Smith, Sara Henderson, 1812-1884

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 one notebook (approximately 145 pages) reflecting cadet life from 1848 to 1851. The notebook includes: Accounts of Corps of Cadets trips to Richmond, Petersburg, Norfolk and Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia Cadet poetry and essays Poetry by Sara Henderson Smith Addresses delivered before the Cadet Dialectic Society (a literary and debating society) Discussion of exams (1851) in English and natural...

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...

Scope and Contents The collection consists of a one volume notebook compiled in 1862 by VMI cadet William J. Hubard. The bulk of the volume contains poetry and mementos. There are also two diary entries. The poetry includes The Six Plebes and The Old Gray Coat by Sara Henderson Smith, and several poems attributed to cadets Edward A. Rhodes, John F. Hanna, and Benjamin F. Bishop. Subjects of the verses are VMI life and regulations, including many references to faculty members (Francis H. Smith, Raleigh Colston,...