Correspondence

Scope and Contents This collection consists of one testimonial letter (dated Sept. 2, 1857) written by Superintendent Francis H. Smith on behalf of Archibald M. Fauntleroy. Also included is one drawing by cadet Fauntleroy, done as a class assignment at VMI.

Scope and Contents This collection (two items) consists of one letter (dated 1884) that appoints Carl M. Best a cadet at VMI. The collection also includes one letter of recommendation (dated 1886) written for Best by VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.

Scope and Contents This collection consists of the papers (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, clippings, books, notebooks, and other documents.

Scope and Contents This collection (8 items) contains items pertaining to Charles R. K. Varner (VMI Class of 1884), including:

• Three VMI quarterly grade reports (1881 and 1884)
• One letter of recommendation (1889) written by VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith
• One VMI postcard
• Dance programs

Scope and Contents One letter (dated May 14, 1846) from VMI alumnus James E. Tyler to President James K. Polk, requesting a commission in the Army or Marine Corps. Tyler mentions recommendations from Francis H. Smith and John T.L. Preston, and states that he was an "inmate" of VMI for two years.

Scope and Contents This collection consists of four items, including: A letter (1855) from Waddell to his sister, that contains a detailed description and pencil drawing of his room (#14) in barracks and of his roomates (Barksdale, Penn, Magruder, Shepherd, and Wilson) A second drawing of a barracks room & roommates (similar to a sketch found in the Edward C. Shepherd collection (MS-0019) Pencil map, 8 inches x 10 inches, labeled "Plan of Battle of Bethel Church, June 10,...

Scope and Contents This collection consists of the papers (eight items) of James W. Breedlove, including:

• Two letters (dated October 13, 1859 and March 11, 1861) from Breedlove to his grandfather in which he discusses his studies and 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

Scope and Contents Strange's letter to his sister Anne M. Strange 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, including that 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...

Scope and Contents The collection consists of the letters and diary of cadet John F. Early (1830-1894), who attended VMI from 1848 to 1850. The one volume diary-notebook contains short and sporadic entries regarding daily routines and special events. The diary contains one of the earliest references to Superintendent Francis H. Smith as "Spex" (April 30, 1850). The diary also contains lists of cadets, room occupants, and poetry of Sara Henderson Smith ("The Old Gray Coat") and others. The five letters were...

Scope and Contents One letter of recommendation (dated October 27, 1856) written on behalf of John R. Waddy by Superintendent Francis H. Smith. Smith recommends him for a commission in the U.S. Army.