Memoirs

Scope and Contents The collection consists of an original manuscript fragment (ca. 12 pages) and typewritten transcription (21 pages) describing Isaac Norval Baker's Civil War service as a Private in the Confederate Army's 18th Virginia Cavalry Regiment. Baker's language is descriptive and lively, and the account includes many vignettes that provide insight into the lives of both soldiers and civilians. The narrative covers the period June 1863-April 1865; topics include camp life, wartime hardships, battles...

Scope and Contents Account of the Battle of New Market written in 1909 by Porter Johnson. As a VMI Cadet, Johnson participated in the battle as a Private, Company B. Corps of Cadets.

Contents Note Letters (34 items) of Marine Corps Lieutenant C. Barrett Graham (VMI Class of 1967). The letters were written to his parents and other family members, primarily during his tour of duty in Vietnam, 1968-1969. Graham served as a rifle platoon commander based at An Hoa (F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines) and subsequently was stationed at supply headquarters in Da Nang. Topics include patrols, general descriptions of countryside and villagers, destroying North Vietnamese food supplies....

Scope and Contents One three ring binder containing a copy of the typescript of "My Memoirs", the unpublished autobiography of General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., along with copies of related documents. "Volume I" (written ca. 1964) of the autobiography provides a detailed narrative beginning with Shepherd's early life, VMI cadetship, entrance into the United States Marine Corps and early training, a thorough account of his combat service in France during World War I, and activities in the immediate...

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"Memoirs from the Baths of Diocletian"

Scope and Contents The New Market Collection consists primarily of reminiscences of the Battle of New Market Virginia (May 15, 1864) written by participants and other witnesses between 1894-1915. Written in response to specific inquiries and questionnaires, these memoirs were collected by various groups and individuals, including the VMI Alumni Association, author/historian Edward R. Turner, Henry A. Wise (VMI Class of 1862 and battle veteran) and Benjamin A. Colonna (VMI Class of 1864 and battle veteran). In...

Scope and Contents Richard C. Niess is a member of the VMI Class of 1944. The collection consists of a typescript reminiscence, written in 1986, of life at VMI during World War II: "Recollections of a VMI Cadet; The Early War Years 7 December 1941-Jan 1944." Also order and other miscellaneous items, 1943-1944, concerning Niess's cadetship.

Scope and Contents Two versions of the Civil War memoirs of a Union soldier who served during the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1864. Unbound manuscript consists of 77 pages, probably written soon after the end of the war.This detailed account of his service includes information about the burning of the Virginia Military Institute by General David Hunter in June 1864; the advance on Lynchburg, Virginia; and his unit's retreat after the Battle of Lynchburg to Charleston and Parkersburg, West...

Contents Note Papers, ca. 75 items, of William T. Poague. The collection includes the handwritten manuscripts of his Civil War memoirs, written in 1903 (later edited and published as the book "Gunner with Stonewall"); also includes general correspondence and letters relating to Poague's membership in Confederate veteran's organizations; battery rolls; and miscellaneous other documents.