{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94History%E2%80%9419th+century\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item","next":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94History%E2%80%9419th+century\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=2","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94History%E2%80%9419th+century\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=4"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":4,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":31,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_779","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Francis H. 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Outgoing correspondence, 1845"],"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_38.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00084.xml","title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1889"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Subgroup","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"text":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38","Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online","Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. ","The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.","Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe","These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.","There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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.","Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-","English"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creators_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"access_terms_ssm":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["30 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["30 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll14\"\u003eSome items from the Smith papers are available online.\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eSome annual reports from the Smith administration are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll14/searchterm/european/field/title/mode/all/conn/and/order/date\"\u003eAn annotated full text transcription is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access","Online Access","Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSmith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. \u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. "],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRecords of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Records of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/resources/795\"\u003eAnnual and Special Reports of the Superintendent\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/digital_objects/3\"\u003eReport on Scientific Education in Europe\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials","Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThese files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSubject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApplications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFaculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMisc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBiographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOversized case 9\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eU. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEdwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of 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","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":["These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCollections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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_38737c95f56a20b673a6f5327e0c023e\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library"],"persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":40,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c03_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"\"Historical Sketch of the Establishment and Organization of the Virginia Military Institute\"","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eTypescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"text":["John T. L. Preston papers","\"Historical Sketch of the Establishment and Organization of the Virginia Military Institute\"","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Virginia Military Institute—Founders Day","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Semicentennial","Virginia Military Institute—Anniversaries, etc.","English","Typescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.","The sketch includes details about events leading to the establishment of VMI, including debates in the local Franklin Society and letters to the local newspaper written by Preston under the penname \"Cives\" in 1835."],"title_filing_ssi":"\"Historical Sketch of the Establishment and Organization of the Virginia Military Institute\"","title_ssm":["\"Historical Sketch of the Establishment and Organization of the Virginia Military Institute\""],"title_tesim":["\"Historical Sketch of the Establishment and Organization of the Virginia Military Institute\""],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1889 July 4"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1889"],"normalized_title_ssm":["\"Historical Sketch of the Establishment and Organization of the Virginia Military Institute\""],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"creator_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":4,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["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."],"date_range_isim":[1889],"names_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"persname_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Founders Day","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Semicentennial","Virginia Military Institute—Anniversaries, etc."