BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES GRATIOT - DOCUMENT SIGNED 05/16/1834 - HFSID 313665

GENERAL CHARLES GRATIOT
As Chief Engineer of the US Army, he signs a monthly statement of academic performance for the parents or guardian of a West Point cadet.
Document signed: "C Gratiot/B Gen Chief Engr", 1 page, 7¾x10. Engineer Department, Washington, 1834 May 16. Report on the class standing of US Military Academy cadet Woodbridge, submitted for the information of parents or guardian. In a class of 86, Woodbridge ranked 20 in Mathematics and 47 in French. He had no demerits in the month of April. Charles Gratiot (1786-1855), son and namesake of a successful St Louis merchant, was a member of the 5th graduating class of the US Military Academy (1806). At that time, West Point was the premier engineering college in the United States, and engineering the most promising career track for young officers. Gratiot served as William Henry Harrison's Chief Engineer during the War of 1812, receiving the thanks of Congress for his contribution to the war effort. In 1828, he became the Army's Chief Engineer. Under his leadership, the Army undertook an ambitious program of road, harbor and fortification improvements. In 1838, Gratiot was dismissed by President Van Buren in a financial dispute, having failed to reimburse the US Treasury for unauthorized expenses. Gratiot pursued lengthy litigation against the US, the case reaching the Supreme Court twice, but ultimately lost the case in 1846. Francis Woodbridge graduated 14th in the West Point Class of 1837. He died on duty at Barracas Barracks, Florida in 1855, the same year as Gratiot. Right edge worn. Corners worn and creased. Multiple mailing folds. Toned. Light tears along folds. Tear on bottom margin.