Collection: Valentine C. Saunders collection

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 following:

Arsenal
Relationship with Washington College
Method of instruction
Course of studies
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).

Dates

1839 November 30

Creator

Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Extent

1 items

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

Valentine Cook Saunders was born on November 15, 1820, in Leesburg, Virginia, the son of Everitt Saunders and Susan Bashaw. He entered VMI on November 11, 1839 and graduated July 4, 1842, standing 12th of 16 graduates. After graduation he began a career as a teacher, which he continued until his death on December 21, 1894, in Leesburg. He was an excellent linguist and was fluent in five languages. He never married.