Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw), 1839 November 30

This letter from cadet Valentine C. Saunders to his parents is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the arsenal, relationship with Washington College, method of instruction, course of studies, and an opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.

The collection also contains Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith "The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet" (1866).