{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Murder%E2%80%94Virginia%E2%80%94Lexington\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Collection\u0026view=compact","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Murder%E2%80%94Virginia%E2%80%94Lexington\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Collection\u0026page=1\u0026view=compact"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":3,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Barton family papers, 1855/1869","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_104.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00049.xml","title_ssm":["Barton family papers"],"title_tesim":["Barton family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1855-1869"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1855-1869"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1855/1869"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869"],"text":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869","MS.0020","/repositories/3/resources/104","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1866","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Notebooks","Poetry","There are no restrictions","Charles Marshall Barton, the eldest son of David W. Barton and and Frances (Fanny) Jones Barton, was born in Winchester, Virginia on November 30, 1836. His preparatory education was received at Winchester Academy and at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia). He entered VMI in 1852 and graduated in 1856. He subsequently returned to the Winchester area where he was a farmer. Charles married Ellen Harvie Marshall of Fauquier County in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with Cutshaw's Artillery Battery and was mortally wounded in action near Winchester on May 25, 1862.","Randolph J. Barton, Charles's younger brother, was born in Winchester on April 24, 1844. He attended the VMI for one year (1860-1861), and joined the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 2nd Virginia Infantry and as a Staff Officer for Generals Elisha F. Paxton, James A. Walker, and William R. Terry. Following the War, Randolph practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Agnes P. Kirkland of Baltimore on December 29, 1869 and the couple had nine children. He died on March 15, 1921.","Bolling W. Barton, a younger brother of Charles and Randolph, was born in Winchester on November 24, 1846. He entered VMI on September 25, 1862, and while at the Institute, took part in the Battle of New Market (Virginia) on May 15, 1864. In November 1864 he joined the 1st Foreign Battalion. After the Civil War, Bolling studied and practiced medicine, and also taught botany at Johns Hopkins University. He married Ella Jane Gibson in 1872 and the couple had no children. He died in Loudoun County, Virginia on February 18, 1924.","V.M.I. Sept. 28th 55.\nDear Joe","In the eloquent language of one of my roommates, Thank God Friday night has come again. You can't imagine with what deep interest I count the days as they come \u0026 go. I have a calendar on my ward robe door \u0026 the first thing after my return from reveille in the morning is to scratch off the preceding day \u0026 generally, I find my way back into bed pretty near as fast as I have to get out of it, although in direct opposition to the regulations of V.M.I. But from many years, I may say, of practice, I have become cute enough to dodge Spex, Gil \u0026 the other grand rascals.","I can assure you that I am heartily sick of the military, studies \u0026 everything else connected with the V.M.I. \u0026 I don't think I will touch a gun, book, or anything that bears any resemblance to them for some time after I leave here, that is if I ever do get away.","I have been here so long that I feel as if I had been living here all my life, \u0026 the idea of leaving it, perhaps never to return, seems almost impossible to believe.","I find the studies this years a great deal more interesting than they have been heretofore, with the exception of one single one, which so counterbalances the rest as to throw all the good part into the shade. We commenced studying engineering this year. I find the military engineering quite interesting \u0026 I hope I may find civil equally so, as it is the only thing I care knowing anything about.","The study I referred to just now was Optics, which from being so very difficult, \u0026 taught by such a hell of a fool, whose name is Jackson, has suggested the following lines,","The V.M.I. O What a spot\nIn winter cold, in summer hot\nGreat Lord Al- what a wonder\nMajor Jackson Hell \u0026 Thunder","I am afraid I have digressed too far, to refer to the reception of your letter which I can assure you was the most welcome one I have received for a long time. I'll swear I am almost ashamed [to] send off a letter like this full of evasions, mistakes \u0026, but I know you will excuse me when I tell you that I have my four roommates in a very exciting discussion, cursing \u0026 ripping so that I can hardly hear myself. In such a fuss as this I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to refer to that sweet note that has been ringing in my ears ever since its reception. Oh, how much I wished to be back at least for a day or two. It brought on quite a relapse as I felt like leaving the V.M.I. immediately. I felt nearly reconciled to stay this year out, but for three or four days I have not been able to open a book, I can't account for the reason. You asked me to burn up your letter. Of course you did not include that part or it, \u0026 even if you did I don't think I would grant your request. I carry it in my left pocket \u0026 have nearly worn it out already. I think I must send soon after an original copy.","[End of letter appears on page 1]\nI reckon that name, which you did not want to mention in your letter, got in there after all, for the same reason as you gave I do not like to write it in mine. I believe at last it has been decided that we shall not go to Richmond. I did not care much about going, so I was not much disappointed. Write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin\nC.M. Barton","A larger collection of Barton family papers is located at the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia.","The Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook described above, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph Barton (VMI Class of 1864), an attorney.","Material related to Bolling W. Barton (VMI Class of 1866) includes one letter (dated January 18, 1864) from Frank (last name unknown, but a VMI alumnus), and six documents, primarily French language exercises.","Material related to Randolph J. Barton includes a typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph to the VMI Class of 1912.","Includes one letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles M. Barton 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\").","Also included is a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, Charles M. Barton complains about VMI life and about his instructor Stonewall Jackson, who he describes as a \"hell of a fool.\"","The notebook (approximately 250 pages) contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Includes four class exercises and one note indicating math and French marks. Also includes two items of correspondence.","Geometry class exercise submitted to Lieutenant T. B. Robinson.","French exercise submitted to Lieutenant Miller.","One paper that details math and French marks. Additionally, the paper contains an address for Robert T. Barton.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Note requests that cadet Crawford be granted a leave of absence to \"attend to very important business.\"","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter requests that Bolling W. Barton look after \"Mr. Rutherford,\" a cadet soon to be entering VMI.","Includes one typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912.","Typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912. Originial typescript is housed at the Handley Library Archives in Winchester, Virginia.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Barton family","Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869"],"collection_ssim":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0020","/repositories/3/resources/104"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0020","/repositories/3/resources/104"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_famname_ssim":["Barton family"],"creators_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Barton family"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1866","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Notebooks","Poetry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1866","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Notebooks","Poetry"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["10 items"],"extent_tesim":["10 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Notebooks","Poetry"],"date_range_isim":[1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles Marshall Barton, the eldest son of David W. Barton and and Frances (Fanny) Jones Barton, was born in Winchester, Virginia on November 30, 1836. His preparatory education was received at Winchester Academy and at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia). He entered VMI in 1852 and graduated in 1856. He subsequently returned to the Winchester area where he was a farmer. Charles married Ellen Harvie Marshall of Fauquier County in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with Cutshaw's Artillery Battery and was mortally wounded in action near Winchester on May 25, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRandolph J. Barton, Charles's younger brother, was born in Winchester on April 24, 1844. He attended the VMI for one year (1860-1861), and joined the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 2nd Virginia Infantry and as a Staff Officer for Generals Elisha F. Paxton, James A. Walker, and William R. Terry. Following the War, Randolph practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Agnes P. Kirkland of Baltimore on December 29, 1869 and the couple had nine children. He died on March 15, 1921.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBolling W. Barton, a younger brother of Charles and Randolph, was born in Winchester on November 24, 1846. He entered VMI on September 25, 1862, and while at the Institute, took part in the Battle of New Market (Virginia) on May 15, 1864. In November 1864 he joined the 1st Foreign Battalion. After the Civil War, Bolling studied and practiced medicine, and also taught botany at Johns Hopkins University. He married Ella Jane Gibson in 1872 and the couple had no children. He died in Loudoun County, Virginia on February 18, 1924.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles Marshall Barton, the eldest son of David W. Barton and and Frances (Fanny) Jones Barton, was born in Winchester, Virginia on November 30, 1836. His preparatory education was received at Winchester Academy and at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia). He entered VMI in 1852 and graduated in 1856. He subsequently returned to the Winchester area where he was a farmer. Charles married Ellen Harvie Marshall of Fauquier County in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with Cutshaw's Artillery Battery and was mortally wounded in action near Winchester on May 25, 1862.","Randolph J. Barton, Charles's younger brother, was born in Winchester on April 24, 1844. He attended the VMI for one year (1860-1861), and joined the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 2nd Virginia Infantry and as a Staff Officer for Generals Elisha F. Paxton, James A. Walker, and William R. Terry. Following the War, Randolph practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Agnes P. Kirkland of Baltimore on December 29, 1869 and the couple had nine children. He died on March 15, 1921.","Bolling W. Barton, a younger brother of Charles and Randolph, was born in Winchester on November 24, 1846. He entered VMI on September 25, 1862, and while at the Institute, took part in the Battle of New Market (Virginia) on May 15, 1864. In November 1864 he joined the 1st Foreign Battalion. After the Civil War, Bolling studied and practiced medicine, and also taught botany at Johns Hopkins University. He married Ella Jane Gibson in 1872 and the couple had no children. He died in Loudoun County, Virginia on February 18, 1924."