{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Academics%E2%80%94History%E2%80%9419th+century\u0026f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Charles+A.+Derby+papers%2C+1839%2F1891\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Academics%E2%80%94History%E2%80%9419th+century\u0026f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Charles+A.+Derby+papers%2C+1839%2F1891\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":3,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c03","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1846","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c03#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c03","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c03"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c03","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Perry L. Derby","title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1846"],"text":["Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1846","Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Correspondence","English","VM Institute\nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father,\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\nGive my love to mother etc.\nIn haste your devoted son\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1846],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute\nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father,\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\nGive my love to mother etc.\nIn haste your devoted son\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0/components#2","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839/1891"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891"],"text":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\nPrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\nHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\nHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\nProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\nPrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\n\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. 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Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\nPrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\nHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\nHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\nProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\nPrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\n\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. 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Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. 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Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c06#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c06","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c06"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c06","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Perry L. Derby","title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1847"],"text":["Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1847","Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","English","Va Military Institute\nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father,\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1847],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Va Military Institute\nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father,\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0/components#5","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839/1891"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891"],"text":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\nPrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\nHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\nHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\nProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\nPrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\n\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. 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Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\nPrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\nHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\nHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\nProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\nPrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\n\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. 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Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c08#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c08","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c08"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c08","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Perry L. Derby","title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1847"],"text":["Letter to Perry L. Derby, 1847","Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence","English","Virginia Military Institute\nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\nYour son as ever.\n[signed] Chas A Derby","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","Charles A. Derby papers, 1844/1862","Correspondence, 1844/1849"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1847"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1847 December 27"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[3],"sort_isi":10,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1847],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute\nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\nYour son as ever.\n[signed] Chas A Derby"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0/components#7","timestamp":"2026-08-14T22:37:30.860Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839/1891"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891"],"text":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891","MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\nPrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\nHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\nHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\nProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\nPrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\n\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839/1891"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. 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Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\nPrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\nHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\nHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\nProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\nPrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\n\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. 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