granted clemency. | ||
| William D.C. Murdock | 13 March | Guilty - Expelled, but sentence remitted. | Granted clemency. | ||
| Richard Screven | 13 March | Guilty - Expelled, but sentence remitted. | Granted clemency. | ||
| Fayette Norvelle | 14–15 March | Guilty - Expelled, but suspended until January 1828. | Granted clemency. |
Soldier
Private John Dougan was sentenced to one month of hard laborHard Labor
Hard Labor is the eleventh album by American rock band Three Dog Night, released in 1974 .- Cover Artwork :The original album cover, depicting of the birth of a record album , was deemed too controversial and was soon reworked with a huge bandage covering the "birth". The cover also includes an...
and forfeited a whiskey ration for the like period.