{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Cadet+life%E2%80%941850-1859\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1853\u0026view=compact","next":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Cadet+life%E2%80%941850-1859\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1853\u0026page=2\u0026view=compact","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute%E2%80%94Cadet+life%E2%80%941850-1859\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1853\u0026page=2\u0026view=compact"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":2,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":13,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01","type":"File","attributes":{"title":"Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02","parent_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02"],"title_filing_ssi":"Cadet correspondence","title_ssm":["Cadet correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Cadet correspondence"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854"],"text":["Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854","Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","English"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1853/1854"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1853-1854"],"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":18,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"extent_ssm":["2 items"],"extent_tesim":["2 items"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":2,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"persname_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902"],"names_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1853,1854],"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#0","timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_596.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00012.xml","title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1835-1925"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1835-1925"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1835/1925"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"text":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25)","McDowell, Battle of, McDowell, Va., 1862","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.","Winchester\n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son,\nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market\n3 Apl. 1862","Dear Kate\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him.","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore.","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S.\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.  \n16 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns.","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded.","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862","Dear Kate\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy.","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\n28 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch.","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\nSaml V. Fulkerson\nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co. \n8 [June] 1862","Dear Kate\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured.","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward.","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles.","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina.\nYour brother\nS.V. Fulkerson","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson","Sir-\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister,\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother\nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute\nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son,\nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks \nFt. Delaware \nMay 13, 1865","My dear wife-\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter.","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson. \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)","This collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\nCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\nSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\nWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\nA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\n\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\nBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\nDeath of Turner Ashby\nRefugee and civilian life\nCamp life\nReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\n\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\nLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\nLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\nLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848)","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 not 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—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25)","McDowell, Battle of, McDowell, Va., 1862","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25)","McDowell, Battle of, McDowell, Va., 1862","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[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],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n9 March 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSince we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour son,\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near New Market\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Apl. 1862 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCapt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026amp; S.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.\u003cbr\u003e  \n16 May 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026amp; brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026amp; he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026amp; Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026amp; that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026amp; fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026amp; Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026amp; we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026amp; sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026amp; Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District\u003cbr\u003e  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n28 May 1862  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026amp; 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026amp; 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026amp; efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026amp; Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026amp; men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml V. Fulkerson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comd. Brigd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePort Republic, Rockingham Co.\u003cbr\u003e \n8 [June] 1862 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026amp; elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCharging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhile this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026amp; Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOn our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026amp; c., and a number of small arms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026amp; burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026amp; limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOn Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026amp; Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026amp; c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026amp; will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026amp; Selina.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nS.V. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. F.M. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am Sir your obdt. servt\u003cbr\u003e \nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute June 4th 1853\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nAbram Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApr 14 1854\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCumberland Gap\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026amp; uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026amp; Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\u003cbr\u003e\nAF\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eField Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026amp; sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026amp; in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026amp; c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficers Barracks\u003cbr\u003e \nFt. Delaware \u003cbr\u003e\nMay 13, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026amp; clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.\u003cbr\u003e \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester\n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son,\nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market\n3 Apl. 1862","Dear Kate\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him.","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore.","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S.\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.  \n16 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns.","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded.","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862","Dear Kate\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy.","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\n28 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch.","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\nSaml V. Fulkerson\nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co. \n8 [June] 1862","Dear Kate\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured.","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward.","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles.","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina.\nYour brother\nS.V. Fulkerson","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson","Sir-\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister,\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother\nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute\nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son,\nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks \nFt. Delaware \nMay 13, 1865","My dear wife-\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter.","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson. \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath of Turner Ashby\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefugee and civilian life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamp life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a recent trip and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\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":["This collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\nCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\nSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\nWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\nA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\n\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\nBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\nDeath of Turner Ashby\nRefugee and civilian life\nCamp life\nReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\n\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\nLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\nLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\nLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848)"],"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 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":["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 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_037e0e501ef493707a01e4a9bf4b0596\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"names_coll_ssim":["Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":25,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08","type":"File","attributes":{"title":"Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century, 1848/1898","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":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith), 1839/1884"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04"],"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"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century, 1848/1898"],"text":["Court Martial and Board of Inquiry Records, 19th century, 1848/1898","Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith), 1839/1884","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"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith), 1839/1884"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith), 1839/1884"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1848/1898"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1848-1854; 1881-1898"],"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":13,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889"],"extent_ssm":["1 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["1 Linear Feet"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"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."],"persname_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)"],"names_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"],"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],"_nest_path_":"/components#3/components#7","timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","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"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839/1889"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889"],"text":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889","RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38","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"],"collection_title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889, 1839/1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Sub-Group","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"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","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-"],"creator_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"],"creators_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-","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library"],"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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent"],"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-"],"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-"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":40,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c08"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_103.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00048.xml","title_ssm":["Edward C. Shepherd papers"],"title_tesim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1851-1855"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1851-1855"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1851/1855"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855"],"text":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855","MS.0019","/repositories/3/resources/103","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet drawings","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books","There are no restrictions","Edward Clarence Shepherd was born July 24, 1835 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on August 4, 1851 and graduated July 4, 1855. After completing his education, Shepherd became a teacher.","Shepherd enlisted in the Civil War on October 22, 1861 in Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on August 17, 1870 and the couple had four children: Anna Isabelle (1871-1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (1876-?), Clinton Webb (1880-?), and George Randolph (1883-1903). Shepherd continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math at Frederick College, Maryland. He died on August 19, 1907 in Frederick, Maryland.","A photograph of Edward C. Shepherd as a cadet is avaliable  online.","The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).","The first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd that were completed as assignments for VMI courses. Some drawings bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (e.g., \"Examined correct, F.H. Smith\"). This notebook also includes a pencil sketch of VMI barracks room number 14 and depicts roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics. It also includes poetry, roommate lists, and other various notes. The third notebook is a VMI cadet account book listing school expenses between 1851 and 1855.","Other documents include a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853).","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855"],"collection_ssim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0019","/repositories/3/resources/103"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0019","/repositories/3/resources/103"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907"],"creator_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 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—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet drawings","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet drawings","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["6 items 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["6 items 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books"],"date_range_isim":[1851,1852,1853,1854,1855],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward Clarence Shepherd was born July 24, 1835 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on August 4, 1851 and graduated July 4, 1855. After completing his education, Shepherd became a teacher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eShepherd enlisted in the Civil War on October 22, 1861 in Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on August 17, 1870 and the couple had four children: Anna Isabelle (1871-1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (1876-?), Clinton Webb (1880-?), and George Randolph (1883-1903). Shepherd continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math at Frederick College, Maryland. He died on August 19, 1907 in Frederick, Maryland.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Edward Clarence Shepherd was born July 24, 1835 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on August 4, 1851 and graduated July 4, 1855. After completing his education, Shepherd became a teacher.","Shepherd enlisted in the Civil War on October 22, 1861 in Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on August 17, 1870 and the couple had four children: Anna Isabelle (1871-1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (1876-?), Clinton Webb (1880-?), and George Randolph (1883-1903). Shepherd continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math at Frederick College, Maryland. He died on August 19, 1907 in Frederick, Maryland."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward C. Shepherd papers, 1851-1855. MS 0019. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851-1855. MS 0019. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA photograph of Edward C. Shepherd as a cadet is avaliable  \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3224\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Photograph"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A photograph of Edward C. Shepherd as a cadet is avaliable  online."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd that were completed as assignments for VMI courses. Some drawings bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (e.g., \"Examined correct, F.H. Smith\"). This notebook also includes a pencil sketch of VMI barracks room number 14 and depicts roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics. It also includes poetry, roommate lists, and other various notes. The third notebook is a VMI cadet account book listing school expenses between 1851 and 1855. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOther documents include a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).","The first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd that were completed as assignments for VMI courses. Some drawings bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (e.g., \"Examined correct, F.H. Smith\"). This notebook also includes a pencil sketch of VMI barracks room number 14 and depicts roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics. It also includes poetry, roommate lists, and other various notes. The third notebook is a VMI cadet account book listing school expenses between 1851 and 1855.","Other documents include a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853)."],"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 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":["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 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_b096979cfbb3fee980d3d6b5820e3c24\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_coll_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":0,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:04.198Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_103.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00048.xml","title_ssm":["Edward C. Shepherd papers"],"title_tesim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1851-1855"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1851-1855"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1851/1855"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855"],"text":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855","MS.0019","/repositories/3/resources/103","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet drawings","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books","There are no restrictions","Edward Clarence Shepherd was born July 24, 1835 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on August 4, 1851 and graduated July 4, 1855. After completing his education, Shepherd became a teacher.","Shepherd enlisted in the Civil War on October 22, 1861 in Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on August 17, 1870 and the couple had four children: Anna Isabelle (1871-1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (1876-?), Clinton Webb (1880-?), and George Randolph (1883-1903). Shepherd continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math at Frederick College, Maryland. He died on August 19, 1907 in Frederick, Maryland.","A photograph of Edward C. Shepherd as a cadet is avaliable  online.","The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).","The first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd that were completed as assignments for VMI courses. Some drawings bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (e.g., \"Examined correct, F.H. Smith\"). This notebook also includes a pencil sketch of VMI barracks room number 14 and depicts roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics. It also includes poetry, roommate lists, and other various notes. The third notebook is a VMI cadet account book listing school expenses between 1851 and 1855.","Other documents include a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853).","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855"],"collection_ssim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851/1855"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0019","/repositories/3/resources/103"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0019","/repositories/3/resources/103"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907"],"creator_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 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—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet drawings","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet drawings","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["6 items 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["6 items 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Notebooks","Poetry","Account Books"],"date_range_isim":[1851,1852,1853,1854,1855],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward Clarence Shepherd was born July 24, 1835 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on August 4, 1851 and graduated July 4, 1855. After completing his education, Shepherd became a teacher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eShepherd enlisted in the Civil War on October 22, 1861 in Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on August 17, 1870 and the couple had four children: Anna Isabelle (1871-1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (1876-?), Clinton Webb (1880-?), and George Randolph (1883-1903). Shepherd continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math at Frederick College, Maryland. He died on August 19, 1907 in Frederick, Maryland.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Edward Clarence Shepherd was born July 24, 1835 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on August 4, 1851 and graduated July 4, 1855. After completing his education, Shepherd became a teacher.","Shepherd enlisted in the Civil War on October 22, 1861 in Centreville, Virginia as a Private, Company B, 2nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. He married Amelia Adelaid Shock of Baltimore, Maryland on August 17, 1870 and the couple had four children: Anna Isabelle (1871-1877), Edward Clarence, Jr. (1876-?), Clinton Webb (1880-?), and George Randolph (1883-1903). Shepherd continued his career as an educator and was Professor of Math at Frederick College, Maryland. He died on August 19, 1907 in Frederick, Maryland."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward C. Shepherd papers, 1851-1855. MS 0019. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Edward C. Shepherd papers, 1851-1855. MS 0019. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA photograph of Edward C. Shepherd as a cadet is avaliable  \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3224\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Photograph"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A photograph of Edward C. Shepherd as a cadet is avaliable  online."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd that were completed as assignments for VMI courses. Some drawings bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (e.g., \"Examined correct, F.H. Smith\"). This notebook also includes a pencil sketch of VMI barracks room number 14 and depicts roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics. It also includes poetry, roommate lists, and other various notes. The third notebook is a VMI cadet account book listing school expenses between 1851 and 1855. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOther documents include a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853).\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).","The first notebook contains approximately 50 pen and ink, hand-tinted drawings by Shepherd that were completed as assignments for VMI courses. Some drawings bear the signature of Superintendent Francis H. Smith (e.g., \"Examined correct, F.H. Smith\"). This notebook also includes a pencil sketch of VMI barracks room number 14 and depicts roommates playing cards. The second notebook includes VMI class notes for mathematics. It also includes poetry, roommate lists, and other various notes. The third notebook is a VMI cadet account book listing school expenses between 1851 and 1855.","Other documents include a letter of appointment to VMI (1851) and a guard report (1853)."],"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 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":["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 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_b096979cfbb3fee980d3d6b5820e3c24\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_coll_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Shepherd, Edward C. (Edward Clarence), 1835-1907","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":0,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:04.198Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_103"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"George A. Goodman papers, 1848/1865","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Goodman, George A. (George Augustus), 1828-1884","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole\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_129#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_129.xml","title_ssm":["George A. Goodman papers"],"title_tesim":["George A. Goodman papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1848-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1848-1865"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1848/1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["George A. Goodman papers, 1848/1865"],"text":["George A. Goodman papers, 1848/1865","MS.0044.oversized","/repositories/3/resources/129","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 13th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1852","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Diplomas","Letters of recommendation","Certificates","There are no restrictions","George Augustus Goodman was born on April 16, 1828 in Albemarle County, Virginia and graduated from VMI in 1852. He went on to be a teacher and farmer. During the Civil War, Goodman served as a Lieutenant Colonel, 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was a prisoner at Ft. Delaware (Delaware) from September 1864 to July 1865. He died on June 24, 1884 in Louisa County, Virginia.","The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:\n\nVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\nLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson\nCivil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives.Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Goodman, George A. (George Augustus), 1828-1884","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. 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Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 13th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1852","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Diplomas","Letters of recommendation","Certificates"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:\n\nVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\nLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. 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Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 13th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1852","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Diplomas","Letters of recommendation","Certificates","There are no restrictions","George Augustus Goodman was born on April 16, 1828 in Albemarle County, Virginia and graduated from VMI in 1852. He went on to be a teacher and farmer. During the Civil War, Goodman served as a Lieutenant Colonel, 13th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was a prisoner at Ft. Delaware (Delaware) from September 1864 to July 1865. He died on June 24, 1884 in Louisa County, Virginia.","The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:\n\nVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\nLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. 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(Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 not 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—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 13th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1852","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Diplomas","Letters of recommendation","Certificates"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:\n\nVMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates\nLetters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson\nCivil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole"],"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 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":["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 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_2f9ea8745d210bd4cd58533c65b902bd\"\u003eOversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Oversized Case 1"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Goodman, George A. (George Augustus), 1828-1884","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Goodman, George A. (George Augustus), 1828-1884","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":0,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:04.198Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_129"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854","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"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1848/1854"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854"],"text":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854","MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","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.","I 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\nVMI commencement\nA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\nA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\nReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\nA 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"],"collection_title_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854"],"collection_ssim":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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","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","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."],"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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  \u003c/p\u003e","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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.","I 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\nVMI commencement\nA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\nA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\nReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\nA 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\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","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":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","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"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1848/1854"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854"],"text":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854","MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—Band—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","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.","I 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\nVMI commencement\nA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\nA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\nReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\nA 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"],"collection_title_tesim":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854"],"collection_ssim":["Giles Gunn papers, 1848/1854"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0292","/repositories/3/resources/615"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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","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","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."],"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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing new to write about here so what is the use of writing.  \u003c/p\u003e","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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","\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.","I 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\nVMI commencement\nA detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction\nA description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants\nReferences to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection\nA 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\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Gunn, Giles, 1825-1892","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Christian, Charles B. (Charles Burks)"],"names_coll_ssim":["Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","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":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_615"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection (seven items) consists of: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents (1861)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.\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_413#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_413.xml","title_ssm":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers"],"title_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1852-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1852-1864"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1852/1864"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864"],"text":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864","MS.0333","/repositories/3/resources/413","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Artillery—Carpenter's Battery","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th","Carpenter's Battery","Correspondence","Notebooks","There are no restrictions","The Civil War documents from this collection are available online.","Joseph H. Carpenter was born in 1834 in Covington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1856. During the Civil War he served as a Captain, Company A, 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment (later converted to an artillery company known as Carpenter's Battery). Carpenter was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Virginia in 1862 and died from  the wound on February 5, 1863.","Stribling Springs, Va.\nMay the 18th 1862","My Dear Father\nI wrote you some time ago but suppose that you did not receive my letter as I have not yet received an answer. I received a letter from Harriet a short time ago in which I was sorry to learn that your eyesight was no better. We have again met the enemy upon his own ground and completely rooted him through. I suppose that you have now heard of that before this as Genl. Johnson was wounded. We lost a great many officers. This goes to prove that wherever meet him with anything like equal numbers that we prove to be the victims. I understand that there are several appointments to be made in the Regular Service for Captains I should like to have one. For reasons which I will explain to you when I see you and as you have the Governor's promise to aid you very likely I can succeed. The boys generally are well. In haste.\nYours affectionately,\nJos. Carpenter","Lynchburg May 23d 1862\nHis Excellency\nJefferson Davis Prest.