Scope and Contents This collection consists of one letter (dated November 24, 1842) from Cadet James D. Saunders to his cousin John Mitchell. Saunders describes hardships of cadet life, the dullness of Lexington, Virginia, VMI's 3rd anniversary (Founders Day) celebration, a storm damaging the north wall of barracks, and mentions Edward C. Carrington, Class of 1844. This is one of the earliest extant cadet personal letters.