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Founders Day","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Semicentennial","Virginia Military Institute—Anniversaries, etc."],"language_ssim":["English"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eTypescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe sketch includes details about events leading to the establishment of VMI, including debates in the local Franklin Society and letters to the local newspaper written by Preston under the penname \"Cives\" in 1835.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Typescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.","The sketch includes details about events leading to the establishment of VMI, including debates in the local Franklin Society and letters to the local newspaper written by Preston under the penname \"Cives\" in 1835."],"_nest_path_":"/components#3","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:56.008Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_322.xml","title_ssm":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"title_tesim":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1806-1889"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1806-1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0240","/repositories/3/resources/322"],"text":["MS.0240","/repositories/3/resources/322","John T. L. Preston papers","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches, Addresses, etc.","There are no restrictions.","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.","A portion of the John T. L. Preston papers are avaliable \n  online .","John Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890) was one of the founders of VMI. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839 to 1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson.","Lexington April 28, 1863","Dr General, \nAccording to your direction I have purchased for you $2700 of 8 prct [percent] Confed. Bonds. This leaves a small balance to your credit. The bonds are deposited in the Bank of Rockbridge.","Our tannery has been very prosperous. I have not deemed it necessary to write to you about it hitherto. But now I have to say that the concern will be ready to pay over to you in a few weeks, as your share of the profits from ten to fifteen thousand dollars ($10,000 - 15,000). We have on hand a contract for tanning from the Government which will not be as profitable as our operations heretofore have been but it will be remunerative and [left edge] Maggie sends her love at the same time safe. If I can be of any service to you in investing your money let me know. I was informed at the VMI that there was a balance of $50 against you on the Treasurer's Book. I told the Supt. that I would settle it out of your funds. Maggie wrote lately to Mrs. Jackson something about your house. I cannot recollect any other business items.","I expect to leave home, day after tomorrow for the Gen. Assembly at Columbia. I go with the earnest wish and prayer that this the supreme council of our branch of the church may under the guidance of the Holy Spirit be able to devise something which will be operative in impregnating the institutions of our very nation with the spirit of vital Christianity. I cannot myself think of any new mode of attempting this. We have in operation all the agencies prescribed in the Gospel and if these are used in the spirit of the Gospel they will prove sufficient. But the real battle of the Church will begin when the national struggle is closed and Peace opens the flood gates through which will flow upon society the stream of evils generated by War. Profanity, Sabbath breaking, intemperance, idleness, lawlessness and general looseness of morals may be expected partly as the reactive influence of the scenes through which the entire youthful population of the land have been called to pass. Against all this the church must lift up her banners if would maintain her own. But instead of merely maintaining her own she does not make the reorganization of things the occasion of assuming an advanced position, will she be guiltless.\nDr. Palmer has replied to Dr. White who had communicated [illegible] about supplying the army with religious service. He does not express any very decided convictions upon the subject and looks to some action by the Gen. Assb. I trust it is a good Providence that has given to your corps Mr. Lacy.  Remember me warmly to him.","If you can make any suggestions touching church matters, write to me at Columbia Pres. Gen. Assembly. On business at Lex. If you wish anything done before I return Gilham or Fuller will attend to it for you. My love to your wife if she is still with you. \nYrs. Trly J. T. L. Preston.","July 4, 1889 \nMy dear General and old-time comrade- \nFinis Opus Coronat \nThe crown of a worthy work is its successful completion.  How unspeakably precious is this crown, when the work is one's life work! No other work to be done, and therefore, no apprehension of failure in the future.","The proof of your work is twofold- first in rearing a noble structure upon its foundation and then in raising it from its ruins.  Testimony to this work is found in the annals of the state of Virginia, in the records of successive Boards of Visitors, by the voices and the lives of the Alumni who have gone forth from its walls, and by these words from him who is the sole surviving sharer of your labors from the founding of the V. M. I. to its semi-centennial Jubilee.","But best of all is the testimony of your own conscience, that you have never swerved from your purpose, nor spared yourself in your devotion to the object you had set before you.","With the many, various, and formidable obstacles you had to encounter I am familiar, but what other and unrevealed struggles were yours, none but yourself may ever know.","The crown of a completed work is yours.","But for all true and faithful followers of the Master there is another crown laid up – a crown of glory – a crown, not for the closing of this mortal life, but a crown for the opening of an immortal life – a crown to be worn forever!","May this crown, my old friend, be yours and mine! \nAnd for this hope let us united in saying – Laus Deo! \nAffectionately, \nJ. T. L. Preston \n1839-1889","The original