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Sept. 28th 55.\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Joe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the eloquent language of one of my roommates, Thank God Friday night has come again. You can't imagine with what deep interest I count the days as they come \u0026amp; go. I have a calendar on my ward robe door \u0026amp; the first thing after my return from reveille in the morning is to scratch off the preceding day \u0026amp; generally, I find my way back into bed pretty near as fast as I have to get out of it, although in direct opposition to the regulations of V.M.I. But from many years, I may say, of practice, I have become cute enough to dodge Spex, Gil \u0026amp; the other grand rascals.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI can assure you that I am heartily sick of the military, studies \u0026amp; everything else connected with the V.M.I. \u0026amp; I don't think I will touch a gun, book, or anything that bears any resemblance to them for some time after I leave here, that is if I ever do get away.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been here so long that I feel as if I had been living here all my life, \u0026amp; the idea of leaving it, perhaps never to return, seems almost impossible to believe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI find the studies this years a great deal more interesting than they have been heretofore, with the exception of one single one, which so counterbalances the rest as to throw all the good part into the shade. We commenced studying engineering this year. I find the military engineering quite interesting \u0026amp; I hope I may find civil equally so, as it is the only thing I care knowing anything about.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe study I referred to just now was Optics, which from being so very difficult, \u0026amp; taught by such a hell of a fool, whose name is Jackson, has suggested the following lines,\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe V.M.I. O What a spot\u003cbr\u003e\nIn winter cold, in summer hot\u003cbr\u003e\nGreat Lord Al- what a wonder\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor Jackson Hell \u0026amp; Thunder\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am afraid I have digressed too far, to refer to the reception of your letter which I can assure you was the most welcome one I have received for a long time. I'll swear I am almost ashamed [to] send off a letter like this full of evasions, mistakes \u0026amp;, but I know you will excuse me when I tell you that I have my four roommates in a very exciting discussion, cursing \u0026amp; ripping so that I can hardly hear myself. In such a fuss as this I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to refer to that sweet note that has been ringing in my ears ever since its reception. Oh, how much I wished to be back at least for a day or two. It brought on quite a relapse as I felt like leaving the V.M.I. immediately. I felt nearly reconciled to stay this year out, but for three or four days I have not been able to open a book, I can't account for the reason. You asked me to burn up your letter. Of course you did not include that part or it, \u0026amp; even if you did I don't think I would grant your request. I carry it in my left pocket \u0026amp; have nearly worn it out already. I think I must send soon after an original copy. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e[End of letter appears on page 1]\nI reckon that name, which you did not want to mention in your letter, got in there after all, for the same reason as you gave I do not like to write it in mine. I believe at last it has been decided that we shall not go to Richmond. I did not care much about going, so I was not much disappointed. Write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin\u003cbr\u003e\nC.M. Barton\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V.M.I. Sept. 28th 55.\nDear Joe","In the eloquent language of one of my roommates, Thank God Friday night has come again. You can't imagine with what deep interest I count the days as they come \u0026 go. I have a calendar on my ward robe door \u0026 the first thing after my return from reveille in the morning is to scratch off the preceding day \u0026 generally, I find my way back into bed pretty near as fast as I have to get out of it, although in direct opposition to the regulations of V.M.I. But from many years, I may say, of practice, I have become cute enough to dodge Spex, Gil \u0026 the other grand rascals.","I can assure you that I am heartily sick of the military, studies \u0026 everything else connected with the V.M.I. \u0026 I don't think I will touch a gun, book, or anything that bears any resemblance to them for some time after I leave here, that is if I ever do get away.","I have been here so long that I feel as if I had been living here all my life, \u0026 the idea of leaving it, perhaps never to return, seems almost impossible to believe.","I find the studies this years a great deal more interesting than they have been heretofore, with the exception of one single one, which so counterbalances the rest as to throw all the good part into the shade. We commenced studying engineering this year. I find the military engineering quite interesting \u0026 I hope I may find civil equally so, as it is the only thing I care knowing anything about.","The study I referred to just now was Optics, which from being so very difficult, \u0026 taught by such a hell of a fool, whose name is Jackson, has suggested the following lines,","The V.M.I. O What a spot\nIn winter cold, in summer hot\nGreat Lord Al- what a wonder\nMajor Jackson Hell \u0026 Thunder","I am afraid I have digressed too far, to refer to the reception of your letter which I can assure you was the most welcome one I have received for a long time. I'll swear I am almost ashamed [to] send off a letter like this full of evasions, mistakes \u0026, but I know you will excuse me when I tell you that I have my four roommates in a very exciting discussion, cursing \u0026 ripping so that I can hardly hear myself. In such a fuss as this I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to refer to that sweet note that has been ringing in my ears ever since its reception. Oh, how much I wished to be back at least for a day or two. It brought on quite a relapse as I felt like leaving the V.M.I. immediately. I felt nearly reconciled to stay this year out, but for three or four days I have not been able to open a book, I can't account for the reason. You asked me to burn up your letter. Of course you did not include that part or it, \u0026 even if you did I don't think I would grant your request. I carry it in my left pocket \u0026 have nearly worn it out already. I think I must send soon after an original copy.","[End of letter appears on page 1]\nI reckon that name, which you did not want to mention in your letter, got in there after all, for the same reason as you gave I do not like to write it in mine. I believe at last it has been decided that we shall not go to Richmond. I did not care much about going, so I was not much disappointed. Write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin\nC.M. Barton"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBarton family papers, 1855-1869. MS 0020. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Barton family papers, 1855-1869. MS 0020. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA larger collection of Barton family papers is located at the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A larger collection of Barton family papers is located at the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook described above, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph Barton (VMI Class of 1864), an attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMaterial related to Bolling W. Barton (VMI Class of 1866) includes one letter (dated January 18, 1864) from Frank (last name unknown, but a VMI alumnus), and six documents, primarily French language exercises.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMaterial related to Randolph J. Barton includes a typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph to the VMI Class of 1912.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eIncludes one letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles M. Barton 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\"). \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, Charles M. Barton complains about VMI life and about his instructor Stonewall Jackson, who he describes as a \"hell of a fool.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook (approximately 250 pages) contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes four class exercises and one note indicating math and French marks. Also includes two items of correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeometry class exercise submitted to Lieutenant T. B. Robinson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrench exercise submitted to Lieutenant Miller.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne paper that details math and French marks. Additionally, the paper contains an address for Robert T. Barton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Note requests that cadet Crawford be granted a leave of absence to \"attend to very important business.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter requests that Bolling W. Barton look after \"Mr. Rutherford,\" a cadet soon to be entering VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes one typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912. Originial typescript is housed at the Handley Library Archives in Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook described above, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph Barton (VMI Class of 1864), an attorney.","Material related to Bolling W. Barton (VMI Class of 1866) includes one letter (dated January 18, 1864) from Frank (last name unknown, but a VMI alumnus), and six documents, primarily French language exercises.","Material related to Randolph J. Barton includes a typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph to the VMI Class of 1912.","Includes one letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles M. Barton 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\").","Also included is a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, Charles M. Barton complains about VMI life and about his instructor Stonewall Jackson, who he describes as a \"hell of a fool.\"","The notebook (approximately 250 pages) contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Includes four class exercises and one note indicating math and French marks. Also includes two items of correspondence.","Geometry class exercise submitted to Lieutenant T. B. Robinson.","French exercise submitted to Lieutenant Miller.","One paper that details math and French marks. Additionally, the paper contains an address for Robert T. Barton.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Note requests that cadet Crawford be granted a leave of absence to \"attend to very important business.\"","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter requests that Bolling W. Barton look after \"Mr. Rutherford,\" a cadet soon to be entering VMI.","Includes one typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912.","Typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912. Originial typescript is housed at the Handley Library Archives in Winchester, Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_42cb3f2e301940272676fb2f5080e20a\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Barton family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Barton family","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"persname_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Barton family","Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":17,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:04.198Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_104.