370 THE GROUNDSWELL. 



AT WEST POINT AND IN THE ARMY. 



In the spring of 1852, being at that time a member of 

 lie senior class of the West Tennessee College at Jackson, 

 xie received the appointment of cadet at West Point. This 

 change brought about higher aspirations, stronger efforts, 

 and new associations. In 1856, he graduated with the 

 very large class of that year, his standing being highly 

 creditable. 



After enjoying at home the usual furlough of graduated 

 cadets, he reported, in the autumn of 1856, to the cavalry 

 school of instruction, at Carlisle, Pa., to Colonel Charles 

 May, of Mexican war fame. He remained there one year, 

 and, in the fall of 1857, as second Lieutenant, he joined his 

 regiment of Mounted Rifles, in the United States Army, 

 then stationed at various points in Texas and New Mexico. 

 Lieutenant Jackson was on this service under Col. W. W. 

 Loring from 1857 to the spring of 1861, giving full scope for 

 adventures in following Indian trails, and in the pleasures 

 of the chase. 



During this time he was frequently complimented, not 

 only from the headquarters of his regiment, but also from 

 general headquarters, for persistence in duty and gallantry 

 in action. 



WAR BREAKS OUT. 



At the commencement of the Civil War, he was operating 

 against the Apaches in the vicinity of Fort Staunton, New 

 Mexico. In the breaking up of old relations incident to the 

 struggle between the North and South, our then young 

 cavalry officer was actuated by motives which, from the 

 stand-point of that day, were most honorable. His parents, 

 relatives, and dearest friends were all Southerners; and, 

 while separating with regret from companions in arms who 



