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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.

This collection consists of 27 architectural drawings by Alexander Jackson Davis executed for VMI between 1859 and 1870. Included are designs for barracks, the Superintendent's residence, and faculty residences. The bulk of the drawings are ink and wash plans.

The annual reports of the Superintendent contain a detailed account of the activities for each academic year. The 19th century through mid-20th century reports are an excellent primary source for exploring the administrative and academic history of the Institute. In addition to annual reports, special reports were occasionally issued to provide details about specific topics; and "semi-annual" reports were published during parts of the 19th century to provide the results of mid-year examinations and other mid-year updates.

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 sub-group includes the following documents: Manuscript, appointment of the first VMI Board, 1839; James McDowell appointment, 1839; Alfred Leyburn, 1843; William B. Taliaferro, 1852; Arthur C. Cummings, 1866; Martin B. Wood, 1882; Alexander F. (Alex) Ryland

This sub-group includes incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors or correspondence related to BOV business. Includes correspondence files for some historical individual members of the Board.

Bound and unbound historical records documenting the operation of the Commandant's office and of the Corps of Cadets. The earliest examples date from 1839, the first year of the Institute. Items include: guard records, morning reports, demerit books, inspection books, permit books, muster rolls, record of events, penalty tour and confinement records, Commandant orders and memoranda, World War I Training Camp (1917-1918), ordnance stores (1858, 1861), George C. Marshall signed amnesty document, Scott Shipp correspondence

Includes Ledgers, vouchers, accounts, correspondence, and other financial records dating from the opening days of the Institute through the early 20th century. These records are a good source of information for tracing early purchases of goods and services; local Lexington and Rockbridge County businesses/artisans/craftsmen appear in vouchers.

The James W. Breedlove papers consist of the personal papers (eight items) of Breedlove, including:

• Two letters (dated October 13, 1859 and March 11, 1861) from Breedlove to his grandfather in which he discusses his studies and expenses
• Two letters from Superintendent Francis H. Smith to Cadet Breedlove's grandfather, acknowledging receipt of money
• Three VMI quarterly grade reports
• One account sheet detailing VMI expenses

The Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.