{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Cadet+life%E2%80%941840-1849\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1853","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Cadet+life%E2%80%941840-1849\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1853\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":7,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Charles A. Derby papers","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\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","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"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"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","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's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","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 Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \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.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","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","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","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","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","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","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","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.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"access_terms_ssm":["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":["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"],"access_subjects_ssm":["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"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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\n","\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\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","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 Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \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.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","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","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","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","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","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","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"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\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\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","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","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.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"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. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"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"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","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"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","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's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","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 Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \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.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","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","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","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","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","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","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","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.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"access_terms_ssm":["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":["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"],"access_subjects_ssm":["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"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles 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.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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\n","\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\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","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 Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \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.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","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","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","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","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","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","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"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\n","\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","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\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","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","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.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"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. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"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"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08","type":"File","attributes":{"title":"Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)"],"text":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)","Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1880-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1890-1899","Courts-martial and courts of inquiry","English"],"title_filing_ssi":"Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century","title_ssm":["Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century"],"title_tesim":["Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1848-1854; 1881-1898"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1848/1898"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"extent_ssm":["1 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["1 Linear Feet"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"sort_isi":13,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898],"names_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)"],"persname_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1880-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1890-1899","Courts-martial and courts of inquiry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1880-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1890-1899","Courts-martial and courts of inquiry"],"language_ssim":["English"],"_nest_path_":"/components#3/components#7","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_38.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00084.xml","title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1889"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Subgroup","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"text":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38","Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online","Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. ","The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.","Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe","These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.","There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-","English"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creators_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"access_terms_ssm":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["30 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["30 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll14\"\u003eSome items from the Smith papers are available online.\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eSome annual reports from the Smith administration are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll14/searchterm/european/field/title/mode/all/conn/and/order/date\"\u003eAn annotated full text transcription is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access","Online Access","Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSmith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. \u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. "],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRecords of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Records of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/resources/795\"\u003eAnnual and Special Reports of the Superintendent\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/digital_objects/3\"\u003eReport on Scientific Education in Europe\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials","Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThese files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSubject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApplications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFaculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMisc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBiographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOversized case 9\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eU. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEdwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCollections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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 not 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":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_38737c95f56a20b673a6f5327e0c023e\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library"],"persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":40,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Giles Gunn papers","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVMI commencement\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_615.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00030.xml","title_ssm":["Giles Gunn papers"],"title_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1848-1854"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1848-1854"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"text":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615","Giles Gunn papers","Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","This collection is available online","Giles Gunn was born on December 19, 1825 in Connecticut, most likely in Washington, Litchfield County. He was the son of John Northrup Gunn, Jr. (1798-1883) and Lora Smith (1800-1841), who were married on June 16, 1819. ","By 1848, Gunn was working as a teacher in Lexington, Virginia, where he married Virginia W. Morrison of Rockbridge County on December 19, 1859. Birth records indicate that the couple had several children, all born in Rockbridge: Lora (1860-?), Johnella (1871-?), Effa (or Effie) (1875-?), Fred (187?-?). This listing of children may not be complete. ","Gunn died on November 24, 1892. No other biographical information was available at the time the collection was processed.","Lexington, VA \nJuly 8th, 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nHaving a few spare moments I will improve them by commencing a letter to you and if I get it begun I know that I shall finish it some time or other. ","You are at school I suppose taking in learning in junks as big as my fist and then to settle it go home and trot little May on your knee. Wa'll there is nothing like improvement \"go it while you are young\", if I could live over my life again I would study and no mistake. Oliver is well or was last Sunday he was down here and as fine as a new band boy, it would make you laugh and no mistake to see him try to drink buttermilk. The people here use that as \"the drink\" as much as we do water, if you should drop into where he is about noon, you would find him seated on a stump with what is call a \"corn dogger\" in his hand that is made of indian meal wet up with water and baked in the ashes and is his other  hand a gourd of buttermilk that is as thick as ice cream, on this he is growing fat, it is enough to make any one grin their eye teeth out, to see what a pretty face he makes as he devours this tempting feast. He looks as though he would have \"snake and mild\" that father used to tell of before it.","I suppose that you are all well. It is healthy here I have not heard of half a dozen deaths since I have been round here. The farmers have all finished harvest and never was better weather but it has rained now two days and looks as though it meant to keep it up.  ","Last Tuesday was the fourth of July. I left out school and went into town. It was commencement day at the Virginia Military Institute and the Governor of the State was there to sign the diplomas attended by the State Brass Band.  The cadets marched from the Institute which is about half of a mile from the town preceded by the band which consisted of about a dozen old rusty looking fellows that blew a soul stirring march with fury enough to wake the dead and make live ones hold their ears. The cadets were about 90 in number dressed in gray coats with skirts about as wide as my hand an 8 inches long and white pants, they are a good looking company and after going through with their evolutions they marched into the meeting house then the cadets made several speeches in praise of war of the institute telling what her sons had done on the plains of Mexico and with what pride the people ought to cherish it.  After they were all through, Gov. Smith was introduced.  He was received with much applause and with many bows commenced. He was just about as venerable looking a man as Uncle Gersham  Finn. He said \"that he was happy to be called upon to give advice to young men like them just entering upon life and the first thing that he wished them to do was to hope for a bright day for tomorrow. The next thing that he advised them to do was to get married no young man could be any thing till he was married.  He never heard of a smart man that was a bachelor, (never heard of John Randolph) never knew of a quarrel to take place between a man and a woman but the man was to blame.  He had lived a long life and was capable of giving advice to young men as a father to his children. There was two books that he would recommend to all young men The first was the Bible, the next Shakespeare, all young men should read and profit by both\" and so he went on in a regular stirring speech praising the ladies then telling the young men they must not try to win them by flattery for they were rational beings and despised flattery. He went into the praise of Va, he said that while other states were progressing in dollars Va was progressing in the mind, and so he went on in a soul stirring amid cheers that were deafening. This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race.","My knife is just about as good as a tool one would be.  Tell father if he will send by Orve Platt to Litchfield and get one of the Holleys pen knives I will pay him for his trouble, get on about the size of this if he can. If he can find more of Holleys send me a good hard one of somebodies that is sharp to begin with and I will send him another dollar as soon as I receive it. ","I have got some flower seeds and will send them one of these days, my school is half out and then I don't know what I shall do, whether I shall come home or stay, or\nThere is no news stirring here not so much as a weeding, it is too hot even for that. Give my love to all and write soon, have you heard anything of Julia yet and where is she, I expect a letter from home at the office if it is there I will put a mark on the outside of this to let you know it is rec'd. ","I have not got a letter from Mrs. Garnett yet if she has written send no word. \nFrom your brother, \nGiles Gunn","Westwood, Lexington, Va \nSunday, Aug 13th 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nYour letter came to hand a week ago but I have not had time to answer it till now. I got one from Father last night dated the first day of Aug. I can't see why they are so long coming through; some of the time they have got to me in four days from the time they are dated. There is not much news stirring in these parts, mighty still time. About eight miles from here is a sacrament (quite a rare thing in this country) today, I had intended to go but as it is rainy I shall stay at home. You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says \"may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification\", thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, on wine then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a  prayer and these rise and make room for another table full thus they go it till all have had a bite then they call upon the colored brethren, on past of the ministers do to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in at the window Monday Night Oliver and Loveridge came here just after I begun to write as I had to put it off. Oliver sends his best love to all and to you in particular. The Doctor that I board with has sold his place and the new owner has moved on; he has six children. The two oldest girls, one eighteen and the other sixteen. They have a piano and are just thundering at it all of the time. They made just about as much music as the cow that Ralph Smith had. The house is a large one, but for all that we are thick as three in a bed. There are thirty three in all black and white in the establishment for the kitchen is a part of the house. I am going to the mountains in a few weeks to hunt for deer and I expect I will have some fun.  ","There was a sale here the other day of the Doctor's goods and the way the liquor flew want to be beat. The raw material was set before them by the pail full and two thirds of those assembled went home scarcely able to set on their horse. Is all that spree of marrying over. I was coming home expecting to find Lev All, Sam Hollister, John Hine, Jim Mitchen with a baby on each knee and rocking a cradle with each foot, if they don't look out their day of grace will soon be over. If Uncle Andrew don't get married now he has got to quit having his sprees. If the boys had any life they would plague him till he would butt his brains out against a pumpkin or leave the world and climb a tree. If the girls are all engaged let me know and I will look out elsewhere as I have no doubt the best fish are yet to be caught.