\nC. S. A.","Sir,\nI understand that Capt. Joseph Carpenter, late of the 27th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, but now in command of a battery of Light Artillery in the division commanded by Gen. T. J. Jackson, desires to enter the regular army of the Confederate States and to devote himself permanently to the profession of arms.","It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the soldierly qualities of Capt. Carpenter, He has received a through Military Education, having graduated at the Virginia Military Institute. He entered the service of the Confederacy at the commencement of the present war, and has ever since been in the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties. For much of the time that I was in command of the 27th Va. Vols. Capt. Carpenter commanded one of the companies of that Regiment and I therefore had the best opportunity of judging of his qualifications. He is prompt, active and faithful in the discharge of every duty, a good disciplinarian and has always displayed great gallantry on the field. As a consequence of his ability to control men and his skill as a Tactician his company was one of the very best and most efficient which I have known in the service. I sincerely trust that he may receive the appointment which he seeks, feeling assured that he will make a most valuable officer to the country.\nI have the honor to be\nMost respectfully [Sir]\nJno Echols\nBrig Genl C.S.A.","Camp Near Port Republic\nJune 16, 1862","Dear Father,\nI wrote some time since but have not as yet received the first scratch of a pen from you. I suppose that you are now at home. Tis useless for me to tell you of the fights that we have had as no doubt you already know. But it appears to me now that fighting is becoming quite fashionable especially in Jackson's army. We have had three days rest in the last two months- the balance of the time either on a forced march or fighting one or the other. A few more such marches and fights will ruin his Old Brigade unless he allows them to recruit a little more, but the enemy appear to be determined to press us hard in our unorganized condition. But thank God we have been able to to overcome them on every occasion as yet. I was amusing in the last two fights. We had to see how Old Jack [word unknown] Fremont \u0026 Shields. He pitched into Fremont on Sunday and Shields had to stand in supporting distance and look at us hip him. We then crossed the River, burnt the Bridge and pitched into Shields on Monday and Fremont had to stand in full view and see us completely use Shields up without being able to come to his support. Both Battles were sharp especially on Monday as we were in an open field fighting five hours. I was in it first and continued until the Yanks began to run. When my ammunition gave out and I had to stop. Ben was wounded. Tom Jordan and four or five others slightly. I wrote you about trying to get me a situation in the Regular Service. Genl. Echols has given me a letter which I will send you. I could get others if necessary. The Situation I desire is a commission as Capt. of Artillery in the Regular Service, the reason that I seek it now is there is some talk of taking my company to fill up the 27th Regt. If they do that I shall not accept the commission as Capt. of the company. I was elected almost unanimously Lt. Col. of the 27th. But declined accepting the appointment because I preferred my Battery notwithstanding the severe Labor to that position in Infantry. But since the authorities seem anxious to get me into infantry after all the trouble that I have had I am just anxious not to gratify them if I can help it and I suppose they will grant me the same privilege as other officers of my own rank. I am tolerably well at present.\nWrite soon. Yours etc. Jos. Carpenter","Don't be uneasy about Ben he will be well taken care of. J.","Winchester\n17th July 1864","Dear Col.\nI have just arrived here for the purpose of telegraphing to you to let you know that Ben was very seriously wounded through the right lung on yesterday, but I hope not dangerously, but find there is no communication by telegraph. I will give you the Circumstances as near as I can. He and myself left the road some half mile for the purpose of getting dinner. After getting dinner was coming back to the road, not thinking that there was a Yankee in ten miles of us \u0026 the first thing we knew we rode into a Yankee picket post. Ben drew his pistol (I had no arms) to fire on the one nearest to him. The Yankee raised his Carbine, they both fired about the same instant \u0026 both fell from their horses wounded. The Yankees jumped up \u0026 ran. Ben fired four other shots at him but missed him, the other Yankees having run. I got Ben up on his horse to carry him off but after carrying him a short distance he got too weak to ride. I then had to take him down \u0026 leave him as the Yankees were coming up the road again. As soon as I got to the road I got an ambulance \u0026 a Company of Sharp Shooters \u0026 went back after him \u0026 brought him on to our Camp last night near Berryville. He rested very well last night \u0026 is in a good deal better this morning than I expected he would be. The Doctors examined his wound this morning \u0026 say it is a severe wound but don't consider it a dangerous one. He will be taken to Mr. Cook's today (near Millwood) where he will get every attention \u0026 I am in hopes will soon be well enough to be moved to a safe place. I can't tell what our movements will be. The Army has gone into Camp about Berryville, 10 miles South E. of Winchester. After I left Ben, the Yankees came up to him. They gave him some water \u0026 took his watch and pistol. They also asked him a good many questions which I am sure were not very satisfactorily answered.\nMy best respects to all,\nBen Karnes","This collection (seven items) consists of: \n\nA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.\n\nTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\nLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\nTwo commission documents (1861)\nOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of First Lieutenant of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of Captain of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Written from Stribling Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the death of General Johnson and Joseph H. Carpenter's hope to be a Captain.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. This is a letter of recommendation written on Joseph H. Carpenter's behalf.","Written from \"Camp Near Port Republic,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and promotion news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier.","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","Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864"],"collection_ssim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0333","/repositories/3/resources/413"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0333","/repositories/3/resources/413"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896"],"creator_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Artillery—Carpenter's Battery","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th","Carpenter's Battery","Correspondence","Notebooks"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Artillery—Carpenter's Battery","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th","Carpenter's Battery","Correspondence","Notebooks"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["7 items"],"extent_tesim":["7 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Notebooks"],"date_range_isim":[1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864],"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/1504\"\u003eThe Civil War documents from this collection are available online.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Civil War documents from this collection are available online."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJoseph H. Carpenter was born in 1834 in Covington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1856. During the Civil War he served as a Captain, Company A, 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment (later converted to an artillery company known as Carpenter's Battery). Carpenter was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Virginia in 1862 and died from  the wound on February 5, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter was born in 1834 in Covington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1856. During the Civil War he served as a Captain, Company A, 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment (later converted to an artillery company known as Carpenter's Battery). Carpenter was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Virginia in 1862 and died from  the wound on February 5, 1863."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eStribling Springs, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay the 18th 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote you some time ago but suppose that you did not receive my letter as I have not yet received an answer. I received a letter from Harriet a short time ago in which I was sorry to learn that your eyesight was no better. We have again met the enemy upon his own ground and completely rooted him through. I suppose that you have now heard of that before this as Genl. Johnson was wounded. We lost a great many officers. This goes to prove that wherever meet him with anything like equal numbers that we prove to be the victims. I understand that there are several appointments to be made in the Regular Service for Captains I should like to have one. For reasons which I will explain to you when I see you and as you have the Governor's promise to aid you very likely I can succeed. The boys generally are well. In haste.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nJos. Carpenter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg May 23d 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nHis Excellency\u003cbr\u003e\nJefferson Davis Prest.\u003cbr\u003e\nC. S. A.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI understand that Capt. Joseph Carpenter, late of the 27th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, but now in command of a battery of Light Artillery in the division commanded by Gen. T. J. Jackson, desires to enter the regular army of the Confederate States and to devote himself permanently to the profession of arms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the soldierly qualities of Capt. Carpenter, He has received a through Military Education, having graduated at the Virginia Military Institute. He entered the service of the Confederacy at the commencement of the present war, and has ever since been in the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties. For much of the time that I was in command of the 27th Va. Vols. Capt. Carpenter commanded one of the companies of that Regiment and I therefore had the best opportunity of judging of his qualifications. He is prompt, active and faithful in the discharge of every duty, a good disciplinarian and has always displayed great gallantry on the field. As a consequence of his ability to control men and his skill as a Tactician his company was one of the very best and most efficient which I have known in the service. I sincerely trust that he may receive the appointment which he seeks, feeling assured that he will make a most valuable officer to the country.\u003cbr\u003e\nI have the honor to be\u003cbr\u003e\nMost respectfully [Sir]\u003cbr\u003e\nJno Echols\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig Genl C.S.A.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Port Republic\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 16, 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote some time since but have not as yet received the first scratch of a pen from you. I suppose that you are now at home. Tis useless for me to tell you of the fights that we have had as no doubt you already know. But it appears to me now that fighting is becoming quite fashionable especially in Jackson's army. We have had three days rest in the last two months- the balance of the time either on a forced march or fighting one or the other. A few more such marches and fights will ruin his Old Brigade unless he allows them to recruit a little more, but the enemy appear to be determined to press us hard in our unorganized condition. But thank God we have been able to to overcome them on every occasion as yet. I was amusing in the last two fights. We had to see how Old Jack [word unknown] Fremont \u0026amp; Shields. He pitched into Fremont on Sunday and Shields had to stand in supporting distance and look at us hip him. We then crossed the River, burnt the Bridge and pitched into Shields on Monday and Fremont had to stand in full view and see us completely use Shields up without being able to come to his support. Both Battles were sharp especially on Monday as we were in an open field fighting five hours. I was in it first and continued until the Yanks began to run. When my ammunition gave out and I had to stop. Ben was wounded. Tom Jordan and four or five others slightly. I wrote you about trying to get me a situation in the Regular Service. Genl. Echols has given me a letter which I will send you. I could get others if necessary. The Situation I desire is a commission as Capt. of Artillery in the Regular Service, the reason that I seek it now is there is some talk of taking my company to fill up the 27th Regt. If they do that I shall not accept the commission as Capt. of the company. I was elected almost unanimously Lt. Col. of the 27th. But declined accepting the appointment because I preferred my Battery notwithstanding the severe Labor to that position in Infantry. But since the authorities seem anxious to get me into infantry after all the trouble that I have had I am just anxious not to gratify them if I can help it and I suppose they will grant me the same privilege as other officers of my own rank. I am tolerably well at present.\u003cbr\u003e\nWrite soon. Yours etc. Jos. Carpenter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDon't be uneasy about Ben he will be well taken care of. J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n17th July 1864\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just arrived here for the purpose of telegraphing to you to let you know that Ben was very seriously wounded through the right lung on yesterday, but I hope not dangerously, but find there is no communication by telegraph. I will give you the Circumstances as near as I can. He and myself left the road some half mile for the purpose of getting dinner. After getting dinner was coming back to the road, not thinking that there was a Yankee in ten miles of us \u0026amp; the first thing we knew we rode into a Yankee picket post. Ben drew his pistol (I had no arms) to fire on the one nearest to him. The Yankee raised his Carbine, they both fired about the same instant \u0026amp; both fell from their horses wounded. The Yankees jumped up \u0026amp; ran. Ben fired four other shots at him but missed him, the other Yankees having run. I got Ben up on his horse to carry him off but after carrying him a short distance he got too weak to ride. I then had to take him down \u0026amp; leave him as the Yankees were coming up the road again. As soon as I got to the road I got an ambulance \u0026amp; a Company of Sharp Shooters \u0026amp; went back after him \u0026amp; brought him on to our Camp last night near Berryville. He rested very well last night \u0026amp; is in a good deal better this morning than I expected he would be. The Doctors examined his wound this morning \u0026amp; say it is a severe wound but don't consider it a dangerous one. He will be taken to Mr. Cook's today (near Millwood) where he will get every attention \u0026amp; I am in hopes will soon be well enough to be moved to a safe place. I can't tell what our movements will be. The Army has gone into Camp about Berryville, 10 miles South E. of Winchester. After I left Ben, the Yankees came up to him. They gave him some water \u0026amp; took his watch and pistol. They also asked him a good many questions which I am sure were not very satisfactorily answered.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best respects to all,\u003cbr\u003e\nBen Karnes\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General"],"odd_tesim":["Stribling Springs, Va.\nMay the 18th 1862","My Dear Father\nI wrote you some time ago but suppose that you did not receive my letter as I have not yet received an answer. I received a letter from Harriet a short time ago in which I was sorry to learn that your eyesight was no better. We have again met the enemy upon his own ground and completely rooted him through. I suppose that you have now heard of that before this as Genl. Johnson was wounded. We lost a great many officers. This goes to prove that wherever meet him with anything like equal numbers that we prove to be the victims. I understand that there are several appointments to be made in the Regular Service for Captains I should like to have one. For reasons which I will explain to you when I see you and as you have the Governor's promise to aid you very likely I can succeed. The boys generally are well. In haste.\nYours affectionately,\nJos. Carpenter","Lynchburg May 23d 1862\nHis Excellency\nJefferson Davis Prest.\nC. S. A.","Sir,\nI understand that Capt. Joseph Carpenter, late of the 27th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, but now in command of a battery of Light Artillery in the division commanded by Gen. T. J. Jackson, desires to enter the regular army of the Confederate States and to devote himself permanently to the profession of arms.","It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the soldierly qualities of Capt. Carpenter, He has received a through Military Education, having graduated at the Virginia Military Institute. He entered the service of the Confederacy at the commencement of the present war, and has ever since been in the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties. For much of the time that I was in command of the 27th Va. Vols. Capt. Carpenter commanded one of the companies of that Regiment and I therefore had the best opportunity of judging of his qualifications. He is prompt, active and faithful in the discharge of every duty, a good disciplinarian and has always displayed great gallantry on the field. As a consequence of his ability to control men and his skill as a Tactician his company was one of the very best and most efficient which I have known in the service. I sincerely trust that he may receive the appointment which he seeks, feeling assured that he will make a most valuable officer to the country.\nI have the honor to be\nMost respectfully [Sir]\nJno Echols\nBrig Genl C.S.A.","Camp Near Port Republic\nJune 16, 1862","Dear Father,\nI wrote some time since but have not as yet received the first scratch of a pen from you. I suppose that you are now at home. Tis useless for me to tell you of the fights that we have had as no doubt you already know. But it appears to me now that fighting is becoming quite fashionable especially in Jackson's army. We have had three days rest in the last two months- the balance of the time either on a forced march or fighting one or the other. A few more such marches and fights will ruin his Old Brigade unless he allows them to recruit a little more, but the enemy appear to be determined to press us hard in our unorganized condition. But thank God we have been able to to overcome them on every occasion as yet. I was amusing in the last two fights. We had to see how Old Jack [word unknown] Fremont \u0026 Shields. He pitched into Fremont on Sunday and Shields had to stand in supporting distance and look at us hip him. We then crossed the River, burnt the Bridge and pitched into Shields on Monday and Fremont had to stand in full view and see us completely use Shields up without being able to come to his support. Both Battles were sharp especially on Monday as we were in an open field fighting five hours. I was in it first and continued until the Yanks began to run. When my ammunition gave out and I had to stop. Ben was wounded. Tom Jordan and four or five others slightly. I wrote you about trying to get me a situation in the Regular Service. Genl. Echols has given me a letter which I will send you. I could get others if necessary. The Situation I desire is a commission as Capt. of Artillery in the Regular Service, the reason that I seek it now is there is some talk of taking my company to fill up the 27th Regt. If they do that I shall not accept the commission as Capt. of the company. I was elected almost unanimously Lt. Col. of the 27th. But declined accepting the appointment because I preferred my Battery notwithstanding the severe Labor to that position in Infantry. But since the authorities seem anxious to get me into infantry after all the trouble that I have had I am just anxious not to gratify them if I can help it and I suppose they will grant me the same privilege as other officers of my own rank. I am tolerably well at present.\nWrite soon. Yours etc. Jos. Carpenter","Don't be uneasy about Ben he will be well taken care of. J.","Winchester\n17th July 1864","Dear Col.\nI have just arrived here for the purpose of telegraphing to you to let you know that Ben was very seriously wounded through the right lung on yesterday, but I hope not dangerously, but find there is no communication by telegraph. I will give you the Circumstances as near as I can. He and myself left the road some half mile for the purpose of getting dinner. After getting dinner was coming back to the road, not thinking that there was a Yankee in ten miles of us \u0026 the first thing we knew we rode into a Yankee picket post. Ben drew his pistol (I had no arms) to fire on the one nearest to him. The Yankee raised his Carbine, they both fired about the same instant \u0026 both fell from their horses wounded. The Yankees jumped up \u0026 ran. Ben fired four other shots at him but missed him, the other Yankees having run. I got Ben up on his horse to carry him off but after carrying him a short distance he got too weak to ride. I then had to take him down \u0026 leave him as the Yankees were coming up the road again. As soon as I got to the road I got an ambulance \u0026 a Company of Sharp Shooters \u0026 went back after him \u0026 brought him on to our Camp last night near Berryville. He rested very well last night \u0026 is in a good deal better this morning than I expected he would be. The Doctors examined his wound this morning \u0026 say it is a severe wound but don't consider it a dangerous one. He will be taken to Mr. Cook's today (near Millwood) where he will get every attention \u0026 I am in hopes will soon be well enough to be moved to a safe place. I can't tell what our movements will be. The Army has gone into Camp about Berryville, 10 miles South E. of Winchester. After I left Ben, the Yankees came up to him. They gave him some water \u0026 took his watch and pistol. They also asked him a good many questions which I am sure were not very satisfactorily answered.\nMy best respects to all,\nBen Karnes"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJoseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852-1864. MS 0333. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852-1864. MS 0333. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection (seven items) consists of: \n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents (1861)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eCommission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of First Lieutenant of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of Captain of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Stribling Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the death of General Johnson and Joseph H. Carpenter's hope to be a Captain.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. This is a letter of recommendation written on Joseph H. Carpenter's behalf.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Port Republic,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and promotion news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection (seven items) consists of: \n\nA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.\n\nTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\nLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\nTwo commission documents (1861)\nOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of First Lieutenant of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of Captain of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Written from Stribling Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the death of General Johnson and Joseph H. Carpenter's hope to be a Captain.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. This is a letter of recommendation written on Joseph H. Carpenter's behalf.","Written from \"Camp Near Port Republic,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and promotion news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier."],"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_e7ee032d7b344bf6cdbc58d43c3ebf5c\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":6,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_413.xml","title_ssm":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers"],"title_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1852-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1852-1864"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1852/1864"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864"],"text":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864","MS.0333","/repositories/3/resources/413","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Artillery—Carpenter's Battery","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th","Carpenter's Battery","Correspondence","Notebooks","There are no restrictions","The Civil War documents from this collection are available online.","Joseph H. Carpenter was born in 1834 in Covington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1856. During the Civil War he served as a Captain, Company A, 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment (later converted to an artillery company known as Carpenter's Battery). Carpenter was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Virginia in 1862 and died from  the wound on February 5, 1863.","Stribling Springs, Va.\nMay the 18th 1862","My Dear Father\nI wrote you some time ago but suppose that you did not receive my letter as I have not yet received an answer. I received a letter from Harriet a short time ago in which I was sorry to learn that your eyesight was no better. We have again met the enemy upon his own ground and completely rooted him through. I suppose that you have now heard of that before this as Genl. Johnson was wounded. We lost a great many officers. This goes to prove that wherever meet him with anything like equal numbers that we prove to be the victims. I understand that there are several appointments to be made in the Regular Service for Captains I should like to have one. For reasons which I will explain to you when I see you and as you have the Governor's promise to aid you very likely I can succeed. The boys generally are well. In haste.\nYours affectionately,\nJos. Carpenter","Lynchburg May 23d 1862\nHis Excellency\nJefferson Davis Prest.\nC. S. A.","Sir,\nI understand that Capt. Joseph Carpenter, late of the 27th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, but now in command of a battery of Light Artillery in the division commanded by Gen. T. J. Jackson, desires to enter the regular army of the Confederate States and to devote himself permanently to the profession of arms.","It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the soldierly qualities of Capt. Carpenter, He has received a through Military Education, having graduated at the Virginia Military Institute. He entered the service of the Confederacy at the commencement of the present war, and has ever since been in the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties. For much of the time that I was in command of the 27th Va. Vols. Capt. Carpenter commanded one of the companies of that Regiment and I therefore had the best opportunity of judging of his qualifications. He is prompt, active and faithful in the discharge of every duty, a good disciplinarian and has always displayed great gallantry on the field. As a consequence of his ability to control men and his skill as a Tactician his company was one of the very best and most efficient which I have known in the service. I sincerely trust that he may receive the appointment which he seeks, feeling assured that he will make a most valuable officer to the country.\nI have the honor to be\nMost respectfully [Sir]\nJno Echols\nBrig Genl C.S.A.","Camp Near Port Republic\nJune 16, 1862","Dear Father,\nI wrote some time since but have not as yet received the first scratch of a pen from you. I suppose that you are now at home. Tis useless for me to tell you of the fights that we have had as no doubt you already know. But it appears to me now that fighting is becoming quite fashionable especially in Jackson's army. We have had three days rest in the last two months- the balance of the time either on a forced march or fighting one or the other. A few more such marches and fights will ruin his Old Brigade unless he allows them to recruit a little more, but the enemy appear to be determined to press us hard in our unorganized condition. But thank God we have been able to to overcome them on every occasion as yet. I was amusing in the last two fights. We had to see how Old Jack [word unknown] Fremont \u0026 Shields. He pitched into Fremont on Sunday and Shields had to stand in supporting distance and look at us hip him. We then crossed the River, burnt the Bridge and pitched into Shields on Monday and Fremont had to stand in full view and see us completely use Shields up without being able to come to his support. Both Battles were sharp especially on Monday as we were in an open field fighting five hours. I was in it first and continued until the Yanks began to run. When my ammunition gave out and I had to stop. Ben was wounded. Tom Jordan and four or five others slightly. I wrote you about trying to get me a situation in the Regular Service. Genl. Echols has given me a letter which I will send you. I could get others if necessary. The Situation I desire is a commission as Capt. of Artillery in the Regular Service, the reason that I seek it now is there is some talk of taking my company to fill up the 27th Regt. If they do that I shall not accept the commission as Capt. of the company. I was elected almost unanimously Lt. Col. of the 27th. But declined accepting the appointment because I preferred my Battery notwithstanding the severe Labor to that position in Infantry. But since the authorities seem anxious to get me into infantry after all the trouble that I have had I am just anxious not to gratify them if I can help it and I suppose they will grant me the same privilege as other officers of my own rank. I am tolerably well at present.\nWrite soon. Yours etc. Jos. Carpenter","Don't be uneasy about Ben he will be well taken care of. J.","Winchester\n17th July 1864","Dear Col.\nI have just arrived here for the purpose of telegraphing to you to let you know that Ben was very seriously wounded through the right lung on yesterday, but I hope not dangerously, but find there is no communication by telegraph. I will give you the Circumstances as near as I can. He and myself left the road some half mile for the purpose of getting dinner. After getting dinner was coming back to the road, not thinking that there was a Yankee in ten miles of us \u0026 the first thing we knew we rode into a Yankee picket post. Ben drew his pistol (I had no arms) to fire on the one nearest to him. The Yankee raised his Carbine, they both fired about the same instant \u0026 both fell from their horses wounded. The Yankees jumped up \u0026 ran. Ben fired four other shots at him but missed him, the other Yankees having run. I got Ben up on his horse to carry him off but after carrying him a short distance he got too weak to ride. I then had to take him down \u0026 leave him as the Yankees were coming up the road again. As soon as I got to the road I got an ambulance \u0026 a Company of Sharp Shooters \u0026 went back after him \u0026 brought him on to our Camp last night near Berryville. He rested very well last night \u0026 is in a good deal better this morning than I expected he would be. The Doctors examined his wound this morning \u0026 say it is a severe wound but don't consider it a dangerous one. He will be taken to Mr. Cook's today (near Millwood) where he will get every attention \u0026 I am in hopes will soon be well enough to be moved to a safe place. I can't tell what our movements will be. The Army has gone into Camp about Berryville, 10 miles South E. of Winchester. After I left Ben, the Yankees came up to him. They gave him some water \u0026 took his watch and pistol. They also asked him a good many questions which I am sure were not very satisfactorily answered.\nMy best respects to all,\nBen Karnes","This collection (seven items) consists of: \n\nA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.\n\nTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\nLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\nTwo commission documents (1861)\nOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of First Lieutenant of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of Captain of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Written from Stribling Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the death of General Johnson and Joseph H. Carpenter's hope to be a Captain.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. This is a letter of recommendation written on Joseph H. Carpenter's behalf.","Written from \"Camp Near Port Republic,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and promotion news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier.","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","Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864"],"collection_ssim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852/1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0333","/repositories/3/resources/413"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0333","/repositories/3/resources/413"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896"],"creator_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Artillery—Carpenter's Battery","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th","Carpenter's Battery","Correspondence","Notebooks"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Artillery—Carpenter's Battery","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th","Carpenter's Battery","Correspondence","Notebooks"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["7 items"],"extent_tesim":["7 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Notebooks"],"date_range_isim":[1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864],"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/1504\"\u003eThe Civil War documents from this collection are available online.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  "],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Civil War documents from this collection are available online."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJoseph H. Carpenter was born in 1834 in Covington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1856. During the Civil War he served as a Captain, Company A, 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment (later converted to an artillery company known as Carpenter's Battery). Carpenter was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Virginia in 1862 and died from  the wound on February 5, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter was born in 1834 in Covington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1856. During the Civil War he served as a Captain, Company A, 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment (later converted to an artillery company known as Carpenter's Battery). Carpenter was wounded at Cedar Mountain, Virginia in 1862 and died from  the wound on February 5, 1863."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eStribling Springs, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay the 18th 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote you some time ago but suppose that you did not receive my letter as I have not yet received an answer. I received a letter from Harriet a short time ago in which I was sorry to learn that your eyesight was no better. We have again met the enemy upon his own ground and completely rooted him through. I suppose that you have now heard of that before this as Genl. Johnson was wounded. We lost a great many officers. This goes to prove that wherever meet him with anything like equal numbers that we prove to be the victims. I understand that there are several appointments to be made in the Regular Service for Captains I should like to have one. For reasons which I will explain to you when I see you and as you have the Governor's promise to aid you very likely I can succeed. The boys generally are well. In haste.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nJos. Carpenter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg May 23d 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nHis Excellency\u003cbr\u003e\nJefferson Davis Prest.\u003cbr\u003e\nC. S. A.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI understand that Capt. Joseph Carpenter, late of the 27th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, but now in command of a battery of Light Artillery in the division commanded by Gen. T. J. Jackson, desires to enter the regular army of the Confederate States and to devote himself permanently to the profession of arms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the soldierly qualities of Capt. Carpenter, He has received a through Military Education, having graduated at the Virginia Military Institute. He entered the service of the Confederacy at the commencement of the present war, and has ever since been in the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties. For much of the time that I was in command of the 27th Va. Vols. Capt. Carpenter commanded one of the companies of that Regiment and I therefore had the best opportunity of judging of his qualifications. He is prompt, active and faithful in the discharge of every duty, a good disciplinarian and has always displayed great gallantry on the field. As a consequence of his ability to control men and his skill as a Tactician his company was one of the very best and most efficient which I have known in the service. I sincerely trust that he may receive the appointment which he seeks, feeling assured that he will make a most valuable officer to the country.\u003cbr\u003e\nI have the honor to be\u003cbr\u003e\nMost respectfully [Sir]\u003cbr\u003e\nJno Echols\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig Genl C.S.A.