Eggnog Riot

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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-martialing of twenty of them and one enlisted soldier. Among the participants in the riot—though he was not court-martialed—was Jefferson Davis.

Contents

[edit] Background

Weir painting of U.S. Military Academy superintendent Sylvanus Thayer.

George Washington drank eggnog that contained not only rum, but also significant amounts of sherry, brandy, and whiskey.[1] A large number of small dairy farms in Colonial America made milk, cream, and eggnog more accessible to the American public.[1]

In 1817, Sylvanus Thayer took command at the United States Military Academy.[2] By 1826, the Academy had 36 men serving as faculty and staff with four recognized departments - mathematics, engineering, natural philosophy (now the physics,[3] chemistry and life sciences departments[4]), and military tactics.[5][6] Alcohol possession at the Academy was prohibited along with drunkenness and intoxication, both of which could lead to expulsion.[7] Tobacco use and gambling could lead to demerits, minor incarceration, or a loss of privileges.[7] By 1826, concern had been raised that drinking was starting to get out of hand among the 260 cadets at the Academy.[8][9]

[edit] Timeline of events

[edit] 22 December 1826

[edit] 20:50 - 22:15

At Martin's Tavern, cadets William R. Burnley (Alabama), Alexander J. Center (New York), and Samuel A. Roberts (Alabama) almost got 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.[10] Phillip St. George (Virginia) was the 24-hour duty cadet guard of the day.[11] Burnley, Center, and Roberts successfully got two gallons of whiskey, smuggling them into North Barracks Room #33.[1][12] Cadet T.M. Lewis (Kentucky) also returned with a gallon of rum from Benny's Tavern to North Barracks Room #5.[13]

[edit] 23 December 1826

U.S. Military Academy commandant William Worth (1820-28) between 1845 and 1849.

[edit] 07:00

Thayer met with George Bomford (New York) and Robert E. Lee (Virginia). Bomford was questioned about his parental correspondence by Thayer while Lee questioned Thayer about trigonometry problems for artillery gunnery.[14] Classes continued that day as did inspection of the barracks.[15]

[edit] 17:45

A Christmas 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.[16] Entertainment was provided by the West Point band.[17] The party ended at 21:30.[7]

[edit] 18:00

Four cadets, Walter B. Guion (Mississippi), Davis, John Stocker (Pennsylvania), 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.[18] 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.[19] During this time, cadets residing in the South Barracks found out about the North Barracks' planned Christmas party.[20][21]

[edit] 24–25 December 1826

[edit] 22:00 to 04:15

Portrait of Ethan Allen Hitchcock between 1851 and 1860. Hitchcock served as a faculty member at West Point at the time of the Eggnog Riot in 1826.

Nathaniel Eaton (Massachusetts) was in charge of the external post of the North Barracks.[22] Captain Ethan Allen Hitchcock, a faculty member in military tactics, was also stationed in the North Barracks.[23] Eaton and Hitchcock met and discussed about the smuggled liquor in the North Barracks.[24] 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.[1][6][25]

Hitchcock made another patrol around the barracks at 03:00.[26] Lieutenant William A. Thornton was asleep at 03:00 as the events unfolded.[26] 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.[27] Whipple returned to his room after a verbal exchange among Davis and the other cadets.[28]

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.[29] 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.[30]

[edit] 25 December 1826

[edit] 04:30 to 06:05

Jefferson Davis as President of the Confederate States of America in 1861. Davis was among the seventy cadets who took part in the Eggnog Riot of 24–25 December 1826.

Hitchcock went down to his room to sleep. He heard three knocks on the door only to find no one there. 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.[1][6][31]

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 awoken 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.[32]

Davis was asleep, but other cadets went looking for Hitchcock. Three other cadets were discovered by Cadet James G. Overton (Tennessee), a relief sentinel, and questioned about their actions. They explained to Overton about needing drums and fife. Hitchcock found another inebriated cadet who wandered the cadet. This was by 05:00.[33] 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.[34]

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.[35] 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.[36] 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.[37] Other cadets who were not drinking got involved in restoring order also by 06:00.[38] The main rioters attempted to recruit other cadets, but to no avail.[39]

Thornton awoke from the stairway after being knocked out and returned to his room. Hitchcock greeted him in his room at 05:45.[40] 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.[41]

[edit] 06:05-18:30

Reveille sounded at 06:05 along with gunfire, glass breaking, profanity by cadets, cries of pain, and threats on Academy officials.[1][42] North Barracks residents who were not partying from the eggnog were appalled at the damaged property.[43] Some of the cadets remained in their rooms drinking.[43] Cadets in the South Barracks were well rested while other cadets in the North Barracks were disheveled.[43] Other cadets involved appeared in parade formation though they were drunk.[44] Worth met with Thayer after the first formation to discuss what had happened in the North Barracks the previous evening.[45] Thayer instructed Worth to get the officers into the North Barracks and restore order.[46]

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.[47] Several cadets were discussing in the North Barracks what transpired that evening.[48] Other information spread through both North and South Barracks.[49] Many cadets who were drunk made it to company roll call at 06:20 though they were subdued.[50] 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.[51] Chapel formation took place after breakfast, followed by two hours of service. Most of the drunk cadets were still recovering during the services.[52]

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.[53] 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.[54]

[edit] 26 December 1826

[edit] 07:00-08:00

1829 portrait of Alexander Macomb, Inspector of the United States Military Academy.

