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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"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis letter was written on the occasion of VMI's semicentennial celebration, in which John T. L. Preston reminiscences about Francis H. 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Preston papers, 1806/1889","MS.0240","/repositories/3/resources/322","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches","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.","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.","The John T. L. Preston papers consist of the personal papers of Preston, including:\n\nA farm account book (1834-1887)\nBills\nDeeds\nMemoranda\nReceipts\nCorrespondence\nA 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.\nPreston's United States passport (May 1851)\nFranklin Society membership certificate (1851)\nA 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).\n\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.","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. 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(Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Crutchfield, Stapleton, 1835-1865","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, VA)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Biography","Account Books","Receipts (financial records)","Correspondence","Memorabilia","Certificates","Financial records","Speeches"],"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"],"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."],"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."],"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","\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  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The John T. L. Preston papers consist of the personal papers of Preston, including:\n\nA farm account book (1834-1887)\nBills\nDeeds\nMemoranda\nReceipts\nCorrespondence\nA 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.\nPreston's United States passport (May 1851)\nFranklin Society membership certificate (1851)\nA 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).\n\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."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_381c5f8510d064f2b89dfdd78d5a613d\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, VA)"],"persname_ssim":["Preston, John T. 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Hardin to Susan L. Hardin, 1867","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c13#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c13#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c13","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c13"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c13","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Susan L. Hardin","title_ssm":["Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Susan L. Hardin"],"title_tesim":["Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Susan L. Hardin"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Susan L. Hardin, 1867"],"text":["Letter from Mark B. Hardin to Susan L. Hardin, 1867","Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Virginia Military Institute—Buildings, structures, etc.","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","English.","V.M.I.\nLexington, Va\nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue\nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter.\nYours affectionately\nBunny","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1867"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1867 November 2"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[1],"sort_isi":13,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947"],"creator_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript 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."],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"names_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Buildings, structures, etc.","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Buildings, structures, etc.","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English."],"date_range_isim":[1867],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 2, 67\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026amp; to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026amp; your grandma \u0026amp; remember me to your Uncle Walter.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V.M.I.\nLexington, Va\nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue\nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter.\nYours affectionately\nBunny"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks."],"_nest_path_":"/components#12","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_628.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00068.xml","title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1849-1947"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1849-1947"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1849/1947"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947"],"text":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947","MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War.","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Manuscript 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.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection, 1849/1947"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["20 items"],"extent_tesim":["20 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947],"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\u003eMark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFollowing the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War.","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript 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.