Assault at West Point, the Court Martial of Johnson Whittaker

by John Marszalek

Set in the 1880s, this riveting story focuses on Whittaker, a former slave who became the third black man to enter West Point. Like his two predecessors, he was ostracized for the entire three years of his training. One morning Whittaker didn't show up for drill. He was found in his room, unconscious, tied tightly to the bed, with blood streaming from his head. In a trial that received major attention from the press, Whittaker was accused of faking the crime to get sympathy from the public and from his professors. Author Marszalek weaves his rich narrative from historical records to tell how Whittaker sought justice against all odds.

330 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Andrew Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Australian story of Johnson Whittaker is not one that is Familiar. It is however a story the best describes the relationship between the newly freed Negroes and white America.

After being tied up and bashed, Whittaker is discovered by members of the West point Academy, after being absent from Roll Call. Despite being tied hand and foot, obviously assaulted and injured, the doctor and his commanding officer come to the conclusion that he has, in fact, injured himself.

The book follows. What happens next. Is Westpoint initially contacts and inquiry, and eventually a court Marshall to establish the truth.

An excellent book worth reading.

The book has also been made into a movie.