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00049.xml","title_ssm":["Barton family papers"],"title_tesim":["Barton family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1855-1869"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1855-1869"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1855/1869"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869"],"text":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869","MS.0020","/repositories/3/resources/104","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1866","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Notebooks","Poetry","There are no restrictions","Charles Marshall Barton, the eldest son of David W. Barton and and Frances (Fanny) Jones Barton, was born in Winchester, Virginia on November 30, 1836. His preparatory education was received at Winchester Academy and at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia). He entered VMI in 1852 and graduated in 1856. He subsequently returned to the Winchester area where he was a farmer. Charles married Ellen Harvie Marshall of Fauquier County in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with Cutshaw's Artillery Battery and was mortally wounded in action near Winchester on May 25, 1862.","Randolph J. Barton, Charles's younger brother, was born in Winchester on April 24, 1844. He attended the VMI for one year (1860-1861), and joined the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 2nd Virginia Infantry and as a Staff Officer for Generals Elisha F. Paxton, James A. Walker, and William R. Terry. Following the War, Randolph practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Agnes P. Kirkland of Baltimore on December 29, 1869 and the couple had nine children. He died on March 15, 1921.","Bolling W. Barton, a younger brother of Charles and Randolph, was born in Winchester on November 24, 1846. He entered VMI on September 25, 1862, and while at the Institute, took part in the Battle of New Market (Virginia) on May 15, 1864. In November 1864 he joined the 1st Foreign Battalion. After the Civil War, Bolling studied and practiced medicine, and also taught botany at Johns Hopkins University. He married Ella Jane Gibson in 1872 and the couple had no children. He died in Loudoun County, Virginia on February 18, 1924.","V.M.I. Sept. 28th 55.\nDear Joe","In the eloquent language of one of my roommates, Thank God Friday night has come again. You can't imagine with what deep interest I count the days as they come \u0026 go. I have a calendar on my ward robe door \u0026 the first thing after my return from reveille in the morning is to scratch off the preceding day \u0026 generally, I find my way back into bed pretty near as fast as I have to get out of it, although in direct opposition to the regulations of V.M.I. But from many years, I may say, of practice, I have become cute enough to dodge Spex, Gil \u0026 the other grand rascals.","I can assure you that I am heartily sick of the military, studies \u0026 everything else connected with the V.M.I. \u0026 I don't think I will touch a gun, book, or anything that bears any resemblance to them for some time after I leave here, that is if I ever do get away.","I have been here so long that I feel as if I had been living here all my life, \u0026 the idea of leaving it, perhaps never to return, seems almost impossible to believe.","I find the studies this years a great deal more interesting than they have been heretofore, with the exception of one single one, which so counterbalances the rest as to throw all the good part into the shade. We commenced studying engineering this year. I find the military engineering quite interesting \u0026 I hope I may find civil equally so, as it is the only thing I care knowing anything about.","The study I referred to just now was Optics, which from being so very difficult, \u0026 taught by such a hell of a fool, whose name is Jackson, has suggested the following lines,","The V.M.I. O What a spot\nIn winter cold, in summer hot\nGreat Lord Al- what a wonder\nMajor Jackson Hell \u0026 Thunder","I am afraid I have digressed too far, to refer to the reception of your letter which I can assure you was the most welcome one I have received for a long time. I'll swear I am almost ashamed [to] send off a letter like this full of evasions, mistakes \u0026, but I know you will excuse me when I tell you that I have my four roommates in a very exciting discussion, cursing \u0026 ripping so that I can hardly hear myself. In such a fuss as this I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to refer to that sweet note that has been ringing in my ears ever since its reception. Oh, how much I wished to be back at least for a day or two. It brought on quite a relapse as I felt like leaving the V.M.I. immediately. I felt nearly reconciled to stay this year out, but for three or four days I have not been able to open a book, I can't account for the reason. You asked me to burn up your letter. Of course you did not include that part or it, \u0026 even if you did I don't think I would grant your request. I carry it in my left pocket \u0026 have nearly worn it out already. I think I must send soon after an original copy.","[End of letter appears on page 1]\nI reckon that name, which you did not want to mention in your letter, got in there after all, for the same reason as you gave I do not like to write it in mine. I believe at last it has been decided that we shall not go to Richmond. I did not care much about going, so I was not much disappointed. Write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin\nC.M. Barton","A larger collection of Barton family papers is located at the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia.","The Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook described above, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph Barton (VMI Class of 1864), an attorney.","Material related to Bolling W. Barton (VMI Class of 1866) includes one letter (dated January 18, 1864) from Frank (last name unknown, but a VMI alumnus), and six documents, primarily French language exercises.","Material related to Randolph J. Barton includes a typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph to the VMI Class of 1912.","Includes one letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles M. Barton 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\").","Also included is a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, Charles M. Barton complains about VMI life and about his instructor Stonewall Jackson, who he describes as a \"hell of a fool.\"","The notebook (approximately 250 pages) contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Includes four class exercises and one note indicating math and French marks. Also includes two items of correspondence.","Geometry class exercise submitted to Lieutenant T. B. Robinson.","French exercise submitted to Lieutenant Miller.","One paper that details math and French marks. Additionally, the paper contains an address for Robert T. Barton.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Note requests that cadet Crawford be granted a leave of absence to \"attend to very important business.\"","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter requests that Bolling W. Barton look after \"Mr. Rutherford,\" a cadet soon to be entering VMI.","Includes one typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912.","Typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912. Originial typescript is housed at the Handley Library Archives in Winchester, Virginia.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Barton family","Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869"],"collection_ssim":["Barton family papers, 1855/1869"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0020","/repositories/3/resources/104"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0020","/repositories/3/resources/104"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_famname_ssim":["Barton family"],"creators_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Barton family"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1866","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Notebooks","Poetry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1866","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Notebooks","Poetry"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["10 items"],"extent_tesim":["10 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Notebooks","Poetry"],"date_range_isim":[1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles Marshall Barton, the eldest son of David W. Barton and and Frances (Fanny) Jones Barton, was born in Winchester, Virginia on November 30, 1836. His preparatory education was received at Winchester Academy and at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia). He entered VMI in 1852 and graduated in 1856. He subsequently returned to the Winchester area where he was a farmer. Charles married Ellen Harvie Marshall of Fauquier County in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with Cutshaw's Artillery Battery and was mortally wounded in action near Winchester on May 25, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRandolph J. Barton, Charles's younger brother, was born in Winchester on April 24, 1844. He attended the VMI for one year (1860-1861), and joined the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 2nd Virginia Infantry and as a Staff Officer for Generals Elisha F. Paxton, James A. Walker, and William R. Terry. Following the War, Randolph practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Agnes P. Kirkland of Baltimore on December 29, 1869 and the couple had nine children. He died on March 15, 1921.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBolling W. Barton, a younger brother of Charles and Randolph, was born in Winchester on November 24, 1846. He entered VMI on September 25, 1862, and while at the Institute, took part in the Battle of New Market (Virginia) on May 15, 1864. In November 1864 he joined the 1st Foreign Battalion. After the Civil War, Bolling studied and practiced medicine, and also taught botany at Johns Hopkins University. He married Ella Jane Gibson in 1872 and the couple had no children. He died in Loudoun County, Virginia on February 18, 1924.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles Marshall Barton, the eldest son of David W. Barton and and Frances (Fanny) Jones Barton, was born in Winchester, Virginia on November 30, 1836. His preparatory education was received at Winchester Academy and at Episcopal High School (Alexandria, Virginia). He entered VMI in 1852 and graduated in 1856. He subsequently returned to the Winchester area where he was a farmer. Charles married Ellen Harvie Marshall of Fauquier County in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with Cutshaw's Artillery Battery and was mortally wounded in action near Winchester on May 25, 1862.","Randolph J. Barton, Charles's younger brother, was born in Winchester on April 24, 1844. He attended the VMI for one year (1860-1861), and joined the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment at the beginning of the Civil War. He subsequently served in the 2nd Virginia Infantry and as a Staff Officer for Generals Elisha F. Paxton, James A. Walker, and William R. Terry. Following the War, Randolph practiced law in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Agnes P. Kirkland of Baltimore on December 29, 1869 and the couple had nine children. He died on March 15, 1921.","Bolling W. Barton, a younger brother of Charles and Randolph, was born in Winchester on November 24, 1846. He entered VMI on September 25, 1862, and while at the Institute, took part in the Battle of New Market (Virginia) on May 15, 1864. In November 1864 he joined the 1st Foreign Battalion. After the Civil War, Bolling studied and practiced medicine, and also taught botany at Johns Hopkins University. He married Ella Jane Gibson in 1872 and the couple had no children. He died in Loudoun County, Virginia on February 18, 1924."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Sept. 28th 55.\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Joe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the eloquent language of one of my roommates, Thank God Friday night has come again. You can't imagine with what deep interest I count the days as they come \u0026amp; go. I have a calendar on my ward robe door \u0026amp; the first thing after my return from reveille in the morning is to scratch off the preceding day \u0026amp; generally, I find my way back into bed pretty near as fast as I have to get out of it, although in direct opposition to the regulations of V.M.I. But from many years, I may say, of practice, I have become cute enough to dodge Spex, Gil \u0026amp; the other grand rascals.