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript 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_e0d9a120fef53a46cb1e04641aa99546\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":20,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c13"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw), 1839","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis letter from cadet Valentine C. Saunders to his parents is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArsenal\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelationship with Washington College\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMethod of instruction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse of studies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","parent_ssim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw)","title_ssm":["Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw)"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw)"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw), 1839"],"text":["Letter to Everitt Saunders and Susan Saunders (Bashaw), 1839","Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1830-1839","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Washington and Lee University—History","Correspondence","English","Virginia Military Institute\nNov. 30, 1839\nDear Father and Mother","I received your letter of the 21st yesterday, being the first I have got since I left home, and you may be sure it gave me much pleasure. I have just returned from exploring the dusky halls of the old Arsenal. There are deposited in this arsenal at which we are stationed fifty six thousand stand of arms including a vast number of old rifles, muskets, pistols, and dragoon swords. The value of the whole is estimated at about seven hundred thousand dollars so you see we have great responsibility resting upon us for this property is confided to our immediate care.","The method of instruction pursued in this Institute is the best and most efficient that could be possibly adopted. The leisure hours are from breakfast till 9 oclock, from twelve till two, from 4 till supper. There are 4 assigned to each room to pursue their respective studies to themselves; at a particular hour we are marched in squads at the beat of the drum to the recitation room where we are examined individually by Major Smith in the presence of the whole corps to see what progress we have made in our studies. If he finds us deficient in the least we get a mark of demerit besides requiring us to recite the same lesson next morning; his course of instruction is conducted on the [Peohloggian] system, by interrogating us on the particular branch we have been studying and requiring us to demonstrate it on the blackboard put up in the recitation room for that purpose.","Major Smith the principal Professor is a man of the nicest discrimination and shrewdness I ever knew. I will defy anyone to fool or dupe him, for one can't get along here otherwise than doing his duty. He is very polite and kind to the cadets but keeps them at a respective distance as is necessary in such a place this.","I have been particularly fortunate since I have been here. The third night after I came here I was appointed seargeant of the Guard and of course have not acted as sentinel one night since I entered upon duty. My service is to visit the sentinel at stated times in the night to see that he does his duty and don't sleep on post, to make off my report in the morning and present it to the Major for inspection.","I am among an excellent set of fellows. There appears to exist in the breast of every Virginian a homogeneous feeling that prompts them to treat each other like brothers and adapts them to each others company. I never saw so much kind feelings, sociability as are here among these cadets. No ill feeling or discord has occurred among them since we have been together.","I was introduced to Gen. Bernard B. Peyton the other day who told me he had known many of the family, particularly cousin James with whom he had served during the late war. He spoke in the highest terms of him as an officer and made very particular inquiries about his family.","The Corps of Cadets is increased to fifty by an accession from Washington College, each one in full uniform. We are drilled every day by the Major who is making every exertion to qualify us for a display on the 22d of February being Washington's Birthday. Our present course of instruction includes Algebra and French. Algebra is the most important part of Mathematics as it facilitates the acquisition and operations of all the succeeding branches of the Mathematics. In this department we have made great proficiency under the superior guidance and management of our able Professor Francis H. Smith. We also progress rapidly in the study of French under the instruction of Mr. Preston, Professor of Languages. He is an accomplished scholar and gentleman, treats us with the utmost politeness and kindness and is well qualified to discharge the duties in the department which he has the honor to fill.","Our service here is very hard especially those that do not act in the capacity of Sergeant and Corporals for their duty is nothing in comparison to the sentinel. There is appointed a guard every night by the officer of the day, one seargeant, one corporal, 3 privates constitute the guard for the night. It is mounted a 6 oclock P.M. and continued throughout the night in rotation, 2 hours allotted to each sentinel till the revilee proclaims the dawn of day. They are then discharged. No weather will excuse the sentinel from performing his duty.","I was sorry to hear that [brother] was returned again to Florida after suffering so much during his campaign last winter in that detestable county, but it was an office of his own seeking therefore he must submit to all the privations and dangers incidental to the life of a soldier. I wish him all the success in the world and a