\n    \nYou would probably like to know how Oliver looks. I will give you his appearance as he looked when he retuned from preaching yesterday. His hair is long and black, his whiskers as black as a coal, his long mustaches black as you please, give him quite a dignified appearance. He has grown taller than he was last fall and his belly shows the effects of buttermilk and its rising qualities. It puts one in mind of a toad that has just swallowed a snake. I tell him that he will crack open like Gid Hollister's sheep and let the tallow out, if he don't refrain from the use of buttermilk as a beverage tea totally and entirely.  You must write as soon as you get this, as the Lord only knows whether I shall stay round here and longer than this quarter and I hardly believe he does for I alter my mind so often. Tell Aunt Amarilli's that she must not entirely forget the Yankee boys in the Old Dominion. That she must take time to give us a few lines of motherly advice as now is the time that we need it. I often think of her and her counsel and if I was religious I would put up a prayer for her but as I am not I will send my love. Also a huge slice to little Albie with half a dozen kisses.","Give my love to all my kith and kiss and make a bow to deacon Albernatha for me the first time you see him. Tell Mrs. Garret that I am well and I hope she is the same. I shall answer Father's letter in about a week. Tell him to have his pen sharpened as to answer instantly. \nFrom your brother \nGiles Gunn","Lexington, Va \nMarch 15th, 1850","Dear Mary and Susan, \nYour letter has been on hand over a week but if you do not get time to write when you go to school. What do you think of a poor fellow who has the charge of a school and you want to know what I am doing? Well not much of any thing.  In the morning I go to the school house about eight o'clock at half past I commence school. Then comes hearing lessons that they have had to learn over night. This is the first thing and it generally takes me about an hour and a half for I have all the lessons learned out of school. After I get through with this I hear them all read then I have a class in Arithmetic after that I spell and then it is noon. In the afternoon I hear them read all round. Then I have a class in passing then a class in arithmetic and spell and get through about five. Though in the time I have two recesses of half an hour and a noon spell of an hour and a half. The history of one day is the history of every day for it is always necessary to have the work go on as regular as clock work and that makes the children regular. Mary if you go to teaching school begin right at first make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong. If I was you I would never whip unless absolutely necessary, make them set on the floor it hurts a great deal worse than whipping if they refuse to some do not tell them half a dozen times but take them by the hair and drop them one or two [?] in this way will be a lesson, that the whole school will remember. Never threaten without performing. Always be regular. Follow these rules so far as you go and they will reach and you need have no fear of succeeding. Explain your lessons as much as you can, for you can learn as much in one day by talking it to the as they will learn in a week from the book.  Get ambition in your school by some means. I have not a scholar in school but if they get down in the class they will cry and I have some grown. Always make it a practice to review once a week all they have learned that week and once a month for the month. Susan what do you intend to do this summer? You said nothing about your prospects. I have been almost sorry that I came home last summer, if I had not I would come this and go to school to Uncle Fred. I would like to study surveying and some other things. You should have wrapped your flower seeds in something if they were in the letter when I got it for I lost them out in the dirt as I opened it as I walked along. I hope by this time Aunt Amarilis and Don will be well. Since I wrote to father two have died right close to my schoolhouse and three more have been taken sick. I am up watching almost every night for everybody round here are afraid of the fever. In some of the houses there is no once goes in through the week but the Dr. and me.  How is Louis now. You must both of you write to me so soon as you can and let me know what is going on for I have no correspondent in Washington except at home. How many scholars have Uncle Fred. Send me some more seeds if you can find any but wrap them up better. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Tell Father that I received two newspapers from him this week for which he has my thanks.  Has Oliver got around there yet? Write soon. Be good girls and don't forget \nGiles","[Hand-written upside down at the top of this page] \nDo not read Sam's letter but see how he likes it and tell me the next time you write","Lexington, Va \nJan 6th 1851","Dear Mary \nYour letter was duly received about a week ago and as it was in Christmas times I think I shall be excusable that I did not answer it sooner. I have let out school 8 days for Christmas holidays and tomorrow morning I shall again commence beating the brats. I have got almost tired of the business and think this is the last winter I shall work at it in this country.  ","They had a monstrous fuss round here the other day. A letter was found in the road \"purporting to be from one niggar to another holding forth that on such a night they were to rise. 300 men were to attack the Military Institute and get possession of the 20,000 stand of arms in the arsenal there. Then they were to walk into the city of Lexington killing all they could get hold of\". You had better believe that it made some stir.  he  militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this. The blacks must have no chance to make a beginning and they know this. I think the letter was a hoax written by some one to see what they could do, but if it was written by a niggar, it was by some one who knew the state of things at the Institute well and if their plans had succeeded it would have been right hard to stop.  ","\nI has been right dull times this Christmas not more than three or four frolicks all the times I wish I could drop in there and see how you all look but I do not think you would any of you know me. I have altered a good deal in the last six months.  ","How does Uncle Sherman and Sam do this winter? Do you like to live there? How is Aunt Jennette heal and all of Uncle Truman's folks? How is Grandfather's folks? All well and how does he stand the times? I meant to write a letter to Father before this time but there is nothing going on here that will interest him when there is I shall write to him.  \n    \nTell Susan that I want her to write to me, and I will answer it, but if she don't write soon I will get mad and write a long one to her.","Ellen I suppose is still in New Preston and Oliver is peddling. How does Sam do this winter and is he going to school? Has Father got all of his thrashing done and h9ow is his health?","There is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  ","Give my love to all inquiring friends let me know all the news at home when you write. Farewell. \nGod's blessings attend you \nFrom your brother \nG. Gunn","Dear Molly, \nI have received your letter this very day and am determined for once to toe the mark. I have just seated myself and if I don't get to tired I intend to give you and Sue a piece of my mind even if it be a very small broken piece.","1stly I am still pedagoguing and I tell you it goes mightily against the grain such a day as today for it is one of the pleasantest days I ever knew. The thermometer at noon was nearly up to summer heat at noon and I had no fire in the schoolhouse. My school consists of about forty scholars most of them large boys some of them taller than I am. I have enjoyed myself first rate so far especially in bad weather but when it is fine I intend to do the best I can but I long to be out aboard of the old pump wagon scouring the country. It gives a person a chance to see the world and though it may make me wild now when I come to settle down, I shall put on as long a face as I deacon.","2ndly. Ol. (though I had ought to have put him first) is now in Randolph County which is about one hundred and fifty miles west or northwest from here. He has been gone now about three weeks and I do not much expect him back before the middle or last of March. It is a great region there for pumps. I intend to go there as soon as my school is out and shall probably be there off and on the greater part of the summer.  ","The people around here are getting up to murdering. Last August in Staunton a man was found dead in his bed with his head staved in with a hammer. In December they hung a man for it and he died protesting his innocence; day after tomorrow they are to hang another man as his accomplice who as yet declares himself innocent.","They were both convicted by another man who turned states evidence; and it is now the  general opinion that he did the deed himself.","Two weeks last Sunday was noted in Lexington for a tragedy worse than that. It seems that a young man by the name of Christian had engaged the company of a young lady to go to preaching. She was advised not to go with him by a cousin of hers, a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. Christian (who was a law student) found out who it was and prepared himself with weapons and on Sunday night waited till he saw Blackburn the Cadet come into the church with a lady then he stepped up and touched him requesting to say a word to him. He took him out into the street and by his tale demanded of him to retract what he had said upon Blackburn's refusing so to do he let in on him and before any one could interfere had stabbed him in several places and cut his throat from ear to ear with a bowie knife and killed him so dead that he never kicked. Christian then went and delivered himself up to the authorities and it is now the general opinion that he will get clear as the prosecution was so great. You see how nice a sense of humor the southerners have. In law here if our man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation.  ","I reckon you have heard enough about murders if not I could tell you of some half dozen more that have happened in this region during the last six week. I do not expect I will come home this summer. I wish you were here to take my school when it is out. Virge says \"do tell her to come down here and I will go back with her when she wants to go\". Hess is not at home but will be next Saturday (if I can get time to go after her).","If mother has that carnation rooted if she will send it over to John's he will attend to it and give it to Bob Dunlap before he come home.\n    \nI bought a cooking stove for Mr. Morrison in NY last August and last week it got here. If you want to come on here you can come with Bob. I know he will take good care of you.","Where is Father going to plant and how is his health?  Have you had much cold weather this winter? Give my best love to Father and Mother and Sam and tell Sam I want to hear from him before long.","I shall write to Jen as often as you write to me whilst I am teaching school but farther than that I can't answer for. Ol was down to Bransons during Christmas they were all well.  ","Give me love to Louis if you are still up there. My candle is out. Write soon and give me all your news. \nYour brother \nGiles Gunn","PS Virge says tell him I am wearing carpet as strong as a horse \n(Don't you believe that-Virge)","This collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:\n VMI commencement A detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction A description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants References to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection A discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards commencement at the VMI and a speech by the governor of Virginia.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes communion at a local church.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a local law student.","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","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Giles Gunn papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers"],"collection_ssim":["Giles Gunn papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century"],"geogname_ssim":["Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century"],"creator_ssm":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creators_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"places_ssim":["Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century"],"access_terms_ssm":["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."],"acqinfo_ssim":["The Giles Gunn papers were donated to the Virginia\n            Military Institute in 1933 by Mary Maigret, Gunn's\n            niece."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["5 items"],"extent_tesim":["5 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1153\"\u003eThis collection is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This collection is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eGiles Gunn was born on December 19, 1825 in Connecticut, most likely in Washington, Litchfield County. He was the son of John Northrup Gunn, Jr. (1798-1883) and Lora Smith (1800-1841), who were married on June 16, 1819. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy 1848, Gunn was working as a teacher in Lexington, Virginia, where he married Virginia W. Morrison of Rockbridge County on December 19, 1859. Birth records indicate that the couple had several children, all born in Rockbridge: Lora (1860-?), Johnella (1871-?), Effa (or Effie) (1875-?), Fred (187?-?). This listing of children may not be complete. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGunn died on November 24, 1892. No other biographical information was available at the time the collection was processed.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Giles Gunn was born on December 19, 1825 in Connecticut, most likely in Washington, Litchfield County. He was the son of John Northrup Gunn, Jr. (1798-1883) and Lora Smith (1800-1841), who were married on June 16, 1819. ","By 1848, Gunn was working as a teacher in Lexington, Virginia, where he married Virginia W. Morrison of Rockbridge County on December 19, 1859. Birth records indicate that the couple had several children, all born in Rockbridge: Lora (1860-?), Johnella (1871-?), Effa (or Effie) (1875-?), Fred (187?-?). This listing of children may not be complete. ","Gunn died on November 24, 1892. No other biographical information was available at the time the collection was processed."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLexington, VA\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 8th, 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Mary,\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving a few spare moments I will improve them by commencing a letter to you and if I get it begun I know that I shall finish it some time or other. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are at school I suppose taking in learning in junks as big as my fist and then to settle it go home and trot little May on your knee. Wa'll there is nothing like improvement \"go it while you are young\", if I could live over my life again I would study and no mistake. Oliver is well or was last Sunday he was down here and as fine as a new band boy, it would make you laugh and no mistake to see him try to drink buttermilk. The people here use that as \"the drink\" as much as we do water, if you should drop into where he is about noon, you would find him seated on a stump with what is call a \"corn dogger\" in his hand that is made of indian meal wet up with water and baked in the ashes and is his other  hand a gourd of buttermilk that is as thick as ice cream, on this he is growing fat, it is enough to make any one grin their eye teeth out, to see what a pretty face he makes as he devours this tempting feast. He looks as though he would have \"snake and mild\" that father used to tell of before it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suppose that you are all well. It is healthy here I have not heard of half a dozen deaths since I have been round here. The farmers have all finished harvest and never was better weather but it has rained now two days and looks as though it meant to keep it up.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast Tuesday was the fourth of July. I left out school and went into town. It was commencement day at the Virginia Military Institute and the Governor of the State was there to sign the diplomas attended by the State Brass Band.  The cadets marched from the Institute which is about half of a mile from the town preceded by the band which consisted of about a dozen old rusty looking fellows that blew a soul stirring march with fury enough to wake the dead and make live ones hold their ears. The cadets were about 90 in number dressed in gray coats with skirts about as wide as my hand an 8 inches long and white pants, they are a good looking company and after going through with their evolutions they marched into the meeting house then the cadets made several speeches in praise of war of the institute telling what her sons had done on the plains of Mexico and with what pride the people ought to cherish it.  After they were all through, Gov. Smith was introduced.  He was received with much applause and with many bows commenced. He was just about as venerable looking a man as Uncle Gersham  Finn. He said \"that he was happy to be called upon to give advice to young men like them just entering upon life and the first thing that he wished them to do was to hope for a bright day for tomorrow. The next thing that he advised them to do was to get married no young man could be any thing till he was married.  He never heard of a smart man that was a bachelor, (never heard of John Randolph) never knew of a quarrel to take place between a man and a woman but the man was to blame.  He had lived a long life and was capable of giving advice to young men as a father to his children. There was two books that he would recommend to all young men The first was the Bible, the next Shakespeare, all young men should read and profit by both\" and so he went on in a regular stirring speech praising the ladies then telling the young men they must not try to win them by flattery for they were rational beings and despised flattery. He went into the praise of Va, he said that while other states were progressing in dollars Va was progressing in the mind, and so he went on in a soul stirring amid cheers that were deafening. This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy knife is just about as good as a tool one would be.  