journal is located in the Library of Congress (John Thomas Lewis Preston MMC-1936; MSS94284).","The John T. L. Preston papers consist of the personal papers of Preston, including:\n A farm account book (1834-1887) Bills Deeds Memoranda Receipts Correspondence A photocopy and transcription of Preston's Civil War journal (\"Jottings\"), which dates from his military service at Craney Island, Virginia from late July to October 1861. The original journal is held by the Library of Congress. Preston's United States passport (May 1851) Franklin Society membership certificate (1851) A typescript \"brief historical sketch\" of VMI written as a speech for the Institute's semi-centennial celebration in 1889 (the typescript contains handwritten corrections in ink; Preston's son delivered the address on behalf of his father). \nThe majority of the papers relate to Preston's personal, financial, and property (land) transactions and do not involve his work at VMI. ","A noteable item includes a letter (dated April 24 1863) to General Stonewall Jackson (to whom Preston was related by marriage) in which Preston discusses religious and financial matters.","Passport for John T. L. Preston.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Topics financial transactions affecting Stonewall Jackson, including the purchase of Confederate bonds and proceeds from sale of tannery. The letter also concerns religious matters, particularly the upcoming General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.","Typescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.","The sketch includes details about events leading to the establishment of VMI, including debates in the local Franklin Society and letters to the local newspaper written by Preston under the penname \"Cives\" in 1835.","Reprint in pamphlet form of letters written by John T. L. Preston to the Lexington (Virginia) Gazette in 1835, discussing the desirability of turning the local arsenal into a military college. Preston wrote these letters under the pen name \"Cives\" and these are often referred to as the \"Cives letters.\"  This pamphlet was issued in 1889 to mark VMI's semicentennial.","Copy and transcription of John T. L. Preston's journal, which he called \"Jottings.\" This journal was written during his military assignment at Craney Island, Virginia in the the summer and fall of 1861.","The journal relates to his activities while with the 9th Virginia Infantry Regiment under the command of VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. It includes comments on the cause of the Civil War, the defense of Norfolk, Virginia, military science, and family.  ","This letter was written on the occasion of VMI's semicentennial celebration, in which John T. L. Preston reminiscences about Francis H. Smith's role in the founding and growth of VMI.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, VA)","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Crutchfield, Stapleton, 1835-1865","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0240","/repositories/3/resources/322"],"normalized_title_ssm":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"collection_ssim":["John T. L. Preston papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"creator_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"creators_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches, Addresses, etc."],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches, Addresses, etc."],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.69 cubic feet 1 2.5-inch legal document box and 1 5-inch legal document box"],"extent_tesim":["0.69 cubic feet 1 2.5-inch legal document box and 1 5-inch legal document box"],"genreform_ssim":["Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches, Addresses, etc."],"date_range_isim":[1806,1807,1808,1809,1810,1811,1812,1813,1814,1815,1816,1817,1818,1819,1820,1821,1822,1823,1824,1825,1826,1827,1828,1829,1830,1831,1832,1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e","\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"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access","Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.","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."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA portion of the John T. L. Preston papers are avaliable \n\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/field/descri/searchterm/MS%200240/mode/exact\"\u003e online\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["A portion of the John T. L. Preston papers are avaliable \n  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890) was one of the founders of VMI. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839 to 1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["John Thomas Lewis Preston (1811-1890) was one of the founders of VMI. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839 to 1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLexington April 28, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDr General,\u003cbr\u003e\nAccording to your direction I have purchased for you $2700 of 8 prct [percent] Confed. Bonds. This leaves a small balance to your credit. The bonds are deposited in the Bank of Rockbridge.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur tannery has been very prosperous. I have not deemed it necessary to write to you about it hitherto. But now I have to say that the concern will be ready to pay over to you in a few weeks, as your share of the profits from ten to fifteen thousand dollars ($10,000 - 15,000). We have on hand a contract for tanning from the Government which will not be as profitable as our operations heretofore have been but it will be remunerative and [left edge] Maggie sends her love at the same time safe. If I can be of any service to you in investing your money let me know. I was informed at the VMI that there was a balance of $50 against you on the Treasurer's Book. I told the Supt. that I would settle it out of your funds. Maggie wrote lately to Mrs. Jackson something about your house. I cannot recollect any other business items.