happy escape from the fatigues and dangers attendant upon a Florida campaign. Let me know about him when you write again (and send the chronicle). Your letter contained very unexpected news of the death of Mr. Peck. When I saw him last he was walking the streets of Leesburg in apparent health, but such is the uncertainty of life no situation or circumstance can exempt us from death. Let it be what it may we must go the way of all the earth sooner or later. I truly pity his large and helpless family left behind.","Tell mother I wish her to look in the Book case and get my Spanish Grammar and lock it up in her side board drawer for me. I shall want it if I ever get home. We can't see home under two years. If I can possibly get home before that time I will. Don't forget the chronicle. I never hear any Florida news at this place. Mother must write to me soon. Tell Uncle Raney I received a short letter from him this morning and will answer it as soon as I can. I have but little time to spare at this place but will write as often as I can. Tell me of John Wildman--what is he doing in Leesburg--now I wish he was here. Give my love to all at home and except the same yourselves.\nYours affectionately, V.C. Saunders.","This letter from cadet Valentine C. Saunders to his parents is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:\n\nArsenal\nRelationship with Washington College\nMethod of instruction\nCourse of studies\nAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1839 November 30"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[1],"sort_isi":1,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_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."],"persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1830-1839","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Washington and Lee University—History","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1830-1839","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Washington and Lee University—History","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1839],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 30, 1839\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Father and Mother\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI received your letter of the 21st yesterday, being the first I have got since I left home, and you may be sure it gave me much pleasure. I have just returned from exploring the dusky halls of the old Arsenal. There are deposited in this arsenal at which we are stationed fifty six thousand stand of arms including a vast number of old rifles, muskets, pistols, and dragoon swords. The value of the whole is estimated at about seven hundred thousand dollars so you see we have great responsibility resting upon us for this property is confided to our immediate care.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe method of instruction pursued in this Institute is the best and most efficient that could be possibly adopted. The leisure hours are from breakfast till 9 oclock, from twelve till two, from 4 till supper. There are 4 assigned to each room to pursue their respective studies to themselves; at a particular hour we are marched in squads at the beat of the drum to the recitation room where we are examined individually by Major Smith in the presence of the whole corps to see what progress we have made in our studies. If he finds us deficient in the least we get a mark of demerit besides requiring us to recite the same lesson next morning; his course of instruction is conducted on the [Peohloggian] system, by interrogating us on the particular branch we have been studying and requiring us to demonstrate it on the blackboard put up in the recitation room for that purpose.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMajor Smith the principal Professor is a man of the nicest discrimination and shrewdness I ever knew. I will defy anyone to fool or dupe him, for one can't get along here otherwise than doing his duty. He is very polite and kind to the cadets but keeps them at a respective distance as is necessary in such a place this.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been particularly fortunate since I have been here. The third night after I came here I was appointed seargeant of the Guard and of course have not acted as sentinel one night since I entered upon duty. My service is to visit the sentinel at stated times in the night to see that he does his duty and don't sleep on post, to make off my report in the morning and present it to the Major for inspection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am among an excellent set of fellows. There appears to exist in the breast of every Virginian a homogeneous feeling that prompts them to treat each other like brothers and adapts them to each others company. I never saw so much kind feelings, sociability as are here among these cadets. No ill feeling or discord has occurred among them since we have been together.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI was introduced to Gen. Bernard B. Peyton the other day who told me he had known many of the family, particularly cousin James with whom he had served during the late war. He spoke in the highest terms of him as an officer and made very particular inquiries about his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Corps of Cadets is increased to fifty by an accession from Washington College, each one in full uniform. We are drilled every day by the Major who is making every exertion to qualify us for a display on the 22d of February being Washington's Birthday. Our present course of instruction includes Algebra and French. Algebra is the most important part of Mathematics as it facilitates the acquisition and operations of all the succeeding branches of the Mathematics. In this department we have made great proficiency under the superior guidance and management of our able Professor Francis