Tell father if he will send by Orve Platt to Litchfield and get one of the Holleys pen knives I will pay him for his trouble, get on about the size of this if he can. If he can find more of Holleys send me a good hard one of somebodies that is sharp to begin with and I will send him another dollar as soon as I receive it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have got some flower seeds and will send them one of these days, my school is half out and then I don't know what I shall do, whether I shall come home or stay, or\nThere is no news stirring here not so much as a weeding, it is too hot even for that. Give my love to all and write soon, have you heard anything of Julia yet and where is she, I expect a letter from home at the office if it is there I will put a mark on the outside of this to let you know it is rec'd. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not got a letter from Mrs. Garnett yet if she has written send no word.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles Gunn\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWestwood, Lexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nSunday, Aug 13th 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Mary,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came to hand a week ago but I have not had time to answer it till now. I got one from Father last night dated the first day of Aug. I can't see why they are so long coming through; some of the time they have got to me in four days from the time they are dated. There is not much news stirring in these parts, mighty still time. About eight miles from here is a sacrament (quite a rare thing in this country) today, I had intended to go but as it is rainy I shall stay at home. You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says \"may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification\", thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, on wine then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a  prayer and these rise and make room for another table full thus they go it till all have had a bite then they call upon the colored brethren, on past of the ministers do to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in at the window Monday Night Oliver and Loveridge came here just after I begun to write as I had to put it off. Oliver sends his best love to all and to you in particular. The Doctor that I board with has sold his place and the new owner has moved on; he has six children. The two oldest girls, one eighteen and the other sixteen. They have a piano and are just thundering at it all of the time. They made just about as much music as the cow that Ralph Smith had. The house is a large one, but for all that we are thick as three in a bed. There are thirty three in all black and white in the establishment for the kitchen is a part of the house. I am going to the mountains in a few weeks to hunt for deer and I expect I will have some fun.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was a sale here the other day of the Doctor's goods and the way the liquor flew want to be beat. The raw material was set before them by the pail full and two thirds of those assembled went home scarcely able to set on their horse. Is all that spree of marrying over. I was coming home expecting to find Lev All, Sam Hollister, John Hine, Jim Mitchen with a baby on each knee and rocking a cradle with each foot, if they don't look out their day of grace will soon be over. If Uncle Andrew don't get married now he has got to quit having his sprees. If the boys had any life they would plague him till he would butt his brains out against a pumpkin or leave the world and climb a tree. If the girls are all engaged let me know and I will look out elsewhere as I have no doubt the best fish are yet to be caught.\n    \nYou would probably like to know how Oliver looks. I will give you his appearance as he looked when he retuned from preaching yesterday. His hair is long and black, his whiskers as black as a coal, his long mustaches black as you please, give him quite a dignified appearance. He has grown taller than he was last fall and his belly shows the effects of buttermilk and its rising qualities. It puts one in mind of a toad that has just swallowed a snake. I tell him that he will crack open like Gid Hollister's sheep and let the tallow out, if he don't refrain from the use of buttermilk as a beverage tea totally and entirely.  You must write as soon as you get this, as the Lord only knows whether I shall stay round here and longer than this quarter and I hardly believe he does for I alter my mind so often. Tell Aunt Amarilli's that she must not entirely forget the Yankee boys in the Old Dominion. That she must take time to give us a few lines of motherly advice as now is the time that we need it. I often think of her and her counsel and if I was religious I would put up a prayer for her but as I am not I will send my love. Also a huge slice to little Albie with half a dozen kisses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all my kith and kiss and make a bow to deacon Albernatha for me the first time you see him. Tell Mrs. Garret that I am well and I hope she is the same. I shall answer Father's letter in about a week. Tell him to have his pen sharpened as to answer instantly.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles Gunn\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15th, 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mary and Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter has been on hand over a week but if you do not get time to write when you go to school. What do you think of a poor fellow who has the charge of a school and you want to know what I am doing? Well not much of any thing.  In the morning I go to the school house about eight o'clock at half past I commence school. Then comes hearing lessons that they have had to learn over night. This is the first thing and it generally takes me about an hour and a half for I have all the lessons learned out of school. After I get through with this I hear them all read then I have a class in Arithmetic after that I spell and then it is noon. In the afternoon I hear them read all round. Then I have a class in passing then a class in arithmetic and spell and get through about five. Though in the time I have two recesses of half an hour and a noon spell of an hour and a half. The history of one day is the history of every day for it is always necessary to have the work go on as regular as clock work and that makes the children regular. Mary if you go to teaching school begin right at first make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong. If I was you I would never whip unless absolutely necessary, make them set on the floor it hurts a great deal worse than whipping if they refuse to some do not tell them half a dozen times but take them by the hair and drop them one or two [?] in this way will be a lesson, that the whole school will remember. Never threaten without performing. Always be regular. Follow these rules so far as you go and they will reach and you need have no fear of succeeding. Explain your lessons as much as you can, for you can learn as much in one day by talking it to the as they will learn in a week from the book.  Get ambition in your school by some means. I have not a scholar in school but if they get down in the class they will cry and I have some grown. Always make it a practice to review once a week all they have learned that week and once a month for the month. Susan what do you intend to do this summer? You said nothing about your prospects. I have been almost sorry that I came home last summer, if I had not I would come this and go to school to Uncle Fred. I would like to study surveying and some other things. You should have wrapped your flower seeds in something if they were in the letter when I got it for I lost them out in the dirt as I opened it as I walked along. I hope by this time Aunt Amarilis and Don will be well. Since I wrote to father two have died right close to my schoolhouse and three more have been taken sick. I am up watching almost every night for everybody round here are afraid of the fever. In some of the houses there is no once goes in through the week but the Dr. and me.  How is Louis now. You must both of you write to me so soon as you can and let me know what is going on for I have no correspondent in Washington except at home. How many scholars have Uncle Fred. Send me some more seeds if you can find any but wrap them up better. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Tell Father that I received two newspapers from him this week for which he has my thanks.  Has Oliver got around there yet? Write soon. Be good girls and don't forget\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Hand-written upside down at the top of this page]\u003cbr\u003e\nDo not read Sam's letter but see how he likes it and tell me the next time you write\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJan 6th 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mary\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter was duly received about a week ago and as it was in Christmas times I think I shall be excusable that I did not answer it sooner. I have let out school 8 days for Christmas holidays and tomorrow morning I shall again commence beating the brats. I have got almost tired of the business and think this is the last winter I shall work at it in this country.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey had a monstrous fuss round here the other day. A letter was found in the road \"purporting to be from one niggar to another holding forth that on such a night they were to rise. 300 men were to attack the Military Institute and get possession of the 20,000 stand of arms in the arsenal there. Then they were to walk into the city of Lexington killing all they could get hold of\". You had better believe that it made some stir.  he  militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this. The blacks must have no chance to make a beginning and they know this. I think the letter was a hoax written by some one to see what they could do, but if it was written by a niggar, it was by some one who knew the state of things at the Institute well and if their plans had succeeded it would have been right hard to stop.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\nI has been right dull times this Christmas not more than three or four frolicks all the times I wish I could drop in there and see how you all look but I do not think you would any of you know me. I have altered a good deal in the last six months.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHow does Uncle Sherman and Sam do this winter? Do you like to live there? How is Aunt Jennette heal and all of Uncle Truman's folks? How is Grandfather's folks? All well and how does he stand the times? I meant to write a letter to Father before this time but there is nothing going on here that will interest him when there is I shall write to him.  \n    \nTell Susan that I want her to write to me, and I will answer it, but if she don't write soon I will get mad and write a long one to her.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEllen I suppose is still in New Preston and Oliver is peddling. How does Sam do this winter and is he going to school? Has Father got all of his thrashing done and h9ow is his health?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all inquiring friends let me know all the news at home when you write. Farewell.\u003cbr\u003e\nGod's blessings attend you\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nG. Gunn\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Molly,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have received your letter this very day and am determined for once to toe the mark. I have just seated myself and if I don't get to tired I intend to give you and Sue a piece of my mind even if it be a very small broken piece.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1stly I am still pedagoguing and I tell you it goes mightily against the grain such a day as today for it is one of the pleasantest days I ever knew. The thermometer at noon was nearly up to summer heat at noon and I had no fire in the schoolhouse. My school consists of about forty scholars most of them large boys some of them taller than I am. I have enjoyed myself first rate so far especially in bad weather but when it is fine I intend to do the best I can but I long to be out aboard of the old pump wagon scouring the country. It gives a person a chance to see the world and though it may make me wild now when I come to settle down, I shall put on as long a face as I deacon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2ndly. Ol. (though I had ought to have put him first) is now in Randolph County which is about one hundred and fifty miles west or northwest from here. He has been gone now about three weeks and I do not much expect him back before the middle or last of March. It is a great region there for pumps. I intend to go there as soon as my school is out and shall probably be there off and on the greater part of the summer.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe people around here are getting up to murdering. Last August in Staunton a man was found dead in his bed with his head staved in with a hammer. In December they hung a man for it and he died protesting his innocence; day after tomorrow they are to hang another man as his accomplice who as yet declares himself innocent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey were both convicted by another man who turned states evidence; and it is now the  general opinion that he did the deed himself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTwo weeks last Sunday was noted in Lexington for a tragedy worse than that. It seems that a young man by the name of Christian had engaged the company of a young lady to go to preaching. She was advised not to go with him by a cousin of hers, a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. Christian (who was a law student) found out who it was and prepared himself with weapons and on Sunday night waited till he saw Blackburn the Cadet come into the church with a lady then he stepped up and touched him requesting to say a word to him. He took him out into the street and by his tale demanded of him to retract what he had said upon Blackburn's refusing so to do he let in on him and before any one could interfere had stabbed him in several places and cut his throat from ear to ear with a bowie knife and killed him so dead that he never kicked. Christian then went and delivered himself up to the authorities and it is now the general opinion that he will get clear as the prosecution was so great. You see how nice a sense of humor the southerners have. In law here if our man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI reckon you have heard enough about murders if not I could tell you of some half dozen more that have happened in this region during the last six week. I do not expect I will come home this summer. I wish you were here to take my school when it is out. Virge says \"do tell her to come down here and I will go back with her when she wants to go\". Hess is not at home but will be next Saturday (if I can get time to go after her).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf mother has that carnation rooted if she will send it over to John's he will attend to it and give it to Bob Dunlap before he come home.\n    \nI bought a cooking stove for Mr. Morrison in NY last August and last week it got here. If you want to come on here you can come with Bob. I know he will take good care of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhere is Father going to plant and how is his health?  Have you had much cold weather this winter? Give my best love to Father and Mother and Sam and tell Sam I want to hear from him before long.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall write to Jen as often as you write to me whilst I am teaching school but farther than that I can't answer for. Ol was down to Bransons during Christmas they were all well.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive me love to Louis if you are still up there. My candle is out. Write soon and give me all your news.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles Gunn\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Virge says tell him I am wearing carpet as strong as a horse\u003cbr\u003e\n(Don't you believe that-Virge)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Lexington, VA \nJuly 8th, 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nHaving a few spare moments I will improve them by commencing a letter to you and if I get it begun I know that I shall finish it some time or other. ","You are at school I suppose taking in learning in junks as big as my fist and then to settle it go home and trot little May on your knee. Wa'll there is nothing like improvement \"go it while you are young\", if I could live over my life again I would study and no mistake. Oliver is well or was last Sunday he was down here and as fine as a new band boy, it would make you laugh and no mistake to see him try to drink buttermilk. The people here use that as \"the drink\" as much as we do water, if you should drop into where he is about noon, you would find him seated on a stump with what is call a \"corn dogger\" in his hand that is made of indian meal wet up with water and baked in the ashes and is his other  hand a gourd of buttermilk that is as thick as ice cream, on this he is growing fat, it is enough to make any one grin their eye teeth out, to see what a pretty face he makes as he devours this tempting feast. He looks as though he would have \"snake and mild\" that father used to tell of before it.","I suppose that you are all well. It is healthy here I have not heard of half a dozen deaths since I have been round here. The farmers have all finished harvest and never was better weather but it has rained now two days and looks as though it meant to keep it up.  ","Last Tuesday was the fourth of July. I left out school and went into town. It was commencement day at the Virginia Military Institute and the Governor of the State was there to sign the diplomas attended by the State Brass Band.  The cadets marched from the Institute which is about half of a mile from the town preceded by the band which consisted of about a dozen old rusty looking fellows that blew a soul stirring march with fury enough to wake the dead and make live ones hold their ears. The cadets were about 90 in number dressed in gray coats with skirts about as wide as my hand an 8 inches long and white pants, they are a good looking company and after going through with their evolutions they marched into the meeting house then the cadets made several speeches in praise of war of the institute telling what her sons had done on the plains of Mexico and with what pride the people ought to cherish it.  