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The Moses J. Ezekiel papers consist of the papers of noted 19th century sculptor Moses J. Ezekiel, including:

• Correspondence to VMI superintendent Edward W. Nichols and others (dated 1867-1917), some relating to the design of the Battle of New Market memorial sculpture Virginia Mourning Her Dead
• Pen and ink sketches by Ezekiel (approximately 67 items)
• A typescript version of Ezekiel's autobiography
• Memoirs from the Baths of Diocletian
• Print material

Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of "Curiousities, both literary and natural" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.

The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:

• VMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates
• Letters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson
• Civil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole

A topical and chronological file of pamplets containing the text of speeches and addresses delivered at VMI.

This collection consists of one letter (dated May 14, 1846) from James E. Tyler (VMI Class of 1845) to President James K. Polk. The letter requests a commission in the United States Army or Marine Corps. Tyler mentions recommendations from Francis H. Smith and John T.L. Preston, and states that he was an "inmate" of VMI for two years.

The James H. Waddell papers consist of four items, including:

• A letter (dated 1855) from Waddell to his sister that contains a detailed description and pencil drawing of his room (#14) in barracks and of his roomates (Barksdale, Penn, Magruder, Shepherd, and Wilson)
• A drawing of a barracks room and roommates
• Pencil map, 8 inches x 10 inches, labeled "Plan of Battle of Bethel Church, June 10, 1861"
• Letter of recommendation (dated 1879) written by VMI's Superintendent Francis H. Smith and endorsed by Board of Visitors President John Letcher

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