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Port Republic\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 16, 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote some time since but have not as yet received the first scratch of a pen from you. I suppose that you are now at home. Tis useless for me to tell you of the fights that we have had as no doubt you already know. But it appears to me now that fighting is becoming quite fashionable especially in Jackson's army. We have had three days rest in the last two months- the balance of the time either on a forced march or fighting one or the other. A few more such marches and fights will ruin his Old Brigade unless he allows them to recruit a little more, but the enemy appear to be determined to press us hard in our unorganized condition. But thank God we have been able to to overcome them on every occasion as yet. I was amusing in the last two fights. We had to see how Old Jack [word unknown] Fremont \u0026amp; Shields. He pitched into Fremont on Sunday and Shields had to stand in supporting distance and look at us hip him. We then crossed the River, burnt the Bridge and pitched into Shields on Monday and Fremont had to stand in full view and see us completely use Shields up without being able to come to his support. Both Battles were sharp especially on Monday as we were in an open field fighting five hours. I was in it first and continued until the Yanks began to run. When my ammunition gave out and I had to stop. Ben was wounded. Tom Jordan and four or five others slightly. I wrote you about trying to get me a situation in the Regular Service. Genl. Echols has given me a letter which I will send you. I could get others if necessary. The Situation I desire is a commission as Capt. of Artillery in the Regular Service, the reason that I seek it now is there is some talk of taking my company to fill up the 27th Regt. If they do that I shall not accept the commission as Capt. of the company. I was elected almost unanimously Lt. Col. of the 27th. But declined accepting the appointment because I preferred my Battery notwithstanding the severe Labor to that position in Infantry. But since the authorities seem anxious to get me into infantry after all the trouble that I have had I am just anxious not to gratify them if I can help it and I suppose they will grant me the same privilege as other officers of my own rank. I am tolerably well at present.\u003cbr\u003e\nWrite soon. Yours etc. Jos. Carpenter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDon't be uneasy about Ben he will be well taken care of. J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n17th July 1864\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just arrived here for the purpose of telegraphing to you to let you know that Ben was very seriously wounded through the right lung on yesterday, but I hope not dangerously, but find there is no communication by telegraph. I will give you the Circumstances as near as I can. He and myself left the road some half mile for the purpose of getting dinner. After getting dinner was coming back to the road, not thinking that there was a Yankee in ten miles of us \u0026amp; the first thing we knew we rode into a Yankee picket post. Ben drew his pistol (I had no arms) to fire on the one nearest to him. The Yankee raised his Carbine, they both fired about the same instant \u0026amp; both fell from their horses wounded. The Yankees jumped up \u0026amp; ran. Ben fired four other shots at him but missed him, the other Yankees having run. I got Ben up on his horse to carry him off but after carrying him a short distance he got too weak to ride. I then had to take him down \u0026amp; leave him as the Yankees were coming up the road again. As soon as I got to the road I got an ambulance \u0026amp; a Company of Sharp Shooters \u0026amp; went back after him \u0026amp; brought him on to our Camp last night near Berryville. He rested very well last night \u0026amp; is in a good deal better this morning than I expected he would be. The Doctors examined his wound this morning \u0026amp; say it is a severe wound but don't consider it a dangerous one. He will be taken to Mr. Cook's today (near Millwood) where he will get every attention \u0026amp; I am in hopes will soon be well enough to be moved to a safe place. I can't tell what our movements will be. The Army has gone into Camp about Berryville, 10 miles South E. of Winchester. After I left Ben, the Yankees came up to him. They gave him some water \u0026amp; took his watch and pistol. They also asked him a good many questions which I am sure were not very satisfactorily answered.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best respects to all,\u003cbr\u003e\nBen Karnes\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General"],"odd_tesim":["Stribling Springs, Va.\nMay the 18th 1862","My Dear Father\nI wrote you some time ago but suppose that you did not receive my letter as I have not yet received an answer. I received a letter from Harriet a short time ago in which I was sorry to learn that your eyesight was no better. We have again met the enemy upon his own ground and completely rooted him through. I suppose that you have now heard of that before this as Genl. Johnson was wounded. We lost a great many officers. This goes to prove that wherever meet him with anything like equal numbers that we prove to be the victims. I understand that there are several appointments to be made in the Regular Service for Captains I should like to have one. For reasons which I will explain to you when I see you and as you have the Governor's promise to aid you very likely I can succeed. The boys generally are well. In haste.\nYours affectionately,\nJos. Carpenter","Lynchburg May 23d 1862\nHis Excellency\nJefferson Davis Prest.\nC. S. A.","Sir,\nI understand that Capt. Joseph Carpenter, late of the 27th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, but now in command of a battery of Light Artillery in the division commanded by Gen. T. J. Jackson, desires to enter the regular army of the Confederate States and to devote himself permanently to the profession of arms.","It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the soldierly qualities of Capt. Carpenter, He has received a through Military Education, having graduated at the Virginia Military Institute. He entered the service of the Confederacy at the commencement of the present war, and has ever since been in the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties. For much of the time that I was in command of the 27th Va. Vols. Capt. Carpenter commanded one of the companies of that Regiment and I therefore had the best opportunity of judging of his qualifications. He is prompt, active and faithful in the discharge of every duty, a good disciplinarian and has always displayed great gallantry on the field. As a consequence of his ability to control men and his skill as a Tactician his company was one of the very best and most efficient which I have known in the service. I sincerely trust that he may receive the appointment which he seeks, feeling assured that he will make a most valuable officer to the country.\nI have the honor to be\nMost respectfully [Sir]\nJno Echols\nBrig Genl C.S.A.","Camp Near Port Republic\nJune 16, 1862","Dear Father,\nI wrote some time since but have not as yet received the first scratch of a pen from you. I suppose that you are now at home. Tis useless for me to tell you of the fights that we have had as no doubt you already know. But it appears to me now that fighting is becoming quite fashionable especially in Jackson's army. We have had three days rest in the last two months- the balance of the time either on a forced march or fighting one or the other. A few more such marches and fights will ruin his Old Brigade unless he allows them to recruit a little more, but the enemy appear to be determined to press us hard in our unorganized condition. But thank God we have been able to to overcome them on every occasion as yet. I was amusing in the last two fights. We had to see how Old Jack [word unknown] Fremont \u0026 Shields. He pitched into Fremont on Sunday and Shields had to stand in supporting distance and look at us hip him. We then crossed the River, burnt the Bridge and pitched into Shields on Monday and Fremont had to stand in full view and see us completely use Shields up without being able to come to his support. Both Battles were sharp especially on Monday as we were in an open field fighting five hours. I was in it first and continued until the Yanks began to run. When my ammunition gave out and I had to stop. Ben was wounded. Tom Jordan and four or five others slightly. I wrote you about trying to get me a situation in the Regular Service. Genl. Echols has given me a letter which I will send you. I could get others if necessary. The Situation I desire is a commission as Capt. of Artillery in the Regular Service, the reason that I seek it now is there is some talk of taking my company to fill up the 27th Regt. If they do that I shall not accept the commission as Capt. of the company. I was elected almost unanimously Lt. Col. of the 27th. But declined accepting the appointment because I preferred my Battery notwithstanding the severe Labor to that position in Infantry. But since the authorities seem anxious to get me into infantry after all the trouble that I have had I am just anxious not to gratify them if I can help it and I suppose they will grant me the same privilege as other officers of my own rank. I am tolerably well at present.\nWrite soon. Yours etc. Jos. Carpenter","Don't be uneasy about Ben he will be well taken care of. J.","Winchester\n17th July 1864","Dear Col.\nI have just arrived here for the purpose of telegraphing to you to let you know that Ben was very seriously wounded through the right lung on yesterday, but I hope not dangerously, but find there is no communication by telegraph. I will give you the Circumstances as near as I can. He and myself left the road some half mile for the purpose of getting dinner. After getting dinner was coming back to the road, not thinking that there was a Yankee in ten miles of us \u0026 the first thing we knew we rode into a Yankee picket post. Ben drew his pistol (I had no arms) to fire on the one nearest to him. The Yankee raised his Carbine, they both fired about the same instant \u0026 both fell from their horses wounded. The Yankees jumped up \u0026 ran. Ben fired four other shots at him but missed him, the other Yankees having run. I got Ben up on his horse to carry him off but after carrying him a short distance he got too weak to ride. I then had to take him down \u0026 leave him as the Yankees were coming up the road again. As soon as I got to the road I got an ambulance \u0026 a Company of Sharp Shooters \u0026 went back after him \u0026 brought him on to our Camp last night near Berryville. He rested very well last night \u0026 is in a good deal better this morning than I expected he would be. The Doctors examined his wound this morning \u0026 say it is a severe wound but don't consider it a dangerous one. He will be taken to Mr. Cook's today (near Millwood) where he will get every attention \u0026 I am in hopes will soon be well enough to be moved to a safe place. I can't tell what our movements will be. The Army has gone into Camp about Berryville, 10 miles South E. of Winchester. After I left Ben, the Yankees came up to him. They gave him some water \u0026 took his watch and pistol. They also asked him a good many questions which I am sure were not very satisfactorily answered.\nMy best respects to all,\nBen Karnes"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJoseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852-1864. MS 0333. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Joseph H. Carpenter papers, 1852-1864. MS 0333. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection (seven items) consists of: \n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents (1861)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eCommission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of First Lieutenant of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of Captain of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Stribling Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the death of General Johnson and Joseph H. Carpenter's hope to be a Captain.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. This is a letter of recommendation written on Joseph H. Carpenter's behalf.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Port Republic,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and promotion news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection (seven items) consists of: \n\nA manuscript notebook compiled by Joseph H. Carpenter during his cadetship (1852-1856). The notebook contains poetry, class notes, autographs of classmates, and a detailed account of a Corps trip to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia in October 1855.\n\nTwo letters written by Carpenter to his father in 1862, including a letter dated June 16, 1862 that describes fighting near Port Republic, Virginia\nLetter of recommendation written on Carpenter's behalf by Brigadier General John Echols and submitted to Confederate President Jefferson Davis\nTwo commission documents (1861)\nOne letter (dated July 17, 1864) where Carpenter's Battery member Sergeant Benjamin Karnes describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier. This letter was found among Carpenter's own papers.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of First Lieutenant of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Commission of Joseph H. Carpenter to rank of Captain of Light Infantry in the 128th Regiment of the 13th Brigade and 5th Division of the Virginia Militia.","Written from Stribling Springs, Virginia. Letter regards the death of General Johnson and Joseph H. Carpenter's hope to be a Captain.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. This is a letter of recommendation written on Joseph H. Carpenter's behalf.","Written from \"Camp Near Port Republic,\" Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and promotion news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter describes circumstances surrounding the wounding of a fellow soldier."],"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_e7ee032d7b344bf6cdbc58d43c3ebf5c\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Carpenter, Joseph H. (Joseph Hannah), 1834-1863","Karnes, Benjamin","Echols, John, 1823-1896","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":6,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_413"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_188.xml","title_ssm":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers"],"title_tesim":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1851-1861"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1851-1861"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1851/1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861"],"text":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861","MS.0107","/repositories/3/resources/188","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Maryland Agricultural College","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","Academic records","There are no restrictions.","Joseph Hart Chenoweth was born in 1837 in Randolph County, [West] Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1859. He was an Assistant Professor at VMI and a Professor of Math at Maryland Agricultural College. Chenoweth served as a Confederate Major in the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle on June 9, 1862, near Shields, Virginia.","Virginia Military Institute\nSep 28th. 55. (1855)","Dear Father:\nI received your letter of the 11th and was extremely glad to hear that you were all well. I am getting along first rate with my studies. The 4th class study algebra, Geography and English; we will not commence studying French until January. We recite Algebra at 8 o clock in the morning, Geography at 11, and English at 3, and we have Battalion Drill at 5 o clock in the evening.","I stand guard about once a week. I have been Drilled so much that I have become to be a tolerable good soldier. As to the letter which James Campbell has in his possession, I do not know whether it is genuine or not I did write a letter to him but I certainly did not say any thing about being tied and ducked. I was dragged a short distance one night, but it did not hurt me any. The cadets attempted to duck me and another new Cadet, but I jumped from under the water and did not get but very little on me. They also tied the Military cravat on me. They did this by tying my cravat in about a dozen knots, this was all done while we [were] in camp. Since we came in barracks they do not molest us New Cadets. And in fact they all treat me very well. It is perfectly impossible for a man to come here without having to undergo some bad treatment, at first. You can rest assured that I am well pleased with the place. They beat the drum so near my room that it always wakes me up. Except that the first morning we came in\nbarracks, I did not hear the drum beat, but they did not miss me.","Tell Mother that she need not be uneasy about my sleeping too late. I always am among the first ones up. I wish you would send me a copy of the Dispatch occasionally if it is not too much trouble. Give my love to all the family.","Yours Affectionately\nJ. H. Chenoweth, V.M.I.","To L. Chenoweth\nBeverly, Va.","P. S. I was very much surprised to hear of the marriage of Mary E. Chenoweth with E. Rowan.\nJ.H.C.","Lexington Feb. 18th. 1856","Dear Father\nI received yours of the 10th and enclosed I found Col Smith's letter. I was in hopes that you would not hear of my having played cards, but since you have heard it I will give you all the particulars. You can thus judge for yourself, the extent of my \"crime\" On the evening of the 25th of Jan. two of my room mates, a cadet by the name of Lewis¹ from Mason County and myself -- were sitting in my room, playing a social game at cards. A professor came to the door, knocked and came in. We concealed our cards,\nas quick as possible but not soon enough to escape the eye of the Prof. He reported us for playing cards but he could not swear that we were playing at cards. From the tenor of Col Smith's letter, you must certainly think that I am a desperate character of late. But dear Father believe me on my honor when I say that, Playing cards has been my greatest offence, I did wrong, I must acknowledge, I should not have allowed myself to play at all. I hope that you will forgive my first offence, I will promise you that I will not again while at the institute, be guilty of the same offence! Col Smith seems to think that playing cards is a habit, which I indulge in frequently, but father, he is mistaken, I do not make a practice of playing at cards. I have conducted myself, I think, with the utmost propriety (with the exception of this one offence) since my arrival at this place. The number of my demerit \"is rather my misfortune than my fault.\" I feel it my duty as your son to follow your directions, I thank you for the kind advice, which you have given me from time to time. I will take pleasure in observing your directions, and I hope that the next circular will surprise you equally as much as the other, but in another manner. I am fully aware of the importance of my maintaining my situation here as a\ncadet. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, in allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity of obtaining a good education. I think that if I get along as well hereafter as I have since Jan, I will stand better on Mathematics than I did last Jan. I will be through Davies Geometry in a few weeks. I am reading French, at present. As to your fears about my \"keeping bad\ncompany,\" I will have to say that I do not, keep bad company. If you would call those persons bad company, who had played an occasional game at cards, I will say that each of my roommates may be called bad company, but they have all stopped off short, since we came so near being dismissed for that grievous offence. That having been our greatest crime, we are now strictly moral. To calm your fears on all heads, I will say that I pledged my honor the first day that I entered the institute not to drink while at the institute, and as I value my honor I have kept it. This was unnecessary, because I never did drink. Yet I did it because it was customary. From this day henceforward I will see how few demerits I can get, I must acknowledge that I have been somewhat careless sometimes in regard to my demerits. But hereafter I will cultivate that virtue called \"punctuality\" which of all others I think it is among the best especially for a person who expects to stay at the institute","Many thanks to you for your kind promise, I will try to make myself worthy of it, To be comprehensive in reply to your questions about the Institute, I will answer. The institute is an excellent school, I can obtain as good a mathematical education here as at any place in the United States, a good French Latin \u0026 English education, Chemistry Mechanics Natural Philosophy Rhetoric Moral Philosophy, \u0026 c, also a splendid Military Education. Write soon I am, in good health, I am determined that the next letter that you receive in relation to my conduct shall please you, better than the last, I am glad to hear that you have got a contract to build the bridge across Buchannon. From your affectionate but unfortunate son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L. Chenoweth","P.S. Cadet Lewis broke his arrest and was dismissed I have taken the liberty of retaining Col Smith's letter which I suppose is immaterial to you. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute, April 15th 56","Dear Father,\nI have at present a few leisure moments which I will employ in writing to you. I am enjoying good health at present, and in fact I have had excellent health ever since I arrived here. I am progressing in my studies admirably, I get along a great deal better than I\nat first thought I would. If I meet with no misfortune hereafter, I flatter myself that I will have a better standing at July, than I had last Jan. I do not at present get near as many demerits per month as I have heretofore.","There was a very sad accident happened in the vicinity of the Institute a few weeks since. Two students of Washington College started upon a hunting expedition, they had not gone very far when they stopped, one of them was loading his pistol when it accidentally discharged itself, the contents lodging in the breast of a Mr. Booker. He was carried to the Hospital of the Institute and died in a few days, he was a citizen of Richmond.","There has been a new method of drill introduced at the Institute. It consists of a double quick step, it makes me sweat every evening. I have increased considerably in weight since I became a Cadet, I weigh at present 155 lbs., I am now studying \"Analytical Plane Trigonometry,\" French and English. I have at present I think nothing to fear. My total number of demerit is about 130, this is the last quarter of the present year and I have 70 demerit to go upon, I think I am perfectly safe. I wish you would send some postage stamps when you answer this letter, if you should ever have an opportunity I wish you would send that book which I received from New York, entitled \"New elements of Geometry\" by Seba Smith, I think it will be of some benefit to me. You have a book which would be of infinite benefit to me when I become a third classman, I think it is called \"Minifies Mechanical Drawing Book,\" but perhaps you cannot spare it. If you cannot you need not send it, I can get along without it. Give my love to all the family, and write soon. I heard that you were going to build two Academies in Beverly. I hope you may succeed, in the enterprise,\nFrom Your Affectionate son\nJ H Chenoweth","Virginia Military Institute\nFeb 21st 1857","Dear Father\nIt is needless for me to say that I have not received anything from you in the [illegible] of a letter during the extraordinary period (three month nearly) which has intervened since you wrote last. You have -- I have no doubt -- good reasons for this failure upon your part to write, I take it for granted at least -- and will not enquire into their nature. But really, I do not see why you can not appropriate a few moments, occasionally, to letter-writing. To me at least, it is by no means a disagreeable occupation, especially when I have no bad news to communicate.","\"I am well, and am getting along very well with my studies.\" You will perhaps be puzzled to find out why I enclosed the above sentence with quotation marks. You need not be, if you examine the letters which you have received from me, from time to time, you will find that this same sentence occurs in nearly all, besides -- it is perhaps the best line, with respect to its \"subject matter\" that will be contained by this letter. Therefore, I distinguish it from the commonplace remarks by which it is surrounded. Since I entered, a student, at this Institution, I have been doubly blessed, I have enjoyed excellent health, and my laudable ambition has been gratified in some manner. Yes it is a laudable ambition, that ambition which makes me yearn to excel here in intellectual improvement, in all that makes man, -- a man in the highest, truest, noblest, sense of the term! Ambition, of a different kind is a\ndangerous thing; that ambition which rears [illegible] of despotism upon the ruins of Liberty, Justice and the rights of man; or climbs to the highest pinnacle of Fame, over the bones of murdered millions; that species of ambition, the gratification of which, \"damned Napoleon Bonaparte into everlasting fame\" is hellborn, and its tendency is and ever has been hellwards! On the other hand that ambition which when gratified, made a Washington, a Webster and a Clay, established and supported Liberty, upon the broadest foundations, and terrified all Tyrants, is heavenborn, its possessors stand unique and alone, the only mortals truly great, overleap Fame's polluted mount, and soar in the pure ether beyond, ever pointing heavenwards. These are but few names purely immortal, which will be remembered with [illegible] feelings of reverence and love by the truly good until the latest generations. Alas, there are too many merely notorious names, names which will be remembered only to curse until the last trump shall awaken the dead [ ]!!. With Cicero I am led to exclaim \"Oh times, oh customs!\"; the very Senate chamber, in which, the immortal Clay was wont to move the multitude to tears, or animate the thousands with his own passion, is now polluted by the whispers of corruption or bribery. Sumner stands upon the same floor upon which he stood, and contaminates the atmosphere with his huge\nlibels upon the venerable Butler. Oh! departed shades of our ancestors, was Clay and Webster the last of their race? Has patriotism become extinguished? Is there nothing left of \"the age of bronze\"? Will the black chains of tyranny be our portion at last? Oh! no, Say not, the pleasant memories of yourselves forbid it, the hopes of your posterity forbid it, and all the good ones of the earth forbid it, the animated eloquence of Keit forbid it and the still fresh though sad memory of Brooks, forbids it. But hold, my pen is running away with me, I did not intend to become so enthusiastic upon this subject. How did my standing at Jan. please you? Answer in your next if you was pleased with it, I am happy.","When you write again I wish you would let me know whether I ought to get a furlough suit or not, it will cost in all about $40, if you can spare this much, I will be much pleased, if not I can do very well without it. I shall be so much pleased to visit you that I will care nothing for clothes, the Cadets generally buy one,","Write soon\nYour Affectionate Son\nJas H. Chenoweth","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va Sep 15th 57","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time. I put off writing until now -- so that I would be able to inform you how I am doing, or rather how I am getting along with my studies. I am doing well on \"Calculus\" (the highest branch of Math), I made the highest -- \"mark\" in my class on this study the first week (we have only recited a week and two days on Cal). I\nrecited 1 day on Chemistry, I did very well. We have not commenced reciting on Latin yet.","I started from home Wednesday, as you directed me to do, and arrived at the V.M.I. on Friday 11 1/2 P.M. I had quite a pleasant time from Staunton over to Lexington -- I can not say the same for the other portions of the journey -- as it rained on me from Yeagers to Staunton. With regard to that \"Assistant Professorship,\" about which I was speaking to you, I must say that as yet -- I have not heard anything about it, -- I am afraid that the appointment will not be made. I will hope for it however still -- I may be appointed next Jan.","I am well. I heard that you were raising your bridge, I hope all success for you. If the weather in your part of the state be anything like that here, it is certainly favorable to such an undertaking. When you can find time, write to me -- This may not be soon as you are so busy. I am quite busy myself now. I was elected speaker for the 11th Nov next --(the anniversary of the Institute). By the\nway to be elected to this post -- is considered quite an honor here. I will, of course, have my hands full for the next two months. I am afraid that I will not do honor to myself on that occasion -- but I will do my best. Give my love to John, my compliments to all of your hands (or those with whom I am acquainted)","Your Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth\nTo\nL Chenoweth\nBuckhannon\nUpshur Ct, VA","(P.S) If you have any money on hand to spare, I wish you would send me a little, as I have never had any pocket money. I have one or two little debts to pay. If it is inconvenient you need not do it. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va\nNov 22nd 1857","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time, although if you recollect I wrote last. You requested me to write frequently -- whether I received anything from you or not -- as you would not have the time to spare from your business to write often, or even to answer my few letters. Could I have found time, I would willingly have acted in accordance with your desire,\nbut you will readily excuse me from the most dreaded of punishments, your displeasure, for this seeming negligence when you read, what I am about to write.","My class has now arrived at the most critical period, in the existence of all V.M.I. \"Second Classes,\" that is, we are about to graduate upon the most important, branch of the course; at \"Jan. Examination\" our standing upon Mathematics is irrevocably fixed, and you can well imagine, as I am \"running\" for first, that the most of my time is dedicated to this and that I have but few\nopportunities [of] writing, even to the dear ones at home. I have still the \"first mark\" upon \"math,\" notwithstanding the many competitors with whom I have to contend for this high position in my class, and it is my opinion at present, that by hard study I will be enabled to keep it until the end of the hotly contested battle. I will stand first upon this branch of the courses, or come home, this is my chief ambition. You will I hope call it a laudable one, and I could not remain here and see my enemies smile at the keen disappointment that would be occasioned by my failing to realize it, neither could I bear the keener taunts of mock sympathy, that would be imposed on me by deceitful nominal friends.","My immediate studies, however, are not all that I have to offer as an excuse for not writing to you oftener. Just after I came off furlough I was elected \"debater\" for the 11th Nov, and of course I was compelled to write a \"speech,\" which occupation required a considerable portion of my time -- the dreaded 11th has come and gone, and I will have a little more spare time now than heretofore. I suppose I had better tell you how this my first effort at speechmaking was received. Well I hope you will not call me egotistical, when I inform you that it was highly complimented chiefly by the ladies (of whom there was [missing word] a number present), and sufficiently [applauded by] the male auditors, in fact several [people] said that \"it was the best speech made that evening\" and four were delivered. The well educated community around and in Lexington was well represented, and you can judge how I trembled when I arose for the first time in my life, to declaim an original speech. I stood it better however than I had thought I could. I wrote twelve pages of foolscap and spoke it off without once referring to the manuscript. I spoke about twenty minutes.","I have the second \"mark\" on chemistry, with another man, that is I have the same mark that he has, and our mark is second. I have not been appointed assistant professor yet, I still hope however that I will get this office after Jan. I was appointed \"sergeant\" yesterday (21st Nov) and will not have to stand post any more in the cold -- I will have to wear a sword now, and sit in the \"guardroom\"\ninstead of carrying a musket out in the sometimes chilly atmosphere. We are going to Richmond on 22nd Feb -- we have been ordered there, by government, Crawford's statue of Washington will be inaugurated then and the President will be there, beside many other distinguished personages. I am well at present -- I wish you would send me a few dollars of pocket money -- if you can spare it. I want it to pay one or two little debts, that [I have] contracted from time to time. I [have not] had any pocket money of any consequence. I will if I [live] pay you ten fold for all the mere money that you can send -- but oh! your kindness -- that I can never repay. Write soon -- give my love to (Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella May, \u0026 Blanche) and all my friends. Great God how my heart sickens when I leave John's name out of the above list - - - The stern tyrant -- Death-- has dealt harshly with us -- he has visited our house until now four of your sons, my brothers, sleep in the silent grave, it seems as if the number of your children can never remain long greater than seven. But I must hush these murmurings, against the [decrees?] of God -- Natures God I mean -- I hardly know whether to believe in the God of revelation or not, -- or rather I do not know whether I believe or not. Belief is not a voluntary act, we must understand partially at least everything that we would believe, or we can not reasonably believe. The faith of the great body of Christians is blind and scarcely deserves the name. Ask the most enthusiastic fanatic of our own day to explain an obscure passage of the Bible and two to one he will admit that he does not understand it -- while he holds out to the last, that he believes it. Write soon","Your affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","V.M.I.\nDec 30th 1857","Dear Father\nYour very kind letter is at hand, I would have answered it sooner, but I thought I would wait until I could inform you with tolerable certainty where I will stand in my class (on Mathematics). The contest for the highest \"honor\" that will be awarded to my class at the Jan. Examination, has been quite animated and grows more \u0026 more exciting as we approach the end of the race. At present\nthe chances are greatly in my favour. To-morrow is the last day that we will recite on Mathematics and I have the \"first mark\" independently of several \"extras\" that I have \"handed in\" and which have not as yet been examined. All that is now necessary to render my success complete is for me to pass a good examination. This I am preparing to do, and from present appearances, I think that you may rest assured that I will stand at the head of my class (on math).","I hope that Mother is not dangerously ill, and am pleased to learn that my surviving brothers and sisters are enjoying those blessings, which health always confers upon those who are so fortunate as to escape the \"ills that flesh is heir to.\" I received Mothers letter written just after John's death and answered it. I can not divine how it is that she did not receive my answer to that letter. I also received Mary's letter, (the one in which she speaked of your illness)and as well as I recollect, I am pretty certain that I answered it, and expressed my solicitude for your recovery.","Accept my thanks for the $10 note enclosed in your letter. It is a nice Christmas gift and I will not forget your kindness should fortune smile upon me in future. Give my love to Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella, Blanche, \u0026 the baby. Tell Mother to write to me soon. I need not tell you that I was relieved of a great deal of anxiety when I received your letter and learned that you\nhad recovered. I had not received a letter from home for so long, that I really thought that something dreadful had happened. Tell Mary to write soon. I have the manuscript of my speech (11th) and will bring it home with me next July. Our question was, \"Which form of government is best -- adapted to the present state of society -- the Monarchical or Republican?\" I was on the [illegible] is\nthe Republican side, write soon","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","V.M.I.\nJan 9th 1858","Dear Father\nYour letter was received this morning, and as you appear somewhat anxious to learn where I stand in my class on mathematics, I conclude that I can not spend a few leisure moments more profitably than in giving you the desired information. So draw your chair up before your warm\nblazing coal fire and read what I am about to write. I will give you the full and true account of the issue of this, to me, very exciting contest. But know first that I am the successful competitor for the high honor which has called forth so much study and intense application.","After my conversation with you while I was on furlough, you will understand the technical terms that I am about to use. At the end of the race when the marks were added up, the maximum was found to be 219. My mark was 249.8; Mr. Clarke (who was the next best on the lists) had 243.7; Mr Lyell (from Richmond County) the third on the lists, had about 223. You will perceive from the above that I had the \"first mark\" by 6.1, (as 249.8 - 243.7 = 6.1). You will notice also that I had 30.9 above the maximum (249.8 -\n219 = 30.8). I will say again that the contest for first was exceedingly animated, every nerve was brought into active (if I am allowed the term nerve when speaking of mental endeavors and intellectual actions) by all the higher members of the class (Mr Clarke especially).","But I have said nothing of the examination. The maximum, in the Examination Hall, was simply 3. (on math) Mr. Clarke made 2.90, Mr Lyell made 3, and I made 3.15, so, that I am first is shown not only by my recitation marks (249.8) but also by my examination mark (3.15). I made the highest mark that was made in the Examination Hall, as no one else made more than 3. The \"standing\" has not been announced officially, and will not be for two weeks, but I am certain that I am \"first\". I have not been examined in Chemistry or Latin yet. I have the third mark on Chemistry, and a very low mark on Latin, but these are of minor importance, as we do not graduate on them until July. We will now study Natural Philosophy, and will recite to Major Jackson (Miss Arnold's brother) on this branch of the courses.","I am well and was happy to learn that all are well at home. A little child was burned to death in Lexington to day. Give my love to all at home and my kind uncles and aunts. Remember me to my Grand father and Grandmother \u0026c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","(P.S.) I would have written more, but I \"must cut my coat according to my cloth,\" I have no more room on this sheet, write soon.\nJoseph","V.M.I.\nMarch 8th 1858","Dear Father\nI received your very welcome letter last Friday. It affords me much pleasure to learn that you are all well. I am not as well at present as I would wish to be. I caught cold while I was in Richmond and I have not entirely recovered from it yet. I am not too unwell to attend to my studies, and I hope I will get no worse.","You ask me to tell you something about my recent visit to Richmond. Well, to begin I will say that \"our corps\" covered itself with as much glory as \"mud\" on this ever-to-be-remembered-occasion, and by the way, if any disinterested looker on had said this in my presence, I would without hesitation have called him a flatterer. In short, the pavement was covered with loose earth mixed with water, shoe-mouth-deep, nearly every day that we paraded, and we had to march through it with a measured step, regardless of its presence, and with our \"eyes to the front.