H. Smith. We also progress rapidly in the study of French under the instruction of Mr. Preston, Professor of Languages. He is an accomplished scholar and gentleman, treats us with the utmost politeness and kindness and is well qualified to discharge the duties in the department which he has the honor to fill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur service here is very hard especially those that do not act in the capacity of Sergeant and Corporals for their duty is nothing in comparison to the sentinel. There is appointed a guard every night by the officer of the day, one seargeant, one corporal, 3 privates constitute the guard for the night. It is mounted a 6 oclock P.M. and continued throughout the night in rotation, 2 hours allotted to each sentinel till the revilee proclaims the dawn of day. They are then discharged. No weather will excuse the sentinel from performing his duty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI was sorry to hear that [brother] was returned again to Florida after suffering so much during his campaign last winter in that detestable county, but it was an office of his own seeking therefore he must submit to all the privations and dangers incidental to the life of a soldier. I wish him all the success in the world and a happy escape from the fatigues and dangers attendant upon a Florida campaign. Let me know about him when you write again (and send the chronicle). Your letter contained very unexpected news of the death of Mr. Peck. When I saw him last he was walking the streets of Leesburg in apparent health, but such is the uncertainty of life no situation or circumstance can exempt us from death. Let it be what it may we must go the way of all the earth sooner or later. I truly pity his large and helpless family left behind.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTell mother I wish her to look in the Book case and get my Spanish Grammar and lock it up in her side board drawer for me. I shall want it if I ever get home. We can't see home under two years. If I can possibly get home before that time I will. Don't forget the chronicle. I never hear any Florida news at this place. Mother must write to me soon. Tell Uncle Raney I received a short letter from him this morning and will answer it as soon as I can. I have but little time to spare at this place but will write as often as I can. Tell me of John Wildman--what is he doing in Leesburg--now I wish he was here. Give my love to all at home and except the same yourselves.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately, V.C. Saunders.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute\nNov. 30, 1839\nDear Father and Mother","I received your letter of the 21st yesterday, being the first I have got since I left home, and you may be sure it gave me much pleasure. I have just returned from exploring the dusky halls of the old Arsenal. There are deposited in this arsenal at which we are stationed fifty six thousand stand of arms including a vast number of old rifles, muskets, pistols, and dragoon swords. The value of the whole is estimated at about seven hundred thousand dollars so you see we have great responsibility resting upon us for this property is confided to our immediate care.","The method of instruction pursued in this Institute is the best and most efficient that could be possibly adopted. The leisure hours are from breakfast till 9 oclock, from twelve till two, from 4 till supper. There are 4 assigned to each room to pursue their respective studies to themselves; at a particular hour we are marched in squads at the beat of the drum to the recitation room where we are examined individually by Major Smith in the presence of the whole corps to see what progress we have made in our studies. If he finds us deficient in the least we get a mark of demerit besides requiring us to recite the same lesson next morning; his course of instruction is conducted on the [Peohloggian] system, by interrogating us on the particular branch we have been studying and requiring us to demonstrate it on the blackboard put up in the recitation room for that purpose.","Major Smith the principal Professor is a man of the nicest discrimination and shrewdness I ever knew. I will defy anyone to fool or dupe him, for one can't get along here otherwise than doing his duty. He is very polite and kind to the cadets but keeps them at a respective distance as is necessary in such a place this.","I have been particularly fortunate since I have been here. The third night after I came here I was appointed seargeant of the Guard and of course have not acted as sentinel one night since I entered upon duty. My service is to visit the sentinel at stated times in the night to see that he does his duty and don't sleep on post, to make off my report in the morning and present it to the Major for inspection.","I am among an excellent set of fellows. There appears to exist in the breast of every Virginian a homogeneous feeling that prompts them to treat each other like brothers and adapts them to each others company. I never saw so much kind feelings, sociability as are here among these cadets. No ill feeling or discord has occurred among them since we have been together.","I was introduced to Gen. Bernard B. Peyton the other day who told me he had known many of the family, particularly cousin James with whom he had served during the late war. He spoke in the highest terms of him as an officer and made very particular inquiries about his family.","The Corps of Cadets is increased to fifty by an accession from Washington College, each one in full uniform. We are drilled every day by the Major who is making every exertion to qualify us for a display on the 22d of February being Washington's Birthday. Our present course of instruction includes Algebra and French. Algebra is the most important part of Mathematics as it facilitates the acquisition and operations of