After they were all through, Gov. Smith was introduced.  He was received with much applause and with many bows commenced. He was just about as venerable looking a man as Uncle Gersham  Finn. He said \"that he was happy to be called upon to give advice to young men like them just entering upon life and the first thing that he wished them to do was to hope for a bright day for tomorrow. The next thing that he advised them to do was to get married no young man could be any thing till he was married.  He never heard of a smart man that was a bachelor, (never heard of John Randolph) never knew of a quarrel to take place between a man and a woman but the man was to blame.  He had lived a long life and was capable of giving advice to young men as a father to his children. There was two books that he would recommend to all young men The first was the Bible, the next Shakespeare, all young men should read and profit by both\" and so he went on in a regular stirring speech praising the ladies then telling the young men they must not try to win them by flattery for they were rational beings and despised flattery. He went into the praise of Va, he said that while other states were progressing in dollars Va was progressing in the mind, and so he went on in a soul stirring amid cheers that were deafening. This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race.","My knife is just about as good as a tool one would be.  Tell father if he will send by Orve Platt to Litchfield and get one of the Holleys pen knives I will pay him for his trouble, get on about the size of this if he can. If he can find more of Holleys send me a good hard one of somebodies that is sharp to begin with and I will send him another dollar as soon as I receive it. ","I have got some flower seeds and will send them one of these days, my school is half out and then I don't know what I shall do, whether I shall come home or stay, or\nThere is no news stirring here not so much as a weeding, it is too hot even for that. Give my love to all and write soon, have you heard anything of Julia yet and where is she, I expect a letter from home at the office if it is there I will put a mark on the outside of this to let you know it is rec'd. ","I have not got a letter from Mrs. Garnett yet if she has written send no word. \nFrom your brother, \nGiles Gunn","Westwood, Lexington, Va \nSunday, Aug 13th 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nYour letter came to hand a week ago but I have not had time to answer it till now. I got one from Father last night dated the first day of Aug. I can't see why they are so long coming through; some of the time they have got to me in four days from the time they are dated. There is not much news stirring in these parts, mighty still time. About eight miles from here is a sacrament (quite a rare thing in this country) today, I had intended to go but as it is rainy I shall stay at home. You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says \"may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification\", thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, on wine then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a  prayer and these rise and make room for another table full thus they go it till all have had a bite then they call upon the colored brethren, on past of the ministers do to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in at the window Monday Night Oliver and Loveridge came here just after I begun to write as I had to put it off. Oliver sends his best love to all and to you in particular. The Doctor that I board with has sold his place and the new owner has moved on; he has six children. The two oldest girls, one eighteen and the other sixteen. They have a piano and are just thundering at it all of the time. They made just about as much music as the cow that Ralph Smith had. The house is a large one, but for all that we are thick as three in a bed. There are thirty three in all black and white in the establishment for the kitchen is a part of the house. I am going to the mountains in a few weeks to hunt for deer and I expect I will have some fun.  ","There was a sale here the other day of the Doctor's goods and the way the liquor flew want to be beat. The raw material was set before them by the pail full and two thirds of those assembled went home scarcely able to set on their horse. Is all that spree of marrying over. I was coming home expecting to find Lev All, Sam Hollister, John Hine, Jim Mitchen with a baby on each knee and rocking a cradle with each foot, if they don't look out their day of grace will soon be over. If Uncle Andrew don't get married now he has got to quit having his sprees. If the boys had any life they would plague him till he would butt his brains out against a pumpkin or leave the world and climb a tree. If the girls are all engaged let me know and I will look out elsewhere as I have no doubt the best fish are yet to be caught.\n    \nYou would probably like to know how Oliver looks. I will give you his appearance as he looked when he retuned from preaching yesterday. His hair is long and black, his whiskers as black as a coal, his long mustaches black as you please, give him quite a dignified appearance. He has grown taller than he was last fall and his belly shows the effects of buttermilk and its rising qualities. It puts one in mind of a toad that has just swallowed a snake. I tell him that he will crack open like Gid Hollister's sheep and let the tallow out, if he don't refrain from the use of buttermilk as a beverage tea totally and entirely.  You must write as soon as you get this, as the Lord only knows whether I shall stay round here and longer than this quarter and I hardly believe he does for I alter my mind so often. Tell Aunt Amarilli's that she must not entirely forget the Yankee boys in the Old Dominion. That she must take time to give us a few lines of motherly advice as now is the time that we need it. I often think of her and her counsel and if I was religious I would put up a prayer for her but as I am not I will send my love. Also a huge slice to little Albie with half a dozen kisses.","Give my love to all my kith and kiss and make a bow to deacon Albernatha for me the first time you see him. Tell Mrs. Garret that I am well and I hope she is the same. I shall answer Father's letter in about a week. Tell him to have his pen sharpened as to answer instantly. \nFrom your brother \nGiles Gunn","Lexington, Va \nMarch 15th, 1850","Dear Mary and Susan, \nYour letter has been on hand over a week but if you do not get time to write when you go to school. What do you think of a poor fellow who has the charge of a school and you want to know what I am doing? Well not much of any thing.  In the morning I go to the school house about eight o'clock at half past I commence school. Then comes hearing lessons that they have had to learn over night. This is the first thing and it generally takes me about an hour and a half for I have all the lessons learned out of school. After I get through with this I hear them all read then I have a class in Arithmetic after that I spell and then it is noon. In the afternoon I hear them read all round. Then I have a class in passing then a class in arithmetic and spell and get through about five. Though in the time I have two recesses of half an hour and a noon spell of an hour and a half. The history of one day is the history of every day for it is always necessary to have the work go on as regular as clock work and that makes the children regular. Mary if you go to teaching school begin right at first make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong. If I was you I would never whip unless absolutely necessary, make them set on the floor it hurts a great deal worse than whipping if they refuse to some do not tell them half a dozen times but take them by the hair and drop them one or two [?] in this way will be a lesson, that the whole school will remember. Never threaten without performing. Always be regular. Follow these rules so far as you go and they will reach and you need have no fear of succeeding. Explain your lessons as much as you can, for you can learn as much in one day by talking it to the as they will learn in a week from the book.  Get ambition in your school by some means. I have not a scholar in school but if they get down in the class they will cry and I have some grown. Always make it a practice to review once a week all they have learned that week and once a month for the month. Susan what do you intend to do this summer? You said nothing about your prospects. I have been almost sorry that I came home last summer, if I had not I would come this and go to school to Uncle Fred. I would like to study surveying and some other things. You should have wrapped your flower seeds in something if they were in the letter when I got it for I lost them out in the dirt as I opened it as I walked along. I hope by this time Aunt Amarilis and Don will be well. Since I wrote to father two have died right close to my schoolhouse and three more have been taken sick. I am up watching almost every night for everybody round here are afraid of the fever. In some of the houses there is no once goes in through the week but the Dr. and me.  How is Louis now. You must both of you write to me so soon as you can and let me know what is going on for I have no correspondent in Washington except at home. How many scholars have Uncle Fred. Send me some more seeds if you can find any but wrap them up better. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Tell Father that I received two newspapers from him this week for which he has my thanks.  Has Oliver got around there yet? Write soon. Be good girls and don't forget \nGiles","[Hand-written upside down at the top of this page] \nDo not read Sam's letter but see how he likes it and tell me the next time you write","Lexington, Va \nJan 6th 1851","Dear Mary \nYour letter was duly received about a week ago and as it was in Christmas times I think I shall be excusable that I did not answer it sooner. I have let out school 8 days for Christmas holidays and tomorrow morning I shall again commence beating the brats. I have got almost tired of the business and think this is the last winter I shall work at it in this country.  ","They had a monstrous fuss round here the other day. A letter was found in the road \"purporting to be from one niggar to another holding forth that on such a night they were to rise. 300 men were to attack the Military Institute and get possession of the 20,000 stand of arms in the arsenal there. Then they were to walk into the city of Lexington killing all they could get hold of\". You had better believe that it made some stir.  he  militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this. The blacks must have no chance to make a beginning and they know this. I think the letter was a hoax written by some one to see what they could do, but if it was written by a niggar, it was by some one who knew the state of things at the Institute well and if their plans had succeeded it would have been right hard to stop.  ","\nI has been right dull times this Christmas not more than three or four frolicks all the times I wish I could drop in there and see how you all look but I do not think you would any of you know me. I have altered a good deal in the last six months.  ","How does Uncle Sherman and Sam do this winter? Do you like to live there? How is Aunt Jennette heal and all of Uncle Truman's folks? How is Grandfather's folks? All well and how does he stand the times? I meant to write a letter to Father before this time but there is nothing going on here that will interest him when there is I shall write to him.  \n    \nTell Susan that I want her to write to me, and I will answer it, but if she don't write soon I will get mad and write a long one to her.","Ellen I suppose is still in New Preston and Oliver is peddling. How does Sam do this winter and is he going to school? Has Father got all of his thrashing done and h9ow is his health?","There is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  ","Give my love to all inquiring friends let me know all the news at home when you write. Farewell. \nGod's blessings attend you \nFrom your brother \nG. Gunn","Dear Molly, \nI have received your letter this very day and am determined for once to toe the mark. I have just seated myself and if I don't get to tired I intend to give you and Sue a piece of my mind even if it be a very small broken piece.","1stly I am still pedagoguing and I tell you it goes mightily against the grain such a day as today for it is one of the pleasantest days I ever knew. The thermometer at noon was nearly up to summer heat at noon and I had no fire in the schoolhouse. My school consists of about forty scholars most of them large boys some of them taller than I am. I have enjoyed myself first rate so far especially in bad weather but when it is fine I intend to do the best I can but I long to be out aboard of the old pump wagon scouring the country. It gives a person a chance to see the world and though it may make me wild now when I come to settle down, I shall put on as long a face as I deacon.","2ndly. Ol. (though I had ought to have put him first) is now in Randolph County which is about one hundred and fifty miles west or northwest from here. He has been gone now about three weeks and I do not much expect him back before the middle or last of March. It is a great region there for pumps. I intend to go there as soon as my school is out and shall probably be there off and on the greater part of the summer.  ","The people around here are getting up to murdering. Last August in Staunton a man was found dead in his bed with his head staved in with a hammer. In December they hung a man for it and he died protesting his innocence; day after tomorrow they are to hang another man as his accomplice who as yet declares himself innocent.","They were both convicted by another man who turned states evidence; and it is now the  general opinion that he did the deed himself.","Two weeks last Sunday was noted in Lexington for a tragedy worse than that. It seems that a young man by the name of Christian had engaged the company of a young lady to go to preaching. She was advised not to go with him by a cousin of hers, a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. Christian (who was a law student) found out who it was and prepared himself with weapons and on Sunday night waited till he saw Blackburn the Cadet come into the church with a lady then he stepped up and touched him requesting to say a word to him. He took him out into the street and by his tale demanded of him to retract what he had said upon Blackburn's refusing so to do he let in on him and before any one could interfere had stabbed him in several places and cut his throat from ear to ear with a bowie knife and killed him so dead that he never kicked. Christian then went and delivered himself up to the authorities and it is now the general opinion that he will get clear as the prosecution was so great. You see how nice a sense of humor the southerners have. In law here if our man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation.  ","I reckon you have heard enough about murders if not I could tell you of some half dozen more that have happened in this region during the last six week. I do not expect I will come home this summer. I wish you were here to take my school when it is out. Virge says \"do tell her to come down here and I will go back with her when she wants to go\". Hess is not at home but will be next Saturday (if I can get time to go after her).","If mother has that carnation rooted if she will send it over to John's he will attend to it and give it to Bob Dunlap before he come home.\n    \nI bought a cooking stove for Mr. Morrison in NY last August and last week it got here. If you want to come on here you can come with Bob. I know he will take good care of you.","Where is Father going to plant and how is his health?  Have you had much cold weather this winter? Give my best love to Father and Mother and Sam and tell Sam I want to hear from him before long.","I shall write to Jen as often as you write to me whilst I am teaching school but farther than that I can't answer for. Ol was down to Bransons during Christmas they were all well.  ","Give me love to Louis if you are still up there. My candle is out. Write soon and give me all your news. \nYour brother \nGiles Gunn","PS Virge says tell him I am wearing carpet as strong as a horse \n(Don't you believe that-Virge)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eGiles Gunn papers, MS 0292, Virginia Military\n            Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers, MS 0292, Virginia Military\n            Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVMI commencement\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards commencement at the VMI and a speech by the governor of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes communion at a local church.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a local law student.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:\n VMI commencement A detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction A description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants References to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection A discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards commencement at the VMI and a speech by the governor of Virginia.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes communion at a local church.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a local law student."],"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_4b69e904f0eac0cc1658da5c7475032f\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":5,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:09.980Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_615.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00030.xml","title_ssm":["Giles Gunn papers"],"title_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1848-1854"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1848-1854"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"text":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615","Giles Gunn papers","Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","This collection is available online","Giles Gunn was born on December 19, 1825 in Connecticut, most likely in Washington, Litchfield County. He was the son of John Northrup Gunn, Jr. (1798-1883) and Lora Smith (1800-1841), who were married on June 16, 1819. ","By 1848, Gunn was working as a teacher in Lexington, Virginia, where he married Virginia W. Morrison of Rockbridge County on December 19, 1859. Birth records indicate that the couple had several children, all born in Rockbridge: Lora (1860-?), Johnella (1871-?), Effa (or Effie) (1875-?), Fred (187?