\"","We started from the V.M.I, Feb 15th at 7 o.c A.M, walked 8 miles to a point on the North River Canal, where two boats were waiting to receive us. We traveled down this canal until we came to the mouth of North River (it empties into the James), here we struck the great James River and Kanawha Canal, we proceeded via this canal until we arrived at Richmond, its eastern terminus. We were frozen up part of one night in the North River Canal, a Cadet fell over-board and broke through the ice, and was saved without receiving any serious injury -- beyond these little incidents nothing interesting happened to us while on the boats.","We numbered 138 strong in ranks, and had two \"plebes\" along who could not drill well enough to appear on parade. We were cordially received by the citizens, perhaps more so than any other corps present, of which there was a great many. We were placed at the head of the columns, this was quite a compliment, or at least we considered it as such. It snowed considerably in the morning of the 22nd, notwithstanding this, the procession was perhaps two miles and a half long. On Saturday the 20th we escorted Genl Scott from the Exchange Hotel to the Capitol, where he was appropriately received by the Senate and House of Delegates. On the same day we escorted John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, from the Depot to his lodgings. Genl. Scott said that we Cadets drilled better than the Cadets at West Point. Mr. Conrad said that you saw the Statue when you were in Richmond. I think it magnificent. It is so natural, the Rider is so Washington-like, and the horse is so life-like. Crawford the Artist sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, but his name will live when the bronze which now almost breaths in praise of his Genius, shall have moldered into dust. I wish I could have seen you in Richmond. Did you succeed in accomplishing what you intended by your visit\nto the City? I hope you did.","I have not been appointed Assistant Teacher yet, no one has. I have my office yet, and I wore my sword when I was in Richmond. Col Smith is not at home, he is in Washington, when he comes home I will make it all right with him about the deposit. We were in Richmond about a week. We arrived at the Institute on our return last Tuesday at 4 P.M. Give my live to all the family. My respects to Andrew Godin.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","March 30th 1858","Dear Mother\nI was prevented from forwarding my letter as soon as I intended, and I thought I would add a little to it before mailing it. One of my classmates, Mr. Hutter of Lynchburg, who has been traveling in the south for his health, has just returned. His lungs were affected. He lost one of them, but is restored to health again I believe.","Another of my classmates, Mr. Cooke of Portsmouth, was taken suddenly ill yesterday. I thought at first that his disease was congestion of the brain -- he raved like a maniac when first taken and we feared he would not live long. The physician was sent for, he was bled copiously -- went to sleep and slept soundly for two or three hours, awoke raving worse than ever, although his head had been covered all this time with ice: at length however, some medicine was [ ed] to him, which [ ]....reminded of the dreadful illness that carried poor lost Bernard from the stage of life.","I have been elected to the office of orator for the Society of Cadets, and will have to make a speech in there, or rather our Hall next July. I wish some of my friends would come over, that is if I have a good speech, and if I have a poor one, they will do me a kindness by staying away. I am doing well so far as my studies are concerned.","Is the basement of our house walled up with brick yet? Is the Academy finished? What kind of furniture is father making for our house? What young gentlemen is peculiarly attentive to Mary -- has she given the mitten to anybody else? You need not be uneasy about me in a moral point -- I am very moral I do not drink a drop of liquor. Glen McLean \u0026 Dick Brown were quite\ncomplimentary, so was Jacob Conrad, I hope I deserve the esteem. It is only three months until I can See you all -- write soon.","V.M.I.\nJune 20th 58","Dear Father\nI have been appointed \"Private Secretary\" to Col Smith, upon the condition that I remain at the V.M.I. until the first of August, therefore you need not send my furlough money until then. I should say will be appointed, as the appointments are not yet made -- and will not be before the 5th of July -- but this scarcely affects the matter, since the office has been promised me by the proper authority. Of course, whether I accept this office or not, will be entirely owing to what you think about it. The position offered me, is I believe the best one that will be given out -- and it is my hope that you will not object to my accepting -- and complying with the above mentioned condition. I am well. Give my love to all the family.","I have passed my examination on Latin \u0026 Philosophy. I am first, beyond a doubt, on Natural Philosophy -- and pretty low down on Latin. I will be examined tomorrow on Chemistry -- I have the first mark on this study with several others -- and will I hope stand abut third on it. I have a great deal of work on my hands just now -- I speak before a crowded house next Friday -- and am busy preparing for that occasion. Hope you are all well -- Tell Mother to write soon. Oh! how I long to see you all.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L Chenoweth\n(P.S) You may if you have it to spare send me a few dollars. I need it--Joseph","(P.S. No 2) My classmate (Mr. Govan) who was very ill when I last wrote is slowly recovering -- he narrowly escaped the grave. His Mother has been with him for some time, and if he gets well, it will be on account of good nursing -- as the physicians concluded at one time that he must die. Mr. Hutter (another class-mate) whose lungs were affected is about well, he is now at the V.M.I. attending to his studies. Mr. Cooke who had the intermittent fever is well. Mr. Govan's disease is brain-fever, \u0026 I fear\nnotwithstanding the present favorable symptoms, that he is not safe yet. Chenoweth","(P.S No 3) I saw Col Smith about my deposit when he was here -- before he started for Europe. He said that there was no danger of my not being allowed to go on with my studies in consequence of my indebtedness to the Institute, and gave me, for you, the enclosed note. The amount due the Institute, from me, is about $250 or more -- and $50 added to this as a deposit will make three hundred dollars -- This seems at first sight to be a larger sum -- but when we remember that no deposit has been sent for some time, the amount looks reasonable. The Col suggests that you give a negotiable note for $300 -- so that he may use it as money when he settles the affairs of the Institute with the state authorities -- Whether this is the best course to pursue is left wholly with you -- I would say though that if you have the money on hand -- send it -- by all means. I believe now that next year just before I graduate I will make an application for an Assistant Professorship in Mathematics -- in this way I will be enabled to pay the last installments of our debt -- myself -- But I will speak to you on this subject when I come home -- Excuse this long (P.S)\nJoseph","V.M. Institute\nNov 21st 1858","Dear Father\nYour long-looked-for letter came to hand yesterday (Saturday). I read it with great pleasure because I learned from it that you are getting along well with your work and that my friends at home are all well. Accept my thanks for the favor which you have conferred upon me, by paying D. Frown the $5, for me.","Your opinions with reference to the action of the authorities of the Virginia Military Institute, since my matriculation here as a State Cadet, are certainly just. The Board of Visitors have, during the last few years, -- acted -- perhaps unintentionally in direct violation of the sacred obligations of contracts. I can conceive of no circumstances which they could reasonably point us to in justification of their course, when they made State Cadets pay for certain articles which had been guaranteed to these Cadets, by the regulations of the Institute, -- at the time of their appointment. If they tell us that the prices of beef -- butter -- and corn has-have increased since these Cadets entered the Institute -- We ask -- Is that any reason why they should make these Cadets pay for their washing -- their fuel -- their lights? By no means!, All good men will answer. This is no reason. And moreover no sufficient reason can be found for the post facto law -- by which these Cadets are made to pay for these articles, after the Virginia Military Institute had contracted with them -- to furnish them -- these things free of cost. -- It is a melancholy thought that the State of\nVirginia is by the action of her officers, prevented from accomplishing the noble object she had in view from exercising that high kind of charity she contemplated when she established her Military Institute. How much good will accrue to young Virginians who are in moderate circumstances even, from an Institution, in which the State proposes to educate them for a mere trifle while the men charged with the government of this Institution make these Young Men pay almost as much as their education would cost them at other Institutions where they would have to pay for every item in the list of College expenses. These young men, evidently, will not reap half the advantages which the State intended them to have when she built the Institution. When I came here, I expected to find good-men placed by the State, in the highest offices of the Virginia Military Institute. In some respects in some cases, I have not been disappointed. In other cases I have been totally disappointed. For I see presiding over a fountain of learning the waters of which I have been told, were almost as free as the air we breathe, men who like auctioneers cry -- Education!! Education!! Come buy!! Come buy!! The Price is Gold! Gold! Gold! Those who have the most, are most welcome to the soothing waters we sell!!! to the Instruction we impart!!! This is a sad state of things truly -- still, however sad, I feel that I\nshould not complain. For have I not received a blessing, an education which never would have been mine had the State refused to establish the Virginia Military Institute, or in other words, if this Institution did not exist at present. My only complaint, if I have any, is against those who are at the head of the Virginia Military Institute. Not against all of these, but some of them. I have been treated well enough by all of them yet I feel that they have not treated you as you should have been treated, that they have wronged you most seriously. It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that my little speech delivered on the 11th gave general satisfaction. I was highly complimented after I got through. I am progressing firmly in my studies -- and hope to take a pretty high diploma. I do not think -- now -- that I can stand first in my Class -- I am trying very hard though -- for that position. I will not stand below Third, I think, at the lowest. But time will tell. Our Society meets every Saturday night in our Hall (in the North Eastern Corner of Barracks) and I have come to the conclusion to speak at every meeting. We had quite an animated discussion last evening. I find that I improve much by engaging in the debates. The time will soon come when it will be my duty to select a profession or occupation. I wish when you write you would give me some advice on this subject. You know my nature, and can\njudge what would suit me best. Give my love to all the home-folks, and to all my other relatives. And to my other friends-- Remember me to Lilly, Dr Bosworth, Hughes \u0026c. \u0026c. Write soon.\nYours with great affection\nJ.H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Mother\nYour very kind favor is at hand, and I proceed to reply immediately. I thought something more than ordinary was the matter at home. Had it been otherwise I would certainly have heard from you more frequently. I suppose you did not like to let me know that Taylor was so sick, and hence concluded to allow me to remain in blissful ignorance on this subject until you could\ninform me that he was nearly well. I am so glad that he is recovering. So glad that he is well enough to write to me, and that he will soon be well enough to go to school. I am also equally glad to hear that every body else at home is quite well. I received a letter from Mary some time ago. She was well. I can see from her letter that she is much pleased with the idea that she may learn music. It is my belief that she will be an apt scholar, since she has such an ardent desire to learn. I am expecting a letter from her\nnow. I have not heard from Father recently. He will write soon I suppose. I am well, and doing well.","I was elected the other day one of the Speakers for the next Fourth of July. I wish some of my dear home-friends could be here on that day. -- I am very busy just now, but amid all my trials and labors, the thought that in four-and-a-half months I may return home -- never fails to solace me. You say, very truly too, that you have never fully answered my first letter yet, and what pleases me much you add that, in your next you will say something about the matters touched upon in that letter. I hope father is doing well,\nand making money by his contracts at Weston. What a load will be taken off his shoulders and off of my mind too, when I graduate and commence life for myself. I feel that he has already done more for me than I deserve, and am determined to do all I can to repay him (in part, for I despair of repaying him in full) for all that he has, and you for what you have, done for my sake. Col. Smith, who returned from Europe some time ago is now attending to the duties of his office. He lectures every Saturday evening on Europe, and is quite entertaining. By the way, I think I was highly complimented the other day. I will tell you how it came about. If you recollect aright, you are aware that I delivered a speech on the 11th of last November (the Anniversary of the Institute). Well Col. Smith was in Europe at that time and did not hear what I had to say. When he returned he prevailed upon one of my friends to borrow the speech from me for him, and without my knowing it he took it (the speech) down to Richmond last month, and read it before the Board of Visitors, and strange to tell, the Col says that Body were much pleased with it. -- In my dreams -- I had not thought that this little speech would procure for me the admiration of the Board, and in my waking hours I can not persuade myself that I desire this admiration on account of my having made this speech.","Write soon. Give my love to all the children., and to Father when you see him. -- Also -- My love to all my Aunts Cousins Uncles -- Grandmother, and Grandfathers. Have you heard from Aunt Mary H lately? How is she and uncle H getting along in Kansas. On the other side of this leaf you will find a little letter for Taylor, in answer to his, which accompanied yours.--\nYour Affectionate Son\nJoseph H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Taylor\nI was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.","It pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella \u0026 Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say \"Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die,\" now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.\nYour Affectionate Brother\nJoseph","Va Mil Institute\nJune 20th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter together with my last circular and Col Smith's receipt for your $100 check, came to hand this morning. There is, as you very justly remark, great discrepancy between the estimated and the real amount expended by me during the last quarter, but you should remember that the estimated amount was only conjectural while the real amount is now accurately known. I have\nexamined my \"book,\" in accordance with your request, and I find that there is but one mistake made in the circular as compared with the \"book.\" Total expenses in the circular, should be (up to April 1st) $551.45c instead of $549.59c as it now stands. I am surprised at the fact that such a gross error was made by the Col when he estimated my expenses for 3 months at $20.41. By a simple arithmetical process he would have found that this estimate was unreasonably small, or he would have been convinced that my expenses up to the beginning of the present quarter were unjustly large. To show you how this is, I will perform the operation. Up to the beginning of the present quarter there were 40 months, which I spent at the V.M.I. In the present quarter there are 3 months. During the 40 months I expended $551.45c. How much would I expend during the present quarter? This question is answered below.","40.: $551.45 :: 3 : $ x","From this proportion, which is nothing more nor less than the expression of a simple example under the \"Single Rule of Three,\" we find x = $41.35 for a probable estimate of what I should expend during 1 quarter. To this sum the Col should have added $10.00, the price of my Diploma, making in all $51.35. This should have been the Col's estimate. But it was a summer estimate\nand of course no provision was made for a pair of Winter Pants which I had made this spring. Adding $7.50 for the Pants and we have $51.35c + $7.50c = $58.85c. To this sum should also be added $9.00 = $67.85c for an estimate founded on positive knowledge and probably conjecture. Now let us see what my expenses really were. the \"book\" shows that I have expended during\nthe last three months $63.78c. Subtracting this from the estimate and we have $67.85c -$63.78c = $4.07c which shows that I have expended $4.07c less than an average for the whole time, during the present quarter. The three extraordinary items, Diploma, W Pants, and Interest, have cause my expenses for these 3 months to exceed the average $22.43c. The Pants, I was compelled to buy as I had none scarcely at the time, I have them yet and they are as good as new. $10.00 is the usual price for a Diploma, And as to the Interest it seems perfectly just that it should be paid. You will readily perceive from this \"mode of reasoning\" that either the charges made against me for the whole time are unjust, or those made against me for the present quarter are just. You have tacitly acknowledged the justice of the charges up to the beginning of the present quarter, by paying money on an estimate made in connection with these charges, so that, it seems we have to admit now the justice of the charges for the present quarter. My own opinion is, that you are very unjustly compelled to pay for some things which you did not agree to purchase when you sent me to the V.M.I., but which nevertheless have been furnished me. I allude to \"washing\" \"fuel\" \u0026 c. But while I believe this I do not hesitate to make known to you my firm conviction that you had better pay the whole debt. If you do not pay it you will be sued. This would be annoying to you, besides, you will have to maintain a suit against a wealthy \u0026 powerful corporation which would not be satisfied if the case should be decided against it -- in the lower courts but would carry it to the\nhighest tribunals in the Land, rather than have a precedent established which would cause the Institute to lose largely. You now have my conclusion and my opinions on the subject. Of course, however, you will act as you choose. One thing I would request of you -- viz -- not to do anything before the Fourth of July that might prejudice the Faculty and Board against me. Since you ask it I will not bind myself to pay the balance due the Institute, and I think I have a good reason for not doing this should they ask me to do it for I consider myself already bound to pay you what you have advanced on my behalf and it is not right that I should be bound to pay two parties for the same article. You are expected, I suppose, to answer Col Smith's \"horse-leech\" cry for more - more either in the affirmative or negative. On this point I will merely remark that you had better inform him in a very polite note that your resources are not infinite and that therefore you can not pay him just now. In other words, inform him that the means with which to liquidate the debt due the Institute are not in your possession. Then, when the blood ceases to flow, the \"Horse-Leech\"\nwill cease to annoy you. You can readily perceive the delicacy of my position.","Col Smith has, without my asking it, placed me under obligations to him by recommending me to the authorities of a College in Florida, as a suitable person for a situation there. Yet I feel that, this should not make me mum concerning his grasping propensities or at any rate those of the parties of whom he is but the agent. The State, God bless the old commonwealth, intended that the Institute should be a blessing to the poor, but the authorities of the Institute, God have mercy on their souls, have converted it into a Financial Inquisition and Col Smith is their \"Instrument of Torture\" with which they wring from honest poor men -- the money that they have earned as Jehovah directed, by the \"sweat of their brows.\" Let not then, Father, your maledictions be poured upon the passive \"Instrument\" but upon those who use it. Think not harshly of Col Smith but direct your anathemas against the Board of Visitors, or at least those of them who have been the cause of the present State of things, and who have done so much to \"violate the obligation of contracts.\" I would not be ungrateful -- and since Col Smith has granted you considerable indulgence I would advise you or rather I would request you not be hasty in forming your opinion of him. I may do him injustice in what I have said of him in these pages. I would speak my sentiments thus freely to no one but you and then only because I know that what I write now will be a \"sealed book\" after you have read it. I have not time now to send you a copy of my accounts, but what is better I send you my \"book.\" Some of the items you will not understand. I will explain them when I come home. Until then let the matter stand where it is, except in so far as simply informing Col Smith that you have not money with\nwhich to pay him now. When I shall have talked the matter over with you you can determine on your course of action. There is one mistake in Col Smiths letter The balance should be $121.35c instead of $123.00 as given by him. Say nothing in your letter to him that will injure me. The appointment at the Florida College has not been made yet. I will know when I come home what my fate will be. I will not be able to deliver my oration as I have something the matter with my throat not serious though only enough to prevent me from speaking. My love to the family.\nYour affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nOct 30th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter is at hand. It is now Sunday, and I may as well appropriate the few leisure moments at my disposal to the pleasant duty of writing to you. I am sorry that I was such a goose as to forget -- or misunderstand -- (for I had not the letter before me when I wrote) -- the contents of the letter to which my last was an answer. I will now, I hope, satisfy you on the point which, it seems, most interests you. I shall not alter the number of my diploma -- nor shall I allow it to be altered, since it is your desire that the number shall remain as it is. I will here remark, however, that I care not a straw for the number of the diploma. This is the most insignificant part of the whole affair. The right to have the number \"one\" on the diploma is what alone deserves our attention. This right, as you know, has been transferred from me to another and I can not easily be convinced that it is entirely proper for me to retain that to which I have no right. In my own opinion, and in the eyes of some of my friends I may be entitled to the \"first honor\" in my class. This is not doubted. But it should be remembered that neither I nor my friends are authorized to judge, and that the Faculty of the Institute have the power to do what they have done, be it just or unjust. Nor should it be forgotten that the opinion of the Faculty as published in the Register will have more weight with the world than anything that could be said in my behalf by any other party. I will here drop a subject upon which too much has already been said with a repetition of my determination to allow the No \"1\" to remain on my diploma.","I am glad to hear that you are progressing so finely with your work, and hope that you may soon bring it to a successful completion. I see that you have been studying the Geology that I left with you. I agree with you in the opinion you express -- with reference to the plan of the work. It was not, however, designed for those who study without a teacher or previous preparation, but for those who have passed over a certain part of the regular Scientific course. I am very fond of theories -- still -- I would always have them nailed together and supported by a few facts well established and well explained. Are you not mistaken in regard to the\ndrift agency? There is no cause, within my knowledge, now operating of sufficient power to transfer large boulders from one side of a mountain to the other. There are, doubtless, causes now acting but of a different nature from that which was the great agent during the \"drift period.\" I think you would progress more rapidly now with your geological studies if you had studied Chemistry first. Both are very interesting. Have you read the Intellectual Philosophy which I left with you. You would find it extremely\ninteresting, I have no doubt.","You wish to know how I am getting along in my capacity as Professor. In answer to this query, I will say charmingly. I am much pleased with the occupation and, without egotism I say it, I regard myself competent to perform all the duties appropriate to the office. I study a good deal, too much indeed to allow of my doing much at anything else, and therefore I have not yet visited the Society Hall. I am not willing to speak on any subject, now, without thorough preparation of my speech. The consequence of this\nis that since I have not time to prepare, I do not speak at all. I think you will agree with me that it is best not to attempt anything when we doubt that we will do it well.","I can not say that I am entirely well. My throat bothers me some yet. I have to talk a great deal in the \"section room\" during recitations, and I find that it irritates my vocal organs to such an extent that I am sometimes forced to stop and rest awhile. Only for short periods however. Five or ten minutes. I explain everything that is difficult. In other respects I am entirely well. Write soon. My respects to Uncle Eli -- Harrison Kelly and Andrew Godden\nYour Affectionate\nSon Jas H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nNov 19th 1859","Dear Mother\nYour very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.","Several companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.","I hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to \"go to Hell.\" What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine \u0026 Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.","Ella May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the\nmischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth","The Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.","Letters dated from 1860 to 1861 were written while Chenoweth was a Professor at the Maryland Agricultural College and at VMI. Topics include the election of 1860, John T. L. Preston, and religion.","This collection also contains two VMI grade reports for 1856.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and punishment for playing cards.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and a trip to Richmond, Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and Joseph H. Chenoweth being elected as \"Private Secretary\" to Francis H. Smith.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life, finances, and a potential position at a college in Florida.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown.","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861"],"collection_ssim":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0107","/repositories/3/resources/188"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0107","/repositories/3/resources/188"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 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—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Maryland Agricultural College","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","Academic records"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Maryland Agricultural College","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","Academic records"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 Linear Feet approximately 32 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 Linear Feet approximately 32 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Academic records"],"date_range_isim":[1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJoseph Hart Chenoweth was born in 1837 in Randolph County, [West] Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1859. He was an Assistant Professor at VMI and a Professor of Math at Maryland Agricultural College. Chenoweth served as a Confederate Major in the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle on June 9, 1862, near Shields, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Joseph Hart Chenoweth was born in 1837 in Randolph County, [West] Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1859. He was an Assistant Professor at VMI and a Professor of Math at Maryland Agricultural College. Chenoweth served as a Confederate Major in the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle on June 9, 1862, near Shields, Virginia."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute\nSep 28th. 55. (1855)","Dear Father:\nI received your letter of the 11th and was extremely glad to hear that you were all well. I am getting along first rate with my studies. The 4th class study algebra, Geography and English; we will not commence studying French until January. We recite Algebra at 8 o clock in the morning, Geography at 11, and English at 3, and we have Battalion Drill at 5 o clock in the evening.","I stand guard about once a week. I have been Drilled so much that I have become to be a tolerable good soldier. As to the letter which James Campbell has in his possession, I do not know whether it is genuine or not I did write a letter to him but I certainly did not say any thing about being tied and ducked. I was dragged a short distance one night, but it did not hurt me any. The cadets attempted to duck me and another new Cadet, but I jumped from under the water and did not get but very little on me. They also tied the Military cravat on me. They did this by tying my cravat in about a dozen knots, this was all done while we [were] in camp. Since we came in barracks they do not molest us New Cadets. And in fact they all treat me very well. It is perfectly impossible for a man to come here without having to undergo some bad treatment, at first. You can rest assured that I am well pleased with the place. They beat the drum so near my room that it always wakes me up. Except that the first morning we came in\nbarracks, I did not hear the drum beat, but they did not miss me.","Tell Mother that she need not be uneasy about my sleeping too late. I always am among the first ones up. I wish you would send me a copy of the Dispatch occasionally if it is not too much trouble. Give my love to all the family.","Yours Affectionately\nJ. H. Chenoweth, V.M.I.","To L. Chenoweth\nBeverly, Va.","P. S. I was very much surprised to hear of the marriage of Mary E. Chenoweth with E. Rowan.\nJ.H.C.","Lexington Feb. 18th. 1856","Dear Father\nI received yours of the 10th and enclosed I found Col Smith's letter. I was in hopes that you would not hear of my having played cards, but since you have heard it I will give you all the particulars. You can thus judge for yourself, the extent of my \"crime\" On the evening of the 25th of Jan. two of my room mates, a cadet by the name of Lewis¹ from Mason County and myself -- were sitting in my room, playing a social game at cards. A professor came to the door, knocked and came in. We concealed our cards,\nas quick as possible but not soon enough to escape the eye of the Prof. He reported us for playing cards but he could not swear that we were playing at cards. From the tenor of Col Smith's letter, you must certainly think that I am a desperate character of late. But dear Father believe me on my honor when I say that, Playing cards has been my greatest offence, I did wrong, I must acknowledge, I should not have allowed myself to play at all. I hope that you will forgive my first offence, I will promise you that I will not again while at the institute, be guilty of the same offence! Col Smith seems to think that playing cards is a habit, which I indulge in frequently, but father, he is mistaken, I do not make a practice of playing at cards. I have conducted myself, I think, with the utmost propriety (with the exception of this one offence) since my arrival at this place. The number of my demerit \"is rather my misfortune than my fault.\" I feel it my duty as your son to follow your directions, I thank you for the kind advice, which you have given me from time to time. I will take pleasure in observing your directions, and I hope that the next circular will surprise you equally as much as the other, but in another manner. I am fully aware of the importance of my maintaining my situation here as a\ncadet. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, in allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity of obtaining a good education. I think that if I get along as well hereafter as I have since Jan, I will stand better on Mathematics than I did last Jan. I will be through Davies Geometry in a few weeks. I am reading French, at present. As to your fears about my \"keeping bad\ncompany,\" I will have to say that I do not, keep bad company. If you would call those persons bad company, who had played an occasional game at cards, I will say that each of my roommates may be called bad company, but they have all stopped off short, since we came so near being dismissed for that grievous offence. That having been our greatest crime, we are now strictly moral. To calm your fears on all heads, I will say that I pledged my honor the first day that I entered the institute not to drink while at the institute, and as I value my honor I have kept it. This was unnecessary, because I never did drink. Yet I did it because it was customary. From this day henceforward I will see how few demerits I can get, I must acknowledge that I have been somewhat careless sometimes in regard to my demerits. But hereafter I will cultivate that virtue called \"punctuality\" which of all others I think it is among the best especially for a person who expects to stay at the institute","Many thanks to you for your kind promise, I will try to make myself worthy of it, To be comprehensive in reply to your questions about the Institute, I will answer. The institute is an excellent school, I can obtain as good a mathematical education here as at any place in the United States, a good French Latin \u0026 English education, Chemistry Mechanics Natural Philosophy Rhetoric Moral Philosophy, \u0026 c, also a splendid Military Education. Write soon I am, in good health, I am determined that the next letter that you receive in relation to my conduct shall please you, better than the last, I am glad to hear that you have got a contract to build the bridge across Buchannon. From your affectionate but unfortunate son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L. Chenoweth","P.S. Cadet Lewis broke his arrest and was dismissed I have taken the liberty of retaining Col Smith's letter which I suppose is immaterial to you. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute, April 15th 56","Dear Father,\nI have at present a few leisure moments which I will employ in writing to you. I am enjoying good health at present, and in fact I have had excellent health ever since I arrived here. I am progressing in my studies admirably, I get along a great deal better than I\nat first thought I would. If I meet with no misfortune hereafter, I flatter myself that I will have a better standing at July, than I had last Jan. I do not at present get near as many demerits per month as I have heretofore.","There was a very sad accident happened in the vicinity of the Institute a few weeks since. Two students of Washington College started upon a hunting expedition, they had not gone very far when they stopped, one of them was loading his pistol when it accidentally discharged itself, the contents lodging in the breast of a Mr. Booker. He was carried to the Hospital of the Institute and died in a few days, he was a citizen of Richmond.","There has been a new method of drill introduced at the Institute. It consists of a double quick step, it makes me sweat every evening. I have increased considerably in weight since I became a Cadet, I weigh at present 155 lbs., I am now studying \"Analytical Plane Trigonometry,\" French and English. I have at present I think nothing to fear. My total number of demerit is about 130, this is the last quarter of the present year and I have 70 demerit to go upon, I think I am perfectly safe. I wish you would send some postage stamps when you answer this letter, if you should ever have an opportunity I wish you would send that book which I received from New York, entitled \"New elements of Geometry\" by Seba Smith, I think it will be of some benefit to me. You have a book which would be of infinite benefit to me when I become a third classman, I think it is called \"Minifies Mechanical Drawing Book,\" but perhaps you cannot spare it. If you cannot you need not send it, I can get along without it. Give my love to all the family, and write soon. I heard that you were going to build two Academies in Beverly. I hope you may succeed, in the enterprise,\nFrom Your Affectionate son\nJ H Chenoweth","Virginia Military Institute\nFeb 21st 1857","Dear Father\nIt is needless for me to say that I have not received anything from you in the [illegible] of a letter during the extraordinary period (three month nearly) which has intervened since you wrote last. You have -- I have no doubt -- good reasons for this failure upon your part to write, I take it for granted at least -- and will not enquire into their nature. But really, I do not see why you can not appropriate a few moments, occasionally, to letter-writing. To me at least, it is by no means a disagreeable occupation, especially when I have no bad news to communicate.","\"I am well, and am getting along very well with my studies.