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Start Over Collection John B. Strange letter Subjects Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842

John B. Strange letter 1 items

Strange, John B. (John Bowie), 1823-1862

Strange's letter to his sister Anne M. Strange was written just a few months after the Institute's opening day, and is one of the oldest personal cadet letters still in existence. Strange mentions several aspects of cadet life that were common during the pre-Civil War era, including that:

  • Final examinations were given orally rather than as written tests, presided over by faculty and the VMI Board of Visitors, and open to the public
  • Summer furlough was not automatic, and many cadets stayed at the Institute throughout the year, going into a summer encampment on the Parade Ground from late June until the beginning of the next academic session
  • Obtaining extra clothing and other goods from home was a serious matter to most cadets

  1. Virginia Military Institute Archives

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