all the succeeding branches of the Mathematics. In this department we have made great proficiency under the superior guidance and management of our able Professor Francis H. Smith. We also progress rapidly in the study of French under the instruction of Mr. Preston, Professor of Languages. He is an accomplished scholar and gentleman, treats us with the utmost politeness and kindness and is well qualified to discharge the duties in the department which he has the honor to fill.","Our service here is very hard especially those that do not act in the capacity of Sergeant and Corporals for their duty is nothing in comparison to the sentinel. There is appointed a guard every night by the officer of the day, one seargeant, one corporal, 3 privates constitute the guard for the night. It is mounted a 6 oclock P.M. and continued throughout the night in rotation, 2 hours allotted to each sentinel till the revilee proclaims the dawn of day. They are then discharged. No weather will excuse the sentinel from performing his duty.","I was sorry to hear that [brother] was returned again to Florida after suffering so much during his campaign last winter in that detestable county, but it was an office of his own seeking therefore he must submit to all the privations and dangers incidental to the life of a soldier. I wish him all the success in the world and a happy escape from the fatigues and dangers attendant upon a Florida campaign. Let me know about him when you write again (and send the chronicle). Your letter contained very unexpected news of the death of Mr. Peck. When I saw him last he was walking the streets of Leesburg in apparent health, but such is the uncertainty of life no situation or circumstance can exempt us from death. Let it be what it may we must go the way of all the earth sooner or later. I truly pity his large and helpless family left behind.","Tell mother I wish her to look in the Book case and get my Spanish Grammar and lock it up in her side board drawer for me. I shall want it if I ever get home. We can't see home under two years. If I can possibly get home before that time I will. Don't forget the chronicle. I never hear any Florida news at this place. Mother must write to me soon. Tell Uncle Raney I received a short letter from him this morning and will answer it as soon as I can. I have but little time to spare at this place but will write as often as I can. Tell me of John Wildman--what is he doing in Leesburg--now I wish he was here. Give my love to all at home and except the same yourselves.\nYours affectionately, V.C. Saunders."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis letter from cadet Valentine C. Saunders to his parents is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArsenal\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelationship with Washington College\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMethod of instruction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse of studies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This letter from cadet Valentine C. Saunders to his parents is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:\n\nArsenal\nRelationship with Washington College\nMethod of instruction\nCourse of studies\nAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_145","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_145.xml","title_ssm":["Valentine C. Saunders papers"],"title_tesim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1866"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1839-1866"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839/1866"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"text":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866","MS.0071","/repositories/3/resources/145","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Washington and Lee University—History","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1830-1839","Correspondence","Speeches","There are no restrictions.","Valentine Cook Saunders was born on November 15, 1820 in Leesburg, Virginia to Everitt Saunders and Susan Bashaw. He entered VMI on November 11, 1839 and graduated on July 4, 1842, standing 12th of 16 graduates. After graduation, he began a career as a teacher, which he continued until his death on December 21, 1894, in Leesburg.","The Valentine C. Saunders papers consist of one letter from Cadet Saunders to his parents. This letter is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:\n\nArsenal\nRelationship with Washington College\nMethod of instruction\nCourse of studies\nAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.\nThe papers also contain Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith titled \"The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet\" (1866).","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","Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"collection_ssim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0071","/repositories/3/resources/145"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0071","/repositories/3/resources/145"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894"],"creator_ssim":["Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894","Smith, Francis H. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Washington and Lee University—History","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1830-1839","Correspondence","Speeches"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Washington and Lee University—History","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1830-1839","Correspondence","Speeches"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 items"],"extent_tesim":["2 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Speeches"],"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],"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\u003eValentine Cook Saunders was born on November 15, 1820 in Leesburg, Virginia to Everitt Saunders and Susan Bashaw. He entered VMI on November 11, 1839 and graduated on July 4, 1842, standing 12th of 16 graduates. After graduation, he began a career as a teacher, which he continued until his death on December 21, 1894, in Leesburg.