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This collection consists of one letter (dated October 6, 1863) that confirms and gives details of the death of James K. Marshall (VMI Class of 1860) who was killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The letter was written to James' parents, Edward C. Marshall and Rebecca Peyton Marshall, by his cousin, F. Lewis Marshall.

This colllection consists of certificates, citations, commissions, and similar documentation associated with VMI alumni, faculty, staff, or VMI as a whole. The collection does not include VMI diplomas or literary society certificates, which are filed separately.

This collection consists of one letter from William W. Bentley to his mother (dated June 13, 1862). The letter discusses his feelings about war, his comfort given by his belief in God, and life in camp.

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 Marshall McDonald papers (approximately 90 items) include primarily correspondence (1861-1892), notes, scientific reports, and documents. Among the correspondents are several VMI alumni and faculty members and Civil War officers, including:

• Scott Shipp
• Francis H. Smith
• Edward Cunningham
• Wilfred E. Cutshaw
• John W. Lyell
• James H. Morrison
• Mark B. Hardin
• Daniel W. Flowerree
• General Dabney H. Maury
• Hunter McGuire

The Mason G. Ellzey papers consist of 17 letters of recommendation written on behalf of Ellzey. Seven letters (1867) recommend him for a position at the University of Virginia. Ten letters (1872-1873) recommend him for a position at the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in Blacksburg (now Virginia Tech).

This collection (57 items) consists of letters written by Cadet Thomas B. Booth to his future wife, Agnes S. Lyon of Petersburg, Virginia. All of the letters were written from VMI, where Booth was a cadet from 1855 to 1858, and contain largely personal news.

This collection consists of one manuscript (holograph, 38 pages) of a speech given by VMI modern manguages professor Thomas M. Semmes. The speech concerns Stonewall Jackson and was presented in Richmond, Virginia, circa 1892. Semmes (VMI Class of 1860) was a cadet during the time that Jackson was on the VMI faculty.

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.