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This collection consists of one letter (dated November 24, 1842) from Cadet James D. Saunders to his cousin John Mitchell. Saunders describes the hardships of cadet life, the dullness of Lexington, Virginia, VMI's 3rd anniversary (Founders Day) celebration, a storm damaging the North wall of barracks, and mentions Edward C. Carrington, Jr. (VMI Class of 1844). This is one of the earliest extant cadet personal letters.

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

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

This collection consists of two documents, including one letter from John L. Gilliat to Lewis D. Crenshaw (dated February 7, 1884) that discusses the status of VMI's debt to the company, and one bank draft (Canadian Bank of Commerce) payable to John K. Gilliat & Co. (dated February 23, 1876).

This collection consists of 14 letters (dated 1868-1871) written by VMI Cadet John Sims (Class of 1871), to members of his family, a VMI quarterly grade report, and other documents. The correspondence provides rich details of cadet life during that era, as well as personal news. Sims mentions many leisure activities and comments on academic life and routine events. The letter dated October 17, 1870 mentions viewing the body of, and preparations for, the funeral of General Robert E. Lee.

Correspondence between Francis H. Smith, who became VMI's first Superintendent, and John T. L. Preston relating to the organization and opening of VMI. Includes four letters from Preston to Smith and one letter from Smith to Preston, in which he accepts the job offered by the Board of Visitors to serve as Superintendent (originally called Principal Professor). One related letter is from Francis H. Smith to William Atkinson or Atkison, in which Smith asks for advice about VMI's job offer.

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.