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Valentine Cook Saunders was born on November 15, 1820 in Leesburg, Virginia to Everitt Saunders and Susan Bashaw. He entered VMI on November 11, 1839 and graduated on July 4, 1842, standing 12th of 16 graduates. After graduation, he began a career as a teacher, which he continued until his death on December 21, 1894, in Leesburg."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eValentine C. Saunders papers, 1839-1866. MS 0071. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839-1866. MS 0071. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Valentine C. Saunders papers consist of one letter from Cadet Saunders to his parents. This letter is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArsenal\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelationship with Washington College\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMethod of instruction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse of studies\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\nThe papers also contain Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith titled \"The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet\" (1866).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Valentine C. Saunders papers consist of one letter from Cadet Saunders to his parents. This letter is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:\n\nArsenal\nRelationship with Washington College\nMethod of instruction\nCourse of studies\nAn opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.\nThe papers also contain Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith titled \"The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet\" (1866)."],"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_e61f4abfb072fb514b0c237c6a15d949\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_coll_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894","Smith, Francis H. 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The letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","parent_ssim":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Fanny P. Brown","title_ssm":["Letter to Fanny P. Brown"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Fanny P. Brown"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Fanny P. Brown, 1846"],"text":["Letter to Fanny P. Brown, 1846","Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848","Lexington (Va.)—History","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence","English","Lexington Sept 20th 1846","Dear Sister\nI received your letter on the 15th ultimo, and in compliance with your request, have taken my oen to tell you about your relations \u0026 friends in Lexington. I have been at Uncle E's several times and at Cousin Edward's and they are so kind to me that my homesickness has \"departed this life\". Indeed I do not think I was ever better contented than I am now.\nI visit only my relations, not having been here long enough to make any other acquaintances. I am getting on finely with my studies, my mark being 6 ¾, 7 being perfection. Young Holcombe \u0026 myself went yesterday to Aunt Peggy's where we had quite a pleasant time of it. I had the fortune to meet with Mrs. Duke there who had returned from Charlottesville on Friday. Mr. Duke was not with her, being detained in Charlottesville. He is teaching school there, but has only seven scholars. She is quite well and says she likes Charlottesville very much. The Bell for Dr. Ruffner's lecture is just ringing and I must lay my pen aside until I attend that. I will resume my letter as soon as it is over.","As the morning's lecture was merely introductory to a course of lectures on \"Evidences of Christianity\" it was very short and did not detain me long and I am again at my desk, so I'll finish what I was at. Cousin Francis is well and says she is very sorry she cannot see you before she returns to the South, which she intends doing Monday week she leaves her two sons, however, at Uncle E's for the purpose of having them educated in Virginia. They are very smart and uncommonly fine looking. Virginia Eskridge must be \"cracked\" or something else is out of place in her noodle, for I have been there three times and have not been able to get a glimpse of her. Aunt Peggy says she is unwell, but others say she sometimes takes it into her head that she will see no one. I see no temptation whatever to be dissipated in Lexington, but it has confirmed me in the opinion that \"men make their own temptations.\" I have joined the Cincinnati class and the only objection I have to it is it makes my shoulders extremely tired for they make you hold you had up and \"walk\" as well as stand straight. I like it very much and I know it will improve my figure and will have the effect of rendering my breast less prominent for a cadet was there last session whose breast was like mine and he was almost entirely cured. When I received Pa's letter I was speaking to some of the students about purchasing books, the elder Holcombe said that he had a great many books he didn't need, which he would let me have at a reduced price. I immediately purchased what I wanted. Two weeks hence you may expect that nice letter and if you do not acknowledge that it is well written it will be because you are no judge. I am sorry to say I have no shoes to wear, except my two fine pair. My boots I am keeping for the snow. I told you when I was at home that my thick shoes hurt my feet I had them greased however and wore them to Drill and they hurt my feet so much that for a day or two I could hardly permit a slipper on my foot. You know I have corns. So if you please send me a strong pair of shoes. Have them made large. This is my only request, as for money, I have plenty although my uniform costs me 27 dollars. All are well. Mat unites with me in sending love to you all. Give my respects to Maria \u0026 James and believe me to be your affectionate brother. A.S. Brown","Written from Lexington, Virginia. The letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1846"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1846 September 20"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[1],"sort_isi":1,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_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."