Collection: VMI Civil War Military Training Advertisement

The printed portion of the document outlines the proposed training regimen and lists estimated monthly expenses. This particular document was mailed to Christopher Damron, a lawyer in Allegheny County, who had inquired about enrolling his sons (they did not enroll) A handwritten note from VMI's treasurer William S. Polk to Mr. Damron appears at the bottom of the document.

Dates

1861-05-13

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

When the Civil War began in the Spring of 1861, most of the regularly enrolled cadets were sent to Richmond, Virginia, to serve as drillmasters for new army recruits. Back in Lexington, the Institute opened its doors to new students who desired a brief course in military training in preparation for entering the Confederate Army. This circular, printed in May 1861, was sent to these prospective cadets, who would be "organized into classes for instruction in infantry, artillery, and cavalry tactics, in field fortification, strategy and pyrotechny...." Most of these trainees stayed for three months or less.