West Pointers, Heroism And Daring

Source

Upon his [Alexander Macomb's] arrival at the seat of government, he found that the corps to which he belonged had been disbanded, but that he had been retained, and attached to the 1st infantry, with the rank of first lieutenant. At the same time authority had been given to raise a corps of engineers...----which corps, when organized, was to constitute the Military Academy.  ....he was transferred to that corps, as a first lieutenant, in October, 1802.

This was the beginning of an institution, which has since made the world ring, with the heroism and daring of the gallant officers whose military character and education were there formed and acquired. [Source]