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The Thomas F. Barksdale papers consist of two items. The first is a letter (dated January 25, 1855) from a Prussian official, denying Thomas F. Barksdale and his roommates permission to enter the Prussian Army. The second item is a notebook that contains:

• Class notes, including notes taken in Stonewall Jackson's class section in natural philosophy (a course that would today be most similar to physics) and notes taken in analytical geometry class taught by Francis H. Smith
• A resolution issued by cadets following murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn, Class of 1854
• Poetry
• Autographs of the Class of 1855
• A list of roommates and room numbers

This collection consists of one VMI quarterly grade report for Cadet William E. Fife, dated April 1, 1852. The document was completed and signed by Superintendent Francis H. Smith.

The William H. Dudley papers consist of two documents reflecting 1870s VMI cadet life. The letter (dated October 5, 1872) is from cadet Dudley (Class of 1874) to his mother and contains references to various VMI routines, such as declamation and drill, as well as family information. A VMI quarterly report (October 1, 1873) includes class marks, account information, and comments by superintendent Francis H. Smith concerning demerits for conduct. Infractions include "laughing in ranks," "talking in church," and "late at roll call."