Showing Collections: 1 - 9 of 9
Barton Family Papers
Collection
Identifier: MS-0020
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of the miscellaneous papers of three members of the Barton family who attended the Virginia Military Institute during the mid-19th century. Papers relating to Cadet Charles M. Barton (VMI Class of 1856) include a letter dated September 28, 1855 from Charles to his cousin Joseph M. Barton, in which he complains about VMI life and about his instructor Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (Jackson is described as a "hell of a fool"). Other Charles Barton material is found in a...
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Francis H. Smith Circular Letter Soliciting Items to Establish a Museum at VMI
Item
Identifier: RG-02-Outgoing-18450227
Scope and Contents
Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of "Curiousities, both literary and natural" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.
Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.
Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
James W. Breedlove papers
Collection
Identifier: MS-0168
Scope and Contents
Papers, 8 items, of James W. Breedlove. Includes two letters (October 13, 1859; March 11, 1861) from Cadet Breedlove to his grandfather in which he discusses his studies, expenses; two letters from Superintendent Francis H. Smith to Cadet Breedlove's grandfather, acknowledging receipt of money; three VMI quarterly grade reports; one account sheet detailing VMI expenses.
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
John B. Strange letter
Item
Identifier: MS-0153
Scope and Contents
Strange's letter to his sister Anne was written just a few months after the Institute's opening day, and is one of the oldest personal cadet letters still in existence. Strange mentions several aspects of cadet life that were common during the pre-Civil War era: Final examinations were given orally rather than as written tests, presided over by faculty and the VMI Board of Visitors and open to the public; summer furlough was not automatic, and many cadets stayed at the Institute throughout the...
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
John T. L. Preston - Francis H. Smith Correspondence
File
Identifier: RG-01-Correspondence-Preston - Smith
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between Francis H. Smith, who became VMI's first Superintendent, and John T. L. Preston relating to the organization and opening of VMI. Includes four letters from Preston to Smith; and one letter from Smith to Preston, in which he accepts the job offered by the Board of Visitors to serve as Superintendent (originally called Principal Professor).
One related letter is from Francis H. Smith to William Atkinson or Atkison, in which Smith asks for advice about VMI's job...
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Marshall McDonald papers
Collection
Identifier: MS-0169
Scope and Contents
Papers, approximately 90 items, of Marshall McDonald. The papers include primarily incoming and some outgoing correspondence, 1861-1892; notes; scientific reports; and miscellaneous documents. Among the correspondents are several VMI alumni and faculty members, including Scott Shipp, Francis H. Smith, Edward Cunningham, Wilfred E. Cutshaw, John W. Lyell, James H. Morrison, Mark B. Hardin, and Daniel W. Flowerree; and several Civil War officers including Gen. Dabney H. Maury and Hunter McGuire....
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889
Sub-Group
Identifier: RG-02-01-SmithFH
Scope and Contents
These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI’s first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Sara Henderson Smith collection
Collection
Identifier: MS-0536
Scope and Contents
The collection contains three manuscript notebooks containing verse letters, poetry, notes, and a few newspaper clippings, bulk 1861-1865. One of the volumes is titled "Order Book, 9th Regiment Va. Volunteers, Craney Island"; on the endsheets of this book are glued original manuscript signatures of VMI faculty and others , apparently clipped from letters. The pages of this volume contain Sara's writings. A folder that contains Sara's writings on loose pages within the "Order Book" is also part...
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Valentine C. Saunders Collection
Collection
Identifier: MS-0071
Scope and Contents
Letter from Cadet 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, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the arsenal; relationship with Washington College; the method of instruction; course of studies; gives his opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith. Collection also contains Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis...
Found in:
Virginia Military Institute Archives