 Complete the following phrase:  Reynolds was nominated to the United States Military Academy in 1837 by Senator James Bucha, a family friend, and graduated 26th of 50 cadets in the class of 1841. He was commissioned a brevet second lieutet in the 3rd U.S. Artillery, assigned to Fort McHenry. From 1842 to 1845 he was assigned to St. Augustine, Florida, and Fort Moultrie, South Carolina, before joining Zachary Taylors army at Corpus Christi, Texas, for the MexicanAmerican War. He was awarded two brevet promotions in Mexicoto captain for gallantry at 