Letter to W. H. E Merritt

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses school expenses, mentions the Corps being called to defend against Averell's raids, and reports dissatisfaction with VMI (complains of hunger, gets " beef, irish potatoes, milk" only).

Language:
English
Other descriptive data:

V.M.I. Lexington
Nov. 24th 1863

Dear Pa
I received your letter dated Oct. 21st which I answered not long since, but it has been received before now I reckon. You said that Genl. Smith wrote to you for $300 to be sent to get here by Dec. 1st, which I suppose you have sent. I deposited $500 as soon as I arrived here, $400 for board and other expenses until Jan 1st 1864, $60 of which was pocket money, $40 remaining, but as it did not cost me quite $400, I have a surplus, about $80. But it will cost me $300 or more from Jan. 1st, 1864 until July 4th, 1864, making in all $800 from August 6th (the time I reported) until July 4, 1864.

I expected a letter from home but so far I have not received one. As I have not heard from home in long time, I hope some one will write soon, as I have not received a letter from home, in the last three weeks. Since I last wrote the Corps of Cadets was ordered out to assist in repelling an invasion of the enemy, and was on the march about five days, and came very near getting in a fight. It so happened that they did not, as they would have been taken prisoners as the Yankees were in a strong force. But as before I detailed on to guard barracks, while the Corps of Cadets were gone, but as I could get enough to eat, I did not mind it much. I would be very glad if you [send] me that box which you were going to send me. I am very tired of this place as I don't get enough to eat very often, and that beef, irish potatoes and a little milk and bread. Give my love to all the family. From your affec. Son J.L. Martin

P.S. Direct that box to Cadet J.L. Merritt, Lexington, Va.
Care of McCorkle, Lusk, & Co.
J.L. Merritt

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
Parent restrictions:
There are no restrictions
Parent terms of access:
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.