Smith, Sara Henderson, 1812-1884

Scope and Contents This collection consists of a one volume diary and notebook kept by VMI cadet Charles T. Haigh between 1862 and 1864. The volume provides insight into the life and concerns of a VMI cadet during the Civil War. It primarily contains poetry written by his classmates, as well as poetry by Sara Henderson Smith, the wife of VMI Superintendent, Francis H. Smith. The diary portion contains sparse entries for the period between March and May 1863. Included are occasional references to wartime cadet...

Scope and Contents The diary and notebook provides insight into the life and concerns of a VMI cadet during the Civil War. It primarily contains poetry written by his classmates, as well as poetry by Sara Henderson Smith, the wife of VMI Superintendent, Francis H. Smith. The diary portion contains sparse entries for the period between March and May 1863. Included are occasional references to wartime cadet life, as well as a brief account of General Stonewall Jackson's wounding, death, and funeral in May 1863....

Scope and Contents The collection consists of the letters and diary of cadet John F. Early (1830-1894), who attended VMI from 1848 to 1850. The one volume diary-notebook contains short and sporadic entries regarding daily routines and special events. The diary contains one of the earliest references to Superintendent Francis H. Smith as "Spex" (April 30, 1850). The diary also contains lists of cadets, room occupants, and poetry of Sara Henderson Smith ("The Old Gray Coat") and others. The five letters were...

Scope and Contents This collection consists of the diary (1883-1885) written by VMI cadet Thomas J. Nottingham. It contains a consistent record of the daily cadet routine as it existed during the mid- 1880s and is an excellent source for information about student life during that era. Included are specific references to the following: Recitations Fights Dress parade The Dialectic Society (a student debating society) YMCA Girls Baseball and football...