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI can assure you that I am heartily sick of the military, studies \u0026amp; everything else connected with the V.M.I. \u0026amp; I don't think I will touch a gun, book, or anything that bears any resemblance to them for some time after I leave here, that is if I ever do get away.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been here so long that I feel as if I had been living here all my life, \u0026amp; the idea of leaving it, perhaps never to return, seems almost impossible to believe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI find the studies this years a great deal more interesting than they have been heretofore, with the exception of one single one, which so counterbalances the rest as to throw all the good part into the shade. We commenced studying engineering this year. I find the military engineering quite interesting \u0026amp; I hope I may find civil equally so, as it is the only thing I care knowing anything about.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe study I referred to just now was Optics, which from being so very difficult, \u0026amp; taught by such a hell of a fool, whose name is Jackson, has suggested the following lines,\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe V.M.I. O What a spot\u003cbr\u003e\nIn winter cold, in summer hot\u003cbr\u003e\nGreat Lord Al- what a wonder\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor Jackson Hell \u0026amp; Thunder\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am afraid I have digressed too far, to refer to the reception of your letter which I can assure you was the most welcome one I have received for a long time. I'll swear I am almost ashamed [to] send off a letter like this full of evasions, mistakes \u0026amp;, but I know you will excuse me when I tell you that I have my four roommates in a very exciting discussion, cursing \u0026amp; ripping so that I can hardly hear myself. In such a fuss as this I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to refer to that sweet note that has been ringing in my ears ever since its reception. Oh, how much I wished to be back at least for a day or two. It brought on quite a relapse as I felt like leaving the V.M.I. immediately. I felt nearly reconciled to stay this year out, but for three or four days I have not been able to open a book, I can't account for the reason. You asked me to burn up your letter. Of course you did not include that part or it, \u0026amp; even if you did I don't think I would grant your request. I carry it in my left pocket \u0026amp; have nearly worn it out already. I think I must send soon after an original copy. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e[End of letter appears on page 1]\nI reckon that name, which you did not want to mention in your letter, got in there after all, for the same reason as you gave I do not like to write it in mine. I believe at last it has been decided that we shall not go to Richmond. I did not care much about going, so I was not much disappointed. Write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin\u003cbr\u003e\nC.M. Barton\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V.M.I. Sept. 28th 55.\nDear Joe","In the eloquent language of one of my roommates, Thank God Friday night has come again. You can't imagine with what deep interest I count the days as they come \u0026 go. I have a calendar on my ward robe door \u0026 the first thing after my return from reveille in the morning is to scratch off the preceding day \u0026 generally, I find my way back into bed pretty near as fast as I have to get out of it, although in direct opposition to the regulations of V.M.I. But from many years, I may say, of practice, I have become cute enough to dodge Spex, Gil \u0026 the other grand rascals.","I can assure you that I am heartily sick of the military, studies \u0026 everything else connected with the V.M.I. \u0026 I don't think I will touch a gun, book, or anything that bears any resemblance to them for some time after I leave here, that is if I ever do get away.","I have been here so long that I feel as if I had been living here all my life, \u0026 the idea of leaving it, perhaps never to return, seems almost impossible to believe.","I find the studies this years a great deal more interesting than they have been heretofore, with the exception of one single one, which so counterbalances the rest as to throw all the good part into the shade. We commenced studying engineering this year. I find the military engineering quite interesting \u0026 I hope I may find civil equally so, as it is the only thing I care knowing anything about.","The study I referred to just now was Optics, which from being so very difficult, \u0026 taught by such a hell of a fool, whose name is Jackson, has suggested the following lines,","The V.M.I. O What a spot\nIn winter cold, in summer hot\nGreat Lord Al- what a wonder\nMajor Jackson Hell \u0026 Thunder","I am afraid I have digressed too far, to refer to the reception of your letter which I can assure you was the most welcome one I have received for a long time. I'll swear I am almost ashamed [to] send off a letter like this full of evasions, mistakes \u0026, but I know you will excuse me when I tell you that I have my four roommates in a very exciting discussion, cursing \u0026 ripping so that I can hardly hear myself. In such a fuss as this I can hardly compose myself sufficiently to refer to that sweet note that has been ringing in my ears ever since its reception. Oh, how much I wished to be back at least for a day or two. It brought on quite a relapse as I felt like leaving the V.M.I. immediately. I felt nearly reconciled to stay this year out, but for three or four days I have not been able to open a book, I can't account for the reason. You asked me to burn up your letter. Of course you did not include that part or it, \u0026 even if you did I don't think I would grant your request. I carry it in my left pocket \u0026 have nearly worn it out already. I think I must send soon after an original copy.","[End of letter appears on page 1]\nI reckon that name, which you did not want to mention in your letter, got in there after all, for the same reason as you gave I do not like to write it in mine. I believe at last it has been decided that we shall not go to Richmond. I did not care much about going, so I was not much disappointed. Write soon. Give love to all enquiring friends. I remain your affectionate cousin\nC.M. Barton"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBarton family papers, 1855-1869. MS 0020. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Barton family papers, 1855-1869. MS 0020. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA larger collection of Barton family papers is located at the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A larger collection of Barton family papers is located at the Handley Library in Winchester, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook described above, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph Barton (VMI Class of 1864), an attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMaterial related to Bolling W. Barton (VMI Class of 1866) includes one letter (dated January 18, 1864) from Frank (last name unknown, but a VMI alumnus), and six documents, primarily French language exercises.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMaterial related to Randolph J. Barton includes a typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph to the VMI Class of 1912.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eIncludes one letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles M. Barton 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\"). \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, Charles M. Barton complains about VMI life and about his instructor Stonewall Jackson, who he describes as a \"hell of a fool.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook (approximately 250 pages) contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes four class exercises and one note indicating math and French marks. Also includes two items of correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeometry class exercise submitted to Lieutenant T. B. Robinson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrench exercise submitted to Lieutenant Miller.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne paper that details math and French marks. Additionally, the paper contains an address for Robert T. Barton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Note requests that cadet Crawford be granted a leave of absence to \"attend to very important business.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter requests that Bolling W. Barton look after \"Mr. Rutherford,\" a cadet soon to be entering VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes one typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912. Originial typescript is housed at the Handley Library Archives in Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to 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 (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook described above, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph Barton (VMI Class of 1864), an attorney.","Material related to Bolling W. Barton (VMI Class of 1866) includes one letter (dated January 18, 1864) from Frank (last name unknown, but a VMI alumnus), and six documents, primarily French language exercises.","Material related to Randolph J. Barton includes a typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph to the VMI Class of 1912.","Includes one letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles M. Barton 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\").","Also included is a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, Charles M. Barton complains about VMI life and about his instructor Stonewall Jackson, who he describes as a \"hell of a fool.\"","The notebook (approximately 250 pages) contains poetry copied by Charles, including \"The Faculty of the VMI,\" which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","The notebook, although pertaining largely to Charles, also contains notes on law and notations concerning legal cases and fees. This material likely relates to Randolph J. Barton, an attorney.","Includes four class exercises and one note indicating math and French marks. Also includes two items of correspondence.","Geometry class exercise submitted to Lieutenant T. B. Robinson.","French exercise submitted to Lieutenant Miller.","One paper that details math and French marks. Additionally, the paper contains an address for Robert T. Barton.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Note requests that cadet Crawford be granted a leave of absence to \"attend to very important business.