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to leave home, day after tomorrow for the Gen. Assembly at Columbia. I go with the earnest wish and prayer that this the supreme council of our branch of the church may under the guidance of the Holy Spirit be able to devise something which will be operative in impregnating the institutions of our very nation with the spirit of vital Christianity. I cannot myself think of any new mode of attempting this. We have in operation all the agencies prescribed in the Gospel and if these are used in the spirit of the Gospel they will prove sufficient. But the real battle of the Church will begin when the national struggle is closed and Peace opens the flood gates through which will flow upon society the stream of evils generated by War. Profanity, Sabbath breaking, intemperance, idleness, lawlessness and general looseness of morals may be expected partly as the reactive influence of the scenes through which the entire youthful population of the land have been called to pass. Against all this the church must lift up her banners if would maintain her own. But instead of merely maintaining her own she does not make the reorganization of things the occasion of assuming an advanced position, will she be guiltless.\nDr. Palmer has replied to Dr. White who had communicated [illegible] about supplying the army with religious service. He does not express any very decided convictions upon the subject and looks to some action by the Gen. Assb. I trust it is a good Providence that has given to your corps Mr. Lacy.  Remember me warmly to him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf you can make any suggestions touching church matters, write to me at Columbia Pres. Gen. Assembly. On business at Lex. If you wish anything done before I return Gilham or Fuller will attend to it for you. My love to your wife if she is still with you.\u003cbr\u003e\nYrs. Trly J. T. L. Preston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJuly 4, 1889\u003cbr\u003e\nMy dear General and old-time comrade-\u003cbr\u003e\nFinis Opus Coronat\u003cbr\u003e\nThe crown of a worthy work is its successful completion.  How unspeakably precious is this crown, when the work is one's life work! No other work to be done, and therefore, no apprehension of failure in the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe proof of your work is twofold- first in rearing a noble structure upon its foundation and then in raising it from its ruins.  Testimony to this work is found in the annals of the state of Virginia, in the records of successive Boards of Visitors, by the voices and the lives of the Alumni who have gone forth from its walls, and by these words from him who is the sole surviving sharer of your labors from the founding of the V. M. I. to its semi-centennial Jubilee.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut best of all is the testimony of your own conscience, that you have never swerved from your purpose, nor spared yourself in your devotion to the object you had set before you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith the many, various, and formidable obstacles you had to encounter I am familiar, but what other and unrevealed struggles were yours, none but yourself may ever know.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe crown of a completed work is yours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut for all true and faithful followers of the Master there is another crown laid up – a crown of glory – a crown, not for the closing of this mortal life, but a crown for the opening of an immortal life – a crown to be worn forever!\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay this crown, my old friend, be yours and mine!\u003cbr\u003e\nAnd for this hope let us united in saying – Laus Deo!\u003cbr\u003e\nAffectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. T. L. Preston\u003cbr\u003e\n1839-1889\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Lexington April 28, 1863","Dr General, \nAccording to your direction I have purchased for you $2700 of 8 prct [percent] Confed. Bonds. This leaves a small balance to your credit. The bonds are deposited in the Bank of Rockbridge.","Our tannery has been very prosperous. I have not deemed it necessary to write to you about it hitherto. But now I have to say that the concern will be ready to pay over to you in a few weeks, as your share of the profits from ten to fifteen thousand dollars ($10,000 - 15,000). We have on hand a contract for tanning from the Government which will not be as profitable as our operations heretofore have been but it will be remunerative and [left edge] Maggie sends her love at the same time safe. If I can be of any service to you in investing your money let me know. I was informed at the VMI that there was a balance of $50 against you on the Treasurer's Book. I told the Supt. that I would settle it out of your funds. Maggie wrote lately to Mrs. Jackson something about your house. I cannot recollect any other business items.","I expect to leave home, day after tomorrow for the Gen. Assembly at Columbia. I go with the earnest wish and prayer that this the supreme council of our branch of the church may under the guidance of the Holy Spirit be able to devise something which will be operative in impregnating the institutions of our very nation with the spirit of vital Christianity. I cannot myself think of any new mode of attempting this. We have in operation all the agencies prescribed in the Gospel and if these are used in the spirit of the Gospel they will prove sufficient. But the real battle of the Church will begin when the national struggle is closed and Peace opens the flood gates through which will flow upon society the stream of evils generated by War. Profanity, Sabbath breaking, intemperance, idleness, lawlessness and general looseness of morals may be expected partly as the reactive influence of the scenes through which the entire youthful population of the land have been called to pass. Against all this the church must lift up her banners if would maintain her own. But instead of merely maintaining her own she does not make the reorganization of things the occasion of assuming an advanced position, will she be guiltless.