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Virginia Military Institute Archives

John Sims papers, 1868/1871

17 items

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.

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John Sims papers, 1868/1871 17 items

Sims, John, 1850-1909

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.

Virginia Military Institute Archives

Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866

2 items

The Valentine C. Saunders papers consist of one letter from Cadet Saunders to his parents. This letter is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:

  • Arsenal
  • Relationship with Washington College
  • Method of instruction
  • Course of studies
  • An opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.
The papers also contain Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith titled "The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet" (1866).

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Valentine C. Saunders papers, 1839/1866 2 items

Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894

The Valentine C. Saunders papers consist of one letter from Cadet Saunders to his parents. This letter is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:

  • Arsenal
  • Relationship with Washington College
  • Method of instruction
  • Course of studies
  • An opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.
The papers also contain Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith titled "The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet" (1866).

Virginia Military Institute Archives

William G. Williamson papers, 1857/1898

0.10 cubic feet 1/2 document box

The William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is an original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:

  • Reports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont
  • Poetry
  • Notes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy
The papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898), Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled "Scott's Infantry Tactics" (Volume III, 1860 edition).

1 result

William G. Williamson papers, 1857/1898 0.10 cubic feet 1/2 document box

Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898

The William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is an original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:

  • Reports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont
  • Poetry
  • Notes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy
The papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898), Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled "Scott's Infantry Tactics" (Volume III, 1860 edition).

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