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 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.[55] 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.[21][56]

[edit] 6 January 1827

Thayer reviewed Order #49, dated 30 December 1826, and signed by Macomb. The order was to assemble a court of inquiry 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.[57] Worth recommended Hitchcock and Lieutenant William Bryant despite Hitchcock's involvement in controlling the riots in North Barracks.[58]

[edit] 7 January 1827

Gird reviewed information as he sent out to the cadets the courts of inquiry during the exams.[59]

[edit] 8–22 January 1827

167 witnesses testified. These proceedings occurred at the same time as the general examinations. MacKay states US$ 168.83 (US$3.21 thousand in 2008 dollars)[60] worth of damages. Thayer testified he never order the Bombardiers, the Second Artillery on policing the barracks.[61] 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.[21][62] 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.[6][63]

[edit] 24 January-8 March 1827

1807 or 1808 picture of U.S. Attorney General William Wirt who in 1819 stated that West Point cadets were subjected to military law and trials by courts-martial.

Lieutenant Gird served as trial judge advocate with the trials commencing on 26 January.[64] These courts-martial were held one by one without break.[65] 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.[66]

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 magistrates. 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.[67]

During the progression of the courts-martial, Davis was released from house arrest along with two other cadets.[21][68] Cadet Humphreys was arrested though on 27 January.[68]

Gird stayed as trial judge advocate until 8 March when asked to be released. He was replaced by Lieutenant William H.C. Bartlett.[69]

[edit] 9 March-3 May 1827

Bartlett started his duties on 9 March at 10:00.[70] The courts-martial was complete on 16 March.[71] Thayer forward the records to General Maccomb and then-Secretary of War James Barbour in late March. Barbour then sent the information to President John Quincy Adams.[72] 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.[73]

[edit] Personnel involved in the riot

[edit] 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.[73] [74]
John C. Stocker 30 January - 11 February Guilty - Expelled on six charges. Approved[73] [75]
Ben Humphreys Not listed Guilty - Expelled. Approved.[73] [76][77]
Walt Guion 9 February Guilty - Expelled. Approved.[73] [76][77]
David Farrelly 10 February Guilty - Expelled. Approved.[73] [76][77]
Thomas M. "T.M." Lewis 12–13 February Guilty - Expelled on four charges. Approved.[73] [78]
William P.N. Fitzgerald 13-16, 19 February Guilty - Expelled. Approved.[73] Plead guilty to first charge, but not to rest. Lee testified in case. [79]
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.[73] Lee testified in case. Berrien went to Secretary of War on 2 February for assistance, despite making poor comments about Hitchcock. [80]
John A. Campbell Not listed Call for expulsion with Berrien, but rejected. Not applicable. [81]
William R. Burnley 23–27 February Guilty - Expelled. Approved.[73] Had two more arrests between the Eggnog riot and the court-martial.(19, 22 January, 17 February). [81]
Samuel Roberts 26–28 February, 2 March Guilty - Expelled. Approved.[73] [82]
George Bomford 2 March Guilty - Expelled on four charges, but resigned. Approved, but allowed for the cadet's resignation.[73] [82]
Anthony B. Johnson 6 March Guilty - Expelled on four charges. Approved.[73] [82]
James L. Thompson 6 March Guilty - Expelled, but recommended sentence be remitted. Not applicable [83]
Hugh W. Mercer 9, 10, 12 March Guilty - Expelled on two of the four charges. Remitted.[73] [84]
Benjamin F. Gard 13 March Guilty - Rank reduced from sergeant to private. Reprimanded. Permitted to keep cadet sergeant chevrons.[73] [85]
Thomas Swords, Jr. 12 March Guilty - Expelled, but court remitted sentence after found guilty. Granted clemency.[73] [86]
William D.C. Murdock 13 March Guilty - Expelled, but sentence remitted. Granted clemency.[73] [87]
Richard Screven 13 March Guilty - Expelled, but sentence remitted. Granted clemency.[73] [87]
Fayette Norvelle 14–15 March Guilty - Expelled, but suspended until January 1828. Granted clemency.[73] [87]