\"","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter requests that Bolling W. Barton look after \"Mr. Rutherford,\" a cadet soon to be entering VMI.","Includes one typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912.","Typescript photocopy of a speech delivered by Randolph J. Barton to the VMI Class of 1912. Originial typescript is housed at the Handley Library Archives in Winchester, Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_42cb3f2e301940272676fb2f5080e20a\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Barton family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Barton family","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"persname_ssim":["Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Barton family","Barton, Charles M. (Charles Marshall), 1836-1862","Barton, Bolling W. (Bolling Walter), 1845-1924","Barton, Randolph J., 1844-1921","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Robinson, Thomas B. (Thomas Beverly), 1836-1895"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":17,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:04.198Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_104"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_239.xml","title_ssm":["Richard C. Taylor letter"],"title_tesim":["Richard C. Taylor letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1854 January 15"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1854 January 15"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1854"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854"],"text":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854","MS.0159","/repositories/3/resources/239","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Washington and Lee University—Students","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1854","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Richard Cornelius Taylor was born in 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1854. During the Civil War he was a Major, artillery, with the Confederate States of America. After the War he was a railroad official and teacher. Taylor died in 1917 in Norfolk.","January 15, 1854","Dearest Father:\nThis was to be a letter of congratulations at my stand first on everything but tis a sad time here now. The body of one of our classmates lies bloody in a room below. He was murdered last night. The greatest excitement prevails and it is only by mildness and the prayers of the minister of the gospel last night that the lynch law was not executed. In order to give something for my feelings to dwell upon and quiet them I will write you a detailed account of the whole of this sad affair. At a party which I attended uptown a law student by the name of Christian, having been introduced to Miss Anderson, engaged her company for church. Her cousin in the Corps, our classmate Blackburn, having heard of it and not liking the character of the gentleman told her to write and decline his invitation. This was some weeks ago. This fellow Christian who has the name of a numskull, wrote her a very amusing note having Latin, French \u0026 etc. quotations in it, only part of which was at all serious where he desired to know who was the calumniator. This was shown to Blackburn in fun, nothing being thought of it.","Our dear classmate who never knew fear went up and told him he was the man answerable for everything. C. told him that I have heard the expression that \"he acted nobly in seeing after his cousin.\" He was very much frightened and seemed glad to get out of the scrape. Everybody thought all parties were satisfied. This was Saturday. This was all of the difficulty previous to last night. A classmate and myself went up last night for Miss May Kerr and Miss Julia Lewis to go to church. Miss J was not there. He walked down with Miss M and I alongside of them. As we got opposite to the Doctor's door we saw a man run up and tell him there was something the matter at Mr. White's down the street. We thinking that a child or somebody was sick paid no attention to it. When we were opposite the church, seeing a light and some 1 or 3 of our fellows on the fence, I ran across to see what was the matter, Miss M telling me to immediately return and tell her. One of the cadets saw me and jumped down and told me B. was stabbed. I knowing of the difficulty between B \u0026 C and thinking the students \u0026 cadets were going to fight and not dreaming that B was anything more than scratched and was still fighting over the fence or in fact scarcely knowing what I thought, ran back and told Lightfoot that some of our boys were in difficulty \u0026 to carry Miss M in Church and hurry out, she begging us to keep cool and not fight. I immediately ran across and jumped up on the fence and Oh God, can never forget what a sight. There was a classmate whom but a few hours before I was laughing and joking with in his dying struggle. I was perfectly paralyzed. He was stabbed in three places on his head and once under his ear, the latter cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. What my first feelings were I can scarcely describe. I felt as if I could see the author of that deed burned to a crisp. As soon as he had breathed his last I jumped from the fence. There were but five of us there at the time. On first promptings we with one accord cried for vengeance and were about to collect our Corps who now came pouring up and take the author of this dreadful, dreadful deed from the jail where they had lodged him. But thank God better feelings soon came and we who were first so excited endeavored to calm those who now came up panting and crying death to the cowardly villain. By and by those cadets were quieted by the exertions of many of the citizens of the peace and professors and when his remains were carried down they were persuaded to follow him a mournful, mournful crowd. I know we were wrong dearest Father to entertain ideas of vengeance against a man who must have suffered unutterable torments the whole of last night, but think of seeing his cold a bloody form, his proud spirit send to its last accounts by one who was not worthy to enter his noble mind and then you can look upon us with leniency. At first I was the only 1st classman there and Christian's knife and stick were brought to me by a Cadet who found them behind the church where the fight took place. I could scarcely hold the knife in my hand. It was a long wooden handle butcher knife and clodded with his blood and flesh. I immediately looked out a magistrate and put them in his hand. There was great dread lest the law student should get them and hide them. The lower part of barracks is now crowded with citizens. The inquest is being held over the body. Our class sat up with it last night. Immediately after we came down Col. Smith made a very touching address recommending us in the strongest terms to pursue an orderly course and let the law have its way. There is no doubt that the murderer will be hanged. He carried B down from the church telling him that he wished to see him. This was the last that was seen of them until C had finished his blows and ran away. B was totally unarmed. He went to the church with Miss Julia Junkins. Poor Miss Anderson is dreadfully distressed, he was her cousin. She heard of it in church and came out when she heard he was really dead. It was awful to see her. I hope I may never see such excitement again. In a little while the street was blocked to you could hardly walk. We will bury poor Blackburn tomorrow. All feelings of revenge have died away in everybody's heart and there will be no disturbance.","When we returned to Barracks some of his room mates expressed a desire the bell should be tolled. Bruce a fellow classman and myself went up and tolled it for half an hour. It sounded very solemn on the still midnight air and as I thought that the young man whose spirit had just winged its flight to its creator and whose sad requiem we were then performing, but a few hours before was sitting next to me in church and afterwards was in our room talking and joking and the last words I think he uttered to me he was endeavoring to plague me because a young lady whom he said I was in love with up town had sent some message or something to him. I could but say to myself how true is the text \"in the midst of life we are in death.\" Poor fellow he was one of my best friends and our society has suffered a sad, sad loss. It was a sad warning to us all and one I hope that will have great effect. Nothing at all is known about the fight. Something more will be brought to light after awhile I expect. Excuse dearest father this doleful letter but it was a relief to tell you all about it. I commenced to writing to you on Friday but thought I would let the report get home first and give you the good news of my stand. Succeeded at last, first in all my studies. Tis true I had to study like five hundred and when we came out for the last time I could hardly talk, went to bed and slept and slept. Goodbye dearest father, love to dear ma and all sisters \u0026 brothers. Your own dear son.\nExcuse bad spelling writing in haste,\nYr Dick","The book titled \"Murder in Lexington: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia\" (The History Press) by Daniel Morrow is an account of Thomas Blackburn's murder and subsequent events.","This collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.","The letter describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of Richard C. Taylor's classmate Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854"],"collection_ssim":["Richard C. 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The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Washington and Lee University—Students","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1854","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Washington and Lee University—Students","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1854","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1854],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichard Cornelius Taylor was born in 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1854. During the Civil War he was a Major, artillery, with the Confederate States of America. After the War he was a railroad official and teacher. Taylor died in 1917 in Norfolk.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Richard Cornelius Taylor was born in 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1854. During the Civil War he was a Major, artillery, with the Confederate States of America. After the War he was a railroad official and teacher. Taylor died in 1917 in Norfolk."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["January 15, 1854","Dearest Father:\nThis was to be a letter of congratulations at my stand first on everything but tis a sad time here now. The body of one of our classmates lies bloody in a room below. He was murdered last night. The greatest excitement prevails and it is only by mildness and the prayers of the minister of the gospel last night that the lynch law was not executed. In order to give something for my feelings to dwell upon and quiet them I will write you a detailed account of the whole of this sad affair. At a party which I attended uptown a law student by the name of Christian, having been introduced to Miss Anderson, engaged her company for church. Her cousin in the Corps, our classmate Blackburn, having heard of it and not liking the character of the gentleman told her to write and decline his invitation. This was some weeks ago. This fellow Christian who has the name of a numskull, wrote her a very amusing note having Latin, French \u0026 etc. quotations in it, only part of which was at all serious where he desired to know who was the calumniator. This was shown to Blackburn in fun, nothing being thought of it.","Our dear classmate who never knew fear went up and told him he was the man answerable for everything. C. told him that I have heard the expression that \"he acted nobly in seeing after his cousin.