Letter to James Henry Reid, Sr., 1862 September 27
Item
Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.
Dates
- 1862 September 27
Extent
From the Sub-Series: 14 items
Transcription
V.M.I. Sept 27 1862
Dear Pa
I recd your letter day before yesterday, but did not know what to make of its contents. It ran thus,
"I do not think Henry has yet acknowledged the receipt of a package sent him about two weeks ago in the care of a Cadet going to the V.M.I. Capt. Wilkinson was off the line and at the moment of starting the Capt. of the boat was so occupied and I so hurried in getting ashore that I left the package with the Cadet and handed him 25 to pay freight on it. It contained 2 blankets and something else perhaps buttons."
It seems the letter is not addressed to me but to somebody else. I recd the package safely, blankets & buttons and thought I had written you so. I am very much obliged to you for the blankets are a great deal of use these cold nights, for we nearly freeze.
I can either get $4 for my buttons or get 3 doz cadets buttons for them. Please when you send my cloth send my cap cover. It belonged to the cap I sold Boyd Smith. Ma knows where it is she put it away, also my skates, they are in the barrel. Let me know when you send the cloth. Please send it on a Friday so I can go down & get it on Saturday.
I have been very sick in the last week and got the report "not studious" which Dr. Madison will excuse me from. I made very poor marks & got some 10 or 12 demerits for absent from roll call . Maj. Shipp assures me Dr. Madison will excuse me from all my demerits so I will be free once more from demerit. I have 20 so far but will write my excuses Monday and send them in to Gen Smith's office. In intend to try next week to make up in my studies also. The eating does not improve & I am nearly starved. Much as I can do to keep up. I nearly froze on guard last night & expect to freeze tonight. I think when I get off from my demerit I can easily keep from them.
I must close. Write me the news about Bro with love to all. I remain,
Your affectionate son
J. Henry Reid.
Dear Pa
I recd your letter day before yesterday, but did not know what to make of its contents. It ran thus,
"I do not think Henry has yet acknowledged the receipt of a package sent him about two weeks ago in the care of a Cadet going to the V.M.I. Capt. Wilkinson was off the line and at the moment of starting the Capt. of the boat was so occupied and I so hurried in getting ashore that I left the package with the Cadet and handed him 25 to pay freight on it. It contained 2 blankets and something else perhaps buttons."
It seems the letter is not addressed to me but to somebody else. I recd the package safely, blankets & buttons and thought I had written you so. I am very much obliged to you for the blankets are a great deal of use these cold nights, for we nearly freeze.
I can either get $4 for my buttons or get 3 doz cadets buttons for them. Please when you send my cloth send my cap cover. It belonged to the cap I sold Boyd Smith. Ma knows where it is she put it away, also my skates, they are in the barrel. Let me know when you send the cloth. Please send it on a Friday so I can go down & get it on Saturday.
I have been very sick in the last week and got the report "not studious" which Dr. Madison will excuse me from. I made very poor marks & got some 10 or 12 demerits for absent from roll call . Maj. Shipp assures me Dr. Madison will excuse me from all my demerits so I will be free once more from demerit. I have 20 so far but will write my excuses Monday and send them in to Gen Smith's office. In intend to try next week to make up in my studies also. The eating does not improve & I am nearly starved. Much as I can do to keep up. I nearly froze on guard last night & expect to freeze tonight. I think when I get off from my demerit I can easily keep from them.
I must close. Write me the news about Bro with love to all. I remain,
Your affectionate son
J. Henry Reid.
Repository Details
Part of the Virginia Military Institute Archives Repository
