Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865

Scope and Contents The collection consists of the miscellaneous papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI 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 notebook (ca. 250 pages)...

Scope and Contents This collection consists of a one volume diary and notebook kept by VMI cadet Charles T. Haigh between 1862 and 1864. The volume provides insight into the life and concerns of a VMI cadet during the Civil War. It primarily contains poetry written by his classmates, as well as poetry by Sara Henderson Smith, the wife of VMI Superintendent, Francis H. Smith. The diary portion contains sparse entries for the period between March and May 1863. Included are occasional references to wartime cadet...

Scope and Contents The diary and notebook provides insight into the life and concerns of a VMI cadet during the Civil War. It primarily contains poetry written by his classmates, as well as poetry by Sara Henderson Smith, the wife of VMI Superintendent, Francis H. Smith. The diary portion contains sparse entries for the period between March and May 1863. Included are occasional references to wartime cadet life, as well as a brief account of General Stonewall Jackson's wounding, death, and funeral in May 1863....

Scope and Contents This collection consists of one notebook, (1862-1863) compiled by Cadet William "Willie" Galt, VMI Class of 1864. The manuscript reflects the concerns and interests of a wartime cadet and thus contains many verses and songs inspired by the ongoing conflict. A few of the entries toward the end of the volume were made by an unknown family member, probably circa 1865-1866. The notebook contains approximately 30 pages of entries, including some original cadet poetry as well as popular...

Scope and Contents The collection consists of a one volume notebook compiled in 1862 by VMI cadet William J. Hubard. The bulk of the volume contains poetry and mementos. There are also two diary entries. The poetry includes The Six Plebes and The Old Gray Coat by Sara Henderson Smith, and several poems attributed to cadets Edward A. Rhodes, John F. Hanna, and Benjamin F. Bishop. Subjects of the verses are VMI life and regulations, including many references to faculty members (Francis H. Smith, Raleigh Colston,...