Moncure Family papers

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

Email: archives@vmi.edu

Phone: (540) 464-7516

Phone: (540) 464-7566

Fax: (540) 464-7089

Web: www.vmi.edu/archives

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions

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.

Preferred citation:

Moncure Family papers, 1809-1953. MS 0468. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:

9 items

Creator:

Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

Moncure Family papers, 1809-1953. MS 0468. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life.

Physical location:

Manuscripts stacks

Related

Other descriptive data:

Dear Pa:

The Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though I could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters you have started to me for I have not received but one since left.

We reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the 3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the fourth class.

I like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep on a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time. I must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son,

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853
Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography
Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849
Correspondence

Names:

Moncure family