This collection consists of 16 letters and one postcard written by John G. James to his friend Samuel Y. Ferguson of Witchita Falls, Texas. Of special interest is the letter dated April 17, 1927, in which James describes his memories of witnessing the VMI Corps of Cadets arrival in Richmond, Virginia under the command of Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson. This same letter contains a brief recollection of James' participation in Jackson's funeral. Other letters contain James family information, political comments, and personal news.
John Garland James was born in 1844 in Fluvanna County, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1866 and was a New Market Cadet. He went on to become an educator and died in 1930 in Dallas, Texas.
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John G. James papers, 1927-1929. MS 0319. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.