George Stoneman Jr. (August 8, 1822 – September 5, 1894) was a United States Army cavalry officer and politician who served as the fifteenth Governor of California from 1883 to 1887. (wikipedia)
I will embrace the first opportunity to get to California and it is altogether probable that when once there I shall never again leave it.
I have therefore concluded to apply for the privilege of becoming a Cadet at West Point.
A military life has ever comported with my inclination.