Letter from Lawrence Royster to John E. Roller, 1864

Creator:

Royster, Lawrence, 1841-1914

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards academic problems, uncertainty about staying at VMI, and mentions several recent graduates and cadets.

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

V.M.Institute

My dear Roller,

Prince left here about one month ago, I heard since then that he was a Sergeant in the Engineers Corps, you seem to be the only successful one in your class. Grigg I hear is walking around loose in Petersburg. I am sure no one at the "V.M.I." was glad at your leaving, indeed I heard some express their regret at it. Your old room is vacant. Sally Crawford and Lieut. Steptoe (new Sub) occupy No. 20 together, the former remains very quiet, is swelling on his bars and escorting the ladies home from church, etc. I do not know his qualifications as professor. The occupants of 23 all send their kindest regards. Pat Shafer has just come from the Hospital where he had been confined for several weeks with a severe attack of pneumonia, we thought at one time that he intended leaving us. Blum has been reinstated, but Spex refused to let him go on with the 2nd Class, so he has resigned, he says he will accept a Sergeancy if you will give it to him. Capt. Whitwell has recently returned from furlough accompanied by his lady, they are boarding at the Lexington Hotel. Miss Logan and Mr. Davidson were recently married also, the former I expect you know, a refugee from Winchester. What do you think of the recent law of Congress in regard to the Currency, taxes, etc? I am extremely glad that it will reduce the price of goods. The Steamer which has been as long on the way from Europe has recently arrived, but was destroyed for the goods falling into yankee hands, there were on board all the goods which we needed, the finest english gray cloth, etc. but unfortunately all were lost so I have given up on the idea of wearing a fine suit again.

Spex is still shipping indiscriminately, sometimes twelve or fifteen daily, rats are also reporting in numbers.

Patsy says he will accept an Orderly Sergeant's place if you will give it him, but he adds "if he can do no better." Ross desires his kindest regards to you. I must close, though it is the 22nd, my time is limited. If I do leave, which I confidently expect to do, will write you immediately. I am anxious to be with you. I hope you will write me as often as possible, your letters will always be agreeable.

I am, as ever,

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

Names:

Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890
Prince, Joseph B. (Joseph Brown), 1844-1903
Grigg, Wesley P. (Wesley Peyton), 1846-1865
Steptoe, Charles Y. (Charles Yancey), 1838-1877
Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917
Royster, Lawrence, 1841-1914

Access and use