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increased. There was a veritable revolution in the barracks and the corps of cadets." Dr. McIlvaine himself has confirmed that the religious life of the Academy at his arrival "was far from encouraging." When Leonidas Polk knocked on Dr. McIlvaine's door one Saturday "and earnestly begged to be told what he must do for salvation," he was the first cadet ever to visit the new chaplain for religious guidance. Dr. McIlvaine gave him instruction, and the two prayed together.