\nDr. Palmer has replied to Dr. White who had communicated [illegible] about supplying the army with religious service. He does not express any very decided convictions upon the subject and looks to some action by the Gen. Assb. I trust it is a good Providence that has given to your corps Mr. Lacy.  Remember me warmly to him.","If you can make any suggestions touching church matters, write to me at Columbia Pres. Gen. Assembly. On business at Lex. If you wish anything done before I return Gilham or Fuller will attend to it for you. My love to your wife if she is still with you. \nYrs. Trly J. T. L. Preston.","July 4, 1889 \nMy dear General and old-time comrade- \nFinis Opus Coronat \nThe crown of a worthy work is its successful completion.  How unspeakably precious is this crown, when the work is one's life work! No other work to be done, and therefore, no apprehension of failure in the future.","The proof of your work is twofold- first in rearing a noble structure upon its foundation and then in raising it from its ruins.  Testimony to this work is found in the annals of the state of Virginia, in the records of successive Boards of Visitors, by the voices and the lives of the Alumni who have gone forth from its walls, and by these words from him who is the sole surviving sharer of your labors from the founding of the V. M. I. to its semi-centennial Jubilee.","But best of all is the testimony of your own conscience, that you have never swerved from your purpose, nor spared yourself in your devotion to the object you had set before you.","With the many, various, and formidable obstacles you had to encounter I am familiar, but what other and unrevealed struggles were yours, none but yourself may ever know.","The crown of a completed work is yours.","But for all true and faithful followers of the Master there is another crown laid up – a crown of glory – a crown, not for the closing of this mortal life, but a crown for the opening of an immortal life – a crown to be worn forever!","May this crown, my old friend, be yours and mine! \nAnd for this hope let us united in saying – Laus Deo! \nAffectionately, \nJ. T. L. Preston \n1839-1889"],"originalsloc_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original journal is located in the Library of Congress (John Thomas Lewis Preston MMC-1936; MSS94284).\u003c/p\u003e"],"originalsloc_heading_ssm":["Existence and Location of Originals"],"originalsloc_tesim":["The original journal is located in the Library of Congress (John Thomas Lewis Preston MMC-1936; MSS94284)."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn T. L. Preston papers, 1806-1889. MS 0240. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["John T. L. Preston papers, 1806-1889. MS 0240. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe John T. L. Preston papers consist of the personal papers of Preston, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA farm account book (1834-1887)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBills\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeeds\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMemoranda\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReceipts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorrespondence\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA photocopy and transcription of Preston's Civil War journal (\"Jottings\"), which dates from his military service at Craney Island, Virginia from late July to October 1861. The original journal is held by the Library of Congress.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreston's United States passport (May 1851)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFranklin Society membership certificate (1851)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA typescript \"brief historical sketch\" of VMI written as a speech for the Institute's semi-centennial celebration in 1889 (the typescript contains handwritten corrections in ink; Preston's son delivered the address on behalf of his father).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nThe majority of the papers relate to Preston's personal, financial, and property (land) transactions and do not involve his work at VMI. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA noteable item includes a letter (dated April 24 1863) to General Stonewall Jackson (to whom Preston was related by marriage) in which Preston discusses religious and financial matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePassport for John T. L. Preston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Topics financial transactions affecting Stonewall Jackson, including the purchase of Confederate bonds and proceeds from sale of tannery. The letter also concerns religious matters, particularly the upcoming General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe sketch includes details about events leading to the establishment of VMI, including debates in the local Franklin Society and letters to the local newspaper written by Preston under the penname \"Cives\" in 1835.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReprint in pamphlet form of letters written by John T. L. Preston to the Lexington (Virginia) Gazette in 1835, discussing the desirability of turning the local arsenal into a military college. Preston wrote these letters under the pen name \"Cives\" and these are often referred to as the \"Cives letters.\"  This pamphlet was issued in 1889 to mark VMI's semicentennial.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy and transcription of John T. L. Preston's journal, which he called \"Jottings.\" This journal was written during his military assignment at Craney Island, Virginia in the the summer and fall of 1861.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe journal relates to his activities while with the 9th Virginia Infantry Regiment under the command of VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. It includes comments on the cause of the Civil War, the defense of Norfolk, Virginia, military science, and family.  