-?). This listing of children may not be complete. ","Gunn died on November 24, 1892. No other biographical information was available at the time the collection was processed.","Lexington, VA \nJuly 8th, 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nHaving a few spare moments I will improve them by commencing a letter to you and if I get it begun I know that I shall finish it some time or other. ","You are at school I suppose taking in learning in junks as big as my fist and then to settle it go home and trot little May on your knee. Wa'll there is nothing like improvement \"go it while you are young\", if I could live over my life again I would study and no mistake. Oliver is well or was last Sunday he was down here and as fine as a new band boy, it would make you laugh and no mistake to see him try to drink buttermilk. The people here use that as \"the drink\" as much as we do water, if you should drop into where he is about noon, you would find him seated on a stump with what is call a \"corn dogger\" in his hand that is made of indian meal wet up with water and baked in the ashes and is his other  hand a gourd of buttermilk that is as thick as ice cream, on this he is growing fat, it is enough to make any one grin their eye teeth out, to see what a pretty face he makes as he devours this tempting feast. He looks as though he would have \"snake and mild\" that father used to tell of before it.","I suppose that you are all well. It is healthy here I have not heard of half a dozen deaths since I have been round here. The farmers have all finished harvest and never was better weather but it has rained now two days and looks as though it meant to keep it up.  ","Last Tuesday was the fourth of July. I left out school and went into town. It was commencement day at the Virginia Military Institute and the Governor of the State was there to sign the diplomas attended by the State Brass Band.  The cadets marched from the Institute which is about half of a mile from the town preceded by the band which consisted of about a dozen old rusty looking fellows that blew a soul stirring march with fury enough to wake the dead and make live ones hold their ears. The cadets were about 90 in number dressed in gray coats with skirts about as wide as my hand an 8 inches long and white pants, they are a good looking company and after going through with their evolutions they marched into the meeting house then the cadets made several speeches in praise of war of the institute telling what her sons had done on the plains of Mexico and with what pride the people ought to cherish it.  After they were all through, Gov. Smith was introduced.  He was received with much applause and with many bows commenced. He was just about as venerable looking a man as Uncle Gersham  Finn. He said \"that he was happy to be called upon to give advice to young men like them just entering upon life and the first thing that he wished them to do was to hope for a bright day for tomorrow. The next thing that he advised them to do was to get married no young man could be any thing till he was married.  He never heard of a smart man that was a bachelor, (never heard of John Randolph) never knew of a quarrel to take place between a man and a woman but the man was to blame.  He had lived a long life and was capable of giving advice to young men as a father to his children. There was two books that he would recommend to all young men The first was the Bible, the next Shakespeare, all young men should read and profit by both\" and so he went on in a regular stirring speech praising the ladies then telling the young men they must not try to win them by flattery for they were rational beings and despised flattery. He went into the praise of Va, he said that while other states were progressing in dollars Va was progressing in the mind, and so he went on in a soul stirring amid cheers that were deafening. This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race.","My knife is just about as good as a tool one would be.  Tell father if he will send by Orve Platt to Litchfield and get one of the Holleys pen knives I will pay him for his trouble, get on about the size of this if he can. If he can find more of Holleys send me a good hard one of somebodies that is sharp to begin with and I will send him another dollar as soon as I receive it. ","I have got some flower seeds and will send them one of these days, my school is half out and then I don't know what I shall do, whether I shall come home or stay, or\nThere is no news stirring here not so much as a weeding, it is too hot even for that. Give my love to all and write soon, have you heard anything of Julia yet and where is she, I expect a letter from home at the office if it is there I will put a mark on the outside of this to let you know it is rec'd. ","I have not got a letter from Mrs. Garnett yet if she has written send no word. \nFrom your brother, \nGiles Gunn","Westwood, Lexington, Va \nSunday, Aug 13th 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nYour letter came to hand a week ago but I have not had time to answer it till now. I got one from Father last night dated the first day of Aug. I can't see why they are so long coming through; some of the time they have got to me in four days from the time they are dated. There is not much news stirring in these parts, mighty still time. About eight miles from here is a sacrament (quite a rare thing in this country) today, I had intended to go but as it is rainy I shall stay at home. You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says \"may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification\", thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, on wine then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a  prayer and these rise and make room for another table full thus they go it till all have had a bite then they call upon the colored brethren, on past of the ministers do to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in at the window Monday Night Oliver and Loveridge came here just after I begun to write as I had to put it off. Oliver sends his best love to all and to you in particular. The Doctor that I board with has sold his place and the new owner has moved on; he has six children. The two oldest girls, one eighteen and the other sixteen. They have a piano and are just thundering at it all of the time. They made just about as much music as the cow that Ralph Smith had. The house is a large one, but for all that we are thick as three in a bed. There are thirty three in all black and white in the establishment for the kitchen is a part of the house. I am going to the mountains in a few weeks to hunt for deer and I expect I will have some fun.  ","There was a sale here the other day of the Doctor's goods and the way the liquor flew want to be beat. The raw material was set before them by the pail full and two thirds of those assembled went home scarcely able to set on their horse. Is all that spree of marrying over. I was coming home expecting to find Lev All, Sam Hollister, John Hine, Jim Mitchen with a baby on each knee and rocking a cradle with each foot, if they don't look out their day of grace will soon be over. If Uncle Andrew don't get married now he has got to quit having his sprees. If the boys had any life they would plague him till he would butt his brains out against a pumpkin or leave the world and climb a tree. If the girls are all engaged let me know and I will look out elsewhere as I have no doubt the best fish are yet to be caught.\n    \nYou would probably like to know how Oliver looks. I will give you his appearance as he looked when he retuned from preaching yesterday. His hair is long and black, his whiskers as black as a coal, his long mustaches black as you please, give him quite a dignified appearance. He has grown taller than he was last fall and his belly shows the effects of buttermilk and its rising qualities. It puts one in mind of a toad that has just swallowed a snake. I tell him that he will crack open like Gid Hollister's sheep and let the tallow out, if he don't refrain from the use of buttermilk as a beverage tea totally and entirely.  You must write as soon as you get this, as the Lord only knows whether I shall stay round here and longer than this quarter and I hardly believe he does for I alter my mind so often. Tell Aunt Amarilli's that she must not entirely forget the Yankee boys in the Old Dominion. That she must take time to give us a few lines of motherly advice as now is the time that we need it. I often think of her and her counsel and if I was religious I would put up a prayer for her but as I am not I will send my love. Also a huge slice to little Albie with half a dozen kisses.","Give my love to all my kith and kiss and make a bow to deacon Albernatha for me the first time you see him. Tell Mrs. Garret that I am well and I hope she is the same. I shall answer Father's letter in about a week. Tell him to have his pen sharpened as to answer instantly. \nFrom your brother \nGiles Gunn","Lexington, Va \nMarch 15th, 1850","Dear Mary and Susan, \nYour letter has been on hand over a week but if you do not get time to write when you go to school. What do you think of a poor fellow who has the charge of a school and you want to know what I am doing? Well not much of any thing.  In the morning I go to the school house about eight o'clock at half past I commence school. Then comes hearing lessons that they have had to learn over night. This is the first thing and it generally takes me about an hour and a half for I have all the lessons learned out of school. After I get through with this I hear them all read then I have a class in Arithmetic after that I spell and then it is noon. In the afternoon I hear them read all round. Then I have a class in passing then a class in arithmetic and spell and get through about five. Though in the time I have two recesses of half an hour and a noon spell of an hour and a half. The history of one day is the history of every day for it is always necessary to have the work go on as regular as clock work and that makes the children regular. Mary if you go to teaching school begin right at first make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong. If I was you I would never whip unless absolutely necessary, make them set on the floor it hurts a great deal worse than whipping if they refuse to some do not tell them half a dozen times but take them by the hair and drop them one or two [?] in this way will be a lesson, that the whole school will remember. Never threaten without performing. Always be regular. Follow these rules so far as you go and they will reach and you need have no fear of succeeding. Explain your lessons as much as you can, for you can learn as much in one day by talking it to the as they will learn in a week from the book.  Get ambition in your school by some means. I have not a scholar in school but if they get down in the class they will cry and I have some grown. Always make it a practice to review once a week all they have learned that week and once a month for the month. Susan what do you intend to do this summer? You said nothing about your prospects. I have been almost sorry that I came home last summer, if I had not I would come this and go to school to Uncle Fred. I would like to study surveying and some other things. You should have wrapped your flower seeds in something if they were in the letter when I got it for I lost them out in the dirt as I opened it as I walked along. I hope by this time Aunt Amarilis and Don will be well. Since I wrote to father two have died right close to my schoolhouse and three more have been taken sick. I am up watching almost every night for everybody round here are afraid of the fever. In some of the houses there is no once goes in through the week but the Dr. and me.  How is Louis now. You must both of you write to me so soon as you can and let me know what is going on for I have no correspondent in Washington except at home. How many scholars have Uncle Fred. Send me some more seeds if you can find any but wrap them up better. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Tell Father that I received two newspapers from him this week for which he has my thanks.  Has Oliver got around there yet? Write soon. Be good girls and don't forget \nGiles","[Hand-written upside down at the top of this page] \nDo not read Sam's letter but see how he likes it and tell me the next time you write","Lexington, Va \nJan 6th 1851","Dear Mary \nYour letter was duly received about a week ago and as it was in Christmas times I think I shall be excusable that I did not answer it sooner. I have let out school 8 days for Christmas holidays and tomorrow morning I shall again commence beating the brats. I have got almost tired of the business and think this is the last winter I shall work at it in this country.  ","They had a monstrous fuss round here the other day. A letter was found in the road \"purporting to be from one niggar to another holding forth that on such a night they were to rise. 300 men were to attack the Military Institute and get possession of the 20,000 stand of arms in the arsenal there. Then they were to walk into the city of Lexington killing all they could get hold of\". You had better believe that it made some stir.  he  militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this. The blacks must have no chance to make a beginning and they know this. I think the letter was a hoax written by some one to see what they could do, but if it was written by a niggar, it was by some one who knew the state of things at the Institute well and if their plans had succeeded it would have been right hard to stop.  ","\nI has been right dull times this Christmas not more than three or four frolicks all the times I wish I could drop in there and see how you all look but I do not think you would any of you know me. I have altered a good deal in the last six months.  ","How does Uncle Sherman and Sam do this winter? Do you like to live there? How is Aunt Jennette heal and all of Uncle Truman's folks? How is Grandfather's folks? All well and how does he stand the times? I meant to write a letter to Father before this time but there is nothing going on here that will interest him when there is I shall write to him.  \n    \nTell Susan that I want her to write to me, and I will answer it, but if she don't write soon I will get mad and write a long one to her.","Ellen I suppose is still in New Preston and Oliver is peddling. How does Sam do this winter and is he going to school? Has Father got all of his thrashing done and h9ow is his health?","There is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  ","Give my love to all inquiring friends let me know all the news at home when you write. Farewell. \nGod's blessings attend you \nFrom your brother \nG. Gunn","Dear Molly, \nI have received your letter this very day and am determined for once to toe the mark. I have just seated myself and if I don't get to tired I intend to give you and Sue a piece of my mind even if it be a very small broken piece.","1stly I am still pedagoguing and I tell you it goes mightily against the grain such a day as today for it is one of the pleasantest days I ever knew. The thermometer at noon was nearly up to summer heat at noon and I had no fire in the schoolhouse. My school consists of about forty scholars most of them large boys some of them taller than I am. I have enjoyed myself first rate so far especially in bad weather but when it is fine I intend to do the best I can but I long to be out aboard of the old pump wagon scouring the country. It gives a person a chance to see the world and though it may make me wild now when I come to settle down, I shall put on as long a face as I deacon.","2ndly. Ol. (though I had ought to have put him first) is now in Randolph County which is about one hundred and fifty miles west or northwest from here. He has been gone now about three weeks and I do not much expect him back before the middle or last of March. It is a great region there for pumps. I intend to go there as soon as my school is out and shall probably be there off and on the greater part of the summer.  ","The people around here are getting up to murdering. Last August in Staunton a man was found dead in his bed with his head staved in with a hammer. In December they hung a man for it and he died protesting his innocence; day after tomorrow they are to hang another man as his accomplice who as yet declares himself innocent.","They were both convicted by another man who turned states evidence; and it is now the  general opinion that he did the deed himself.","Two weeks last Sunday was noted in Lexington for a tragedy worse than that. It seems that a young man by the name of Christian had engaged the company of a young lady to go to preaching. She was advised not to go with him by a cousin of hers, a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. Christian (who was a law student) found out who it was and prepared himself with weapons and on Sunday night waited till he saw Blackburn the Cadet come into the church with a lady then he stepped up and touched him requesting to say a word to him. He took him out into the street and by his tale demanded of him to retract what he had said upon Blackburn's refusing so to do he let in on him and before any one could interfere had stabbed him in several places and cut his throat from ear to ear with a bowie knife and killed him so dead that he never kicked. Christian then went and delivered himself up to the authorities and it is now the general opinion that he will get clear as the prosecution was so great. You see how nice a sense of humor the southerners have. In law here if our man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation.  ","I reckon you have heard enough about murders if not I could tell you of some half dozen more that have happened in this region during the last six week. I do not expect I will come home this summer. I wish you were here to take my school when it is out. Virge says \"do tell her to come down here and I will go back with her when she wants to go\". Hess is not at home but will be next Saturday (if I can get time to go after her).","If mother has that carnation rooted if she will send it over to John's he will attend to it and give it to Bob Dunlap before he come home.\n    \nI bought a cooking stove for Mr. Morrison in NY last August and last week it got here. If you want to come on here you can come with Bob. I know he will take good care of you.","Where is Father going to plant and how is his health?  Have you had much cold weather this winter? Give my best love to Father and Mother and Sam and tell Sam I want to hear from him before long.","I shall write to Jen as often as you write to me whilst I am teaching school but farther than that I can't answer for. Ol was down to Bransons during Christmas they were all well.  ","Give me love to Louis if you are still up there. My candle is out. Write soon and give me all your news. \nYour brother \nGiles Gunn","PS Virge says tell him I am wearing carpet as strong as a horse \n(Don't you believe that-Virge)","This collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:\n VMI commencement A detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction A description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants References to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection A discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards commencement at the VMI and a speech by the governor of Virginia.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes communion at a local church.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a local law student.","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","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Giles Gunn papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers"],"collection_ssim":["Giles Gunn papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century"],"geogname_ssim":["Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century"],"creator_ssm":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creators_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"places_ssim":["Lexington (Va.) -- Schools -- 19th century"],"access_terms_ssm":["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."],"acqinfo_ssim":["The Giles Gunn papers were donated to the Virginia\n            Military Institute in 1933 by Mary Maigret, Gunn's\n            niece."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["5 items"],"extent_tesim":["5 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1153\"\u003eThis collection is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This collection is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eGiles Gunn was born on December 19, 1825 in Connecticut, most likely in Washington, Litchfield County. He was the son of John Northrup Gunn, Jr. (1798-1883) and Lora Smith (1800-1841), who were married on June 16, 1819. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy 1848, Gunn was working as a teacher in Lexington, Virginia, where he married Virginia W. Morrison of Rockbridge County on December 19, 1859. Birth records indicate that the couple had several children, all born in Rockbridge: Lora (1860-?), Johnella (1871-?), Effa (or Effie) (1875-?), Fred (187?-?). This listing of children may not be complete. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGunn died on November 24, 1892. No other biographical information was available at the time the collection was processed.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Giles Gunn was born on December 19, 1825 in Connecticut, most likely in Washington, Litchfield County. He was the son of John Northrup Gunn, Jr. (1798-1883) and Lora Smith (1800-1841), who were married on June 16, 1819. ","By 1848, Gunn was working as a teacher in Lexington, Virginia, where he married Virginia W. Morrison of Rockbridge County on December 19, 1859. Birth records indicate that the couple had several children, all born in Rockbridge: Lora (1860-?), Johnella (1871-?), Effa (or Effie) (1875-?), Fred (187?-?). This listing of children may not be complete. ","Gunn died on November 24, 1892. No other biographical information was available at the time the collection was processed."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLexington, VA\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 8th, 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Mary,\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving a few spare moments I will improve them by commencing a letter to you and if I get it begun I know that I shall finish it some time or other. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are at school I suppose taking in learning in junks as big as my fist and then to settle it go home and trot little May on your knee. Wa'll there is nothing like improvement \"go it while you are young\", if I could live over my life again I would study and no mistake. Oliver is well or was last Sunday he was down here and as fine as a new band boy, it would make you laugh and no mistake to see him try to drink buttermilk. The people here use that as \"the drink\" as much as we do water, if you should drop into where he is about noon, you would find him seated on a stump with what is call a \"corn dogger\" in his hand that is made of indian meal wet up with water and baked in the ashes and is his other  hand a gourd of buttermilk that is as thick as ice cream, on this he is growing fat, it is enough to make any one grin their eye teeth out, to see what a pretty face he makes as he devours this tempting feast. He looks as though he would have \"snake and mild\" that father used to tell of before it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suppose that you are all well. It is healthy here I have not heard of half a dozen deaths since I have been round here. The farmers have all finished harvest and never was better weather but it has rained now two days and looks as though it meant to keep it up.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast Tuesday was the fourth of July. I left out school and went into town. It was commencement day at the Virginia Military Institute and the Governor of the State was there to sign the diplomas attended by the State Brass Band.  The cadets marched from the Institute which is about half of a mile from the town preceded by the band which consisted of about a dozen old rusty looking fellows that blew a soul stirring march with fury enough to wake the dead and make live ones hold their ears. The cadets were about 90 in number dressed in gray coats with skirts about as wide as my hand an 8 inches long and white pants, they are a good looking company and after going through with their evolutions they marched into the meeting house then the cadets made several speeches in praise of war of the institute telling what her sons had done on the plains of Mexico and with what pride the people ought to cherish it.  After they were all through, Gov. Smith was introduced.  He was received with much applause and with many bows commenced. He was just about as venerable looking a man as Uncle Gersham  Finn. He said \"that he was happy to be called upon to give advice to young men like them just entering upon life and the first thing that he wished them to do was to hope for a bright day for tomorrow. The next thing that he advised them to do was to get married no young man could be any thing till he was married.  He never heard of a smart man that was a bachelor, (never heard of John Randolph) never knew of a quarrel to take place between a man and a woman but the man was to blame.  He had lived a long life and was capable of giving advice to young men as a father to his children. There was two books that he would recommend to all young men The first was the Bible, the next Shakespeare, all young men should read and profit by both\" and so he went on in a regular stirring speech praising the ladies then telling the young men they must not try to win them by flattery for they were rational beings and despised flattery. He went into the praise of Va, he said that while other states were progressing in dollars Va was progressing in the mind, and so he went on in a soul stirring amid cheers that were deafening. This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy knife is just about as good as a tool one would be.  Tell father if he will send by Orve Platt to Litchfield and get one of the Holleys pen knives I will pay him for his trouble, get on about the size of this if he can. If he can find more of Holleys send me a good hard one of somebodies that is sharp to begin with and I will send him another dollar as soon as I receive it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have got some flower seeds and will send them one of these days, my school is half out and then I don't know what I shall do, whether I shall come home or stay, or\nThere is no news stirring here not so much as a weeding, it is too hot even for that. Give my love to all and write soon, have you heard anything of Julia yet and where is she, I expect a letter from home at the office if it is there I will put a mark on the outside of this to let you know it is rec'd. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not got a letter from Mrs. Garnett yet if she has written send no word.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your brother,\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles Gunn\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWestwood, Lexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nSunday, Aug 13th 1848\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Mary,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came to hand a week ago but I have not had time to answer it till now. I got one from Father last night dated the first day of Aug. I can't see why they are so long coming through; some of the time they have got to me in four days from the time they are dated. There is not much news stirring in these parts, mighty still time. About eight miles from here is a sacrament (quite a rare thing in this country) today, I had intended to go but as it is rainy I shall stay at home. You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says \"may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification\", thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, on wine then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a  prayer and these rise and make room for another table full thus they go it till all have had a bite then they call upon the colored brethren, on past of the ministers do to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in at the window Monday Night Oliver and Loveridge came here just after I begun to write as I had to put it off. Oliver sends his best love to all and to you in particular. The Doctor that I board with has sold his place and the new owner has moved on; he has six children. The two oldest girls, one eighteen and the other sixteen. They have a piano and are just thundering at it all of the time. They made just about as much music as the cow that Ralph Smith had. The house is a large one, but for all that we are thick as three in a bed. There are thirty three in all black and white in the establishment for the kitchen is a part of the house. I am going to the mountains in a few weeks to hunt for deer and I expect I will have some fun.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was a sale here the other day of the Doctor's goods and the way the liquor flew want to be beat. The raw material was set before them by the pail full and two thirds of those assembled went home scarcely able to set on their horse. Is all that spree of marrying over. I was coming home expecting to find Lev All, Sam Hollister, John Hine, Jim Mitchen with a baby on each knee and rocking a cradle with each foot, if they don't look out their day of grace will soon be over. If Uncle Andrew don't get married now he has got to quit having his sprees. If the boys had any life they would plague him till he would butt his brains out against a pumpkin or leave the world and climb a tree. If the girls are all engaged let me know and I will look out elsewhere as I have no doubt the best fish are yet to be caught.\n    \nYou would probably like to know how Oliver looks. I will give you his appearance as he looked when he retuned from preaching yesterday. His hair is long and black, his whiskers as black as a coal, his long mustaches black as you please, give him quite a dignified appearance. He has grown taller than he was last fall and his belly shows the effects of buttermilk and its rising qualities. It puts one in mind of a toad that has just swallowed a snake. I tell him that he will crack open like Gid Hollister's sheep and let the tallow out, if he don't refrain from the use of buttermilk as a beverage tea totally and entirely.  You must write as soon as you get this, as the Lord only knows whether I shall stay round here and longer than this quarter and I hardly believe he does for I alter my mind so often. Tell Aunt Amarilli's that she must not entirely forget the Yankee boys in the Old Dominion. That she must take time to give us a few lines of motherly advice as now is the time that we need it. I often think of her and her counsel and if I was religious I would put up a prayer for her but as I am not I will send my love. Also a huge slice to little Albie with half a dozen kisses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all my kith and kiss and make a bow to deacon Albernatha for me the first time you see him. Tell Mrs. Garret that I am well and I hope she is the same. I shall answer Father's letter in about a week. Tell him to have his pen sharpened as to answer instantly.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles Gunn\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15th, 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mary and Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter has been on hand over a week but if you do not get time to write when you go to school. What do you think of a poor fellow who has the charge of a school and you want to know what I am doing? Well not much of any thing.  In the morning I go to the school house about eight o'clock at half past I commence school. Then comes hearing lessons that they have had to learn over night. This is the first thing and it generally takes me about an hour and a half for I have all the lessons learned out of school. After I get through with this I hear them all read then I have a class in Arithmetic after that I spell and then it is noon. In the afternoon I hear them read all round. Then I have a class in passing then a class in arithmetic and spell and get through about five. Though in the time I have two recesses of half an hour and a noon spell of an hour and a half. The history of one day is the history of every day for it is always necessary to have the work go on as regular as clock work and that makes the children regular. Mary if you go to teaching school begin right at first make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong. If I was you I would never whip unless absolutely necessary, make them set on the floor it hurts a great deal worse than whipping if they refuse to some do not tell them half a dozen times but take them by the hair and drop them one or two [?] in this way will be a lesson, that the whole school will remember. Never threaten without performing. Always be regular. Follow these rules so far as you go and they will reach and you need have no fear of succeeding. Explain your lessons as much as you can, for you can learn as much in one day by talking it to the as they will learn in a week from the book.  Get ambition in your school by some means. I have not a scholar in school but if they get down in the class they will cry and I have some grown. Always make it a practice to review once a week all they have learned that week and once a month for the month. Susan what do you intend to do this summer? You said nothing about your prospects. I have been almost sorry that I came home last summer, if I had not I would come this and go to school to Uncle Fred. I would like to study surveying and some other things. You should have wrapped your flower seeds in something if they were in the letter when I got it for I lost them out in the dirt as I opened it as I walked along. I hope by this time Aunt Amarilis and Don will be well. Since I wrote to father two have died right close to my schoolhouse and three more have been taken sick. I am up watching almost every night for everybody round here are afraid of the fever. In some of the houses there is no once goes in through the week but the Dr. and me.  How is Louis now. You must both of you write to me so soon as you can and let me know what is going on for I have no correspondent in Washington except at home. How many scholars have Uncle Fred. Send me some more seeds if you can find any but wrap them up better. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Tell Father that I received two newspapers from him this week for which he has my thanks.  Has Oliver got around there yet? Write soon. Be good girls and don't forget\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Hand-written upside down at the top of this page]\u003cbr\u003e\nDo not read Sam's letter but see how he likes it and tell me the next time you write\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJan 6th 1851\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mary\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter was duly received about a week ago and as it was in Christmas times I think I shall be excusable that I did not answer it sooner. I have let out school 8 days for Christmas holidays and tomorrow morning I shall again commence beating the brats. I have got almost tired of the business and think this is the last winter I shall work at it in this country.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey had a monstrous fuss round here the other day. A letter was found in the road \"purporting to be from one niggar to another holding forth that on such a night they were to rise. 300 men were to attack the Military Institute and get possession of the 20,000 stand of arms in the arsenal there. Then they were to walk into the city of Lexington killing all they could get hold of\". You had better believe that it made some stir.  he  militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this. The blacks must have no chance to make a beginning and they know this. I think the letter was a hoax written by some one to see what they could do, but if it was written by a niggar, it was by some one who knew the state of things at the Institute well and if their plans had succeeded it would have been right hard to stop.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\nI has been right dull times this Christmas not more than three or four frolicks all the times I wish I could drop in there and see how you all look but I do not think you would any of you know me. I have altered a good deal in the last six months.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHow does Uncle Sherman and Sam do this winter? Do you like to live there? How is Aunt Jennette heal and all of Uncle Truman's folks? How is Grandfather's folks? All well and how does he stand the times? I meant to write a letter to Father before this time but there is nothing going on here that will interest him when there is I shall write to him.  \n    \nTell Susan that I want her to write to me, and I will answer it, but if she don't write soon I will get mad and write a long one to her.