[edit] Soldier

Private John Dougan was sentenced to one month of hard labor and forfeited a whiskey ration for the like period.[88]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Sustainabletable.org article on Eggnog featuring the "Eggnog Riot". - accessed 13 December 2009.
  2. ^ Agnew, James B. (1979). Eggnog Riot. San Rafael, CA: Presidio Press. p. xv. ISBN 0891410368
  3. ^ United States Military Academy Department of Physics. - accessed 11 December 2009.
  4. ^ United States Military Academy Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences. - accessed 11 December 2009.
  5. ^ Agnew. p. xvii.
  6. ^ a b c d Bowler, Gerry (2000). "Eggnog Riot". In The World Encyclopedia of Christmas. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart. p. 73.
  7. ^ a b c Agnew. p. xix.
  8. ^ Agnew. p. xviii.
  9. ^ Agnew. p. 5.
  10. ^ Agnew. pp. 1-4.
  11. ^ Agnew. p. 4.
  12. ^ Agnew. pp. 10-11.
  13. ^ Agnew. pp. 9-10.
  14. ^ Agnew. pp. 12-19.
  15. ^ Agnew. pp. 20-30.
  16. ^ Agnew. pp. 31-37.
  17. ^ Agnew. pp. 41-44.
  18. ^ Agnew. pp. 45-51.
  19. ^ Agnew. pp. 51-58.
  20. ^ Agnew. pp. 59-61.
  21. ^ a b c d Foodreference.com article about the Eggnog Riot. - accessed 13 December 2009.
  22. ^ Agnew. p. 62.
  23. ^ Agnew. pp. 64-65.
  24. ^ Agnew. pp. 65-66.
  25. ^ Agnew. pp. 66-9.
  26. ^ a b Agnew. p. 69.
  27. ^ Agnew. pp. 69-71.
  28. ^ Agnew. pp. 71-73.
  29. ^ Agnew. pp. 74-77.
  30. ^ Agnew. pp. 77-78.
  31. ^ Agnew. pp. 79-83.
  32. ^ Agnew. pp. 83-86.
  33. ^ Agnew. pp. 86-90.
  34. ^ Agnew. pp. 90-93.
  35. ^ Agnew. pp. 93-95.
  36. ^ Agnew. pp. 95-97.
  37. ^ Agnew. pp. 97-99.
  38. ^ Agnew. pp. 98-99.
  39. ^ Agnew. pp. 99-101, 102.
  40. ^ Agnew. pp. 101-02.
  41. ^ Agnew. pp. 102-6.
  42. ^ Agnew. p. 107.
  43. ^ a b c Agnew. p, 108.
  44. ^ Agnew. pp. 108-111.
  45. ^ Agnew. pp. 111-112.
  46. ^ Agnew. p. 113.
  47. ^ Agnew. p. 114.
  48. ^ Agnew. pp. 114-116.
  49. ^ Agnew. pp. 116-117.
  50. ^ Agnew. p. 117.
  51. ^ Agnew. pp. 117-9.
  52. ^ Agnew. pp. 119-20.
  53. ^ Agnew. pp. 120-3.
  54. ^ Agnew. pp. 124-6.
  55. ^ Agnew. pp. 127-9.
  56. ^ Agnew. p. 129.
  57. ^ Agnew. pp. 129-30.
  58. ^ Agnew. pp. 130-1.
  59. ^ Agnew. pp. 131-3.
  60. ^ Westegg.com inflation calculation from 1826 to 2008. - accessed 12 December 2009.
  61. ^ Agnew. p. 133.
  62. ^ Agnew. p. 134.
  63. ^ Agnew. pp. 135-7.
  64. ^ Agnew. p. 138.
  65. ^ Agnew. p. 139.
  66. ^ Agnew. p. 140.
  67. ^ Agnew. pp. 142-145.
  68. ^ a b Agnew. p. 147.
  69. ^ Agnew. p. 161.
  70. ^ Agnew. p. 162.
  71. ^ Agnew. p. 168.
  72. ^ Agnew. pp. 169-71.
  73. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Agnew. p. 171.
  74. ^ Agnew. pp. 146-47
  75. ^ Agnew. pp. 148-9.
  76. ^ a b c Agnew. p. 149.
  77. ^ a b c Agnew. p. 150.
  78. ^ Agnew. p. 151.
  79. ^ Agnew. pp. 152-7.
  80. ^ Agnew. pp. 157-59.
  81. ^ a b Agnew. p. 159/
  82. ^ a b c Agnew. p. 160.
  83. ^ Agnew. pp. 160-1
  84. ^ Agnew. pp. 162, 165.
  85. ^ Agnew. p. 165.
  86. ^ Agnew. p. 166-7.
  87. ^ a b c Agnew. pp. 167-8
  88. ^ Agnew. p. 169.
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