He then studied at Columbia for two years where he was a member of the Philolexian Society debating club and then, against his parents' wishes, transferred to the Naval Academy, where he graduated second in his class in 1859.
Where he was a member of the Philolexian Society debating club and then transferred to the Naval Academy. This was against his parents' wishes. This was what he studied at Columbia for two years. He graduated second in his class in 1859.