This collection consists of two letters from Cadet James L. Merritt to his father. The letter dated November 24, 1863 discusses school expenses, mentions the Corps being called to defend against Averell's raids, and reports dissatisfaction with VMI (complains of hunger, gets " beef, irish potatoes, milk" only).
The letter dated May 16, 1864 was written on the day after the Battle of New Market and describes being wounded, action on battlefield, and mentions Cadets Norborne C. Lewis (Class of 1867) and John A. Crichton (Class of 1866). The letter was possibly written from the Bushong House near the battlefield. Includes envelope addressed to W.H.E. Merritt, Lawrenceville, Brunswick County, Virginia.
James Love Merritt, from Lawrenceville, Virginia, was born in September 1845. He was the son of W. H. E Merritt and Elizabeth Willis Goode. Merritt matriculated at VMI on August 6, 1863, and on May 15, 1864, he took part in the Battle of New Market, Virginia as a private in Cadet Company C. He was seriously wounded in the battle and did not return to the Institute.
Following the Civil War, he pursued a career in civil engineering and subsequently settled on his farm near Lawrenceville. Merritt never married. His closest relative was Howard Jeffries Merritt, a member of the VMI Class of 1868. He died at his home on March 18, 1911.
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James L. Merritt letters, 1864. MS 0337. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
The letter dated May 16, 1864 is written on a blank form that was used by cadets to report excuses for infractions to the VMI Commandant.
V.M.I. Lexington
Nov. 24th 1863
Dear Pa
I received your letter dated Oct. 21st which I answered not long since, but it has been received before now I reckon. You said that Genl. Smith wrote to you for $300 to be sent to get here by Dec. 1st, which I suppose you have sent. I deposited $500 as soon as I arrived here, $400 for board and other expenses until Jan 1st 1864, $60 of which was pocket money, $40 remaining,
but as it did not cost me quite $400, I have a surplus, about $80. But it will cost me $300 or more from Jan. 1st, 1864 until July 4th, 1864, making in all $800 from August 6th (the time I reported) until July 4, 1864.
I expected a letter from home but so far I have not received one. As I have not heard from home in long time, I hope some one will write soon, as I have not received a letter from home, in the last three weeks. Since I last wrote the Corps of Cadets was ordered out to assist in repelling an invasion of the enemy, and was on the march about five days, and came very near getting in a fight. It so happened that they did not, as they would have been taken prisoners as the Yankees were in a strong force. But as before I detailed on to guard barracks, while the Corps of Cadets were gone, but as I could get enough to eat, I did not mind it much. I would be very glad if you [send] me that box which you were going to send me. I am very tired of this place as I don't get enough to eat very often, and that beef, irish potatoes and a little milk and bread. Give my love to all the family. From your affec. Son J.L. Martin
P.S. Direct that box to Cadet J.L. Merritt, Lexington, Va.
Care of McCorkle, Lusk, & Co.
J.L. Merritt
Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses school expenses, mentions the Corps being called to defend against Averell's raids, and reports dissatisfaction with VMI (complains of hunger, gets " beef, irish potatoes, milk" only).
New Market
May 16th, 64
Dear Pa
I write you a few lines to let you know that I am wounded. I was in the battle fought here yesterday and was wounded was in the lower part of my stomach. It is a very painful wound but I do not think it is dangerous. The battle was fought in the vicinity of New Market between the forces of Genl. Breckinridge and the Yankee Sigel. We gained a complete victory, driving
the Yankees about eight or ten miles, capturing some prisoners. The Yankees used their artillery very well and I was struck while going across a field by a piece of shell which knocked me about ten feet. I thought the wound was mortal, but I very soon found it was not by walking off the field. I am staying at a private house about a mile from the town but it very doubtful how long I will remain here, as I think the wounded will be carried to Lexington as soon as possible.
The cadets lost killed (5), wounded (43) and missing 48, out of 230. Genl. Breckenridge, Wharton and Echols, complimented the Cadets very much. Norborne Lewis was not hurt although exposed to thickest of fight. Thom Crichton escaped without getting hurt. Send word to Mr. Lewis that Norborne is not hurt, got through the battle remarkable well. Also let Mr. Crichton know that Thom was not hurt. I will write to you again and let you know how I am.
Give my love to all
From your affect. Son
J.L. Merritt
P.S. don't be uneasy about me because if I was wounded badly I would let you know.
J.L. Merritt
Written from New Market, Virginia. Letter described the Battle of New Market, being wounded, action on battlefield, and mentions Cadets Norborne C. Lewis (Class of 1867) and John A. Crichton (Class of 1866).