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The Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to Charles M. Barton (VMI Class of 1856) include a letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles to his cousin Joseph M. Barton in which he complains about VMI life and about his instructor Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (Jackson is described as a "hell of a fool"). Other Charles Barton material is found in a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including "The Faculty of the VMI," which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.

This collection consists of 19th and 20th century cadet drawings (approximately 200 items) completed primarily as assignments for Professor Thomas H. Williamson's architecture, engineering, and drawing courses at VMI. A few of the drawings were completed for a geometry course and other mathematics courses, or were not class assignments.

The material in this sub-series is related to the Biennial meeting and conference.

This collection consists of one letter (September 17, 1868) written by Edward M. Watson to his father. Watson describes in detail the typical daily new cadet routine at VMI during the post-Civil War years. Topics include reveille, roll call, inspections, meals, study, recitation, drill, and parade. The letter contains one of the earliest documented examples of term "rat" as a reference to a new cadet.

The collection consists of 19th and early 20th century grades and academic marking records. The grading system during this period was numerical/point based.

The John S. Bagnall papers consist of the personal papers (seven items) of Bagnall. Included are two letters (dated 1921) from Eliza Clinedinst Crim, the New Market resident who came to the assistance of wounded cadets after the Battle of New Market. The letter of April 20 mentions cadet Moses J. Ezekiel caring for the mortally wounded cadet Thomas G. Jefferson. The papers also include an 1862 VMI grade report, two receipts for payment of tuition and diploma, and an envelope containing two of Bagnall's calling cards.

The Stonewall Jackson papers consist primarily of the personal papers of Civil War General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). The bulk of the letters date from the pre-Civil War period and concern professional, personal, and domestic matters, including many in which Jackson writes about his religious faith, his concerns about health and diet, and his family.

The Thomas H. Williamson papers include:

• Civil War memoirs, in which Williamson discusses the events that took place during his temporary assignment to the command of Major General Stonewall Jackson beginning in April 1862
• Lecture notes (1850s) used in teaching engineering and architecture courses at VMI
• Two copies of the textbook written by Williamson for use at VMI titled "An Elementary Course of Architecture and Civil Engineering"
• Williamson family genealogical material
• Correspondence

The VMI diplomas collection consists of VMI diplomas from various eras. The oldest is that of Edmund Pendleton, Class of 1842. Contact the VMI Archives for a complete list.

The VMI qarterly and monthly grade reports collection consists of grade report documents that were issued to parents of VMI cadets. The reports include class standing, treasurer's account information, and comments by the Superintendent regarding academics and conduct.