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEllen I suppose is still in New Preston and Oliver is peddling. How does Sam do this winter and is he going to school? Has Father got all of his thrashing done and h9ow is his health?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all inquiring friends let me know all the news at home when you write. Farewell.\u003cbr\u003e\nGod's blessings attend you\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nG. Gunn\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Molly,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have received your letter this very day and am determined for once to toe the mark. I have just seated myself and if I don't get to tired I intend to give you and Sue a piece of my mind even if it be a very small broken piece.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1stly I am still pedagoguing and I tell you it goes mightily against the grain such a day as today for it is one of the pleasantest days I ever knew. The thermometer at noon was nearly up to summer heat at noon and I had no fire in the schoolhouse. My school consists of about forty scholars most of them large boys some of them taller than I am. I have enjoyed myself first rate so far especially in bad weather but when it is fine I intend to do the best I can but I long to be out aboard of the old pump wagon scouring the country. It gives a person a chance to see the world and though it may make me wild now when I come to settle down, I shall put on as long a face as I deacon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2ndly. Ol. (though I had ought to have put him first) is now in Randolph County which is about one hundred and fifty miles west or northwest from here. He has been gone now about three weeks and I do not much expect him back before the middle or last of March. It is a great region there for pumps. I intend to go there as soon as my school is out and shall probably be there off and on the greater part of the summer.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe people around here are getting up to murdering. Last August in Staunton a man was found dead in his bed with his head staved in with a hammer. In December they hung a man for it and he died protesting his innocence; day after tomorrow they are to hang another man as his accomplice who as yet declares himself innocent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey were both convicted by another man who turned states evidence; and it is now the  general opinion that he did the deed himself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTwo weeks last Sunday was noted in Lexington for a tragedy worse than that. It seems that a young man by the name of Christian had engaged the company of a young lady to go to preaching. She was advised not to go with him by a cousin of hers, a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. Christian (who was a law student) found out who it was and prepared himself with weapons and on Sunday night waited till he saw Blackburn the Cadet come into the church with a lady then he stepped up and touched him requesting to say a word to him. He took him out into the street and by his tale demanded of him to retract what he had said upon Blackburn's refusing so to do he let in on him and before any one could interfere had stabbed him in several places and cut his throat from ear to ear with a bowie knife and killed him so dead that he never kicked. Christian then went and delivered himself up to the authorities and it is now the general opinion that he will get clear as the prosecution was so great. You see how nice a sense of humor the southerners have. In law here if our man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI reckon you have heard enough about murders if not I could tell you of some half dozen more that have happened in this region during the last six week. I do not expect I will come home this summer. I wish you were here to take my school when it is out. Virge says \"do tell her to come down here and I will go back with her when she wants to go\". Hess is not at home but will be next Saturday (if I can get time to go after her).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf mother has that carnation rooted if she will send it over to John's he will attend to it and give it to Bob Dunlap before he come home.\n    \nI bought a cooking stove for Mr. Morrison in NY last August and last week it got here. If you want to come on here you can come with Bob. I know he will take good care of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhere is Father going to plant and how is his health?  Have you had much cold weather this winter? Give my best love to Father and Mother and Sam and tell Sam I want to hear from him before long.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall write to Jen as often as you write to me whilst I am teaching school but farther than that I can't answer for. Ol was down to Bransons during Christmas they were all well.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive me love to Louis if you are still up there. My candle is out. Write soon and give me all your news.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nGiles Gunn\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Virge says tell him I am wearing carpet as strong as a horse\u003cbr\u003e\n(Don't you believe that-Virge)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Lexington, VA \nJuly 8th, 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nHaving a few spare moments I will improve them by commencing a letter to you and if I get it begun I know that I shall finish it some time or other. ","You are at school I suppose taking in learning in junks as big as my fist and then to settle it go home and trot little May on your knee. Wa'll there is nothing like improvement \"go it while you are young\", if I could live over my life again I would study and no mistake. Oliver is well or was last Sunday he was down here and as fine as a new band boy, it would make you laugh and no mistake to see him try to drink buttermilk. The people here use that as \"the drink\" as much as we do water, if you should drop into where he is about noon, you would find him seated on a stump with what is call a \"corn dogger\" in his hand that is made of indian meal wet up with water and baked in the ashes and is his other  hand a gourd of buttermilk that is as thick as ice cream, on this he is growing fat, it is enough to make any one grin their eye teeth out, to see what a pretty face he makes as he devours this tempting feast. He looks as though he would have \"snake and mild\" that father used to tell of before it.","I suppose that you are all well. It is healthy here I have not heard of half a dozen deaths since I have been round here. The farmers have all finished harvest and never was better weather but it has rained now two days and looks as though it meant to keep it up.  ","Last Tuesday was the fourth of July. I left out school and went into town. It was commencement day at the Virginia Military Institute and the Governor of the State was there to sign the diplomas attended by the State Brass Band.  The cadets marched from the Institute which is about half of a mile from the town preceded by the band which consisted of about a dozen old rusty looking fellows that blew a soul stirring march with fury enough to wake the dead and make live ones hold their ears. The cadets were about 90 in number dressed in gray coats with skirts about as wide as my hand an 8 inches long and white pants, they are a good looking company and after going through with their evolutions they marched into the meeting house then the cadets made several speeches in praise of war of the institute telling what her sons had done on the plains of Mexico and with what pride the people ought to cherish it.  After they were all through, Gov. Smith was introduced.  He was received with much applause and with many bows commenced. He was just about as venerable looking a man as Uncle Gersham  Finn. He said \"that he was happy to be called upon to give advice to young men like them just entering upon life and the first thing that he wished them to do was to hope for a bright day for tomorrow. The next thing that he advised them to do was to get married no young man could be any thing till he was married.  He never heard of a smart man that was a bachelor, (never heard of John Randolph) never knew of a quarrel to take place between a man and a woman but the man was to blame.  He had lived a long life and was capable of giving advice to young men as a father to his children. There was two books that he would recommend to all young men The first was the Bible, the next Shakespeare, all young men should read and profit by both\" and so he went on in a regular stirring speech praising the ladies then telling the young men they must not try to win them by flattery for they were rational beings and despised flattery. He went into the praise of Va, he said that while other states were progressing in dollars Va was progressing in the mind, and so he went on in a soul stirring amid cheers that were deafening. This was my first sight of a real Gov. and it did not give me a very good opinion of the race.","My knife is just about as good as a tool one would be.  Tell father if he will send by Orve Platt to Litchfield and get one of the Holleys pen knives I will pay him for his trouble, get on about the size of this if he can. If he can find more of Holleys send me a good hard one of somebodies that is sharp to begin with and I will send him another dollar as soon as I receive it. ","I have got some flower seeds and will send them one of these days, my school is half out and then I don't know what I shall do, whether I shall come home or stay, or\nThere is no news stirring here not so much as a weeding, it is too hot even for that. Give my love to all and write soon, have you heard anything of Julia yet and where is she, I expect a letter from home at the office if it is there I will put a mark on the outside of this to let you know it is rec'd. ","I have not got a letter from Mrs. Garnett yet if she has written send no word. \nFrom your brother, \nGiles Gunn","Westwood, Lexington, Va \nSunday, Aug 13th 1848","Dear Sister Mary, \nYour letter came to hand a week ago but I have not had time to answer it till now. I got one from Father last night dated the first day of Aug. I can't see why they are so long coming through; some of the time they have got to me in four days from the time they are dated. There is not much news stirring in these parts, mighty still time. About eight miles from here is a sacrament (quite a rare thing in this country) today, I had intended to go but as it is rainy I shall stay at home. You would like to see them partake. A table is made in front of the pulpit and all that can get round it set down, then the minister at the head of the table cuts the bread, and blesses it, and gives it to another priest who takes it on one side of the table and passes it to each person and says \"may this emblem of the dying savior be blessed to your sanctification\", thus a minister on each side of the table goes through with his ceremony and the same motions over the blood, on wine then the head priest gives a short exhortation and a  prayer and these rise and make room for another table full thus they go it till all have had a bite then they call upon the colored brethren, on past of the ministers do to come down out of the gallery. In some of the churches they climb up to the gallery by a ladder on the outside and go in at the window Monday Night Oliver and Loveridge came here just after I begun to write as I had to put it off. Oliver sends his best love to all and to you in particular. The Doctor that I board with has sold his place and the new owner has moved on; he has six children. The two oldest girls, one eighteen and the other sixteen. They have a piano and are just thundering at it all of the time. They made just about as much music as the cow that Ralph Smith had. The house is a large one, but for all that we are thick as three in a bed. There are thirty three in all black and white in the establishment for the kitchen is a part of the house. I am going to the mountains in a few weeks to hunt for deer and I expect I will have some fun.  ","There was a sale here the other day of the Doctor's goods and the way the liquor flew want to be beat. The raw material was set before them by the pail full and two thirds of those assembled went home scarcely able to set on their horse. Is all that spree of marrying over. I was coming home expecting to find Lev All, Sam Hollister, John Hine, Jim Mitchen with a baby on each knee and rocking a cradle with each foot, if they don't look out their day of grace will soon be over. If Uncle Andrew don't get married now he has got to quit having his sprees. If the boys had any life they would plague him till he would butt his brains out against a pumpkin or leave the world and climb a tree. If the girls are all engaged let me know and I will look out elsewhere as I have no doubt the best fish are yet to be caught.\n    \nYou would probably like to know how Oliver looks. I will give you his appearance as he looked when he retuned from preaching yesterday. His hair is long and black, his whiskers as black as a coal, his long mustaches black as you please, give him quite a dignified appearance. He has grown taller than he was last fall and his belly shows the effects of buttermilk and its rising qualities. It puts one in mind of a toad that has just swallowed a snake. I tell him that he will crack open like Gid Hollister's sheep and let the tallow out, if he don't refrain from the use of buttermilk as a beverage tea totally and entirely.  You must write as soon as you get this, as the Lord only knows whether I shall stay round here and longer than this quarter and I hardly believe he does for I alter my mind so often. Tell Aunt Amarilli's that she must not entirely forget the Yankee boys in the Old Dominion. That she must take time to give us a few lines of motherly advice as now is the time that we need it. I often think of her and her counsel and if I was religious I would put up a prayer for her but as I am not I will send my love. Also a huge slice to little Albie with half a dozen kisses.","Give my love to all my kith and kiss and make a bow to deacon Albernatha for me the first time you see him. Tell Mrs. Garret that I am well and I hope she is the same. I shall answer Father's letter in about a week. Tell him to have his pen sharpened as to answer instantly. \nFrom your brother \nGiles Gunn","Lexington, Va \nMarch 15th, 1850","Dear Mary and Susan, \nYour letter has been on hand over a week but if you do not get time to write when you go to school. What do you think of a poor fellow who has the charge of a school and you want to know what I am doing? Well not much of any thing.  In the morning I go to the school house about eight o'clock at half past I commence school. Then comes hearing lessons that they have had to learn over night. This is the first thing and it generally takes me about an hour and a half for I have all the lessons learned out of school. After I get through with this I hear them all read then I have a class in Arithmetic after that I spell and then it is noon. In the afternoon I hear them read all round. Then I have a class in passing then a class in arithmetic and spell and get through about five. Though in the time I have two recesses of half an hour and a noon spell of an hour and a half. The history of one day is the history of every day for it is always necessary to have the work go on as regular as clock work and that makes the children regular. Mary if you go to teaching school begin right at first make them know that you are the master. If any thing comes up that you don't know never let the scholars see that you are at a loss. Give your opinion freely and if they show you a book different declare that you are right and the book wrong. If I was you I would never whip unless absolutely necessary, make them set on the floor it hurts a great deal worse than whipping if they refuse to some do not tell them half a dozen times but take them by the hair and drop them one or two [?] in this way will be a lesson, that the whole school will remember. Never threaten without performing. Always be regular. Follow these rules so far as you go and they will reach and you need have no fear of succeeding. Explain your lessons as much as you can, for you can learn as much in one day by talking it to the as they will learn in a week from the book.  Get ambition in your school by some means. I have not a scholar in school but if they get down in the class they will cry and I have some grown. Always make it a practice to review once a week all they have learned that week and once a month for the month. Susan what do you intend to do this summer? You said nothing about your prospects. I have been almost sorry that I came home last summer, if I had not I would come this and go to school to Uncle Fred. I would like to study surveying and some other things. You should have wrapped your flower seeds in something if they were in the letter when I got it for I lost them out in the dirt as I opened it as I walked along. I hope by this time Aunt Amarilis and Don will be well. Since I wrote to father two have died right close to my schoolhouse and three more have been taken sick. I am up watching almost every night for everybody round here are afraid of the fever. In some of the houses there is no once goes in through the week but the Dr. and me.  How is Louis now. You must both of you write to me so soon as you can and let me know what is going on for I have no correspondent in Washington except at home. How many scholars have Uncle Fred. Send me some more seeds if you can find any but wrap them up better. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Tell Father that I received two newspapers from him this week for which he has my thanks.  Has Oliver got around there yet? Write soon. Be good girls and don't forget \nGiles","[Hand-written upside down at the top of this page] \nDo not read Sam's letter but see how he likes it and tell me the next time you write","Lexington, Va \nJan 6th 1851","Dear Mary \nYour letter was duly received about a week ago and as it was in Christmas times I think I shall be excusable that I did not answer it sooner. I have let out school 8 days for Christmas holidays and tomorrow morning I shall again commence beating the brats. I have got almost tired of the business and think this is the last winter I shall work at it in this country.  ","They had a monstrous fuss round here the other day. A letter was found in the road \"purporting to be from one niggar to another holding forth that on such a night they were to rise. 300 men were to attack the Military Institute and get possession of the 20,000 stand of arms in the arsenal there. Then they were to walk into the city of Lexington killing all they could get hold of\". You had better believe that it made some stir.  he  militia was called out and they now parade the streets from night to morning It is curious how quick the people of this country can be roused to a state of watchfulness for their all depends upon this. The blacks must have no chance to make a beginning and they know this. I think the letter was a hoax written by some one to see what they could do, but if it was written by a niggar, it was by some one who knew the state of things at the Institute well and if their plans had succeeded it would have been right hard to stop.  ","\nI has been right dull times this Christmas not more than three or four frolicks all the times I wish I could drop in there and see how you all look but I do not think you would any of you know me. I have altered a good deal in the last six months.  ","How does Uncle Sherman and Sam do this winter? Do you like to live there? How is Aunt Jennette heal and all of Uncle Truman's folks? How is Grandfather's folks? All well and how does he stand the times? I meant to write a letter to Father before this time but there is nothing going on here that will interest him when there is I shall write to him.  \n    \nTell Susan that I want her to write to me, and I will answer it, but if she don't write soon I will get mad and write a long one to her.","Ellen I suppose is still in New Preston and Oliver is peddling. How does Sam do this winter and is he going to school? Has Father got all of his thrashing done and h9ow is his health?","There is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  ","Give my love to all inquiring friends let me know all the news at home when you write. Farewell. \nGod's blessings attend you \nFrom your brother \nG. Gunn","Dear Molly, \nI have received your letter this very day and am determined for once to toe the mark. I have just seated myself and if I don't get to tired I intend to give you and Sue a piece of my mind even if it be a very small broken piece.","1stly I am still pedagoguing and I tell you it goes mightily against the grain such a day as today for it is one of the pleasantest days I ever knew. The thermometer at noon was nearly up to summer heat at noon and I had no fire in the schoolhouse. My school consists of about forty scholars most of them large boys some of them taller than I am. I have enjoyed myself first rate so far especially in bad weather but when it is fine I intend to do the best I can but I long to be out aboard of the old pump wagon scouring the country. It gives a person a chance to see the world and though it may make me wild now when I come to settle down, I shall put on as long a face as I deacon.","2ndly. Ol. (though I had ought to have put him first) is now in Randolph County which is about one hundred and fifty miles west or northwest from here. He has been gone now about three weeks and I do not much expect him back before the middle or last of March. It is a great region there for pumps. I intend to go there as soon as my school is out and shall probably be there off and on the greater part of the summer.  ","The people around here are getting up to murdering. Last August in Staunton a man was found dead in his bed with his head staved in with a hammer. In December they hung a man for it and he died protesting his innocence; day after tomorrow they are to hang another man as his accomplice who as yet declares himself innocent.","They were both convicted by another man who turned states evidence; and it is now the  general opinion that he did the deed himself.","Two weeks last Sunday was noted in Lexington for a tragedy worse than that. It seems that a young man by the name of Christian had engaged the company of a young lady to go to preaching. She was advised not to go with him by a cousin of hers, a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. Christian (who was a law student) found out who it was and prepared himself with weapons and on Sunday night waited till he saw Blackburn the Cadet come into the church with a lady then he stepped up and touched him requesting to say a word to him. He took him out into the street and by his tale demanded of him to retract what he had said upon Blackburn's refusing so to do he let in on him and before any one could interfere had stabbed him in several places and cut his throat from ear to ear with a bowie knife and killed him so dead that he never kicked. Christian then went and delivered himself up to the authorities and it is now the general opinion that he will get clear as the prosecution was so great. You see how nice a sense of humor the southerners have. In law here if our man calls another a liar and he beats him almost to death for it the law does nothing with him for it is considered sufficient provocation.  ","I reckon you have heard enough about murders if not I could tell you of some half dozen more that have happened in this region during the last six week. I do not expect I will come home this summer. I wish you were here to take my school when it is out. Virge says \"do tell her to come down here and I will go back with her when she wants to go\". Hess is not at home but will be next Saturday (if I can get time to go after her).","If mother has that carnation rooted if she will send it over to John's he will attend to it and give it to Bob Dunlap before he come home.\n    \nI bought a cooking stove for Mr. Morrison in NY last August and last week it got here. If you want to come on here you can come with Bob. I know he will take good care of you.","Where is Father going to plant and how is his health?  Have you had much cold weather this winter? Give my best love to Father and Mother and Sam and tell Sam I want to hear from him before long.","I shall write to Jen as often as you write to me whilst I am teaching school but farther than that I can't answer for. Ol was down to Bransons during Christmas they were all well.  ","Give me love to Louis if you are still up there. My candle is out. Write soon and give me all your news. \nYour brother \nGiles Gunn","PS Virge says tell him I am wearing carpet as strong as a horse \n(Don't you believe that-Virge)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eGiles Gunn papers, MS 0292, Virginia Military\n            Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers, MS 0292, Virginia Military\n            Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVMI commencement\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards commencement at the VMI and a speech by the governor of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes communion at a local church.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a local law student.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:\n VMI commencement A detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction A description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants References to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection A discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards commencement at the VMI and a speech by the governor of Virginia.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes communion at a local church.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a detailed description of teaching at the local school, including a discussion of the curriculum and his discipline methods.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter includes a description of the town's response to rumors of a slave insurrection.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Topics include the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn by Charles B. Christian, a local law student."],"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_4b69e904f0eac0cc1658da5c7475032f\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":5,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:09.980Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Moncure Family papers","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_548.xml","title_ssm":["Moncure Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Moncure Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1809-1953"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1809-1953"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0468","/repositories/3/resources/548"],"text":["MS.0468","/repositories/3/resources/548","Moncure Family papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Dear Pa: \nI will commence a few lines to you though I have very little to relate in them. You cannot expect much as I wrote to Ma a day or 2 ago and related my travels to the\nSprings. I have enjoyed splendid health since I've been here and better in the last two or three days than in my life before except when I am home at work.","The Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though\nI could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters\nyou have started to me for I have not received but one since left.","We reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the\n3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the\nfourth class.","I like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep\non a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time.\nI must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son, \nThos. J. Moncure.","This collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life.","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","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Moncure family","Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0468","/repositories/3/resources/548"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Moncure Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Moncure Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Moncure Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"creator_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"creators_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"access_terms_ssm":["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—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["9 items"],"extent_tesim":["9 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1809,1810,1811,1812,1813,1814,1815,1816,1817,1818,1819,1820,1821,1822,1823,1824,1825,1826,1827,1828,1829,1830,1831,1832,1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDear Pa:\u003cbr\u003e\nI will commence a few lines to you though I have very little to relate in them. You cannot expect much as I wrote to Ma a day or 2 ago and related my travels to the\nSprings. I have enjoyed splendid health since I've been here and better in the last two or three days than in my life before except when I am home at work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though\nI could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters\nyou have started to me for I have not received but one since left.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the\n3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the\nfourth class.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep\non a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time.\nI must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nThos. J. Moncure.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Dear Pa: \nI will commence a few lines to you though I have very little to relate in them. You cannot expect much as I wrote to Ma a day or 2 ago and related my travels to the\nSprings. I have enjoyed splendid health since I've been here and better in the last two or three days than in my life before except when I am home at work.","The Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though\nI could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters\nyou have started to me for I have not received but one since left.","We reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the\n3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the\nfourth class.","I like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep\non a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time.\nI must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son, \nThos. J. Moncure."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMoncure Family papers, 1809-1953. MS 0468. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Moncure Family papers, 1809-1953. MS 0468. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life."],"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_1a338f1c1b021a7a4035641d9e220277\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Moncure family","Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Moncure family"],"famname_ssim":["Moncure family"],"persname_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:28.119Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_548","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_548.xml","title_ssm":["Moncure Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Moncure Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1809-1953"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1809-1953"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0468","/repositories/3/resources/548"],"text":["MS.0468","/repositories/3/resources/548","Moncure Family papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Dear Pa: \nI will commence a few lines to you though I have very little to relate in them. You cannot expect much as I wrote to Ma a day or 2 ago and related my travels to the\nSprings. I have enjoyed splendid health since I've been here and better in the last two or three days than in my life before except when I am home at work.","The Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though\nI could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters\nyou have started to me for I have not received but one since left.","We reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the\n3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the\nfourth class.","I like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep\non a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time.\nI must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son, \nThos. J. Moncure.","This collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life.","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","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Moncure family","Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0468","/repositories/3/resources/548"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Moncure Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Moncure Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Moncure Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"creator_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"creators_ssim":["Moncure, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1832-1912"],"access_terms_ssm":["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—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["9 items"],"extent_tesim":["9 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1809,1810,1811,1812,1813,1814,1815,1816,1817,1818,1819,1820,1821,1822,1823,1824,1825,1826,1827,1828,1829,1830,1831,1832,1833,1834,1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDear Pa:\u003cbr\u003e\nI will commence a few lines to you though I have very little to relate in them. You cannot expect much as I wrote to Ma a day or 2 ago and related my travels to the\nSprings. I have enjoyed splendid health since I've been here and better in the last two or three days than in my life before except when I am home at work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though\nI could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters\nyou have started to me for I have not received but one since left.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the\n3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the\nfourth class.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep\non a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time.\nI must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nThos. J. Moncure.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Dear Pa: \nI will commence a few lines to you though I have very little to relate in them. You cannot expect much as I wrote to Ma a day or 2 ago and related my travels to the\nSprings. I have enjoyed splendid health since I've been here and better in the last two or three days than in my life before except when I am home at work.","The Board [VMI Board of Visitors] have been here a week. They inspected our rooms today. Col. Smith introduced them to me. Gen. Richardson enquired about you, though\nI could tell him nothing as I had not heard from you since I left home. I am very anxious to hear from you all, answer this as soon as you can and write word how many letters\nyou have started to me for I have not received but one since left.","We reviewed before the Board of Visitors this evening which we succeeded very well. I entered the fourth Class as I was not far enough advanced to enter the 3rd. To enter the\n3rd class you have to understand mathematicks to the equation of the 2nd degree and a part of the French grammar which I knew nothing about. So I was obliged to [enter] the\nfourth class.","I like this place as well as could be expected. As it is the first time I have ever left home you know that I cannot like it as well though I am very well satisfied with it. I think that I could now go through all the hard ships that any human can of our race. When I first got here I had to sleep in a very open tent and spread my blanket on the floor and cover with my comfort. I did not sleep any for two or three nights at first, but now I can't sleep\non a bed. I was so that I could hardly turn over for the first week after I got here from being dragged at night through the wet grass and then having a bucket of water thrown on me and then sleeping in my wet shirt all night. I could not turn over scarcely. We are now in Barrak [Barracks] and I have enjoyed a very comfortable time.\nI must now draw to a close as I am geting sleepy and it is nearly time for tattoo. Your Affectionate Son, \nThos. J. Moncure."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMoncure Family papers, 1809-1953. MS 0468. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Moncure Family papers, 1809-1953. MS 0468. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of letters and other documents to and from various members of the Moncure Family, who have a long association with VMI. Included is a letter (dated September 19, 1849) from Cadet Thomas J. Moncure (VMI Class of 1853) to his father, William A. Moncure.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and cadet life."],"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. 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