Letter to Maria Stevenson

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

I earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read
V. M. I. Lexington
Feb 23d 1861

My Dear Sister
I received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and almost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.

Christmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable to participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.

Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.

On returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.

Cousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the fashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.

Charlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to represent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary.
Your Affectionate Brother Andrew

P. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies
Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

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