\" You will perhaps be puzzled to find out why I enclosed the above sentence with quotation marks. You need not be, if you examine the letters which you have received from me, from time to time, you will find that this same sentence occurs in nearly all, besides -- it is perhaps the best line, with respect to its \"subject matter\" that will be contained by this letter. Therefore, I distinguish it from the commonplace remarks by which it is surrounded. Since I entered, a student, at this Institution, I have been doubly blessed, I have enjoyed excellent health, and my laudable ambition has been gratified in some manner. Yes it is a laudable ambition, that ambition which makes me yearn to excel here in intellectual improvement, in all that makes man, -- a man in the highest, truest, noblest, sense of the term! Ambition, of a different kind is a\ndangerous thing; that ambition which rears [illegible] of despotism upon the ruins of Liberty, Justice and the rights of man; or climbs to the highest pinnacle of Fame, over the bones of murdered millions; that species of ambition, the gratification of which, \"damned Napoleon Bonaparte into everlasting fame\" is hellborn, and its tendency is and ever has been hellwards! On the other hand that ambition which when gratified, made a Washington, a Webster and a Clay, established and supported Liberty, upon the broadest foundations, and terrified all Tyrants, is heavenborn, its possessors stand unique and alone, the only mortals truly great, overleap Fame's polluted mount, and soar in the pure ether beyond, ever pointing heavenwards. These are but few names purely immortal, which will be remembered with [illegible] feelings of reverence and love by the truly good until the latest generations. Alas, there are too many merely notorious names, names which will be remembered only to curse until the last trump shall awaken the dead [ ]!!. With Cicero I am led to exclaim \"Oh times, oh customs!\"; the very Senate chamber, in which, the immortal Clay was wont to move the multitude to tears, or animate the thousands with his own passion, is now polluted by the whispers of corruption or bribery. Sumner stands upon the same floor upon which he stood, and contaminates the atmosphere with his huge\nlibels upon the venerable Butler. Oh! departed shades of our ancestors, was Clay and Webster the last of their race? Has patriotism become extinguished? Is there nothing left of \"the age of bronze\"? Will the black chains of tyranny be our portion at last? Oh! no, Say not, the pleasant memories of yourselves forbid it, the hopes of your posterity forbid it, and all the good ones of the earth forbid it, the animated eloquence of Keit forbid it and the still fresh though sad memory of Brooks, forbids it. But hold, my pen is running away with me, I did not intend to become so enthusiastic upon this subject. How did my standing at Jan. please you? Answer in your next if you was pleased with it, I am happy.","When you write again I wish you would let me know whether I ought to get a furlough suit or not, it will cost in all about $40, if you can spare this much, I will be much pleased, if not I can do very well without it. I shall be so much pleased to visit you that I will care nothing for clothes, the Cadets generally buy one,","Write soon\nYour Affectionate Son\nJas H. Chenoweth","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va Sep 15th 57","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time. I put off writing until now -- so that I would be able to inform you how I am doing, or rather how I am getting along with my studies. I am doing well on \"Calculus\" (the highest branch of Math), I made the highest -- \"mark\" in my class on this study the first week (we have only recited a week and two days on Cal). I\nrecited 1 day on Chemistry, I did very well. We have not commenced reciting on Latin yet.","I started from home Wednesday, as you directed me to do, and arrived at the V.M.I. on Friday 11 1/2 P.M. I had quite a pleasant time from Staunton over to Lexington -- I can not say the same for the other portions of the journey -- as it rained on me from Yeagers to Staunton. With regard to that \"Assistant Professorship,\" about which I was speaking to you, I must say that as yet -- I have not heard anything about it, -- I am afraid that the appointment will not be made. I will hope for it however still -- I may be appointed next Jan.","I am well. I heard that you were raising your bridge, I hope all success for you. If the weather in your part of the state be anything like that here, it is certainly favorable to such an undertaking. When you can find time, write to me -- This may not be soon as you are so busy. I am quite busy myself now. I was elected speaker for the 11th Nov next --(the anniversary of the Institute). By the\nway to be elected to this post -- is considered quite an honor here. I will, of course, have my hands full for the next two months. I am afraid that I will not do honor to myself on that occasion -- but I will do my best. Give my love to John, my compliments to all of your hands (or those with whom I am acquainted)","Your Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth\nTo\nL Chenoweth\nBuckhannon\nUpshur Ct, VA","(P.S) If you have any money on hand to spare, I wish you would send me a little, as I have never had any pocket money. I have one or two little debts to pay. If it is inconvenient you need not do it. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va\nNov 22nd 1857","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time, although if you recollect I wrote last. You requested me to write frequently -- whether I received anything from you or not -- as you would not have the time to spare from your business to write often, or even to answer my few letters. Could I have found time, I would willingly have acted in accordance with your desire,\nbut you will readily excuse me from the most dreaded of punishments, your displeasure, for this seeming negligence when you read, what I am about to write.","My class has now arrived at the most critical period, in the existence of all V.M.I. \"Second Classes,\" that is, we are about to graduate upon the most important, branch of the course; at \"Jan. Examination\" our standing upon Mathematics is irrevocably fixed, and you can well imagine, as I am \"running\" for first, that the most of my time is dedicated to this and that I have but few\nopportunities [of] writing, even to the dear ones at home. I have still the \"first mark\" upon \"math,\" notwithstanding the many competitors with whom I have to contend for this high position in my class, and it is my opinion at present, that by hard study I will be enabled to keep it until the end of the hotly contested battle. I will stand first upon this branch of the courses, or come home, this is my chief ambition. You will I hope call it a laudable one, and I could not remain here and see my enemies smile at the keen disappointment that would be occasioned by my failing to realize it, neither could I bear the keener taunts of mock sympathy, that would be imposed on me by deceitful nominal friends.","My immediate studies, however, are not all that I have to offer as an excuse for not writing to you oftener. Just after I came off furlough I was elected \"debater\" for the 11th Nov, and of course I was compelled to write a \"speech,\" which occupation required a considerable portion of my time -- the dreaded 11th has come and gone, and I will have a little more spare time now than heretofore. I suppose I had better tell you how this my first effort at speechmaking was received. Well I hope you will not call me egotistical, when I inform you that it was highly complimented chiefly by the ladies (of whom there was [missing word] a number present), and sufficiently [applauded by] the male auditors, in fact several [people] said that \"it was the best speech made that evening\" and four were delivered. The well educated community around and in Lexington was well represented, and you can judge how I trembled when I arose for the first time in my life, to declaim an original speech. I stood it better however than I had thought I could. I wrote twelve pages of foolscap and spoke it off without once referring to the manuscript. I spoke about twenty minutes.","I have the second \"mark\" on chemistry, with another man, that is I have the same mark that he has, and our mark is second. I have not been appointed assistant professor yet, I still hope however that I will get this office after Jan. I was appointed \"sergeant\" yesterday (21st Nov) and will not have to stand post any more in the cold -- I will have to wear a sword now, and sit in the \"guardroom\"\ninstead of carrying a musket out in the sometimes chilly atmosphere. We are going to Richmond on 22nd Feb -- we have been ordered there, by government, Crawford's statue of Washington will be inaugurated then and the President will be there, beside many other distinguished personages. I am well at present -- I wish you would send me a few dollars of pocket money -- if you can spare it. I want it to pay one or two little debts, that [I have] contracted from time to time. I [have not] had any pocket money of any consequence. I will if I [live] pay you ten fold for all the mere money that you can send -- but oh! your kindness -- that I can never repay. Write soon -- give my love to (Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella May, \u0026 Blanche) and all my friends. Great God how my heart sickens when I leave John's name out of the above list - - - The stern tyrant -- Death-- has dealt harshly with us -- he has visited our house until now four of your sons, my brothers, sleep in the silent grave, it seems as if the number of your children can never remain long greater than seven. But I must hush these murmurings, against the [decrees?] of God -- Natures God I mean -- I hardly know whether to believe in the God of revelation or not, -- or rather I do not know whether I believe or not. Belief is not a voluntary act, we must understand partially at least everything that we would believe, or we can not reasonably believe. The faith of the great body of Christians is blind and scarcely deserves the name. Ask the most enthusiastic fanatic of our own day to explain an obscure passage of the Bible and two to one he will admit that he does not understand it -- while he holds out to the last, that he believes it. Write soon","Your affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","V.M.I.\nDec 30th 1857","Dear Father\nYour very kind letter is at hand, I would have answered it sooner, but I thought I would wait until I could inform you with tolerable certainty where I will stand in my class (on Mathematics). The contest for the highest \"honor\" that will be awarded to my class at the Jan. Examination, has been quite animated and grows more \u0026 more exciting as we approach the end of the race. At present\nthe chances are greatly in my favour. To-morrow is the last day that we will recite on Mathematics and I have the \"first mark\" independently of several \"extras\" that I have \"handed in\" and which have not as yet been examined. All that is now necessary to render my success complete is for me to pass a good examination. This I am preparing to do, and from present appearances, I think that you may rest assured that I will stand at the head of my class (on math).","I hope that Mother is not dangerously ill, and am pleased to learn that my surviving brothers and sisters are enjoying those blessings, which health always confers upon those who are so fortunate as to escape the \"ills that flesh is heir to.\" I received Mothers letter written just after John's death and answered it. I can not divine how it is that she did not receive my answer to that letter. I also received Mary's letter, (the one in which she speaked of your illness)and as well as I recollect, I am pretty certain that I answered it, and expressed my solicitude for your recovery.","Accept my thanks for the $10 note enclosed in your letter. It is a nice Christmas gift and I will not forget your kindness should fortune smile upon me in future. Give my love to Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella, Blanche, \u0026 the baby. Tell Mother to write to me soon. I need not tell you that I was relieved of a great deal of anxiety when I received your letter and learned that you\nhad recovered. I had not received a letter from home for so long, that I really thought that something dreadful had happened. Tell Mary to write soon. I have the manuscript of my speech (11th) and will bring it home with me next July. Our question was, \"Which form of government is best -- adapted to the present state of society -- the Monarchical or Republican?\" I was on the [illegible] is\nthe Republican side, write soon","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","V.M.I.\nJan 9th 1858","Dear Father\nYour letter was received this morning, and as you appear somewhat anxious to learn where I stand in my class on mathematics, I conclude that I can not spend a few leisure moments more profitably than in giving you the desired information. So draw your chair up before your warm\nblazing coal fire and read what I am about to write. I will give you the full and true account of the issue of this, to me, very exciting contest. But know first that I am the successful competitor for the high honor which has called forth so much study and intense application.","After my conversation with you while I was on furlough, you will understand the technical terms that I am about to use. At the end of the race when the marks were added up, the maximum was found to be 219. My mark was 249.8; Mr. Clarke (who was the next best on the lists) had 243.7; Mr Lyell (from Richmond County) the third on the lists, had about 223. You will perceive from the above that I had the \"first mark\" by 6.1, (as 249.8 - 243.7 = 6.1). You will notice also that I had 30.9 above the maximum (249.8 -\n219 = 30.8). I will say again that the contest for first was exceedingly animated, every nerve was brought into active (if I am allowed the term nerve when speaking of mental endeavors and intellectual actions) by all the higher members of the class (Mr Clarke especially).","But I have said nothing of the examination. The maximum, in the Examination Hall, was simply 3. (on math) Mr. Clarke made 2.90, Mr Lyell made 3, and I made 3.15, so, that I am first is shown not only by my recitation marks (249.8) but also by my examination mark (3.15). I made the highest mark that was made in the Examination Hall, as no one else made more than 3. The \"standing\" has not been announced officially, and will not be for two weeks, but I am certain that I am \"first\". I have not been examined in Chemistry or Latin yet. I have the third mark on Chemistry, and a very low mark on Latin, but these are of minor importance, as we do not graduate on them until July. We will now study Natural Philosophy, and will recite to Major Jackson (Miss Arnold's brother) on this branch of the courses.","I am well and was happy to learn that all are well at home. A little child was burned to death in Lexington to day. Give my love to all at home and my kind uncles and aunts. Remember me to my Grand father and Grandmother \u0026c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","(P.S.) I would have written more, but I \"must cut my coat according to my cloth,\" I have no more room on this sheet, write soon.\nJoseph","V.M.I.\nMarch 8th 1858","Dear Father\nI received your very welcome letter last Friday. It affords me much pleasure to learn that you are all well. I am not as well at present as I would wish to be. I caught cold while I was in Richmond and I have not entirely recovered from it yet. I am not too unwell to attend to my studies, and I hope I will get no worse.","You ask me to tell you something about my recent visit to Richmond. Well, to begin I will say that \"our corps\" covered itself with as much glory as \"mud\" on this ever-to-be-remembered-occasion, and by the way, if any disinterested looker on had said this in my presence, I would without hesitation have called him a flatterer. In short, the pavement was covered with loose earth mixed with water, shoe-mouth-deep, nearly every day that we paraded, and we had to march through it with a measured step, regardless of its presence, and with our \"eyes to the front.\"","We started from the V.M.I, Feb 15th at 7 o.c A.M, walked 8 miles to a point on the North River Canal, where two boats were waiting to receive us. We traveled down this canal until we came to the mouth of North River (it empties into the James), here we struck the great James River and Kanawha Canal, we proceeded via this canal until we arrived at Richmond, its eastern terminus. We were frozen up part of one night in the North River Canal, a Cadet fell over-board and broke through the ice, and was saved without receiving any serious injury -- beyond these little incidents nothing interesting happened to us while on the boats.","We numbered 138 strong in ranks, and had two \"plebes\" along who could not drill well enough to appear on parade. We were cordially received by the citizens, perhaps more so than any other corps present, of which there was a great many. We were placed at the head of the columns, this was quite a compliment, or at least we considered it as such. It snowed considerably in the morning of the 22nd, notwithstanding this, the procession was perhaps two miles and a half long. On Saturday the 20th we escorted Genl Scott from the Exchange Hotel to the Capitol, where he was appropriately received by the Senate and House of Delegates. On the same day we escorted John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, from the Depot to his lodgings. Genl. Scott said that we Cadets drilled better than the Cadets at West Point. Mr. Conrad said that you saw the Statue when you were in Richmond. I think it magnificent. It is so natural, the Rider is so Washington-like, and the horse is so life-like. Crawford the Artist sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, but his name will live when the bronze which now almost breaths in praise of his Genius, shall have moldered into dust. I wish I could have seen you in Richmond. Did you succeed in accomplishing what you intended by your visit\nto the City? I hope you did.","I have not been appointed Assistant Teacher yet, no one has. I have my office yet, and I wore my sword when I was in Richmond. Col Smith is not at home, he is in Washington, when he comes home I will make it all right with him about the deposit. We were in Richmond about a week. We arrived at the Institute on our return last Tuesday at 4 P.M. Give my live to all the family. My respects to Andrew Godin.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","March 30th 1858","Dear Mother\nI was prevented from forwarding my letter as soon as I intended, and I thought I would add a little to it before mailing it. One of my classmates, Mr. Hutter of Lynchburg, who has been traveling in the south for his health, has just returned. His lungs were affected. He lost one of them, but is restored to health again I believe.","Another of my classmates, Mr. Cooke of Portsmouth, was taken suddenly ill yesterday. I thought at first that his disease was congestion of the brain -- he raved like a maniac when first taken and we feared he would not live long. The physician was sent for, he was bled copiously -- went to sleep and slept soundly for two or three hours, awoke raving worse than ever, although his head had been covered all this time with ice: at length however, some medicine was [ ed] to him, which [ ]....reminded of the dreadful illness that carried poor lost Bernard from the stage of life.","I have been elected to the office of orator for the Society of Cadets, and will have to make a speech in there, or rather our Hall next July. I wish some of my friends would come over, that is if I have a good speech, and if I have a poor one, they will do me a kindness by staying away. I am doing well so far as my studies are concerned.","Is the basement of our house walled up with brick yet? Is the Academy finished? What kind of furniture is father making for our house? What young gentlemen is peculiarly attentive to Mary -- has she given the mitten to anybody else? You need not be uneasy about me in a moral point -- I am very moral I do not drink a drop of liquor. Glen McLean \u0026 Dick Brown were quite\ncomplimentary, so was Jacob Conrad, I hope I deserve the esteem. It is only three months until I can See you all -- write soon.","V.M.I.\nJune 20th 58","Dear Father\nI have been appointed \"Private Secretary\" to Col Smith, upon the condition that I remain at the V.M.I. until the first of August, therefore you need not send my furlough money until then. I should say will be appointed, as the appointments are not yet made -- and will not be before the 5th of July -- but this scarcely affects the matter, since the office has been promised me by the proper authority. Of course, whether I accept this office or not, will be entirely owing to what you think about it. The position offered me, is I believe the best one that will be given out -- and it is my hope that you will not object to my accepting -- and complying with the above mentioned condition. I am well. Give my love to all the family.","I have passed my examination on Latin \u0026 Philosophy. I am first, beyond a doubt, on Natural Philosophy -- and pretty low down on Latin. I will be examined tomorrow on Chemistry -- I have the first mark on this study with several others -- and will I hope stand abut third on it. I have a great deal of work on my hands just now -- I speak before a crowded house next Friday -- and am busy preparing for that occasion. Hope you are all well -- Tell Mother to write soon. Oh! how I long to see you all.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L Chenoweth\n(P.S) You may if you have it to spare send me a few dollars. I need it--Joseph","(P.S. No 2) My classmate (Mr. Govan) who was very ill when I last wrote is slowly recovering -- he narrowly escaped the grave. His Mother has been with him for some time, and if he gets well, it will be on account of good nursing -- as the physicians concluded at one time that he must die. Mr. Hutter (another class-mate) whose lungs were affected is about well, he is now at the V.M.I. attending to his studies. Mr. Cooke who had the intermittent fever is well. Mr. Govan's disease is brain-fever, \u0026 I fear\nnotwithstanding the present favorable symptoms, that he is not safe yet. Chenoweth","(P.S No 3) I saw Col Smith about my deposit when he was here -- before he started for Europe. He said that there was no danger of my not being allowed to go on with my studies in consequence of my indebtedness to the Institute, and gave me, for you, the enclosed note. The amount due the Institute, from me, is about $250 or more -- and $50 added to this as a deposit will make three hundred dollars -- This seems at first sight to be a larger sum -- but when we remember that no deposit has been sent for some time, the amount looks reasonable. The Col suggests that you give a negotiable note for $300 -- so that he may use it as money when he settles the affairs of the Institute with the state authorities -- Whether this is the best course to pursue is left wholly with you -- I would say though that if you have the money on hand -- send it -- by all means. I believe now that next year just before I graduate I will make an application for an Assistant Professorship in Mathematics -- in this way I will be enabled to pay the last installments of our debt -- myself -- But I will speak to you on this subject when I come home -- Excuse this long (P.S)\nJoseph","V.M. Institute\nNov 21st 1858","Dear Father\nYour long-looked-for letter came to hand yesterday (Saturday). I read it with great pleasure because I learned from it that you are getting along well with your work and that my friends at home are all well. Accept my thanks for the favor which you have conferred upon me, by paying D. Frown the $5, for me.","Your opinions with reference to the action of the authorities of the Virginia Military Institute, since my matriculation here as a State Cadet, are certainly just. The Board of Visitors have, during the last few years, -- acted -- perhaps unintentionally in direct violation of the sacred obligations of contracts. I can conceive of no circumstances which they could reasonably point us to in justification of their course, when they made State Cadets pay for certain articles which had been guaranteed to these Cadets, by the regulations of the Institute, -- at the time of their appointment. If they tell us that the prices of beef -- butter -- and corn has-have increased since these Cadets entered the Institute -- We ask -- Is that any reason why they should make these Cadets pay for their washing -- their fuel -- their lights? By no means!, All good men will answer. This is no reason. And moreover no sufficient reason can be found for the post facto law -- by which these Cadets are made to pay for these articles, after the Virginia Military Institute had contracted with them -- to furnish them -- these things free of cost. -- It is a melancholy thought that the State of\nVirginia is by the action of her officers, prevented from accomplishing the noble object she had in view from exercising that high kind of charity she contemplated when she established her Military Institute. How much good will accrue to young Virginians who are in moderate circumstances even, from an Institution, in which the State proposes to educate them for a mere trifle while the men charged with the government of this Institution make these Young Men pay almost as much as their education would cost them at other Institutions where they would have to pay for every item in the list of College expenses. These young men, evidently, will not reap half the advantages which the State intended them to have when she built the Institution. When I came here, I expected to find good-men placed by the State, in the highest offices of the Virginia Military Institute. In some respects in some cases, I have not been disappointed. In other cases I have been totally disappointed. For I see presiding over a fountain of learning the waters of which I have been told, were almost as free as the air we breathe, men who like auctioneers cry -- Education!! Education!! Come buy!! Come buy!! The Price is Gold! Gold! Gold! Those who have the most, are most welcome to the soothing waters we sell!!! to the Instruction we impart!!! This is a sad state of things truly -- still, however sad, I feel that I\nshould not complain. For have I not received a blessing, an education which never would have been mine had the State refused to establish the Virginia Military Institute, or in other words, if this Institution did not exist at present. My only complaint, if I have any, is against those who are at the head of the Virginia Military Institute. Not against all of these, but some of them. I have been treated well enough by all of them yet I feel that they have not treated you as you should have been treated, that they have wronged you most seriously. It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that my little speech delivered on the 11th gave general satisfaction. I was highly complimented after I got through. I am progressing firmly in my studies -- and hope to take a pretty high diploma. I do not think -- now -- that I can stand first in my Class -- I am trying very hard though -- for that position. I will not stand below Third, I think, at the lowest. But time will tell. Our Society meets every Saturday night in our Hall (in the North Eastern Corner of Barracks) and I have come to the conclusion to speak at every meeting. We had quite an animated discussion last evening. I find that I improve much by engaging in the debates. The time will soon come when it will be my duty to select a profession or occupation. I wish when you write you would give me some advice on this subject. You know my nature, and can\njudge what would suit me best. Give my love to all the home-folks, and to all my other relatives. And to my other friends-- Remember me to Lilly, Dr Bosworth, Hughes \u0026c. \u0026c. Write soon.\nYours with great affection\nJ.H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Mother\nYour very kind favor is at hand, and I proceed to reply immediately. I thought something more than ordinary was the matter at home. Had it been otherwise I would certainly have heard from you more frequently. I suppose you did not like to let me know that Taylor was so sick, and hence concluded to allow me to remain in blissful ignorance on this subject until you could\ninform me that he was nearly well. I am so glad that he is recovering. So glad that he is well enough to write to me, and that he will soon be well enough to go to school. I am also equally glad to hear that every body else at home is quite well. I received a letter from Mary some time ago. She was well. I can see from her letter that she is much pleased with the idea that she may learn music. It is my belief that she will be an apt scholar, since she has such an ardent desire to learn. I am expecting a letter from her\nnow. I have not heard from Father recently. He will write soon I suppose. I am well, and doing well.","I was elected the other day one of the Speakers for the next Fourth of July. I wish some of my dear home-friends could be here on that day. -- I am very busy just now, but amid all my trials and labors, the thought that in four-and-a-half months I may return home -- never fails to solace me. You say, very truly too, that you have never fully answered my first letter yet, and what pleases me much you add that, in your next you will say something about the matters touched upon in that letter. I hope father is doing well,\nand making money by his contracts at Weston. What a load will be taken off his shoulders and off of my mind too, when I graduate and commence life for myself. I feel that he has already done more for me than I deserve, and am determined to do all I can to repay him (in part, for I despair of repaying him in full) for all that he has, and you for what you have, done for my sake. Col. Smith, who returned from Europe some time ago is now attending to the duties of his office. He lectures every Saturday evening on Europe, and is quite entertaining. By the way, I think I was highly complimented the other day. I will tell you how it came about. If you recollect aright, you are aware that I delivered a speech on the 11th of last November (the Anniversary of the Institute). Well Col. Smith was in Europe at that time and did not hear what I had to say. When he returned he prevailed upon one of my friends to borrow the speech from me for him, and without my knowing it he took it (the speech) down to Richmond last month, and read it before the Board of Visitors, and strange to tell, the Col says that Body were much pleased with it. -- In my dreams -- I had not thought that this little speech would procure for me the admiration of the Board, and in my waking hours I can not persuade myself that I desire this admiration on account of my having made this speech.","Write soon. Give my love to all the children., and to Father when you see him. -- Also -- My love to all my Aunts Cousins Uncles -- Grandmother, and Grandfathers. Have you heard from Aunt Mary H lately? How is she and uncle H getting along in Kansas. On the other side of this leaf you will find a little letter for Taylor, in answer to his, which accompanied yours.--\nYour Affectionate Son\nJoseph H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Taylor\nI was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.","It pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella \u0026 Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say \"Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die,\" now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.\nYour Affectionate Brother\nJoseph","Va Mil Institute\nJune 20th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter together with my last circular and Col Smith's receipt for your $100 check, came to hand this morning. There is, as you very justly remark, great discrepancy between the estimated and the real amount expended by me during the last quarter, but you should remember that the estimated amount was only conjectural while the real amount is now accurately known. I have\nexamined my \"book,\" in accordance with your request, and I find that there is but one mistake made in the circular as compared with the \"book.\" Total expenses in the circular, should be (up to April 1st) $551.45c instead of $549.59c as it now stands. I am surprised at the fact that such a gross error was made by the Col when he estimated my expenses for 3 months at $20.41. By a simple arithmetical process he would have found that this estimate was unreasonably small, or he would have been convinced that my expenses up to the beginning of the present quarter were unjustly large. To show you how this is, I will perform the operation. Up to the beginning of the present quarter there were 40 months, which I spent at the V.M.I. In the present quarter there are 3 months. During the 40 months I expended $551.45c. How much would I expend during the present quarter? This question is answered below.","40.: $551.45 :: 3 : $ x","From this proportion, which is nothing more nor less than the expression of a simple example under the \"Single Rule of Three,\" we find x = $41.35 for a probable estimate of what I should expend during 1 quarter. To this sum the Col should have added $10.00, the price of my Diploma, making in all $51.35. This should have been the Col's estimate. But it was a summer estimate\nand of course no provision was made for a pair of Winter Pants which I had made this spring. Adding $7.50 for the Pants and we have $51.35c + $7.50c = $58.85c. To this sum should also be added $9.00 = $67.85c for an estimate founded on positive knowledge and probably conjecture. Now let us see what my expenses really were. the \"book\" shows that I have expended during\nthe last three months $63.78c. Subtracting this from the estimate and we have $67.85c -$63.78c = $4.07c which shows that I have expended $4.07c less than an average for the whole time, during the present quarter. The three extraordinary items, Diploma, W Pants, and Interest, have cause my expenses for these 3 months to exceed the average $22.43c. The Pants, I was compelled to buy as I had none scarcely at the time, I have them yet and they are as good as new. $10.00 is the usual price for a Diploma, And as to the Interest it seems perfectly just that it should be paid. You will readily perceive from this \"mode of reasoning\" that either the charges made against me for the whole time are unjust, or those made against me for the present quarter are just. You have tacitly acknowledged the justice of the charges up to the beginning of the present quarter, by paying money on an estimate made in connection with these charges, so that, it seems we have to admit now the justice of the charges for the present quarter. My own opinion is, that you are very unjustly compelled to pay for some things which you did not agree to purchase when you sent me to the V.M.I., but which nevertheless have been furnished me. I allude to \"washing\" \"fuel\" \u0026 c. But while I believe this I do not hesitate to make known to you my firm conviction that you had better pay the whole debt. If you do not pay it you will be sued. This would be annoying to you, besides, you will have to maintain a suit against a wealthy \u0026 powerful corporation which would not be satisfied if the case should be decided against it -- in the lower courts but would carry it to the\nhighest tribunals in the Land, rather than have a precedent established which would cause the Institute to lose largely. You now have my conclusion and my opinions on the subject. Of course, however, you will act as you choose. One thing I would request of you -- viz -- not to do anything before the Fourth of July that might prejudice the Faculty and Board against me. Since you ask it I will not bind myself to pay the balance due the Institute, and I think I have a good reason for not doing this should they ask me to do it for I consider myself already bound to pay you what you have advanced on my behalf and it is not right that I should be bound to pay two parties for the same article. You are expected, I suppose, to answer Col Smith's \"horse-leech\" cry for more - more either in the affirmative or negative. On this point I will merely remark that you had better inform him in a very polite note that your resources are not infinite and that therefore you can not pay him just now. In other words, inform him that the means with which to liquidate the debt due the Institute are not in your possession. Then, when the blood ceases to flow, the \"Horse-Leech\"\nwill cease to annoy you. You can readily perceive the delicacy of my position.","Col Smith has, without my asking it, placed me under obligations to him by recommending me to the authorities of a College in Florida, as a suitable person for a situation there. Yet I feel that, this should not make me mum concerning his grasping propensities or at any rate those of the parties of whom he is but the agent. The State, God bless the old commonwealth, intended that the Institute should be a blessing to the poor, but the authorities of the Institute, God have mercy on their souls, have converted it into a Financial Inquisition and Col Smith is their \"Instrument of Torture\" with which they wring from honest poor men -- the money that they have earned as Jehovah directed, by the \"sweat of their brows.\" Let not then, Father, your maledictions be poured upon the passive \"Instrument\" but upon those who use it. Think not harshly of Col Smith but direct your anathemas against the Board of Visitors, or at least those of them who have been the cause of the present State of things, and who have done so much to \"violate the obligation of contracts.\" I would not be ungrateful -- and since Col Smith has granted you considerable indulgence I would advise you or rather I would request you not be hasty in forming your opinion of him. I may do him injustice in what I have said of him in these pages. I would speak my sentiments thus freely to no one but you and then only because I know that what I write now will be a \"sealed book\" after you have read it. I have not time now to send you a copy of my accounts, but what is better I send you my \"book.\" Some of the items you will not understand. I will explain them when I come home. Until then let the matter stand where it is, except in so far as simply informing Col Smith that you have not money with\nwhich to pay him now. When I shall have talked the matter over with you you can determine on your course of action. There is one mistake in Col Smiths letter The balance should be $121.35c instead of $123.00 as given by him. Say nothing in your letter to him that will injure me. The appointment at the Florida College has not been made yet. I will know when I come home what my fate will be. I will not be able to deliver my oration as I have something the matter with my throat not serious though only enough to prevent me from speaking. My love to the family.