\" He was very much frightened and seemed glad to get out of the scrape. Everybody thought all parties were satisfied. This was Saturday. This was all of the difficulty previous to last night. A classmate and myself went up last night for Miss May Kerr and Miss Julia Lewis to go to church. Miss J was not there. He walked down with Miss M and I alongside of them. As we got opposite to the Doctor's door we saw a man run up and tell him there was something the matter at Mr. White's down the street. We thinking that a child or somebody was sick paid no attention to it. When we were opposite the church, seeing a light and some 1 or 3 of our fellows on the fence, I ran across to see what was the matter, Miss M telling me to immediately return and tell her. One of the cadets saw me and jumped down and told me B. was stabbed. I knowing of the difficulty between B \u0026 C and thinking the students \u0026 cadets were going to fight and not dreaming that B was anything more than scratched and was still fighting over the fence or in fact scarcely knowing what I thought, ran back and told Lightfoot that some of our boys were in difficulty \u0026 to carry Miss M in Church and hurry out, she begging us to keep cool and not fight. I immediately ran across and jumped up on the fence and Oh God, can never forget what a sight. There was a classmate whom but a few hours before I was laughing and joking with in his dying struggle. I was perfectly paralyzed. He was stabbed in three places on his head and once under his ear, the latter cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. What my first feelings were I can scarcely describe. I felt as if I could see the author of that deed burned to a crisp. As soon as he had breathed his last I jumped from the fence. There were but five of us there at the time. On first promptings we with one accord cried for vengeance and were about to collect our Corps who now came pouring up and take the author of this dreadful, dreadful deed from the jail where they had lodged him. But thank God better feelings soon came and we who were first so excited endeavored to calm those who now came up panting and crying death to the cowardly villain. By and by those cadets were quieted by the exertions of many of the citizens of the peace and professors and when his remains were carried down they were persuaded to follow him a mournful, mournful crowd. I know we were wrong dearest Father to entertain ideas of vengeance against a man who must have suffered unutterable torments the whole of last night, but think of seeing his cold a bloody form, his proud spirit send to its last accounts by one who was not worthy to enter his noble mind and then you can look upon us with leniency. At first I was the only 1st classman there and Christian's knife and stick were brought to me by a Cadet who found them behind the church where the fight took place. I could scarcely hold the knife in my hand. It was a long wooden handle butcher knife and clodded with his blood and flesh. I immediately looked out a magistrate and put them in his hand. There was great dread lest the law student should get them and hide them. The lower part of barracks is now crowded with citizens. The inquest is being held over the body. Our class sat up with it last night. Immediately after we came down Col. Smith made a very touching address recommending us in the strongest terms to pursue an orderly course and let the law have its way. There is no doubt that the murderer will be hanged. He carried B down from the church telling him that he wished to see him. This was the last that was seen of them until C had finished his blows and ran away. B was totally unarmed. He went to the church with Miss Julia Junkins. Poor Miss Anderson is dreadfully distressed, he was her cousin. She heard of it in church and came out when she heard he was really dead. It was awful to see her. I hope I may never see such excitement again. In a little while the street was blocked to you could hardly walk. We will bury poor Blackburn tomorrow. All feelings of revenge have died away in everybody's heart and there will be no disturbance.","When we returned to Barracks some of his room mates expressed a desire the bell should be tolled. Bruce a fellow classman and myself went up and tolled it for half an hour. It sounded very solemn on the still midnight air and as I thought that the young man whose spirit had just winged its flight to its creator and whose sad requiem we were then performing, but a few hours before was sitting next to me in church and afterwards was in our room talking and joking and the last words I think he uttered to me he was endeavoring to plague me because a young lady whom he said I was in love with up town had sent some message or something to him. I could but say to myself how true is the text \"in the midst of life we are in death.\" Poor fellow he was one of my best friends and our society has suffered a sad, sad loss. It was a sad warning to us all and one I hope that will have great effect. Nothing at all is known about the fight. Something more will be brought to light after awhile I expect. Excuse dearest father this doleful letter but it was a relief to tell you all about it. I commenced to writing to you on Friday but thought I would let the report get home first and give you the good news of my stand. Succeeded at last, first in all my studies. Tis true I had to study like five hundred and when we came out for the last time I could hardly talk, went to bed and slept and slept. Goodbye dearest father, love to dear ma and all sisters \u0026 brothers. Your own dear son.\nExcuse bad spelling writing in haste,\nYr Dick"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichard C. Taylor letter, 1854 January 15. MS 0159. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854 January 15. MS 0159. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe book titled \"Murder in Lexington: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia\" (The History Press) by Daniel Morrow is an account of Thomas Blackburn's murder and subsequent events.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["The book titled \"Murder in Lexington: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia\" (The History Press) by Daniel Morrow is an account of Thomas Blackburn's murder and subsequent events."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eThe letter describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of Richard C. Taylor's classmate Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.","The letter describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of Richard C. Taylor's classmate Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_cb0eda99fbffba5eef1439f8eedb5bb6\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJanuary 15, 1854\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearest Father:\u003cbr\u003e\nThis was to be a letter of congratulations at my stand first on everything but tis a sad time here now. The body of one of our classmates lies bloody in a room below. He was murdered last night. The greatest excitement prevails and it is only by mildness and the prayers of the minister of the gospel last night that the lynch law was not executed. In order to give something for my feelings to dwell upon and quiet them I will write you a detailed account of the whole of this sad affair. At a party which I attended uptown a law student by the name of Christian, having been introduced to Miss Anderson, engaged her company for church. Her cousin in the Corps, our classmate Blackburn, having heard of it and not liking the character of the gentleman told her to write and decline his invitation. This was some weeks ago. This fellow Christian who has the name of a numskull, wrote her a very amusing note having Latin, French \u0026amp; etc. quotations in it, only part of which was at all serious where he desired to know who was the calumniator. This was shown to Blackburn in fun, nothing being thought of it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur dear classmate who never knew fear went up and told him he was the man answerable for everything. C. told him that I have heard the expression that \"he acted nobly in seeing after his cousin.\" He was very much frightened and seemed glad to get out of the scrape. Everybody thought all parties were satisfied. This was Saturday. This was all of the difficulty previous to last night. A classmate and myself went up last night for Miss May Kerr and Miss Julia Lewis to go to church. Miss J was not there. He walked down with Miss M and I alongside of them. As we got opposite to the Doctor's door we saw a man run up and tell him there was something the matter at Mr. White's down the street. We thinking that a child or somebody was sick paid no attention to it. When we were opposite the church, seeing a light and some 1 or 3 of our fellows on the fence, I ran across to see what was the matter, Miss M telling me to immediately return and tell her. One of the cadets saw me and jumped down and told me B. was stabbed. I knowing of the difficulty between B \u0026amp; C and thinking the students \u0026amp; cadets were going to fight and not dreaming that B was anything more than scratched and was still fighting over the fence or in fact scarcely knowing what I thought, ran back and told Lightfoot that some of our boys were in difficulty \u0026amp; to carry Miss M in Church and hurry out, she begging us to keep cool and not fight. I immediately ran across and jumped up on the fence and Oh God, can never forget what a sight. There was a classmate whom but a few hours before I was laughing and joking with in his dying struggle. I was perfectly paralyzed. He was stabbed in three places on his head and once under his ear, the latter cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. What my first feelings were I can scarcely describe. I felt as if I could see the author of that deed burned to a crisp. As soon as he had breathed his last I jumped from the fence. There were but five of us there at the time. On first promptings we with one accord cried for vengeance and were about to collect our Corps who now came pouring up and take the author of this dreadful, dreadful deed from the jail where they had lodged him. But thank God better feelings soon came and we who were first so excited endeavored to calm those who now came up panting and crying death to the cowardly villain. By and by those cadets were quieted by the exertions of many of the citizens of the peace and professors and when his remains were carried down they were persuaded to follow him a mournful, mournful crowd. I know we were wrong dearest Father to entertain ideas of vengeance against a man who must have suffered unutterable torments the whole of last night, but think of seeing his cold a bloody form, his proud spirit send to its last accounts by one who was not worthy to enter his noble mind and then you can look upon us with leniency. At first I was the only 1st classman there and Christian's knife and stick were brought to me by a Cadet who found them behind the church where the fight took place. I could scarcely hold the knife in my hand. It was a long wooden handle butcher knife and clodded with his blood and flesh. I immediately looked out a magistrate and put them in his hand. There was great dread lest the law student should get them and hide them. The lower part of barracks is now crowded with citizens. The inquest is being held over the body. Our class sat up with it last night. Immediately after we came down Col. Smith made a very touching address recommending us in the strongest terms to pursue an orderly course and let the law have its way. There is no doubt that the murderer will be hanged. He carried B down from the church telling him that he wished to see him. This was the last that was seen of them until C had finished his blows and ran away. B was totally unarmed. He went to the church with Miss Julia Junkins. Poor Miss Anderson is dreadfully distressed, he was her cousin. She heard of it in church and came out when she heard he was really dead. It was awful to see her. I hope I may never see such excitement again. In a little while the street was blocked to you could hardly walk. We will bury poor Blackburn tomorrow. All feelings of revenge have died away in everybody's heart and there will be no disturbance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen we returned to Barracks some of his room mates expressed a desire the bell should be tolled. Bruce a fellow classman and myself went up and tolled it for half an hour. It sounded very solemn on the still midnight air and as I thought that the young man whose spirit had just winged its flight to its creator and whose sad requiem we were then performing, but a few hours before was sitting next to me in church and afterwards was in our room talking and joking and the last words I think he uttered to me he was endeavoring to plague me because a young lady whom he said I was in love with up town had sent some message or something to him. I could but say to myself how true is the text \"in the midst of life we are in death.\" Poor fellow he was one of my best friends and our society has suffered a sad, sad loss. It was a sad warning to us all and one I hope that will have great effect. Nothing at all is known about the fight. Something more will be brought to light after awhile I expect. Excuse dearest father this doleful letter but it was a relief to tell you all about it. I commenced to writing to you on Friday but thought I would let the report get home first and give you the good news of my stand. Succeeded at last, first in all my studies. Tis true I had to study like five hundred and when we came out for the last time I could hardly talk, went to bed and slept and slept. Goodbye dearest father, love to dear ma and all sisters \u0026amp; brothers. Your own dear son.