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Lexington (Va.)—History","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Lexington (Va.)—History","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1846],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLexington Sept 20th 1846\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter on the 15th ultimo, and in compliance with your request, have taken my oen to tell you about your relations \u0026amp; friends in Lexington. I have been at Uncle E's several times and at Cousin Edward's and they are so kind to me that my homesickness has \"departed this life\". Indeed I do not think I was ever better contented than I am now.\nI visit only my relations, not having been here long enough to make any other acquaintances. I am getting on finely with my studies, my mark being 6 ¾, 7 being perfection. Young Holcombe \u0026amp; myself went yesterday to Aunt Peggy's where we had quite a pleasant time of it. I had the fortune to meet with Mrs. Duke there who had returned from Charlottesville on Friday. Mr. Duke was not with her, being detained in Charlottesville. He is teaching school there, but has only seven scholars. She is quite well and says she likes Charlottesville very much. The Bell for Dr. Ruffner's lecture is just ringing and I must lay my pen aside until I attend that. I will resume my letter as soon as it is over.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs the morning's lecture was merely introductory to a course of lectures on \"Evidences of Christianity\" it was very short and did not detain me long and I am again at my desk, so I'll finish what I was at. Cousin Francis is well and says she is very sorry she cannot see you before she returns to the South, which she intends doing Monday week she leaves her two sons, however, at Uncle E's for the purpose of having them educated in Virginia. They are very smart and uncommonly fine looking. Virginia Eskridge must be \"cracked\" or something else is out of place in her noodle, for I have been there three times and have not been able to get a glimpse of her. Aunt Peggy says she is unwell, but others say she sometimes takes it into her head that she will see no one. I see no temptation whatever to be dissipated in Lexington, but it has confirmed me in the opinion that \"men make their own temptations.\" I have joined the Cincinnati class and the only objection I have to it is it makes my shoulders extremely tired for they make you hold you had up and \"walk\" as well as stand straight. I like it very much and I know it will improve my figure and will have the effect of rendering my breast less prominent for a cadet was there last session whose breast was like mine and he was almost entirely cured. When I received Pa's letter I was speaking to some of the students about purchasing books, the elder Holcombe said that he had a great many books he didn't need, which he would let me have at a reduced price. I immediately purchased what I wanted. Two weeks hence you may expect that nice letter and if you do not acknowledge that it is well written it will be because you are no judge. I am sorry to say I have no shoes to wear, except my two fine pair. My boots I am keeping for the snow. I told you when I was at home that my thick shoes hurt my feet I had them greased however and wore them to Drill and they hurt my feet so much that for a day or two I could hardly permit a slipper on my foot. You know I have corns. So if you please send me a strong pair of shoes. Have them made large. This is my only request, as for money, I have plenty although my uniform costs me 27 dollars. All are well. Mat unites with me in sending love to you all. Give my respects to Maria \u0026amp; James and believe me to be your affectionate brother. A.S. Brown\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Lexington Sept 20th 1846","Dear Sister\nI received your letter on the 15th ultimo, and in compliance with your request, have taken my oen to tell you about your relations \u0026 friends in Lexington. I have been at Uncle E's several times and at Cousin Edward's and they are so kind to me that my homesickness has \"departed this life\". Indeed I do not think I was ever better contented than I am now.\nI visit only my relations, not having been here long enough to make any other acquaintances. I am getting on finely with my studies, my mark being 6 ¾, 7 being perfection. Young Holcombe \u0026 myself went yesterday to Aunt Peggy's where we had quite a pleasant time of it. I had the fortune to meet with Mrs. Duke there who had returned from Charlottesville on Friday. Mr. Duke was not with her, being detained in Charlottesville. He is teaching school there, but has only seven scholars. She is quite well and says she likes Charlottesville very much. The Bell for Dr. Ruffner's lecture is just ringing and I must lay my pen aside until I attend that. I will resume my letter as soon as it is over.","As the morning's lecture was merely introductory to a course of lectures on \"Evidences of Christianity\" it was very short and did not detain me long and I am again at my desk, so I'll finish what I was at. Cousin Francis is well and says she is very sorry she cannot see you before she returns to the South, which she intends doing Monday week she leaves her two sons, however, at Uncle E's for the purpose of having them educated in Virginia. They are very smart and uncommonly fine looking. Virginia Eskridge must be \"cracked\" or something else is out of place in her noodle, for I have been there three times and have not been able to get a glimpse of her. Aunt Peggy says she is unwell, but others say she sometimes takes it into her head that she will see no one. I see no temptation whatever to be dissipated in Lexington, but it has confirmed me in the opinion that \"men make their own temptations.