Virginia Military Institute -- Class of 1842

Scope and Contents

The papers contain 12 items from the career of Charles P. Deyerle. Included are documents dating from his medical studies and his service in the United States Army. Also included are miscellaneous clippings.

Scope and Contents One letter from attorney Edmund Pendleton to David E. Moore of Lexington, Virginia, dated April 30, 1847. Pendleton discusses the passage of the James River bill in the Virginia Legislature.

Scope and Contents The collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Hallie. Both letters were composed while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison. Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.

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...

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...