\u003cbr\u003e\nExcuse bad spelling writing in haste,\u003cbr\u003e\nYr Dick\u003c/p\u003e"],"collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_239.xml","title_ssm":["Richard C. Taylor letter"],"title_tesim":["Richard C. Taylor letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1854 January 15"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1854 January 15"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1854"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854"],"text":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854","MS.0159","/repositories/3/resources/239","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Washington and Lee University—Students","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1854","Murder—Virginia—Lexington","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Richard Cornelius Taylor was born in 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1854. During the Civil War he was a Major, artillery, with the Confederate States of America. After the War he was a railroad official and teacher. Taylor died in 1917 in Norfolk.","January 15, 1854","Dearest Father:\nThis was to be a letter of congratulations at my stand first on everything but tis a sad time here now. The body of one of our classmates lies bloody in a room below. He was murdered last night. The greatest excitement prevails and it is only by mildness and the prayers of the minister of the gospel last night that the lynch law was not executed. In order to give something for my feelings to dwell upon and quiet them I will write you a detailed account of the whole of this sad affair. At a party which I attended uptown a law student by the name of Christian, having been introduced to Miss Anderson, engaged her company for church. Her cousin in the Corps, our classmate Blackburn, having heard of it and not liking the character of the gentleman told her to write and decline his invitation. This was some weeks ago. This fellow Christian who has the name of a numskull, wrote her a very amusing note having Latin, French \u0026 etc. quotations in it, only part of which was at all serious where he desired to know who was the calumniator. This was shown to Blackburn in fun, nothing being thought of it.","Our dear classmate who never knew fear went up and told him he was the man answerable for everything. C. told him that I have heard the expression that \"he acted nobly in seeing after his cousin.\" He was very much frightened and seemed glad to get out of the scrape. Everybody thought all parties were satisfied. This was Saturday. This was all of the difficulty previous to last night. A classmate and myself went up last night for Miss May Kerr and Miss Julia Lewis to go to church. Miss J was not there. He walked down with Miss M and I alongside of them. As we got opposite to the Doctor's door we saw a man run up and tell him there was something the matter at Mr. White's down the street. We thinking that a child or somebody was sick paid no attention to it. When we were opposite the church, seeing a light and some 1 or 3 of our fellows on the fence, I ran across to see what was the matter, Miss M telling me to immediately return and tell her. One of the cadets saw me and jumped down and told me B. was stabbed. I knowing of the difficulty between B \u0026 C and thinking the students \u0026 cadets were going to fight and not dreaming that B was anything more than scratched and was still fighting over the fence or in fact scarcely knowing what I thought, ran back and told Lightfoot that some of our boys were in difficulty \u0026 to carry Miss M in Church and hurry out, she begging us to keep cool and not fight. I immediately ran across and jumped up on the fence and Oh God, can never forget what a sight. There was a classmate whom but a few hours before I was laughing and joking with in his dying struggle. I was perfectly paralyzed. He was stabbed in three places on his head and once under his ear, the latter cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. What my first feelings were I can scarcely describe. I felt as if I could see the author of that deed burned to a crisp. As soon as he had breathed his last I jumped from the fence. There were but five of us there at the time. On first promptings we with one accord cried for vengeance and were about to collect our Corps who now came pouring up and take the author of this dreadful, dreadful deed from the jail where they had lodged him. But thank God better feelings soon came and we who were first so excited endeavored to calm those who now came up panting and crying death to the cowardly villain. By and by those cadets were quieted by the exertions of many of the citizens of the peace and professors and when his remains were carried down they were persuaded to follow him a mournful, mournful crowd. I know we were wrong dearest Father to entertain ideas of vengeance against a man who must have suffered unutterable torments the whole of last night, but think of seeing his cold a bloody form, his proud spirit send to its last accounts by one who was not worthy to enter his noble mind and then you can look upon us with leniency. At first I was the only 1st classman there and Christian's knife and stick were brought to me by a Cadet who found them behind the church where the fight took place. I could scarcely hold the knife in my hand. It was a long wooden handle butcher knife and clodded with his blood and flesh. I immediately looked out a magistrate and put them in his hand. There was great dread lest the law student should get them and hide them. The lower part of barracks is now crowded with citizens. The inquest is being held over the body. Our class sat up with it last night. Immediately after we came down Col. Smith made a very touching address recommending us in the strongest terms to pursue an orderly course and let the law have its way. There is no doubt that the murderer will be hanged. He carried B down from the church telling him that he wished to see him. This was the last that was seen of them until C had finished his blows and ran away. B was totally unarmed. He went to the church with Miss Julia Junkins. Poor Miss Anderson is dreadfully distressed, he was her cousin. She heard of it in church and came out when she heard he was really dead. It was awful to see her. I hope I may never see such excitement again. In a little while the street was blocked to you could hardly walk. We will bury poor Blackburn tomorrow. All feelings of revenge have died away in everybody's heart and there will be no disturbance.","When we returned to Barracks some of his room mates expressed a desire the bell should be tolled. Bruce a fellow classman and myself went up and tolled it for half an hour. It sounded very solemn on the still midnight air and as I thought that the young man whose spirit had just winged its flight to its creator and whose sad requiem we were then performing, but a few hours before was sitting next to me in church and afterwards was in our room talking and joking and the last words I think he uttered to me he was endeavoring to plague me because a young lady whom he said I was in love with up town had sent some message or something to him. I could but say to myself how true is the text \"in the midst of life we are in death.\" Poor fellow he was one of my best friends and our society has suffered a sad, sad loss. It was a sad warning to us all and one I hope that will have great effect. Nothing at all is known about the fight. Something more will be brought to light after awhile I expect. Excuse dearest father this doleful letter but it was a relief to tell you all about it. I commenced to writing to you on Friday but thought I would let the report get home first and give you the good news of my stand. Succeeded at last, first in all my studies. Tis true I had to study like five hundred and when we came out for the last time I could hardly talk, went to bed and slept and slept. Goodbye dearest father, love to dear ma and all sisters \u0026 brothers. Your own dear son.\nExcuse bad spelling writing in haste,\nYr Dick","The book titled \"Murder in Lexington: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia\" (The History Press) by Daniel Morrow is an account of Thomas Blackburn's murder and subsequent events.","This collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.","The letter describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of Richard C. Taylor's classmate Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854"],"collection_ssim":["Richard C. 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He graduated VMI in 1854. During the Civil War he was a Major, artillery, with the Confederate States of America. After the War he was a railroad official and teacher. Taylor died in 1917 in Norfolk.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Richard Cornelius Taylor was born in 1835 in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1854. During the Civil War he was a Major, artillery, with the Confederate States of America. After the War he was a railroad official and teacher. Taylor died in 1917 in Norfolk."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["January 15, 1854","Dearest Father:\nThis was to be a letter of congratulations at my stand first on everything but tis a sad time here now. The body of one of our classmates lies bloody in a room below. He was murdered last night. The greatest excitement prevails and it is only by mildness and the prayers of the minister of the gospel last night that the lynch law was not executed. In order to give something for my feelings to dwell upon and quiet them I will write you a detailed account of the whole of this sad affair. At a party which I attended uptown a law student by the name of Christian, having been introduced to Miss Anderson, engaged her company for church. Her cousin in the Corps, our classmate Blackburn, having heard of it and not liking the character of the gentleman told her to write and decline his invitation. This was some weeks ago. This fellow Christian who has the name of a numskull, wrote her a very amusing note having Latin, French \u0026 etc. quotations in it, only part of which was at all serious where he desired to know who was the calumniator. This was shown to Blackburn in fun, nothing being thought of it.","Our dear classmate who never knew fear went up and told him he was the man answerable for everything. C. told him that I have heard the expression that \"he acted nobly in seeing after his cousin.\" He was very much frightened and seemed glad to get out of the scrape. Everybody thought all parties were satisfied. This was Saturday. This was all of the difficulty previous to last night. A classmate and myself went up last night for Miss May Kerr and Miss Julia Lewis to go to church. Miss J was not there. He walked down with Miss M and I alongside of them. As we got opposite to the Doctor's door we saw a man run up and tell him there was something the matter at Mr. White's down the street. We thinking that a child or somebody was sick paid no attention to it. When we were opposite the church, seeing a light and some 1 or 3 of our fellows on the fence, I ran across to see what was the matter, Miss M telling me to immediately return and tell her. One of the cadets saw me and jumped down and told me B. was stabbed. I knowing of the difficulty between B \u0026 C and thinking the students \u0026 cadets were going to fight and not dreaming that B was anything more than scratched and was still fighting over the fence or in fact scarcely knowing what I thought, ran back and told Lightfoot that some of our boys were in difficulty \u0026 to carry Miss M in Church and hurry out, she begging us to keep cool and not fight. I immediately ran across and jumped up on the fence and Oh God, can never forget what a sight. There was a classmate whom but a few hours before I was laughing and joking with in his dying struggle. I was perfectly paralyzed. He was stabbed in three places on his head and once under his ear, the latter cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. What my first feelings were I can scarcely describe. I felt as if I could see the author of that deed burned to a crisp. As soon as he had breathed his last I jumped from the fence. There were but five of us there at the time. On first promptings we with one accord cried for vengeance and were about to collect our Corps who now came pouring up and take the author of this dreadful, dreadful deed from the jail where they had lodged him. But thank God better feelings soon came and we who were first so excited endeavored to calm those who now came up panting and crying death to the cowardly villain. By and by those cadets were quieted by the exertions of many