\" I have joined the Cincinnati class and the only objection I have to it is it makes my shoulders extremely tired for they make you hold you had up and \"walk\" as well as stand straight. I like it very much and I know it will improve my figure and will have the effect of rendering my breast less prominent for a cadet was there last session whose breast was like mine and he was almost entirely cured. When I received Pa's letter I was speaking to some of the students about purchasing books, the elder Holcombe said that he had a great many books he didn't need, which he would let me have at a reduced price. I immediately purchased what I wanted. Two weeks hence you may expect that nice letter and if you do not acknowledge that it is well written it will be because you are no judge. I am sorry to say I have no shoes to wear, except my two fine pair. My boots I am keeping for the snow. I told you when I was at home that my thick shoes hurt my feet I had them greased however and wore them to Drill and they hurt my feet so much that for a day or two I could hardly permit a slipper on my foot. You know I have corns. So if you please send me a strong pair of shoes. Have them made large. This is my only request, as for money, I have plenty although my uniform costs me 27 dollars. All are well. Mat unites with me in sending love to you all. Give my respects to Maria \u0026 James and believe me to be your affectionate brother. A.S. Brown"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. The letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Lexington, Virginia. The letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_303","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_303.xml","title_ssm":["Alexander S. Brown letters"],"title_tesim":["Alexander S. Brown letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1846-1848"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1846-1848"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1846/1848"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"text":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848","MS.0217","/repositories/3/resources/303","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Alexander Stuart Brown was born in Wythe County, Virginia. He graduated from Washington College in 1849 and went on to become a lawyer. Brown's father and grandfather also attended Washington College. Brown died on April 8, 1859.","This collection consists of two letters from Washington College (now Washington and Lee) student Alexander S. Brown to his sister, dated September 20, 1846 and September 7, 1848. The 1846 letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff. The 1848 letter expresses Brown's dissatisfaction with Washington College and a desire to transfer to another school.","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","Brown, Alexander S. (Alexander Stuart), ?-1859","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"collection_ssim":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846/1848"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0217","/repositories/3/resources/303"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0217","/repositories/3/resources/303"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Brown, Alexander S. (Alexander Stuart), ?-1859"],"creator_ssim":["Brown, Alexander S. (Alexander Stuart), ?-1859"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Brown, Alexander S. (Alexander Stuart), ?-1859"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Brown, Alexander S. (Alexander Stuart), ?-1859","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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—Cadet life—1840-1849","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 items"],"extent_tesim":["2 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1846,1847,1848],"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\u003eAlexander Stuart Brown was born in Wythe County, Virginia. He graduated from Washington College in 1849 and went on to become a lawyer. Brown's father and grandfather also attended Washington College. Brown died on April 8, 1859.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Alexander Stuart Brown was born in Wythe County, Virginia. He graduated from Washington College in 1849 and went on to become a lawyer. Brown's father and grandfather also attended Washington College. Brown died on April 8, 1859."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAlexander S. Brown letters, 1846-1848. MS 0217. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Alexander S. Brown letters, 1846-1848. MS 0217. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of two letters from Washington College (now Washington and Lee) student Alexander S. Brown to his sister, dated September 20, 1846 and September 7, 1848. The 1846 letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff. The 1848 letter expresses Brown's dissatisfaction with Washington College and a desire to transfer to another school.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of two letters from Washington College (now Washington and Lee) student Alexander S. Brown to his sister, dated September 20, 1846 and September 7, 1848. The 1846 letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff. 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