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These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.

The printed portion of the document outlines the proposed training regimen and lists estimated monthly expenses. This particular document was mailed to Christopher Damron, a lawyer in Allegheny County, Virginia, who had inquired about enrolling his sons (they did not enroll). A handwritten note from VMI's treasurer William S. Polk to Damron appears at the bottom of the document.

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 19th and 20th century cadet drawings (approximately 200 items) completed primarily as assignments for Professor Thomas H. Williamson's architecture, engineering, and drawing courses at VMI. A few of the drawings were completed for a geometry course and other mathematics courses, or were not class assignments.

This collection consists of four notebooks belonging to Cadet Charles J. Hansrote, Jr. (VMI Class of 1952), which include chemistry notes. The collection also includes two mechanical drawings.

This collection (8 items) contains items pertaining to Charles R. K. Varner (VMI Class of 1884), including:

• Three VMI quarterly grade reports (1881 and 1884)
• One letter of recommendation (1889) written by VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith
• One VMI postcard
• Dance programs

Examples of manuals used by cadets in the department of Mechanical Engineering Energy Lab during the 1980's - 2002.

John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. On May 10, the cadets were called to active duty at the request of General John C. Breckinridge and on May 15 participated in the Battle of New Market, Virginia. The entries contain comments about VMI activities and people, Lexington social life, and discussion of personal concerns.

The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).

This collection consists of one three-ring binder containing organic chemistry class notes and other notes kept by Cadet George V. Atkison (VMI Class of 1940).