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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 certificates awarded to graduating members by two 19th century cadet literary and debating organizations known as The Society of Cadets (established 1840) and the Virginia Dialectic Society (established 1848). The certificates of James V. Hall (Class of 1852) and Edward L. Fant (Class of 1856) were autographed by classmates.

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 Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:

• Two commission documents
• Extracts from military orders
• One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)
• One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee

The Francis W. Smith letters collection consists of 12 letters (dated 1859-1860) from Smith and others to artist Alexander Galt. The letters concern Smith family portraits and a bust of Philip St. George Cocke, a member of the VMI Board of Visitors.

The George M. Edgar letters collection consists of two letters. The first letter (dated May 17, 1864) is from C. A. De Russy to Edgar. The letter commends Edgar for the assistance rendered by his battalion at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864.

This collection consists of one manuscript (10 pages) of the commencement speech delivered by VMI Cadet George P. C. Rumbough on July 4, 1856.

This collection (seven items) consists of:

• A manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.
• Two letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia
• Letter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis
• Two commission documents (1861)
• One letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.