Letter to Fanny P. Brown, 1846

Scope and content:

Written from Lexington, Virginia. The letter mentions the Cincinnati military class, in which Washington College students participated in military training conducted by VMI staff.

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

Lexington Sept 20th 1846

Dear Sister

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 & James and believe me to be your affectionate brother. A.S. Brown

Subjects:

Lexington (Va.)—History
Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students
Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century
Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849
Correspondence

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