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The Oliver M. Rutledge papers consist primarily of the incoming and outgoing correspondence of VMI cadet Oliver M. Rutledge (dated 1879 to 1882). Included are letters received from his parents, siblings, and friends. A few letters written by Rutledge contain references to cadet life in the 1880s. The letter dated May 14, 1882 to his mother describes the mineral springs resort at Dagger's Springs, Virginia. Additional items include an 1882 VMI graduation invitation and a poem dedicated to the Class of 1882.

The collection consists of a three-volume diary dating from the VMI cadetship of Richard K. Boney (1874-1878). The diary contains daily brief entries and notes weather and significant events. The collection also includes a poetry notebook (1874-1878) that contains standard VMI poetry and copied quotations, and one scrapbook fragment (1874-1878) with clippings about VMI events, programs, and invitations.

This collection consists of one manuscript notebook compiled by VMI Cadet Robert A. Paine in 1879. The notebook contains lyrics of songs popular during the 1870s.

This collection consists of two poetry notebooks compiled by VMI Cadet Robert Beverley during the period of 1874 to 1875. The volumes contain original poetry composed by VMI cadets, as well as copied verses. Cadet authors include Smith Caruthers (Class of 1875), Samuel M. Cooper (Class of 1876), Selby Jones (Class of 1864), and Charles D. Walker (Class of 1869). The notebooks also contain poetry by faculty member Robert L. Madison. An index is located in front of volume one.

This collection consists of one poetry notebook compiled by Cadet William E. Wiegard. The notebook contains original and copied poetry.

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 an account book owned by William H. Green. The book contains a listing of school expenses incurred while he was a cadet at VMI from 1870 to 1873.

This collection consists of the account book of William H. Mitchell. The account book contains entries for cadet expenses (1870-1871). It also contains household financial accounts (1889-1891) for Mitchell and possibly other family members.

This collection consists of one letter (dated October 16, 1870) from Cadet William Nalle to his mother, Columbiana Major. The letter contains a detailed account of the death and funeral of General Robert E. Lee. Nalle describes mourning activities at VMI, Washington College, and Lexington (Virginia), standing guard over Lee's body with four other cadets, and the funeral procession. The letter also mentions a flood in Rockbridge County, Virginia that destroyed canal locks, bridges, and other property.