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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 F. Barksdale papers consist of two items. The first is a letter (dated January 25, 1855) from a Prussian official, denying Thomas F. Barksdale and his roommates permission to enter the Prussian Army. The second item is a notebook that contains:

• Class notes, including notes taken in Stonewall Jackson's class section in natural philosophy (a course that would today be most similar to physics) and notes taken in analytical geometry class taught by Francis H. Smith
• A resolution issued by cadets following murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn, Class of 1854
• Poetry
• Autographs of the Class of 1855
• A list of roommates and room numbers

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.

This collection consists of one VMI quarterly grade report for Cadet William E. Fife, dated April 1, 1852. The document was completed and signed by Superintendent Francis H. Smith.

The William H. Dudley papers consist of two documents reflecting 1870s VMI cadet life. The letter (dated October 5, 1872) is from cadet Dudley (Class of 1874) to his mother and contains references to various VMI routines, such as declamation and drill, as well as family information. A VMI quarterly report (October 1, 1873) includes class marks, account information, and comments by superintendent Francis H. Smith concerning demerits for conduct. Infractions include "laughing in ranks," "talking in church," and "late at roll call."

This collection consists of a one volume notebook compiled in 1862 by VMI cadet William J. Hubard. The bulk of the volume contains poetry and mementos. There are also two diary entries. The poetry includes "The Six Plebes" and "The Old Gray Coat" by Sara Henderson Smith, and several poems attributed to cadets Edward A. Rhodes, John F. Hanna, and Benjamin F. Bishop. Subjects of the verses are VMI life and regulations, including many references to faculty members (e.g., Francis H. Smith, Raleigh Colston, John T. L. Preston, William Gilham, Thomas H. Williamson, and Stonewall Jackson). Poetry composed by cadets, includes "Soliloquy of a Rat," "Examination," "The Faculty," "The Rat's Dream," and other poems about cadet life. Mementos consist of autographs and dried pressed leaves presented to Hubard by young ladies. One sprig of cedar is labelled as being from Stonewall Jackson's coffin.

This collection consists of one notebook that belonged to Cadet William P. Tams (VMI Class of 1873). The notebook includes:

• Class notes for courses in mineralogy, civil and military engineering, and chemistry
• A copy of a lecture by Superintendent Francis H. Smith ("Lecture to the 1st Class on Moral Sense, November 5, 1872")
• Grade reports in chemistry, physiology, Latin, and astronomy

Includes Ledgers, vouchers, accounts, correspondence, and other financial records dating from the opening days of the Institute through the early 20th century. These records are a good source of information for tracing early purchases of goods and services; local Lexington and Rockbridge County businesses/artisans/craftsmen appear in vouchers.