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis letter was written on the occasion of VMI's semicentennial celebration, in which John T. L. Preston reminiscences about Francis H. Smith's role in the founding and growth of VMI.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The John T. L. Preston papers consist of the personal papers of Preston, including:\n A farm account book (1834-1887) Bills Deeds Memoranda Receipts Correspondence A photocopy and transcription of Preston's Civil War journal (\"Jottings\"), which dates from his military service at Craney Island, Virginia from late July to October 1861. The original journal is held by the Library of Congress. Preston's United States passport (May 1851) Franklin Society membership certificate (1851) A typescript \"brief historical sketch\" of VMI written as a speech for the Institute's semi-centennial celebration in 1889 (the typescript contains handwritten corrections in ink; Preston's son delivered the address on behalf of his father). \nThe majority of the papers relate to Preston's personal, financial, and property (land) transactions and do not involve his work at VMI. ","A noteable item includes a letter (dated April 24 1863) to General Stonewall Jackson (to whom Preston was related by marriage) in which Preston discusses religious and financial matters.","Passport for John T. L. Preston.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Topics financial transactions affecting Stonewall Jackson, including the purchase of Confederate bonds and proceeds from sale of tannery. The letter also concerns religious matters, particularly the upcoming General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.","Typescript sketch written by John T. L. Preston. It was prepared at the request of the VMI Board of Visitors to mark the Institute's semicentennial celebration. Preston had planned to deliver this as an address, but he was not able to do so and it was read by his son Reverend Dr. T. L. Preston.","The sketch includes details about events leading to the establishment of VMI, including debates in the local Franklin Society and letters to the local newspaper written by Preston under the penname \"Cives\" in 1835.","Reprint in pamphlet form of letters written by John T. L. Preston to the Lexington (Virginia) Gazette in 1835, discussing the desirability of turning the local arsenal into a military college. Preston wrote these letters under the pen name \"Cives\" and these are often referred to as the \"Cives letters.\"  This pamphlet was issued in 1889 to mark VMI's semicentennial.","Copy and transcription of John T. L. Preston's journal, which he called \"Jottings.\" This journal was written during his military assignment at Craney Island, Virginia in the the summer and fall of 1861.","The journal relates to his activities while with the 9th Virginia Infantry Regiment under the command of VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. It includes comments on the cause of the Civil War, the defense of Norfolk, Virginia, military science, and family.  ","This letter was written on the occasion of VMI's semicentennial celebration, in which John T. L. Preston reminiscences about Francis H. Smith's role in the founding and growth of VMI."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_381c5f8510d064f2b89dfdd78d5a613d\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, VA)","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Crutchfield, Stapleton, 1835-1865"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, VA)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Preston, Margaret Junkin, 1820-1897","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Crutchfield, Stapleton, 1835-1865"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":7,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:56.008Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_322_c04"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693_c05","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter from Francis H. Smith to John T. L. Preston","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693_c05#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693_c05#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693_c05","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693_c05"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693_c05","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence"],"text":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence","Letter from Francis H. Smith to John T. L. Preston","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","English .","Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from Francis H. Smith to John T. L. Preston","title_ssm":["Letter from Francis H. Smith to John T. L. Preston"],"title_tesim":["Letter from Francis H. Smith to John T. L. Preston"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1839 July 1"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from Francis H. Smith to John T. L. Preston"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1839],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues."],"_nest_path_":"/components#4","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:18.821Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_693","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_693.xml","title_ssm":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence"],"title_tesim":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1839"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["File","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.01.Correspondence.Preston - Smith","/repositories/3/resources/693"],"text":["RG.01.Correspondence.Preston - Smith","/repositories/3/resources/693","John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Correspondence","Records (documents)","There are no restrictions","These documents are available online","John T. L. Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute.  He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839-1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of Gen. Stonewall Jackson.","Major General Francis Henney Smith (b. 1812 d. 1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the U. S. Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (VA) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He served for fifty years, from the Institute's infancy, through the Civil War, and through the difficult post-war period. He is known as the \"builder and rebuilder of VMI.\" Smith retired on January 1, 1890 and died only a few months later, on March 21, 1890.","Correspondence between Francis H. Smith, who became VMI's first Superintendent, and John T. L. Preston relating to the organization and opening of VMI. Includes four letters from Preston to Smith and one letter from Smith to Preston, in which he accepts the job offered by the Board of Visitors to serve as Superintendent (originally called Principal Professor). One related letter is from Francis H. Smith to William Atkinson or Atkison, in which Smith asks for advice about VMI's job offer.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T.L. Preston inquires about whether Francis H. Smith is interested in having his name submitted to be head of the soon to be opened Virginia Military Institute, and provides information about the vision for the new school.","Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. In the letter, Francis H. Smith asks for advice about whether to take job at the new Virginia Military Institute.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, John T. L. Preston provides details about the proposed organization and operation of VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston informs Francis H. Smith that he has been elected Principal Professor of VMI (the title will later be changed to Superintendent). Preston provides information about salary and other details concerning the opening of the school.","Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston discusses opening of VMI and details regarding Francis H. Smith's move to Lexington, 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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Archives stacks, Record Group 01, Board of Visitors","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Board of Visitors","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["RG.01.Correspondence.Preston - Smith","/repositories/3/resources/693"],"normalized_title_ssm":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence"],"collection_title_tesim":["John T. L. Preston and Francis H. Smith correspondence"],"collection_ssim":["John T. L. 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L. Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute.  He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839-1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of Gen. Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMajor General Francis Henney Smith (b. 1812 d. 1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the U. S. Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (VA) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He served for fifty years, from the Institute's infancy, through the Civil War, and through the difficult post-war period. He is known as the \"builder and rebuilder of VMI.\" Smith retired on January 1, 1890 and died only a few months later, on March 21, 1890.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["John T. L. Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute.  He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839-1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of Gen. Stonewall Jackson.","Major General Francis Henney Smith (b. 1812 d. 1890) was appointed VMI's first Superintendent in 1839. An 1833 graduate of West Point, he had previously served briefly in the U. S. Army and was a Professor of Mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College (VA) when he accepted the position as head of the newly established Virginia Military Institute. 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Smith to William Atkinson or Atkison, in which Smith asks for advice about VMI's job offer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. John T.L. Preston inquires about whether Francis H. Smith is interested in having his name submitted to be head of the soon to be opened Virginia Military Institute, and provides information about the vision for the new school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. In the letter, Francis H. Smith asks for advice about whether to take job at the new Virginia Military Institute.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. In the letter, John T. L. Preston provides details about the proposed organization and operation of VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston informs Francis H. Smith that he has been elected Principal Professor of VMI (the title will later be changed to Superintendent). Preston provides information about salary and other details concerning the opening of the school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston discusses opening of VMI and details regarding Francis H. Smith's move to Lexington, 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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Correspondence between Francis H. Smith, who became VMI's first Superintendent, and John T. L. Preston relating to the organization and opening of VMI. 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Smith that he has been elected Principal Professor of VMI (the title will later be changed to Superintendent). Preston provides information about salary and other details concerning the opening of the school.","Written from Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia. Francis H. Smith accepts the appointment as Principal Professor (Superintendent) at VMI. The letter informs John T. L. Preston that his duties at Hampden-Sidney College will end on September 25, discusses the opening of VMI, salary, and other related issues.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. John T. L. Preston discusses opening of VMI and details regarding Francis H. Smith's move to Lexington, 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. 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