of the citizens of the peace and professors and when his remains were carried down they were persuaded to follow him a mournful, mournful crowd. I know we were wrong dearest Father to entertain ideas of vengeance against a man who must have suffered unutterable torments the whole of last night, but think of seeing his cold a bloody form, his proud spirit send to its last accounts by one who was not worthy to enter his noble mind and then you can look upon us with leniency. At first I was the only 1st classman there and Christian's knife and stick were brought to me by a Cadet who found them behind the church where the fight took place. I could scarcely hold the knife in my hand. It was a long wooden handle butcher knife and clodded with his blood and flesh. I immediately looked out a magistrate and put them in his hand. There was great dread lest the law student should get them and hide them. The lower part of barracks is now crowded with citizens. The inquest is being held over the body. Our class sat up with it last night. Immediately after we came down Col. Smith made a very touching address recommending us in the strongest terms to pursue an orderly course and let the law have its way. There is no doubt that the murderer will be hanged. He carried B down from the church telling him that he wished to see him. This was the last that was seen of them until C had finished his blows and ran away. B was totally unarmed. He went to the church with Miss Julia Junkins. Poor Miss Anderson is dreadfully distressed, he was her cousin. She heard of it in church and came out when she heard he was really dead. It was awful to see her. I hope I may never see such excitement again. In a little while the street was blocked to you could hardly walk. We will bury poor Blackburn tomorrow. All feelings of revenge have died away in everybody's heart and there will be no disturbance.","When we returned to Barracks some of his room mates expressed a desire the bell should be tolled. Bruce a fellow classman and myself went up and tolled it for half an hour. It sounded very solemn on the still midnight air and as I thought that the young man whose spirit had just winged its flight to its creator and whose sad requiem we were then performing, but a few hours before was sitting next to me in church and afterwards was in our room talking and joking and the last words I think he uttered to me he was endeavoring to plague me because a young lady whom he said I was in love with up town had sent some message or something to him. I could but say to myself how true is the text \"in the midst of life we are in death.\" Poor fellow he was one of my best friends and our society has suffered a sad, sad loss. It was a sad warning to us all and one I hope that will have great effect. Nothing at all is known about the fight. Something more will be brought to light after awhile I expect. Excuse dearest father this doleful letter but it was a relief to tell you all about it. I commenced to writing to you on Friday but thought I would let the report get home first and give you the good news of my stand. Succeeded at last, first in all my studies. Tis true I had to study like five hundred and when we came out for the last time I could hardly talk, went to bed and slept and slept. Goodbye dearest father, love to dear ma and all sisters \u0026 brothers. Your own dear son.\nExcuse bad spelling writing in haste,\nYr Dick"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichard C. Taylor letter, 1854 January 15. MS 0159. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Richard C. Taylor letter, 1854 January 15. MS 0159. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe book titled \"Murder in Lexington: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia\" (The History Press) by Daniel Morrow is an account of Thomas Blackburn's murder and subsequent events.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["The book titled \"Murder in Lexington: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia\" (The History Press) by Daniel Morrow is an account of Thomas Blackburn's murder and subsequent events."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eThe letter describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of Richard C. Taylor's classmate Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one letter (dated January 15, 1854) from Richard C. Taylor to his father, Walter H. Taylor. Taylor describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of his classmate Cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student.","The letter describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the murder of Richard C. Taylor's classmate Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a Washington College law student."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_cb0eda99fbffba5eef1439f8eedb5bb6\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Taylor, Richard C. (Richard Cornelius), 1835-1917","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJanuary 15, 1854\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearest Father:\u003cbr\u003e\nThis was to be a letter of congratulations at my stand first on everything but tis a sad time here now. The body of one of our classmates lies bloody in a room below. He was murdered last night. The greatest excitement prevails and it is only by mildness and the prayers of the minister of the gospel last night that the lynch law was not executed. In order to give something for my feelings to dwell upon and quiet them I will write you a detailed account of the whole of this sad affair. At a party which I attended uptown a law student by the name of Christian, having been introduced to Miss Anderson, engaged her company for church. Her cousin in the Corps, our classmate Blackburn, having heard of it and not liking the character of the gentleman told her to write and decline his invitation. This was some weeks ago. This fellow Christian who has the name of a numskull, wrote her a very amusing note having Latin, French \u0026amp; etc. quotations in it, only part of which was at all serious where he desired to know who was the calumniator. This was shown to Blackburn in fun, nothing being thought of it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur dear classmate who never knew fear went up and told him he was the man answerable for everything. C. told him that I have heard the expression that \"he acted nobly in seeing after his cousin.\" He was very much frightened and seemed glad to get out of the scrape. Everybody thought all parties were satisfied. This was Saturday. This was all of the difficulty previous to last night. A classmate and myself went up last night for Miss May Kerr and Miss Julia Lewis to go to church. Miss J was not there. He walked down with Miss M and I alongside of them. As we got opposite to the Doctor's door we saw a man run up and tell him there was something the matter at Mr. White's down the street. We thinking that a child or somebody was sick paid no attention to it. When we were opposite the church, seeing a light and some 1 or 3 of our fellows on the fence, I ran across to see what was the matter, Miss M telling me to immediately return and tell her. One of the cadets saw me and jumped down and told me B. was stabbed. I knowing of the difficulty between B \u0026amp; C and thinking the students \u0026amp; cadets were going to fight and not dreaming that B was anything more than scratched and was still fighting over the fence or in fact scarcely knowing what I thought, ran back and told Lightfoot that some of our boys were in difficulty \u0026amp; to carry Miss M in Church and hurry out, she begging us to keep cool and not fight. I immediately ran across and jumped up on the fence and Oh God, can never forget what a sight. There was a classmate whom but a few hours before I was laughing and joking with in his dying struggle. I was perfectly paralyzed. He was stabbed in three places on his head and once under his ear, the latter cutting his jugular vein and killing him almost instantly. What my first feelings were I can scarcely describe. I felt as if I could see the author of that deed burned to a crisp. As soon as he had breathed his last I jumped from the fence. There were but five of us there at the time. On first promptings we with one accord cried for vengeance and were about to collect our Corps who now came pouring up and take the author of this dreadful, dreadful deed from the jail where they had lodged him. But thank God better feelings soon came and we who were first so excited endeavored to calm those who now came up panting and crying death to the cowardly villain. By and by those cadets were quieted by the exertions of many of the citizens of the peace and professors and when his remains were carried down they were persuaded to follow him a mournful, mournful crowd. I know we were wrong dearest Father to entertain ideas of vengeance against a man who must have suffered unutterable torments the whole of last night, but think of seeing his cold a bloody form, his proud spirit send to its last accounts by one who was not worthy to enter his noble mind and then you can look upon us with leniency. At first I was the only 1st classman there and Christian's knife and stick were brought to me by a Cadet who found them behind the church where the fight took place. I could scarcely hold the knife in my hand. It was a long wooden handle butcher knife and clodded with his blood and flesh. I immediately looked out a magistrate and put them in his hand. There was great dread lest the law student should get them and hide them. The lower part of barracks is now crowded with citizens. The inquest is being held over the body. Our class sat up with it last night. Immediately after we came down Col. Smith made a very touching address recommending us in the strongest terms to pursue an orderly course and let the law have its way. There is no doubt that the murderer will be hanged. He carried B down from the church telling him that he wished to see him. This was the last that was seen of them until C had finished his blows and ran away. B was totally unarmed. He went to the church with Miss Julia Junkins. Poor Miss Anderson is dreadfully distressed, he was her cousin. She heard of it in church and came out when she heard he was really dead. It was awful to see her. I hope I may never see such excitement again. In a little while the street was blocked to you could hardly walk. We will bury poor Blackburn tomorrow. All feelings of revenge have died away in everybody's heart and there will be no disturbance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen we returned to Barracks some of his room mates expressed a desire the bell should be tolled. Bruce a fellow classman and myself went up and tolled it for half an hour. It sounded very solemn on the still midnight air and as I thought that the young man whose spirit had just winged its flight to its creator and whose sad requiem we were then performing, but a few hours before was sitting next to me in church and afterwards was in our room talking and joking and the last words I think he uttered to me he was endeavoring to plague me because a young lady whom he said I was in love with up town had sent some message or something to him. I could but say to myself how true is the text \"in the midst of life we are in death.\" Poor fellow he was one of my best friends and our society has suffered a sad, sad loss. It was a sad warning to us all and one I hope that will have great effect. Nothing at all is known about the fight. Something more will be brought to light after awhile I expect. Excuse dearest father this doleful letter but it was a relief to tell you all about it. I commenced to writing to you on Friday but thought I would let the report get home first and give you the good news of my stand. Succeeded at last, first in all my studies. Tis true I had to study like five hundred and when we came out for the last time I could hardly talk, went to bed and slept and slept. Goodbye dearest father, love to dear ma and all sisters \u0026amp; brothers. Your own dear son.\u003cbr\u003e\nExcuse bad spelling writing in haste,\u003cbr\u003e\nYr Dick\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_239"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_272","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"William S. 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