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."
William H. Dudley was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on February 27, 1856 to Peter S. Dudley and Eliza R. Saunders. He graduated from VMI in 1874 and received a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1876. Dudley practiced law in Lynchburg until he moved to Washington Territory in February 1884. He continued the practice of law in the town of Sprague, Washington Territory, where he died on September 3, 1886.
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William H. Dudley papers, 1872-1873. MS 0007. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.