\nYour affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nOct 30th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter is at hand. It is now Sunday, and I may as well appropriate the few leisure moments at my disposal to the pleasant duty of writing to you. I am sorry that I was such a goose as to forget -- or misunderstand -- (for I had not the letter before me when I wrote) -- the contents of the letter to which my last was an answer. I will now, I hope, satisfy you on the point which, it seems, most interests you. I shall not alter the number of my diploma -- nor shall I allow it to be altered, since it is your desire that the number shall remain as it is. I will here remark, however, that I care not a straw for the number of the diploma. This is the most insignificant part of the whole affair. The right to have the number \"one\" on the diploma is what alone deserves our attention. This right, as you know, has been transferred from me to another and I can not easily be convinced that it is entirely proper for me to retain that to which I have no right. In my own opinion, and in the eyes of some of my friends I may be entitled to the \"first honor\" in my class. This is not doubted. But it should be remembered that neither I nor my friends are authorized to judge, and that the Faculty of the Institute have the power to do what they have done, be it just or unjust. Nor should it be forgotten that the opinion of the Faculty as published in the Register will have more weight with the world than anything that could be said in my behalf by any other party. I will here drop a subject upon which too much has already been said with a repetition of my determination to allow the No \"1\" to remain on my diploma.","I am glad to hear that you are progressing so finely with your work, and hope that you may soon bring it to a successful completion. I see that you have been studying the Geology that I left with you. I agree with you in the opinion you express -- with reference to the plan of the work. It was not, however, designed for those who study without a teacher or previous preparation, but for those who have passed over a certain part of the regular Scientific course. I am very fond of theories -- still -- I would always have them nailed together and supported by a few facts well established and well explained. Are you not mistaken in regard to the\ndrift agency? There is no cause, within my knowledge, now operating of sufficient power to transfer large boulders from one side of a mountain to the other. There are, doubtless, causes now acting but of a different nature from that which was the great agent during the \"drift period.\" I think you would progress more rapidly now with your geological studies if you had studied Chemistry first. Both are very interesting. Have you read the Intellectual Philosophy which I left with you. You would find it extremely\ninteresting, I have no doubt.","You wish to know how I am getting along in my capacity as Professor. In answer to this query, I will say charmingly. I am much pleased with the occupation and, without egotism I say it, I regard myself competent to perform all the duties appropriate to the office. I study a good deal, too much indeed to allow of my doing much at anything else, and therefore I have not yet visited the Society Hall. I am not willing to speak on any subject, now, without thorough preparation of my speech. The consequence of this\nis that since I have not time to prepare, I do not speak at all. I think you will agree with me that it is best not to attempt anything when we doubt that we will do it well.","I can not say that I am entirely well. My throat bothers me some yet. I have to talk a great deal in the \"section room\" during recitations, and I find that it irritates my vocal organs to such an extent that I am sometimes forced to stop and rest awhile. Only for short periods however. Five or ten minutes. I explain everything that is difficult. In other respects I am entirely well. Write soon. My respects to Uncle Eli -- Harrison Kelly and Andrew Godden\nYour Affectionate\nSon Jas H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nNov 19th 1859","Dear Mother\nYour very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.","Several companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.","I hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to \"go to Hell.\" What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine \u0026 Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.","Ella May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the\nmischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetters dated from 1860 to 1861 were written while Chenoweth was a Professor at the Maryland Agricultural College and at VMI. Topics include the election of 1860, John T. L. Preston, and religion.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis collection also contains two VMI grade reports for 1856.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and punishment for playing cards.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and a trip to Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and Joseph H. Chenoweth being elected as \"Private Secretary\" to Francis H. Smith.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life, finances, and a potential position at a college in Florida.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.","Letters dated from 1860 to 1861 were written while Chenoweth was a Professor at the Maryland Agricultural College and at VMI. Topics include the election of 1860, John T. L. Preston, and religion.","This collection also contains two VMI grade reports for 1856.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and punishment for playing cards.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and a trip to Richmond, Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and Joseph H. Chenoweth being elected as \"Private Secretary\" to Francis H. Smith.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life, finances, and a potential position at a college in Florida.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown."],"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 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":["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 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_95b21828e647b7611d9ae2d6d3e20117\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John"],"names_coll_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":17,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nSep 28th. 55. (1855)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father:\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter of the 11th and was extremely glad to hear that you were all well. I am getting along first rate with my studies. The 4th class study algebra, Geography and English; we will not commence studying French until January. We recite Algebra at 8 o clock in the morning, Geography at 11, and English at 3, and we have Battalion Drill at 5 o clock in the evening.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI stand guard about once a week. I have been Drilled so much that I have become to be a tolerable good soldier. As to the letter which James Campbell has in his possession, I do not know whether it is genuine or not I did write a letter to him but I certainly did not say any thing about being tied and ducked. I was dragged a short distance one night, but it did not hurt me any. The cadets attempted to duck me and another new Cadet, but I jumped from under the water and did not get but very little on me. They also tied the Military cravat on me. They did this by tying my cravat in about a dozen knots, this was all done while we [were] in camp. Since we came in barracks they do not molest us New Cadets. And in fact they all treat me very well. It is perfectly impossible for a man to come here without having to undergo some bad treatment, at first. You can rest assured that I am well pleased with the place. They beat the drum so near my room that it always wakes me up. Except that the first morning we came in\nbarracks, I did not hear the drum beat, but they did not miss me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTell Mother that she need not be uneasy about my sleeping too late. I always am among the first ones up. I wish you would send me a copy of the Dispatch occasionally if it is not too much trouble. Give my love to all the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYours Affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth, V.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo L. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eP. S. I was very much surprised to hear of the marriage of Mary E. Chenoweth with E. Rowan.\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Feb. 18th. 1856\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yours of the 10th and enclosed I found Col Smith's letter. I was in hopes that you would not hear of my having played cards, but since you have heard it I will give you all the particulars. You can thus judge for yourself, the extent of my \"crime\" On the evening of the 25th of Jan. two of my room mates, a cadet by the name of Lewis¹ from Mason County and myself -- were sitting in my room, playing a social game at cards. A professor came to the door, knocked and came in. We concealed our cards,\nas quick as possible but not soon enough to escape the eye of the Prof. He reported us for playing cards but he could not swear that we were playing at cards. From the tenor of Col Smith's letter, you must certainly think that I am a desperate character of late. But dear Father believe me on my honor when I say that, Playing cards has been my greatest offence, I did wrong, I must acknowledge, I should not have allowed myself to play at all. I hope that you will forgive my first offence, I will promise you that I will not again while at the institute, be guilty of the same offence! Col Smith seems to think that playing cards is a habit, which I indulge in frequently, but father, he is mistaken, I do not make a practice of playing at cards. I have conducted myself, I think, with the utmost propriety (with the exception of this one offence) since my arrival at this place. The number of my demerit \"is rather my misfortune than my fault.\" I feel it my duty as your son to follow your directions, I thank you for the kind advice, which you have given me from time to time. I will take pleasure in observing your directions, and I hope that the next circular will surprise you equally as much as the other, but in another manner. I am fully aware of the importance of my maintaining my situation here as a\ncadet. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, in allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity of obtaining a good education. I think that if I get along as well hereafter as I have since Jan, I will stand better on Mathematics than I did last Jan. I will be through Davies Geometry in a few weeks. I am reading French, at present. As to your fears about my \"keeping bad\ncompany,\" I will have to say that I do not, keep bad company. If you would call those persons bad company, who had played an occasional game at cards, I will say that each of my roommates may be called bad company, but they have all stopped off short, since we came so near being dismissed for that grievous offence. That having been our greatest crime, we are now strictly moral. To calm your fears on all heads, I will say that I pledged my honor the first day that I entered the institute not to drink while at the institute, and as I value my honor I have kept it. This was unnecessary, because I never did drink. Yet I did it because it was customary. From this day henceforward I will see how few demerits I can get, I must acknowledge that I have been somewhat careless sometimes in regard to my demerits. But hereafter I will cultivate that virtue called \"punctuality\" which of all others I think it is among the best especially for a person who expects to stay at the institute\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMany thanks to you for your kind promise, I will try to make myself worthy of it, To be comprehensive in reply to your questions about the Institute, I will answer. The institute is an excellent school, I can obtain as good a mathematical education here as at any place in the United States, a good French Latin \u0026amp; English education, Chemistry Mechanics Natural Philosophy Rhetoric Moral Philosophy, \u0026amp; c, also a splendid Military Education. Write soon I am, in good health, I am determined that the next letter that you receive in relation to my conduct shall please you, better than the last, I am glad to hear that you have got a contract to build the bridge across Buchannon. From your affectionate but unfortunate son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo L. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eP.S. Cadet Lewis broke his arrest and was dismissed I have taken the liberty of retaining Col Smith's letter which I suppose is immaterial to you. J.H.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute, April 15th 56\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have at present a few leisure moments which I will employ in writing to you. I am enjoying good health at present, and in fact I have had excellent health ever since I arrived here. I am progressing in my studies admirably, I get along a great deal better than I\nat first thought I would. If I meet with no misfortune hereafter, I flatter myself that I will have a better standing at July, than I had last Jan. I do not at present get near as many demerits per month as I have heretofore.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere was a very sad accident happened in the vicinity of the Institute a few weeks since. Two students of Washington College started upon a hunting expedition, they had not gone very far when they stopped, one of them was loading his pistol when it accidentally discharged itself, the contents lodging in the breast of a Mr. Booker. He was carried to the Hospital of the Institute and died in a few days, he was a citizen of Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere has been a new method of drill introduced at the Institute. It consists of a double quick step, it makes me sweat every evening. I have increased considerably in weight since I became a Cadet, I weigh at present 155 lbs., I am now studying \"Analytical Plane Trigonometry,\" French and English. I have at present I think nothing to fear. My total number of demerit is about 130, this is the last quarter of the present year and I have 70 demerit to go upon, I think I am perfectly safe. I wish you would send some postage stamps when you answer this letter, if you should ever have an opportunity I wish you would send that book which I received from New York, entitled \"New elements of Geometry\" by Seba Smith, I think it will be of some benefit to me. You have a book which would be of infinite benefit to me when I become a third classman, I think it is called \"Minifies Mechanical Drawing Book,\" but perhaps you cannot spare it. If you cannot you need not send it, I can get along without it. Give my love to all the family, and write soon. I heard that you were going to build two Academies in Beverly. I hope you may succeed, in the enterprise,\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom Your Affectionate son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ H Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 21st 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is needless for me to say that I have not received anything from you in the [illegible] of a letter during the extraordinary period (three month nearly) which has intervened since you wrote last. You have -- I have no doubt -- good reasons for this failure upon your part to write, I take it for granted at least -- and will not enquire into their nature. But really, I do not see why you can not appropriate a few moments, occasionally, to letter-writing. To me at least, it is by no means a disagreeable occupation, especially when I have no bad news to communicate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\"I am well, and am getting along very well with my studies.\" You will perhaps be puzzled to find out why I enclosed the above sentence with quotation marks. You need not be, if you examine the letters which you have received from me, from time to time, you will find that this same sentence occurs in nearly all, besides -- it is perhaps the best line, with respect to its \"subject matter\" that will be contained by this letter. Therefore, I distinguish it from the commonplace remarks by which it is surrounded. Since I entered, a student, at this Institution, I have been doubly blessed, I have enjoyed excellent health, and my laudable ambition has been gratified in some manner. Yes it is a laudable ambition, that ambition which makes me yearn to excel here in intellectual improvement, in all that makes man, -- a man in the highest, truest, noblest, sense of the term! Ambition, of a different kind is a\ndangerous thing; that ambition which rears [illegible] of despotism upon the ruins of Liberty, Justice and the rights of man; or climbs to the highest pinnacle of Fame, over the bones of murdered millions; that species of ambition, the gratification of which, \"damned Napoleon Bonaparte into everlasting fame\" is hellborn, and its tendency is and ever has been hellwards! On the other hand that ambition which when gratified, made a Washington, a Webster and a Clay, established and supported Liberty, upon the broadest foundations, and terrified all Tyrants, is heavenborn, its possessors stand unique and alone, the only mortals truly great, overleap Fame's polluted mount, and soar in the pure ether beyond, ever pointing heavenwards. These are but few names purely immortal, which will be remembered with [illegible] feelings of reverence and love by the truly good until the latest generations. Alas, there are too many merely notorious names, names which will be remembered only to curse until the last trump shall awaken the dead [ ]!!. With Cicero I am led to exclaim \"Oh times, oh customs!\"; the very Senate chamber, in which, the immortal Clay was wont to move the multitude to tears, or animate the thousands with his own passion, is now polluted by the whispers of corruption or bribery. Sumner stands upon the same floor upon which he stood, and contaminates the atmosphere with his huge\nlibels upon the venerable Butler. Oh! departed shades of our ancestors, was Clay and Webster the last of their race? Has patriotism become extinguished? Is there nothing left of \"the age of bronze\"? Will the black chains of tyranny be our portion at last? Oh! no, Say not, the pleasant memories of yourselves forbid it, the hopes of your posterity forbid it, and all the good ones of the earth forbid it, the animated eloquence of Keit forbid it and the still fresh though sad memory of Brooks, forbids it. But hold, my pen is running away with me, I did not intend to become so enthusiastic upon this subject. How did my standing at Jan. please you? Answer in your next if you was pleased with it, I am happy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen you write again I wish you would let me know whether I ought to get a furlough suit or not, it will cost in all about $40, if you can spare this much, I will be much pleased, if not I can do very well without it. I shall be so much pleased to visit you that I will care nothing for clothes, the Cadets generally buy one,\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJas H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va Sep 15th 57\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time. I put off writing until now -- so that I would be able to inform you how I am doing, or rather how I am getting along with my studies. I am doing well on \"Calculus\" (the highest branch of Math), I made the highest -- \"mark\" in my class on this study the first week (we have only recited a week and two days on Cal). I\nrecited 1 day on Chemistry, I did very well. We have not commenced reciting on Latin yet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI started from home Wednesday, as you directed me to do, and arrived at the V.M.I. on Friday 11 1/2 P.M. I had quite a pleasant time from Staunton over to Lexington -- I can not say the same for the other portions of the journey -- as it rained on me from Yeagers to Staunton. With regard to that \"Assistant Professorship,\" about which I was speaking to you, I must say that as yet -- I have not heard anything about it, -- I am afraid that the appointment will not be made. I will hope for it however still -- I may be appointed next Jan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am well. I heard that you were raising your bridge, I hope all success for you. If the weather in your part of the state be anything like that here, it is certainly favorable to such an undertaking. When you can find time, write to me -- This may not be soon as you are so busy. I am quite busy myself now. I was elected speaker for the 11th Nov next --(the anniversary of the Institute). By the\nway to be elected to this post -- is considered quite an honor here. I will, of course, have my hands full for the next two months. I am afraid that I will not do honor to myself on that occasion -- but I will do my best. Give my love to John, my compliments to all of your hands (or those with whom I am acquainted)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ Hart Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nTo\u003cbr\u003e\nL Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nBuckhannon\u003cbr\u003e\nUpshur Ct, VA\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S) If you have any money on hand to spare, I wish you would send me a little, as I have never had any pocket money. I have one or two little debts to pay. If it is inconvenient you need not do it. J.H.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 22nd 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time, although if you recollect I wrote last. You requested me to write frequently -- whether I received anything from you or not -- as you would not have the time to spare from your business to write often, or even to answer my few letters. Could I have found time, I would willingly have acted in accordance with your desire,\nbut you will readily excuse me from the most dreaded of punishments, your displeasure, for this seeming negligence when you read, what I am about to write.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy class has now arrived at the most critical period, in the existence of all V.M.I. \"Second Classes,\" that is, we are about to graduate upon the most important, branch of the course; at \"Jan. Examination\" our standing upon Mathematics is irrevocably fixed, and you can well imagine, as I am \"running\" for first, that the most of my time is dedicated to this and that I have but few\nopportunities [of] writing, even to the dear ones at home. I have still the \"first mark\" upon \"math,\" notwithstanding the many competitors with whom I have to contend for this high position in my class, and it is my opinion at present, that by hard study I will be enabled to keep it until the end of the hotly contested battle. I will stand first upon this branch of the courses, or come home, this is my chief ambition. You will I hope call it a laudable one, and I could not remain here and see my enemies smile at the keen disappointment that would be occasioned by my failing to realize it, neither could I bear the keener taunts of mock sympathy, that would be imposed on me by deceitful nominal friends.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy immediate studies, however, are not all that I have to offer as an excuse for not writing to you oftener. Just after I came off furlough I was elected \"debater\" for the 11th Nov, and of course I was compelled to write a \"speech,\" which occupation required a considerable portion of my time -- the dreaded 11th has come and gone, and I will have a little more spare time now than heretofore. I suppose I had better tell you how this my first effort at speechmaking was received. Well I hope you will not call me egotistical, when I inform you that it was highly complimented chiefly by the ladies (of whom there was [missing word] a number present), and sufficiently [applauded by] the male auditors, in fact several [people] said that \"it was the best speech made that evening\" and four were delivered. The well educated community around and in Lexington was well represented, and you can judge how I trembled when I arose for the first time in my life, to declaim an original speech. I stood it better however than I had thought I could. I wrote twelve pages of foolscap and spoke it off without once referring to the manuscript. I spoke about twenty minutes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have the second \"mark\" on chemistry, with another man, that is I have the same mark that he has, and our mark is second. I have not been appointed assistant professor yet, I still hope however that I will get this office after Jan. I was appointed \"sergeant\" yesterday (21st Nov) and will not have to stand post any more in the cold -- I will have to wear a sword now, and sit in the \"guardroom\"\ninstead of carrying a musket out in the sometimes chilly atmosphere. We are going to Richmond on 22nd Feb -- we have been ordered there, by government, Crawford's statue of Washington will be inaugurated then and the President will be there, beside many other distinguished personages. I am well at present -- I wish you would send me a few dollars of pocket money -- if you can spare it. I want it to pay one or two little debts, that [I have] contracted from time to time. I [have not] had any pocket money of any consequence. I will if I [live] pay you ten fold for all the mere money that you can send -- but oh! your kindness -- that I can never repay. Write soon -- give my love to (Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella May, \u0026amp; Blanche) and all my friends. Great God how my heart sickens when I leave John's name out of the above list - - - The stern tyrant -- Death-- has dealt harshly with us -- he has visited our house until now four of your sons, my brothers, sleep in the silent grave, it seems as if the number of your children can never remain long greater than seven. But I must hush these murmurings, against the [decrees?] of God -- Natures God I mean -- I hardly know whether to believe in the God of revelation or not, -- or rather I do not know whether I believe or not. Belief is not a voluntary act, we must understand partially at least everything that we would believe, or we can not reasonably believe. The faith of the great body of Christians is blind and scarcely deserves the name. Ask the most enthusiastic fanatic of our own day to explain an obscure passage of the Bible and two to one he will admit that he does not understand it -- while he holds out to the last, that he believes it. Write soon\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 30th 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind letter is at hand, I would have answered it sooner, but I thought I would wait until I could inform you with tolerable certainty where I will stand in my class (on Mathematics). The contest for the highest \"honor\" that will be awarded to my class at the Jan. Examination, has been quite animated and grows more \u0026amp; more exciting as we approach the end of the race. At present\nthe chances are greatly in my favour. To-morrow is the last day that we will recite on Mathematics and I have the \"first mark\" independently of several \"extras\" that I have \"handed in\" and which have not as yet been examined. All that is now necessary to render my success complete is for me to pass a good examination. This I am preparing to do, and from present appearances, I think that you may rest assured that I will stand at the head of my class (on math).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hope that Mother is not dangerously ill, and am pleased to learn that my surviving brothers and sisters are enjoying those blessings, which health always confers upon those who are so fortunate as to escape the \"ills that flesh is heir to.\" I received Mothers letter written just after John's death and answered it. I can not divine how it is that she did not receive my answer to that letter. I also received Mary's letter, (the one in which she speaked of your illness)and as well as I recollect, I am pretty certain that I answered it, and expressed my solicitude for your recovery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAccept my thanks for the $10 note enclosed in your letter. It is a nice Christmas gift and I will not forget your kindness should fortune smile upon me in future. Give my love to Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella, Blanche, \u0026amp; the baby. Tell Mother to write to me soon. I need not tell you that I was relieved of a great deal of anxiety when I received your letter and learned that you\nhad recovered. I had not received a letter from home for so long, that I really thought that something dreadful had happened. Tell Mary to write soon. I have the manuscript of my speech (11th) and will bring it home with me next July. Our question was, \"Which form of government is best -- adapted to the present state of society -- the Monarchical or Republican?\" I was on the [illegible] is\nthe Republican side, write soon\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nV.M.I.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nJan 9th 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter was received this morning, and as you appear somewhat anxious to learn where I stand in my class on mathematics, I conclude that I can not spend a few leisure moments more profitably than in giving you the desired information. So draw your chair up before your warm\nblazing coal fire and read what I am about to write. I will give you the full and true account of the issue of this, to me, very exciting contest. But know first that I am the successful competitor for the high honor which has called forth so much study and intense application.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter my conversation with you while I was on furlough, you will understand the technical terms that I am about to use. At the end of the race when the marks were added up, the maximum was found to be 219. My mark was 249.8; Mr. Clarke (who was the next best on the lists) had 243.7; Mr Lyell (from Richmond County) the third on the lists, had about 223. You will perceive from the above that I had the \"first mark\" by 6.1, (as 249.8 - 243.7 = 6.1). You will notice also that I had 30.9 above the maximum (249.8 -\n219 = 30.8). I will say again that the contest for first was exceedingly animated, every nerve was brought into active (if I am allowed the term nerve when speaking of mental endeavors and intellectual actions) by all the higher members of the class (Mr Clarke especially).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBut I have said nothing of the examination. The maximum, in the Examination Hall, was simply 3. (on math) Mr. Clarke made 2.90, Mr Lyell made 3, and I made 3.15, so, that I am first is shown not only by my recitation marks (249.8) but also by my examination mark (3.15). I made the highest mark that was made in the Examination Hall, as no one else made more than 3. The \"standing\" has not been announced officially, and will not be for two weeks, but I am certain that I am \"first\". I have not been examined in Chemistry or Latin yet. I have the third mark on Chemistry, and a very low mark on Latin, but these are of minor importance, as we do not graduate on them until July. We will now study Natural Philosophy, and will recite to Major Jackson (Miss Arnold's brother) on this branch of the courses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am well and was happy to learn that all are well at home. A little child was burned to death in Lexington to day. Give my love to all at home and my kind uncles and aunts. Remember me to my Grand father and Grandmother \u0026amp;c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S.) I would have written more, but I \"must cut my coat according to my cloth,\" I have no more room on this sheet, write soon.\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 8th 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your very welcome letter last Friday. It affords me much pleasure to learn that you are all well. I am not as well at present as I would wish to be. I caught cold while I was in Richmond and I have not entirely recovered from it yet. I am not too unwell to attend to my studies, and I hope I will get no worse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou ask me to tell you something about my recent visit to Richmond. Well, to begin I will say that \"our corps\" covered itself with as much glory as \"mud\" on this ever-to-be-remembered-occasion, and by the way, if any disinterested looker on had said this in my presence, I would without hesitation have called him a flatterer. In short, the pavement was covered with loose earth mixed with water, shoe-mouth-deep, nearly every day that we paraded, and we had to march through it with a measured step, regardless of its presence, and with our \"eyes to the front.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe started from the V.M.I, Feb 15th at 7 o.c A.M, walked 8 miles to a point on the North River Canal, where two boats were waiting to receive us. We traveled down this canal until we came to the mouth of North River (it empties into the James), here we struck the great James River and Kanawha Canal, we proceeded via this canal until we arrived at Richmond, its eastern terminus. We were frozen up part of one night in the North River Canal, a Cadet fell over-board and broke through the ice, and was saved without receiving any serious injury -- beyond these little incidents nothing interesting happened to us while on the boats.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe numbered 138 strong in ranks, and had two \"plebes\" along who could not drill well enough to appear on parade. We were cordially received by the citizens, perhaps more so than any other corps present, of which there was a great many. We were placed at the head of the columns, this was quite a compliment, or at least we considered it as such. It snowed considerably in the morning of the 22nd, notwithstanding this, the procession was perhaps two miles and a half long. On Saturday the 20th we escorted Genl Scott from the Exchange Hotel to the Capitol, where he was appropriately received by the Senate and House of Delegates. On the same day we escorted John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, from the Depot to his lodgings. Genl. Scott said that we Cadets drilled better than the Cadets at West Point. Mr. Conrad said that you saw the Statue when you were in Richmond. I think it magnificent. It is so natural, the Rider is so Washington-like, and the horse is so life-like. Crawford the Artist sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, but his name will live when the bronze which now almost breaths in praise of his Genius, shall have moldered into dust. I wish I could have seen you in Richmond. Did you succeed in accomplishing what you intended by your visit\nto the City? I hope you did.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have not been appointed Assistant Teacher yet, no one has. I have my office yet, and I wore my sword when I was in Richmond. Col Smith is not at home, he is in Washington, when he comes home I will make it all right with him about the deposit. We were in Richmond about a week. We arrived at the Institute on our return last Tuesday at 4 P.M. Give my live to all the family. My respects to Andrew Godin.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nV.M.I.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 30th 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI was prevented from forwarding my letter as soon as I intended, and I thought I would add a little to it before mailing it. One of my classmates, Mr. Hutter of Lynchburg, who has been traveling in the south for his health, has just returned. His lungs were affected. He lost one of them, but is restored to health again I believe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAnother of my classmates, Mr. Cooke of Portsmouth, was taken suddenly ill yesterday. I thought at first that his disease was congestion of the brain -- he raved like a maniac when first taken and we feared he would not live long. The physician was sent for, he was bled copiously -- went to sleep and slept soundly for two or three hours, awoke raving worse than ever, although his head had been covered all this time with ice: at length however, some medicine was [ ed] to him, which [ ]....reminded of the dreadful illness that carried poor lost Bernard from the stage of life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been elected to the office of orator for the Society of Cadets, and will have to make a speech in there, or rather our Hall next July. I wish some of my friends would come over, that is if I have a good speech, and if I have a poor one, they will do me a kindness by staying away. I am doing well so far as my studies are concerned.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs the basement of our house walled up with brick yet? Is the Academy finished? What kind of furniture is father making for our house? What young gentlemen is peculiarly attentive to Mary -- has she given the mitten to anybody else? You need not be uneasy about me in a moral point -- I am very moral I do not drink a drop of liquor. Glen McLean \u0026amp; Dick Brown were quite\ncomplimentary, so was Jacob Conrad, I hope I deserve the esteem. It is only three months until I can See you all -- write soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 20th 58\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been appointed \"Private Secretary\" to Col Smith, upon the condition that I remain at the V.M.I. until the first of August, therefore you need not send my furlough money until then. I should say will be appointed, as the appointments are not yet made -- and will not be before the 5th of July -- but this scarcely affects the matter, since the office has been promised me by the proper authority. Of course, whether I accept this office or not, will be entirely owing to what you think about it. The position offered me, is I believe the best one that will be given out -- and it is my hope that you will not object to my accepting -- and complying with the above mentioned condition. I am well. Give my love to all the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have passed my examination on Latin \u0026amp; Philosophy. I am first, beyond a doubt, on Natural Philosophy -- and pretty low down on Latin. I will be examined tomorrow on Chemistry -- I have the first mark on this study with several others -- and will I hope stand abut third on it. I have a great deal of work on my hands just now -- I speak before a crowded house next Friday -- and am busy preparing for that occasion. Hope you are all well -- Tell Mother to write soon. Oh! how I long to see you all.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo L Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\n(P.S) You may if you have it to spare send me a few dollars. I need it--Joseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S. No 2) My classmate (Mr. Govan) who was very ill when I last wrote is slowly recovering -- he narrowly escaped the grave. His Mother has been with him for some time, and if he gets well, it will be on account of good nursing -- as the physicians concluded at one time that he must die. Mr. Hutter (another class-mate) whose lungs were affected is about well, he is now at the V.M.I. attending to his studies. Mr. Cooke who had the intermittent fever is well. Mr. Govan's disease is brain-fever, \u0026amp; I fear\nnotwithstanding the present favorable symptoms, that he is not safe yet. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S No 3) I saw Col Smith about my deposit when he was here -- before he started for Europe. He said that there was no danger of my not being allowed to go on with my studies in consequence of my indebtedness to the Institute, and gave me, for you, the enclosed note. The amount due the Institute, from me, is about $250 or more -- and $50 added to this as a deposit will make three hundred dollars -- This seems at first sight to be a larger sum -- but when we remember that no deposit has been sent for some time, the amount looks reasonable. The Col suggests that you give a negotiable note for $300 -- so that he may use it as money when he settles the affairs of the Institute with the state authorities -- Whether this is the best course to pursue is left wholly with you -- I would say though that if you have the money on hand -- send it -- by all means. I believe now that next year just before I graduate I will make an application for an Assistant Professorship in Mathematics -- in this way I will be enabled to pay the last installments of our debt -- myself -- But I will speak to you on this subject when I come home -- Excuse this long (P.S)\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 21st 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour long-looked-for letter came to hand yesterday (Saturday). I read it with great pleasure because I learned from it that you are getting along well with your work and that my friends at home are all well. Accept my thanks for the favor which you have conferred upon me, by paying D. Frown the $5, for me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour opinions with reference to the action of the authorities of the Virginia Military Institute, since my matriculation here as a State Cadet, are certainly just. The Board of Visitors have, during the last few years, -- acted -- perhaps unintentionally in direct violation of the sacred obligations of contracts. I can conceive of no circumstances which they could reasonably point us to in justification of their course, when they made State Cadets pay for certain articles which had been guaranteed to these Cadets, by the regulations of the Institute, -- at the time of their appointment. If they tell us that the prices of beef -- butter -- and corn has-have increased since these Cadets entered the Institute -- We ask -- Is that any reason why they should make these Cadets pay for their washing -- their fuel -- their lights? By no means!, All good men will answer. This is no reason. And moreover no sufficient reason can be found for the post facto law -- by which these Cadets are made to pay for these articles, after the Virginia Military Institute had contracted with them -- to furnish them -- these things free of cost. -- It is a melancholy thought that the State of\nVirginia is by the action of her officers, prevented from accomplishing the noble object she had in view from exercising that high kind of charity she contemplated when she established her Military Institute. How much good will accrue to young Virginians who are in moderate circumstances even, from an Institution, in which the State proposes to educate them for a mere trifle while the men charged with the government of this Institution make these Young Men pay almost as much as their education would cost them at other Institutions where they would have to pay for every item in the list of College expenses. These young men, evidently, will not reap half the advantages which the State intended them to have when she built the Institution. When I came here, I expected to find good-men placed by the State, in the highest offices of the Virginia Military Institute. In some respects in some cases, I have not been disappointed. In other cases I have been totally disappointed. For I see presiding over a fountain of learning the waters of which I have been told, were almost as free as the air we breathe, men who like auctioneers cry -- Education!! Education!! Come buy!! Come buy!! The Price is Gold! Gold! Gold! Those who have the most, are most welcome to the soothing waters we sell!!! to the Instruction we impart!!! This is a sad state of things truly -- still, however sad, I feel that I\nshould not complain. For have I not received a blessing, an education which never would have been mine had the State refused to establish the Virginia Military Institute, or in other words, if this Institution did not exist at present. My only complaint, if I have any, is against those who are at the head of the Virginia Military Institute. Not against all of these, but some of them. I have been treated well enough by all of them yet I feel that they have not treated you as you should have been treated, that they have wronged you most seriously. It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that my little speech delivered on the 11th gave general satisfaction. I was highly complimented after I got through. I am progressing firmly in my studies -- and hope to take a pretty high diploma. I do not think -- now -- that I can stand first in my Class -- I am trying very hard though -- for that position. I will not stand below Third, I think, at the lowest. But time will tell. Our Society meets every Saturday night in our Hall (in the North Eastern Corner of Barracks) and I have come to the conclusion to speak at every meeting. We had quite an animated discussion last evening. I find that I improve much by engaging in the debates. The time will soon come when it will be my duty to select a profession or occupation. I wish when you write you would give me some advice on this subject. You know my nature, and can\njudge what would suit me best. Give my love to all the home-folks, and to all my other relatives. And to my other friends-- Remember me to Lilly, Dr Bosworth, Hughes \u0026amp;c. \u0026amp;c. Write soon.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours with great affection\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 7th 59\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind favor is at hand, and I proceed to reply immediately. I thought something more than ordinary was the matter at home. Had it been otherwise I would certainly have heard from you more frequently. I suppose you did not like to let me know that Taylor was so sick, and hence concluded to allow me to remain in blissful ignorance on this subject until you could\ninform me that he was nearly well. I am so glad that he is recovering. So glad that he is well enough to write to me, and that he will soon be well enough to go to school. I am also equally glad to hear that every body else at home is quite well. I received a letter from Mary some time ago. She was well. I can see from her letter that she is much pleased with the idea that she may learn music. It is my belief that she will be an apt scholar, since she has such an ardent desire to learn. I am expecting a letter from her\nnow. I have not heard from Father recently. He will write soon I suppose. I am well, and doing well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI was elected the other day one of the Speakers for the next Fourth of July. I wish some of my dear home-friends could be here on that day. -- I am very busy just now, but amid all my trials and labors, the thought that in four-and-a-half months I may return home -- never fails to solace me. You say, very truly too, that you have never fully answered my first letter yet, and what pleases me much you add that, in your next you will say something about the matters touched upon in that letter. I hope father is doing well,\nand making money by his contracts at Weston. What a load will be taken off his shoulders and off of my mind too, when I graduate and commence life for myself. I feel that he has already done more for me than I deserve, and am determined to do all I can to repay him (in part, for I despair of repaying him in full) for all that he has, and you for what you have, done for my sake. Col. Smith, who returned from Europe some time ago is now attending to the duties of his office. He lectures every Saturday evening on Europe, and is quite entertaining. By the way, I think I was highly complimented the other day. I will tell you how it came about. If you recollect aright, you are aware that I delivered a speech on the 11th of last November (the Anniversary of the Institute). Well Col. Smith was in Europe at that time and did not hear what I had to say. When he returned he prevailed upon one of my friends to borrow the speech from me for him, and without my knowing it he took it (the speech) down to Richmond last month, and read it before the Board of Visitors, and strange to tell, the Col says that Body were much pleased with it. -- In my dreams -- I had not thought that this little speech would procure for me the admiration of the Board, and in my waking hours I can not persuade myself that I desire this admiration on account of my having made this speech.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon. Give my love to all the children., and to Father when you see him. -- Also -- My love to all my Aunts Cousins Uncles -- Grandmother, and Grandfathers. Have you heard from Aunt Mary H lately? How is she and uncle H getting along in Kansas. On the other side of this leaf you will find a little letter for Taylor, in answer to his, which accompanied yours.--\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 7th 59\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Taylor\u003cbr\u003e\nI was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella \u0026amp; Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say \"Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die,\" now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Mil Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 20th 1859\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter together with my last circular and Col Smith's receipt for your $100 check, came to hand this morning. There is, as you very justly remark, great discrepancy between the estimated and the real amount expended by me during the last quarter, but you should remember that the estimated amount was only conjectural while the real amount is now accurately known. I have\nexamined my \"book,\" in accordance with your request, and I find that there is but one mistake made in the circular as compared with the \"book.\" Total expenses in the circular, should be (up to April 1st) $551.45c instead of $549.59c as it now stands. I am surprised at the fact that such a gross error was made by the Col when he estimated my expenses for 3 months at $20.41. By a simple arithmetical process he would have found that this estimate was unreasonably small, or he would have been convinced that my expenses up to the beginning of the present quarter were unjustly large. To show you how this is, I will perform the operation. Up to the beginning of the present quarter there were 40 months, which I spent at the V.M.I. In the present quarter there are 3 months. During the 40 months I expended $551.45c. How much would I expend during the present quarter? This question is answered below.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e40.: $551.45 :: 3 : $ x\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrom this proportion, which is nothing more nor less than the expression of a simple example under the \"Single Rule of Three,\" we find x = $41.35 for a probable estimate of what I should expend during 1 quarter. To this sum the Col should have added $10.00, the price of my Diploma, making in all $51.35. This should have been the Col's estimate. But it was a summer estimate\nand of course no provision was made for a pair of Winter Pants which I had made this spring. Adding $7.50 for the Pants and we have $51.35c + $7.50c = $58.85c. To this sum should also be added $9.00 = $67.85c for an estimate founded on positive knowledge and probably conjecture. Now let us see what my expenses really were. the \"book\" shows that I have expended during\nthe last three months $63.78c. Subtracting this from the estimate and we have $67.85c -$63.78c = $4.07c which shows that I have expended $4.07c less than an average for the whole time, during the present quarter. The three extraordinary items, Diploma, W Pants, and Interest, have cause my expenses for these 3 months to exceed the average $22.43c. The Pants, I was compelled to buy as I had none scarcely at the time, I have them yet and they are as good as new. $10.00 is the usual price for a Diploma, And as to the Interest it seems perfectly just that it should be paid. You will readily perceive from this \"mode of reasoning\" that either the charges made against me for the whole time are unjust, or those made against me for the present quarter are just. You have tacitly acknowledged the justice of the charges up to the beginning of the present quarter, by paying money on an estimate made in connection with these charges, so that, it seems we have to admit now the justice of the charges for the present quarter. My own opinion is, that you are very unjustly compelled to pay for some things which you did not agree to purchase when you sent me to the V.M.I., but which nevertheless have been furnished me. I allude to \"washing\" \"fuel\" \u0026amp; c. But while I believe this I do not hesitate to make known to you my firm conviction that you had better pay the whole debt. If you do not pay it you will be sued. This would be annoying to you, besides, you will have to maintain a suit against a wealthy \u0026amp; powerful corporation which would not be satisfied if the case should be decided against it -- in the lower courts but would carry it to the\nhighest tribunals in the Land, rather than have a precedent established which would cause the Institute to lose largely. You now have my conclusion and my opinions on the subject. Of course, however, you will act as you choose. One thing I would request of you -- viz -- not to do anything before the Fourth of July that might prejudice the Faculty and Board against me. Since you ask it I will not bind myself to pay the balance due the Institute, and I think I have a good reason for not doing this should they ask me to do it for I consider myself already bound to pay you what you have advanced on my behalf and it is not right that I should be bound to pay two parties for the same article. You are expected, I suppose, to answer Col Smith's \"horse-leech\" cry for more - more either in the affirmative or negative. On this point I will merely remark that you had better inform him in a very polite note that your resources are not infinite and that therefore you can not pay him just now. In other words, inform him that the means with which to liquidate the debt due the Institute are not in your possession. Then, when the blood ceases to flow, the \"Horse-Leech\"\nwill cease to annoy you. You can readily perceive the delicacy of my position.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol Smith has, without my asking it, placed me under obligations to him by recommending me to the authorities of a College in Florida, as a suitable person for a situation there. Yet I feel that, this should not make me mum concerning his grasping propensities or at any rate those of the parties of whom he is but the agent. The State, God bless the old commonwealth, intended that the Institute should be a blessing to the poor, but the authorities of the Institute, God have mercy on their souls, have converted it into a Financial Inquisition and Col Smith is their \"Instrument of Torture\" with which they wring from honest poor men -- the money that they have earned as Jehovah directed, by the \"sweat of their brows.\" Let not then, Father, your maledictions be poured upon the passive \"Instrument\" but upon those who use it. Think not harshly of Col Smith but direct your anathemas against the Board of Visitors, or at least those of them who have been the cause of the present State of things, and who have done so much to \"violate the obligation of contracts.\" I would not be ungrateful -- and since Col Smith has granted you considerable indulgence I would advise you or rather I would request you not be hasty in forming your opinion of him. I may do him injustice in what I have said of him in these pages. I would speak my sentiments thus freely to no one but you and then only because I know that what I write now will be a \"sealed book\" after you have read it. I have not time now to send you a copy of my accounts, but what is better I send you my \"book.\" Some of the items you will not understand. I will explain them when I come home. Until then let the matter stand where it is, except in so far as simply informing Col Smith that you have not money with\nwhich to pay him now. When I shall have talked the matter over with you you can determine on your course of action. There is one mistake in Col Smiths letter The balance should be $121.35c instead of $123.00 as given by him. Say nothing in your letter to him that will injure me. The appointment at the Florida College has not been made yet. I will know when I come home what my fate will be. I will not be able to deliver my oration as I have something the matter with my throat not serious though only enough to prevent me from speaking. My love to the family.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Mil Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 30th 1859\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter is at hand. It is now Sunday, and I may as well appropriate the few leisure moments at my disposal to the pleasant duty of writing to you. I am sorry that I was such a goose as to forget -- or misunderstand -- (for I had not the letter before me when I wrote) -- the contents of the letter to which my last was an answer. I will now, I hope, satisfy you on the point which, it seems, most interests you. I shall not alter the number of my diploma -- nor shall I allow it to be altered, since it is your desire that the number shall remain as it is. I will here remark, however, that I care not a straw for the number of the diploma. This is the most insignificant part of the whole affair. The right to have the number \"one\" on the diploma is what alone deserves our attention. This right, as you know, has been transferred from me to another and I can not easily be convinced that it is entirely proper for me to retain that to which I have no right. In my own opinion, and in the eyes of some of my friends I may be entitled to the \"first honor\" in my class. This is not doubted. But it should be remembered that neither I nor my friends are authorized to judge, and that the Faculty of the Institute have the power to do what they have done, be it just or unjust. Nor should it be forgotten that the opinion of the Faculty as published in the Register will have more weight with the world than anything that could be said in my behalf by any other party. I will here drop a subject upon which too much has already been said with a repetition of my determination to allow the No \"1\" to remain on my diploma.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to hear that you are progressing so finely with your work, and hope that you may soon bring it to a successful completion. I see that you have been studying the Geology that I left with you. I agree with you in the opinion you express -- with reference to the plan of the work. It was not, however, designed for those who study without a teacher or previous preparation, but for those who have passed over a certain part of the regular Scientific course. I am very fond of theories -- still -- I would always have them nailed together and supported by a few facts well established and well explained. Are you not mistaken in regard to the\ndrift agency? There is no cause, within my knowledge, now operating of sufficient power to transfer large boulders from one side of a mountain to the other. There are, doubtless, causes now acting but of a different nature from that which was the great agent during the \"drift period.\" I think you would progress more rapidly now with your geological studies if you had studied Chemistry first. Both are very interesting. Have you read the Intellectual Philosophy which I left with you. You would find it extremely\ninteresting, I have no doubt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou wish to know how I am getting along in my capacity as Professor. In answer to this query, I will say charmingly. I am much pleased with the occupation and, without egotism I say it, I regard myself competent to perform all the duties appropriate to the office. I study a good deal, too much indeed to allow of my doing much at anything else, and therefore I have not yet visited the Society Hall. I am not willing to speak on any subject, now, without thorough preparation of my speech. The consequence of this\nis that since I have not time to prepare, I do not speak at all. I think you will agree with me that it is best not to attempt anything when we doubt that we will do it well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI can not say that I am entirely well. My throat bothers me some yet. I have to talk a great deal in the \"section room\" during recitations, and I find that it irritates my vocal organs to such an extent that I am sometimes forced to stop and rest awhile. Only for short periods however. Five or ten minutes. I explain everything that is difficult. In other respects I am entirely well. Write soon. My respects to Uncle Eli -- Harrison Kelly and Andrew Godden\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nSon Jas H. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Mil Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 19th 1859\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSeveral companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to \"go to Hell.\" What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine \u0026amp; Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElla May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the\nmischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ Hart Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e"],"collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_188.xml","title_ssm":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers"],"title_tesim":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1851-1861"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1851-1861"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1851/1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861"],"text":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861","MS.0107","/repositories/3/resources/188","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Maryland Agricultural College","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","Academic records","There are no restrictions.","Joseph Hart Chenoweth was born in 1837 in Randolph County, [West] Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1859. He was an Assistant Professor at VMI and a Professor of Math at Maryland Agricultural College. Chenoweth served as a Confederate Major in the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle on June 9, 1862, near Shields, Virginia.","Virginia Military Institute\nSep 28th. 55. (1855)","Dear Father:\nI received your letter of the 11th and was extremely glad to hear that you were all well. I am getting along first rate with my studies. The 4th class study algebra, Geography and English; we will not commence studying French until January. We recite Algebra at 8 o clock in the morning, Geography at 11, and English at 3, and we have Battalion Drill at 5 o clock in the evening.","I stand guard about once a week. I have been Drilled so much that I have become to be a tolerable good soldier. As to the letter which James Campbell has in his possession, I do not know whether it is genuine or not I did write a letter to him but I certainly did not say any thing about being tied and ducked. I was dragged a short distance one night, but it did not hurt me any. The cadets attempted to duck me and another new Cadet, but I jumped from under the water and did not get but very little on me. They also tied the Military cravat on me. They did this by tying my cravat in about a dozen knots, this was all done while we [were] in camp. Since we came in barracks they do not molest us New Cadets. And in fact they all treat me very well. It is perfectly impossible for a man to come here without having to undergo some bad treatment, at first. You can rest assured that I am well pleased with the place. They beat the drum so near my room that it always wakes me up. Except that the first morning we came in\nbarracks, I did not hear the drum beat, but they did not miss me.","Tell Mother that she need not be uneasy about my sleeping too late. I always am among the first ones up. I wish you would send me a copy of the Dispatch occasionally if it is not too much trouble. Give my love to all the family.","Yours Affectionately\nJ. H. Chenoweth, V.M.I.","To L. Chenoweth\nBeverly, Va.","P. S. I was very much surprised to hear of the marriage of Mary E. Chenoweth with E. Rowan.\nJ.H.C.","Lexington Feb. 18th. 1856","Dear Father\nI received yours of the 10th and enclosed I found Col Smith's letter. I was in hopes that you would not hear of my having played cards, but since you have heard it I will give you all the particulars. You can thus judge for yourself, the extent of my \"crime\" On the evening of the 25th of Jan. two of my room mates, a cadet by the name of Lewis¹ from Mason County and myself -- were sitting in my room, playing a social game at cards. A professor came to the door, knocked and came in. We concealed our cards,\nas quick as possible but not soon enough to escape the eye of the Prof. He reported us for playing cards but he could not swear that we were playing at cards. From the tenor of Col Smith's letter, you must certainly think that I am a desperate character of late. But dear Father believe me on my honor when I say that, Playing cards has been my greatest offence, I did wrong, I must acknowledge, I should not have allowed myself to play at all. I hope that you will forgive my first offence, I will promise you that I will not again while at the institute, be guilty of the same offence! Col Smith seems to think that playing cards is a habit, which I indulge in frequently, but father, he is mistaken, I do not make a practice of playing at cards. I have conducted myself, I think, with the utmost propriety (with the exception of this one offence) since my arrival at this place. The number of my demerit \"is rather my misfortune than my fault.\" I feel it my duty as your son to follow your directions, I thank you for the kind advice, which you have given me from time to time. I will take pleasure in observing your directions, and I hope that the next circular will surprise you equally as much as the other, but in another manner. I am fully aware of the importance of my maintaining my situation here as a\ncadet. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, in allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity of obtaining a good education. I think that if I get along as well hereafter as I have since Jan, I will stand better on Mathematics than I did last Jan. I will be through Davies Geometry in a few weeks. I am reading French, at present. As to your fears about my \"keeping bad\ncompany,\" I will have to say that I do not, keep bad company. If you would call those persons bad company, who had played an occasional game at cards, I will say that each of my roommates may be called bad company, but they have all stopped off short, since we came so near being dismissed for that grievous offence. That having been our greatest crime, we are now strictly moral. To calm your fears on all heads, I will say that I pledged my honor the first day that I entered the institute not to drink while at the institute, and as I value my honor I have kept it. This was unnecessary, because I never did drink. Yet I did it because it was customary. From this day henceforward I will see how few demerits I can get, I must acknowledge that I have been somewhat careless sometimes in regard to my demerits. But hereafter I will cultivate that virtue called \"punctuality\" which of all others I think it is among the best especially for a person who expects to stay at the institute","Many thanks to you for your kind promise, I will try to make myself worthy of it, To be comprehensive in reply to your questions about the Institute, I will answer. The institute is an excellent school, I can obtain as good a mathematical education here as at any place in the United States, a good French Latin \u0026 English education, Chemistry Mechanics Natural Philosophy Rhetoric Moral Philosophy, \u0026 c, also a splendid Military Education. Write soon I am, in good health, I am determined that the next letter that you receive in relation to my conduct shall please you, better than the last, I am glad to hear that you have got a contract to build the bridge across Buchannon. From your affectionate but unfortunate son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L. Chenoweth","P.S. Cadet Lewis broke his arrest and was dismissed I have taken the liberty of retaining Col Smith's letter which I suppose is immaterial to you. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute, April 15th 56","Dear Father,\nI have at present a few leisure moments which I will employ in writing to you. I am enjoying good health at present, and in fact I have had excellent health ever since I arrived here. I am progressing in my studies admirably, I get along a great deal better than I\nat first thought I would. If I meet with no misfortune hereafter, I flatter myself that I will have a better standing at July, than I had last Jan. I do not at present get near as many demerits per month as I have heretofore.","There was a very sad accident happened in the vicinity of the Institute a few weeks since. Two students of Washington College started upon a hunting expedition, they had not gone very far when they stopped, one of them was loading his pistol when it accidentally discharged itself, the contents lodging in the breast of a Mr. Booker. He was carried to the Hospital of the Institute and died in a few days, he was a citizen of Richmond.","There has been a new method of drill introduced at the Institute. It consists of a double quick step, it makes me sweat every evening. I have increased considerably in weight since I became a Cadet, I weigh at present 155 lbs., I am now studying \"Analytical Plane Trigonometry,\" French and English. I have at present I think nothing to fear. My total number of demerit is about 130, this is the last quarter of the present year and I have 70 demerit to go upon, I think I am perfectly safe. I wish you would send some postage stamps when you answer this letter, if you should ever have an opportunity I wish you would send that book which I received from New York, entitled \"New elements of Geometry\" by Seba Smith, I think it will be of some benefit to me. You have a book which would be of infinite benefit to me when I become a third classman, I think it is called \"Minifies Mechanical Drawing Book,\" but perhaps you cannot spare it. If you cannot you need not send it, I can get along without it. Give my love to all the family, and write soon. I heard that you were going to build two Academies in Beverly. I hope you may succeed, in the enterprise,\nFrom Your Affectionate son\nJ H Chenoweth","Virginia Military Institute\nFeb 21st 1857","Dear Father\nIt is needless for me to say that I have not received anything from you in the [illegible] of a letter during the extraordinary period (three month nearly) which has intervened since you wrote last. You have -- I have no doubt -- good reasons for this failure upon your part to write, I take it for granted at least -- and will not enquire into their nature. But really, I do not see why you can not appropriate a few moments, occasionally, to letter-writing. To me at least, it is by no means a disagreeable occupation, especially when I have no bad news to communicate.","\"I am well, and am getting along very well with my studies.\" You will perhaps be puzzled to find out why I enclosed the above sentence with quotation marks. You need not be, if you examine the letters which you have received from me, from time to time, you will find that this same sentence occurs in nearly all, besides -- it is perhaps the best line, with respect to its \"subject matter\" that will be contained by this letter. Therefore, I distinguish it from the commonplace remarks by which it is surrounded. Since I entered, a student, at this Institution, I have been doubly blessed, I have enjoyed excellent health, and my laudable ambition has been gratified in some manner. Yes it is a laudable ambition, that ambition which makes me yearn to excel here in intellectual improvement, in all that makes man, -- a man in the highest, truest, noblest, sense of the term! Ambition, of a different kind is a\ndangerous thing; that ambition which rears [illegible] of despotism upon the ruins of Liberty, Justice and the rights of man; or climbs to the highest pinnacle of Fame, over the bones of murdered millions; that species of ambition, the gratification of which, \"damned Napoleon Bonaparte into everlasting fame\" is hellborn, and its tendency is and ever has been hellwards! On the other hand that ambition which when gratified, made a Washington, a Webster and a Clay, established and supported Liberty, upon the broadest foundations, and terrified all Tyrants, is heavenborn, its possessors stand unique and alone, the only mortals truly great, overleap Fame's polluted mount, and soar in the pure ether beyond, ever pointing heavenwards. These are but few names purely immortal, which will be remembered with [illegible] feelings of reverence and love by the truly good until the latest generations. Alas, there are too many merely notorious names, names which will be remembered only to curse until the last trump shall awaken the dead [ ]!!. With Cicero I am led to exclaim \"Oh times, oh customs!\"; the very Senate chamber, in which, the immortal Clay was wont to move the multitude to tears, or animate the thousands with his own passion, is now polluted by the whispers of corruption or bribery. Sumner stands upon the same floor upon which he stood, and contaminates the atmosphere with his huge\nlibels upon the venerable Butler. Oh! departed shades of our ancestors, was Clay and Webster the last of their race? Has patriotism become extinguished? Is there nothing left of \"the age of bronze\"? Will the black chains of tyranny be our portion at last? Oh! no, Say not, the pleasant memories of yourselves forbid it, the hopes of your posterity forbid it, and all the good ones of the earth forbid it, the animated eloquence of Keit forbid it and the still fresh though sad memory of Brooks, forbids it. But hold, my pen is running away with me, I did not intend to become so enthusiastic upon this subject. How did my standing at Jan. please you? Answer in your next if you was pleased with it, I am happy.","When you write again I wish you would let me know whether I ought to get a furlough suit or not, it will cost in all about $40, if you can spare this much, I will be much pleased, if not I can do very well without it. I shall be so much pleased to visit you that I will care nothing for clothes, the Cadets generally buy one,","Write soon\nYour Affectionate Son\nJas H. Chenoweth","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va Sep 15th 57","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time. I put off writing until now -- so that I would be able to inform you how I am doing, or rather how I am getting along with my studies. I am doing well on \"Calculus\" (the highest branch of Math), I made the highest -- \"mark\" in my class on this study the first week (we have only recited a week and two days on Cal). I\nrecited 1 day on Chemistry, I did very well. We have not commenced reciting on Latin yet.","I started from home Wednesday, as you directed me to do, and arrived at the V.M.I. on Friday 11 1/2 P.M. I had quite a pleasant time from Staunton over to Lexington -- I can not say the same for the other portions of the journey -- as it rained on me from Yeagers to Staunton. With regard to that \"Assistant Professorship,\" about which I was speaking to you, I must say that as yet -- I have not heard anything about it, -- I am afraid that the appointment will not be made. I will hope for it however still -- I may be appointed next Jan.","I am well. I heard that you were raising your bridge, I hope all success for you. If the weather in your part of the state be anything like that here, it is certainly favorable to such an undertaking. When you can find time, write to me -- This may not be soon as you are so busy. I am quite busy myself now. I was elected speaker for the 11th Nov next --(the anniversary of the Institute). By the\nway to be elected to this post -- is considered quite an honor here. I will, of course, have my hands full for the next two months. I am afraid that I will not do honor to myself on that occasion -- but I will do my best. Give my love to John, my compliments to all of your hands (or those with whom I am acquainted)","Your Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth\nTo\nL Chenoweth\nBuckhannon\nUpshur Ct, VA","(P.S) If you have any money on hand to spare, I wish you would send me a little, as I have never had any pocket money. I have one or two little debts to pay. If it is inconvenient you need not do it. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va\nNov 22nd 1857","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time, although if you recollect I wrote last. You requested me to write frequently -- whether I received anything from you or not -- as you would not have the time to spare from your business to write often, or even to answer my few letters. Could I have found time, I would willingly have acted in accordance with your desire,\nbut you will readily excuse me from the most dreaded of punishments, your displeasure, for this seeming negligence when you read, what I am about to write.","My class has now arrived at the most critical period, in the existence of all V.M.I. \"Second Classes,\" that is, we are about to graduate upon the most important, branch of the course; at \"Jan. Examination\" our standing upon Mathematics is irrevocably fixed, and you can well imagine, as I am \"running\" for first, that the most of my time is dedicated to this and that I have but few\nopportunities [of] writing, even to the dear ones at home. I have still the \"first mark\" upon \"math,\" notwithstanding the many competitors with whom I have to contend for this high position in my class, and it is my opinion at present, that by hard study I will be enabled to keep it until the end of the hotly contested battle. I will stand first upon this branch of the courses, or come home, this is my chief ambition. You will I hope call it a laudable one, and I could not remain here and see my enemies smile at the keen disappointment that would be occasioned by my failing to realize it, neither could I bear the keener taunts of mock sympathy, that would be imposed on me by deceitful nominal friends.","My immediate studies, however, are not all that I have to offer as an excuse for not writing to you oftener. Just after I came off furlough I was elected \"debater\" for the 11th Nov, and of course I was compelled to write a \"speech,\" which occupation required a considerable portion of my time -- the dreaded 11th has come and gone, and I will have a little more spare time now than heretofore. I suppose I had better tell you how this my first effort at speechmaking was received. Well I hope you will not call me egotistical, when I inform you that it was highly complimented chiefly by the ladies (of whom there was [missing word] a number present), and sufficiently [applauded by] the male auditors, in fact several [people] said that \"it was the best speech made that evening\" and four were delivered. The well educated community around and in Lexington was well represented, and you can judge how I trembled when I arose for the first time in my life, to declaim an original speech. I stood it better however than I had thought I could. I wrote twelve pages of foolscap and spoke it off without once referring to the manuscript. I spoke about twenty minutes.","I have the second \"mark\" on chemistry, with another man, that is I have the same mark that he has, and our mark is second. I have not been appointed assistant professor yet, I still hope however that I will get this office after Jan. I was appointed \"sergeant\" yesterday (21st Nov) and will not have to stand post any more in the cold -- I will have to wear a sword now, and sit in the \"guardroom\"\ninstead of carrying a musket out in the sometimes chilly atmosphere. We are going to Richmond on 22nd Feb -- we have been ordered there, by government, Crawford's statue of Washington will be inaugurated then and the President will be there, beside many other distinguished personages. I am well at present -- I wish you would send me a few dollars of pocket money -- if you can spare it. I want it to pay one or two little debts, that [I have] contracted from time to time. I [have not] had any pocket money of any consequence. I will if I [live] pay you ten fold for all the mere money that you can send -- but oh! your kindness -- that I can never repay. Write soon -- give my love to (Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella May, \u0026 Blanche) and all my friends. Great God how my heart sickens when I leave John's name out of the above list - - - The stern tyrant -- Death-- has dealt harshly with us -- he has visited our house until now four of your sons, my brothers, sleep in the silent grave, it seems as if the number of your children can never remain long greater than seven. But I must hush these murmurings, against the [decrees?] of God -- Natures God I mean -- I hardly know whether to believe in the God of revelation or not, -- or rather I do not know whether I believe or not. Belief is not a voluntary act, we must understand partially at least everything that we would believe, or we can not reasonably believe. The faith of the great body of Christians is blind and scarcely deserves the name. Ask the most enthusiastic fanatic of our own day to explain an obscure passage of the Bible and two to one he will admit that he does not understand it -- while he holds out to the last, that he believes it. Write soon","Your affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","V.M.I.\nDec 30th 1857","Dear Father\nYour very kind letter is at hand, I would have answered it sooner, but I thought I would wait until I could inform you with tolerable certainty where I will stand in my class (on Mathematics). The contest for the highest \"honor\" that will be awarded to my class at the Jan. Examination, has been quite animated and grows more \u0026 more exciting as we approach the end of the race. At present\nthe chances are greatly in my favour. To-morrow is the last day that we will recite on Mathematics and I have the \"first mark\" independently of several \"extras\" that I have \"handed in\" and which have not as yet been examined. All that is now necessary to render my success complete is for me to pass a good examination. This I am preparing to do, and from present appearances, I think that you may rest assured that I will stand at the head of my class (on math).","I hope that Mother is not dangerously ill, and am pleased to learn that my surviving brothers and sisters are enjoying those blessings, which health always confers upon those who are so fortunate as to escape the \"ills that flesh is heir to.\" I received Mothers letter written just after John's death and answered it. I can not divine how it is that she did not receive my answer to that letter. I also received Mary's letter, (the one in which she speaked of your illness)and as well as I recollect, I am pretty certain that I answered it, and expressed my solicitude for your recovery.","Accept my thanks for the $10 note enclosed in your letter. It is a nice Christmas gift and I will not forget your kindness should fortune smile upon me in future. Give my love to Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella, Blanche, \u0026 the baby. Tell Mother to write to me soon. I need not tell you that I was relieved of a great deal of anxiety when I received your letter and learned that you\nhad recovered. I had not received a letter from home for so long, that I really thought that something dreadful had happened. Tell Mary to write soon. I have the manuscript of my speech (11th) and will bring it home with me next July. Our question was, \"Which form of government is best -- adapted to the present state of society -- the Monarchical or Republican?\" I was on the [illegible] is\nthe Republican side, write soon","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","V.M.I.\nJan 9th 1858","Dear Father\nYour letter was received this morning, and as you appear somewhat anxious to learn where I stand in my class on mathematics, I conclude that I can not spend a few leisure moments more profitably than in giving you the desired information. So draw your chair up before your warm\nblazing coal fire and read what I am about to write. I will give you the full and true account of the issue of this, to me, very exciting contest. But know first that I am the successful competitor for the high honor which has called forth so much study and intense application.","After my conversation with you while I was on furlough, you will understand the technical terms that I am about to use. At the end of the race when the marks were added up, the maximum was found to be 219. My mark was 249.8; Mr. Clarke (who was the next best on the lists) had 243.7; Mr Lyell (from Richmond County) the third on the lists, had about 223. You will perceive from the above that I had the \"first mark\" by 6.1, (as 249.8 - 243.7 = 6.1). You will notice also that I had 30.9 above the maximum (249.8 -\n219 = 30.8). I will say again that the contest for first was exceedingly animated, every nerve was brought into active (if I am allowed the term nerve when speaking of mental endeavors and intellectual actions) by all the higher members of the class (Mr Clarke especially).","But I have said nothing of the examination. The maximum, in the Examination Hall, was simply 3. (on math) Mr. Clarke made 2.90, Mr Lyell made 3, and I made 3.15, so, that I am first is shown not only by my recitation marks (249.8) but also by my examination mark (3.15). I made the highest mark that was made in the Examination Hall, as no one else made more than 3. The \"standing\" has not been announced officially, and will not be for two weeks, but I am certain that I am \"first\". I have not been examined in Chemistry or Latin yet. I have the third mark on Chemistry, and a very low mark on Latin, but these are of minor importance, as we do not graduate on them until July. We will now study Natural Philosophy, and will recite to Major Jackson (Miss Arnold's brother) on this branch of the courses.","I am well and was happy to learn that all are well at home. A little child was burned to death in Lexington to day. Give my love to all at home and my kind uncles and aunts. Remember me to my Grand father and Grandmother \u0026c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","(P.S.) I would have written more, but I \"must cut my coat according to my cloth,\" I have no more room on this sheet, write soon.\nJoseph","V.M.I.\nMarch 8th 1858","Dear Father\nI received your very welcome letter last Friday. It affords me much pleasure to learn that you are all well. I am not as well at present as I would wish to be. I caught cold while I was in Richmond and I have not entirely recovered from it yet. I am not too unwell to attend to my studies, and I hope I will get no worse.","You ask me to tell you something about my recent visit to Richmond. Well, to begin I will say that \"our corps\" covered itself with as much glory as \"mud\" on this ever-to-be-remembered-occasion, and by the way, if any disinterested looker on had said this in my presence, I would without hesitation have called him a flatterer. In short, the pavement was covered with loose earth mixed with water, shoe-mouth-deep, nearly every day that we paraded, and we had to march through it with a measured step, regardless of its presence, and with our \"eyes to the front.\"","We started from the V.M.I, Feb 15th at 7 o.c A.M, walked 8 miles to a point on the North River Canal, where two boats were waiting to receive us. We traveled down this canal until we came to the mouth of North River (it empties into the James), here we struck the great James River and Kanawha Canal, we proceeded via this canal until we arrived at Richmond, its eastern terminus. We were frozen up part of one night in the North River Canal, a Cadet fell over-board and broke through the ice, and was saved without receiving any serious injury -- beyond these little incidents nothing interesting happened to us while on the boats.","We numbered 138 strong in ranks, and had two \"plebes\" along who could not drill well enough to appear on parade. We were cordially received by the citizens, perhaps more so than any other corps present, of which there was a great many. We were placed at the head of the columns, this was quite a compliment, or at least we considered it as such. It snowed considerably in the morning of the 22nd, notwithstanding this, the procession was perhaps two miles and a half long. On Saturday the 20th we escorted Genl Scott from the Exchange Hotel to the Capitol, where he was appropriately received by the Senate and House of Delegates. On the same day we escorted John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, from the Depot to his lodgings. Genl. Scott said that we Cadets drilled better than the Cadets at West Point. Mr. Conrad said that you saw the Statue when you were in Richmond. I think it magnificent. It is so natural, the Rider is so Washington-like, and the horse is so life-like. Crawford the Artist sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, but his name will live when the bronze which now almost breaths in praise of his Genius, shall have moldered into dust. I wish I could have seen you in Richmond. Did you succeed in accomplishing what you intended by your visit\nto the City? I hope you did.","I have not been appointed Assistant Teacher yet, no one has. I have my office yet, and I wore my sword when I was in Richmond. Col Smith is not at home, he is in Washington, when he comes home I will make it all right with him about the deposit. We were in Richmond about a week. We arrived at the Institute on our return last Tuesday at 4 P.M. Give my live to all the family. My respects to Andrew Godin.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","March 30th 1858","Dear Mother\nI was prevented from forwarding my letter as soon as I intended, and I thought I would add a little to it before mailing it. One of my classmates, Mr. Hutter of Lynchburg, who has been traveling in the south for his health, has just returned. His lungs were affected. He lost one of them, but is restored to health again I believe.","Another of my classmates, Mr. Cooke of Portsmouth, was taken suddenly ill yesterday. I thought at first that his disease was congestion of the brain -- he raved like a maniac when first taken and we feared he would not live long. The physician was sent for, he was bled copiously -- went to sleep and slept soundly for two or three hours, awoke raving worse than ever, although his head had been covered all this time with ice: at length however, some medicine was [ ed] to him, which [ ]....reminded of the dreadful illness that carried poor lost Bernard from the stage of life.","I have been elected to the office of orator for the Society of Cadets, and will have to make a speech in there, or rather our Hall next July. I wish some of my friends would come over, that is if I have a good speech, and if I have a poor one, they will do me a kindness by staying away. I am doing well so far as my studies are concerned.","Is the basement of our house walled up with brick yet? Is the Academy finished? What kind of furniture is father making for our house? What young gentlemen is peculiarly attentive to Mary -- has she given the mitten to anybody else? You need not be uneasy about me in a moral point -- I am very moral I do not drink a drop of liquor. Glen McLean \u0026 Dick Brown were quite\ncomplimentary, so was Jacob Conrad, I hope I deserve the esteem. It is only three months until I can See you all -- write soon.","V.M.I.\nJune 20th 58","Dear Father\nI have been appointed \"Private Secretary\" to Col Smith, upon the condition that I remain at the V.M.I. until the first of August, therefore you need not send my furlough money until then. I should say will be appointed, as the appointments are not yet made -- and will not be before the 5th of July -- but this scarcely affects the matter, since the office has been promised me by the proper authority. Of course, whether I accept this office or not, will be entirely owing to what you think about it. The position offered me, is I believe the best one that will be given out -- and it is my hope that you will not object to my accepting -- and complying with the above mentioned condition. I am well. Give my love to all the family.","I have passed my examination on Latin \u0026 Philosophy. I am first, beyond a doubt, on Natural Philosophy -- and pretty low down on Latin. I will be examined tomorrow on Chemistry -- I have the first mark on this study with several others -- and will I hope stand abut third on it. I have a great deal of work on my hands just now -- I speak before a crowded house next Friday -- and am busy preparing for that occasion. Hope you are all well -- Tell Mother to write soon. Oh! how I long to see you all.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L Chenoweth\n(P.S) You may if you have it to spare send me a few dollars. I need it--Joseph","(P.S. No 2) My classmate (Mr. Govan) who was very ill when I last wrote is slowly recovering -- he narrowly escaped the grave. His Mother has been with him for some time, and if he gets well, it will be on account of good nursing -- as the physicians concluded at one time that he must die. Mr. Hutter (another class-mate) whose lungs were affected is about well, he is now at the V.M.I. attending to his studies. Mr. Cooke who had the intermittent fever is well. Mr. Govan's disease is brain-fever, \u0026 I fear\nnotwithstanding the present favorable symptoms, that he is not safe yet. Chenoweth","(P.S No 3) I saw Col Smith about my deposit when he was here -- before he started for Europe. He said that there was no danger of my not being allowed to go on with my studies in consequence of my indebtedness to the Institute, and gave me, for you, the enclosed note. The amount due the Institute, from me, is about $250 or more -- and $50 added to this as a deposit will make three hundred dollars -- This seems at first sight to be a larger sum -- but when we remember that no deposit has been sent for some time, the amount looks reasonable. The Col suggests that you give a negotiable note for $300 -- so that he may use it as money when he settles the affairs of the Institute with the state authorities -- Whether this is the best course to pursue is left wholly with you -- I would say though that if you have the money on hand -- send it -- by all means. I believe now that next year just before I graduate I will make an application for an Assistant Professorship in Mathematics -- in this way I will be enabled to pay the last installments of our debt -- myself -- But I will speak to you on this subject when I come home -- Excuse this long (P.S)\nJoseph","V.M. Institute\nNov 21st 1858","Dear Father\nYour long-looked-for letter came to hand yesterday (Saturday). I read it with great pleasure because I learned from it that you are getting along well with your work and that my friends at home are all well. Accept my thanks for the favor which you have conferred upon me, by paying D. Frown the $5, for me.","Your opinions with reference to the action of the authorities of the Virginia Military Institute, since my matriculation here as a State Cadet, are certainly just. The Board of Visitors have, during the last few years, -- acted -- perhaps unintentionally in direct violation of the sacred obligations of contracts. I can conceive of no circumstances which they could reasonably point us to in justification of their course, when they made State Cadets pay for certain articles which had been guaranteed to these Cadets, by the regulations of the Institute, -- at the time of their appointment. If they tell us that the prices of beef -- butter -- and corn has-have increased since these Cadets entered the Institute -- We ask -- Is that any reason why they should make these Cadets pay for their washing -- their fuel -- their lights? By no means!, All good men will answer. This is no reason. And moreover no sufficient reason can be found for the post facto law -- by which these Cadets are made to pay for these articles, after the Virginia Military Institute had contracted with them -- to furnish them -- these things free of cost. -- It is a melancholy thought that the State of\nVirginia is by the action of her officers, prevented from accomplishing the noble object she had in view from exercising that high kind of charity she contemplated when she established her Military Institute. How much good will accrue to young Virginians who are in moderate circumstances even, from an Institution, in which the State proposes to educate them for a mere trifle while the men charged with the government of this Institution make these Young Men pay almost as much as their education would cost them at other Institutions where they would have to pay for every item in the list of College expenses. These young men, evidently, will not reap half the advantages which the State intended them to have when she built the Institution. When I came here, I expected to find good-men placed by the State, in the highest offices of the Virginia Military Institute. In some respects in some cases, I have not been disappointed. In other cases I have been totally disappointed. For I see presiding over a fountain of learning the waters of which I have been told, were almost as free as the air we breathe, men who like auctioneers cry -- Education!! Education!! Come buy!! Come buy!! The Price is Gold! Gold! Gold! Those who have the most, are most welcome to the soothing waters we sell!!! to the Instruction we impart!!! This is a sad state of things truly -- still, however sad, I feel that I\nshould not complain. For have I not received a blessing, an education which never would have been mine had the State refused to establish the Virginia Military Institute, or in other words, if this Institution did not exist at present. My only complaint, if I have any, is against those who are at the head of the Virginia Military Institute. Not against all of these, but some of them. I have been treated well enough by all of them yet I feel that they have not treated you as you should have been treated, that they have wronged you most seriously. It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that my little speech delivered on the 11th gave general satisfaction. I was highly complimented after I got through. I am progressing firmly in my studies -- and hope to take a pretty high diploma. I do not think -- now -- that I can stand first in my Class -- I am trying very hard though -- for that position. I will not stand below Third, I think, at the lowest. But time will tell. Our Society meets every Saturday night in our Hall (in the North Eastern Corner of Barracks) and I have come to the conclusion to speak at every meeting. We had quite an animated discussion last evening. I find that I improve much by engaging in the debates. The time will soon come when it will be my duty to select a profession or occupation. I wish when you write you would give me some advice on this subject. You know my nature, and can\njudge what would suit me best. Give my love to all the home-folks, and to all my other relatives. And to my other friends-- Remember me to Lilly, Dr Bosworth, Hughes \u0026c. \u0026c. Write soon.\nYours with great affection\nJ.H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Mother\nYour very kind favor is at hand, and I proceed to reply immediately. I thought something more than ordinary was the matter at home. Had it been otherwise I would certainly have heard from you more frequently. I suppose you did not like to let me know that Taylor was so sick, and hence concluded to allow me to remain in blissful ignorance on this subject until you could\ninform me that he was nearly well. I am so glad that he is recovering. So glad that he is well enough to write to me, and that he will soon be well enough to go to school. I am also equally glad to hear that every body else at home is quite well. I received a letter from Mary some time ago. She was well. I can see from her letter that she is much pleased with the idea that she may learn music. It is my belief that she will be an apt scholar, since she has such an ardent desire to learn. I am expecting a letter from her\nnow. I have not heard from Father recently. He will write soon I suppose. I am well, and doing well.","I was elected the other day one of the Speakers for the next Fourth of July. I wish some of my dear home-friends could be here on that day. -- I am very busy just now, but amid all my trials and labors, the thought that in four-and-a-half months I may return home -- never fails to solace me. You say, very truly too, that you have never fully answered my first letter yet, and what pleases me much you add that, in your next you will say something about the matters touched upon in that letter. I hope father is doing well,\nand making money by his contracts at Weston. What a load will be taken off his shoulders and off of my mind too, when I graduate and commence life for myself. I feel that he has already done more for me than I deserve, and am determined to do all I can to repay him (in part, for I despair of repaying him in full) for all that he has, and you for what you have, done for my sake. Col. Smith, who returned from Europe some time ago is now attending to the duties of his office. He lectures every Saturday evening on Europe, and is quite entertaining. By the way, I think I was highly complimented the other day. I will tell you how it came about. If you recollect aright, you are aware that I delivered a speech on the 11th of last November (the Anniversary of the Institute). Well Col. Smith was in Europe at that time and did not hear what I had to say. When he returned he prevailed upon one of my friends to borrow the speech from me for him, and without my knowing it he took it (the speech) down to Richmond last month, and read it before the Board of Visitors, and strange to tell, the Col says that Body were much pleased with it. -- In my dreams -- I had not thought that this little speech would procure for me the admiration of the Board, and in my waking hours I can not persuade myself that I desire this admiration on account of my having made this speech.","Write soon. Give my love to all the children., and to Father when you see him. -- Also -- My love to all my Aunts Cousins Uncles -- Grandmother, and Grandfathers. Have you heard from Aunt Mary H lately? How is she and uncle H getting along in Kansas. On the other side of this leaf you will find a little letter for Taylor, in answer to his, which accompanied yours.--\nYour Affectionate Son\nJoseph H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Taylor\nI was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.","It pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella \u0026 Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say \"Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die,\" now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.\nYour Affectionate Brother\nJoseph","Va Mil Institute\nJune 20th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter together with my last circular and Col Smith's receipt for your $100 check, came to hand this morning. There is, as you very justly remark, great discrepancy between the estimated and the real amount expended by me during the last quarter, but you should remember that the estimated amount was only conjectural while the real amount is now accurately known. I have\nexamined my \"book,\" in accordance with your request, and I find that there is but one mistake made in the circular as compared with the \"book.\" Total expenses in the circular, should be (up to April 1st) $551.45c instead of $549.59c as it now stands. I am surprised at the fact that such a gross error was made by the Col when he estimated my expenses for 3 months at $20.41. By a simple arithmetical process he would have found that this estimate was unreasonably small, or he would have been convinced that my expenses up to the beginning of the present quarter were unjustly large. To show you how this is, I will perform the operation. Up to the beginning of the present quarter there were 40 months, which I spent at the V.M.I. In the present quarter there are 3 months. During the 40 months I expended $551.45c. How much would I expend during the present quarter? This question is answered below.","40.: $551.45 :: 3 : $ x","From this proportion, which is nothing more nor less than the expression of a simple example under the \"Single Rule of Three,\" we find x = $41.35 for a probable estimate of what I should expend during 1 quarter. To this sum the Col should have added $10.00, the price of my Diploma, making in all $51.35. This should have been the Col's estimate. But it was a summer estimate\nand of course no provision was made for a pair of Winter Pants which I had made this spring. Adding $7.50 for the Pants and we have $51.35c + $7.50c = $58.85c. To this sum should also be added $9.00 = $67.85c for an estimate founded on positive knowledge and probably conjecture. Now let us see what my expenses really were. the \"book\" shows that I have expended during\nthe last three months $63.78c. Subtracting this from the estimate and we have $67.85c -$63.78c = $4.07c which shows that I have expended $4.07c less than an average for the whole time, during the present quarter. The three extraordinary items, Diploma, W Pants, and Interest, have cause my expenses for these 3 months to exceed the average $22.43c. The Pants, I was compelled to buy as I had none scarcely at the time, I have them yet and they are as good as new. $10.00 is the usual price for a Diploma, And as to the Interest it seems perfectly just that it should be paid. You will readily perceive from this \"mode of reasoning\" that either the charges made against me for the whole time are unjust, or those made against me for the present quarter are just. You have tacitly acknowledged the justice of the charges up to the beginning of the present quarter, by paying money on an estimate made in connection with these charges, so that, it seems we have to admit now the justice of the charges for the present quarter. My own opinion is, that you are very unjustly compelled to pay for some things which you did not agree to purchase when you sent me to the V.M.I., but which nevertheless have been furnished me. I allude to \"washing\" \"fuel\" \u0026 c. But while I believe this I do not hesitate to make known to you my firm conviction that you had better pay the whole debt. If you do not pay it you will be sued. This would be annoying to you, besides, you will have to maintain a suit against a wealthy \u0026 powerful corporation which would not be satisfied if the case should be decided against it -- in the lower courts but would carry it to the\nhighest tribunals in the Land, rather than have a precedent established which would cause the Institute to lose largely. You now have my conclusion and my opinions on the subject. Of course, however, you will act as you choose. One thing I would request of you -- viz -- not to do anything before the Fourth of July that might prejudice the Faculty and Board against me. Since you ask it I will not bind myself to pay the balance due the Institute, and I think I have a good reason for not doing this should they ask me to do it for I consider myself already bound to pay you what you have advanced on my behalf and it is not right that I should be bound to pay two parties for the same article. You are expected, I suppose, to answer Col Smith's \"horse-leech\" cry for more - more either in the affirmative or negative. On this point I will merely remark that you had better inform him in a very polite note that your resources are not infinite and that therefore you can not pay him just now. In other words, inform him that the means with which to liquidate the debt due the Institute are not in your possession. Then, when the blood ceases to flow, the \"Horse-Leech\"\nwill cease to annoy you. You can readily perceive the delicacy of my position.","Col Smith has, without my asking it, placed me under obligations to him by recommending me to the authorities of a College in Florida, as a suitable person for a situation there. Yet I feel that, this should not make me mum concerning his grasping propensities or at any rate those of the parties of whom he is but the agent. The State, God bless the old commonwealth, intended that the Institute should be a blessing to the poor, but the authorities of the Institute, God have mercy on their souls, have converted it into a Financial Inquisition and Col Smith is their \"Instrument of Torture\" with which they wring from honest poor men -- the money that they have earned as Jehovah directed, by the \"sweat of their brows.\" Let not then, Father, your maledictions be poured upon the passive \"Instrument\" but upon those who use it. Think not harshly of Col Smith but direct your anathemas against the Board of Visitors, or at least those of them who have been the cause of the present State of things, and who have done so much to \"violate the obligation of contracts.\" I would not be ungrateful -- and since Col Smith has granted you considerable indulgence I would advise you or rather I would request you not be hasty in forming your opinion of him. I may do him injustice in what I have said of him in these pages. I would speak my sentiments thus freely to no one but you and then only because I know that what I write now will be a \"sealed book\" after you have read it. I have not time now to send you a copy of my accounts, but what is better I send you my \"book.\" Some of the items you will not understand. I will explain them when I come home. Until then let the matter stand where it is, except in so far as simply informing Col Smith that you have not money with\nwhich to pay him now. When I shall have talked the matter over with you you can determine on your course of action. There is one mistake in Col Smiths letter The balance should be $121.35c instead of $123.00 as given by him. Say nothing in your letter to him that will injure me. The appointment at the Florida College has not been made yet. I will know when I come home what my fate will be. I will not be able to deliver my oration as I have something the matter with my throat not serious though only enough to prevent me from speaking. My love to the family.\nYour affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nOct 30th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter is at hand. It is now Sunday, and I may as well appropriate the few leisure moments at my disposal to the pleasant duty of writing to you. I am sorry that I was such a goose as to forget -- or misunderstand -- (for I had not the letter before me when I wrote) -- the contents of the letter to which my last was an answer. I will now, I hope, satisfy you on the point which, it seems, most interests you. I shall not alter the number of my diploma -- nor shall I allow it to be altered, since it is your desire that the number shall remain as it is. I will here remark, however, that I care not a straw for the number of the diploma. This is the most insignificant part of the whole affair. The right to have the number \"one\" on the diploma is what alone deserves our attention. This right, as you know, has been transferred from me to another and I can not easily be convinced that it is entirely proper for me to retain that to which I have no right. In my own opinion, and in the eyes of some of my friends I may be entitled to the \"first honor\" in my class. This is not doubted. But it should be remembered that neither I nor my friends are authorized to judge, and that the Faculty of the Institute have the power to do what they have done, be it just or unjust. Nor should it be forgotten that the opinion of the Faculty as published in the Register will have more weight with the world than anything that could be said in my behalf by any other party. I will here drop a subject upon which too much has already been said with a repetition of my determination to allow the No \"1\" to remain on my diploma.","I am glad to hear that you are progressing so finely with your work, and hope that you may soon bring it to a successful completion. I see that you have been studying the Geology that I left with you. I agree with you in the opinion you express -- with reference to the plan of the work. It was not, however, designed for those who study without a teacher or previous preparation, but for those who have passed over a certain part of the regular Scientific course. I am very fond of theories -- still -- I would always have them nailed together and supported by a few facts well established and well explained. Are you not mistaken in regard to the\ndrift agency? There is no cause, within my knowledge, now operating of sufficient power to transfer large boulders from one side of a mountain to the other. There are, doubtless, causes now acting but of a different nature from that which was the great agent during the \"drift period.\" I think you would progress more rapidly now with your geological studies if you had studied Chemistry first. Both are very interesting. Have you read the Intellectual Philosophy which I left with you. You would find it extremely\ninteresting, I have no doubt.","You wish to know how I am getting along in my capacity as Professor. In answer to this query, I will say charmingly. I am much pleased with the occupation and, without egotism I say it, I regard myself competent to perform all the duties appropriate to the office. I study a good deal, too much indeed to allow of my doing much at anything else, and therefore I have not yet visited the Society Hall. I am not willing to speak on any subject, now, without thorough preparation of my speech. The consequence of this\nis that since I have not time to prepare, I do not speak at all. I think you will agree with me that it is best not to attempt anything when we doubt that we will do it well.","I can not say that I am entirely well. My throat bothers me some yet. I have to talk a great deal in the \"section room\" during recitations, and I find that it irritates my vocal organs to such an extent that I am sometimes forced to stop and rest awhile. Only for short periods however. Five or ten minutes. I explain everything that is difficult. In other respects I am entirely well. Write soon. My respects to Uncle Eli -- Harrison Kelly and Andrew Godden\nYour Affectionate\nSon Jas H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nNov 19th 1859","Dear Mother\nYour very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.","Several companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.","I hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to \"go to Hell.\" What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine \u0026 Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.","Ella May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the\nmischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth","The Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.","Letters dated from 1860 to 1861 were written while Chenoweth was a Professor at the Maryland Agricultural College and at VMI. Topics include the election of 1860, John T. L. Preston, and religion.","This collection also contains two VMI grade reports for 1856.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and punishment for playing cards.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and a trip to Richmond, Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and Joseph H. Chenoweth being elected as \"Private Secretary\" to Francis H. Smith.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life, finances, and a potential position at a college in Florida.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown.","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John","English\n."],"collection_title_tesim":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861"],"collection_ssim":["Joseph H. Chenoweth papers, 1851/1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0107","/repositories/3/resources/188"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0107","/repositories/3/resources/188"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 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—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Maryland Agricultural College","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","Academic records"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet debating societies","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Maryland Agricultural College","Lexington (Va.)—History","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Correspondence","Academic records"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 Linear Feet approximately 32 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 Linear Feet approximately 32 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Academic records"],"date_range_isim":[1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJoseph Hart Chenoweth was born in 1837 in Randolph County, [West] Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1859. He was an Assistant Professor at VMI and a Professor of Math at Maryland Agricultural College. Chenoweth served as a Confederate Major in the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle on June 9, 1862, near Shields, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Joseph Hart Chenoweth was born in 1837 in Randolph County, [West] Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1859. He was an Assistant Professor at VMI and a Professor of Math at Maryland Agricultural College. Chenoweth served as a Confederate Major in the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in battle on June 9, 1862, near Shields, Virginia."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute\nSep 28th. 55. (1855)","Dear Father:\nI received your letter of the 11th and was extremely glad to hear that you were all well. I am getting along first rate with my studies. The 4th class study algebra, Geography and English; we will not commence studying French until January. We recite Algebra at 8 o clock in the morning, Geography at 11, and English at 3, and we have Battalion Drill at 5 o clock in the evening.","I stand guard about once a week. I have been Drilled so much that I have become to be a tolerable good soldier. As to the letter which James Campbell has in his possession, I do not know whether it is genuine or not I did write a letter to him but I certainly did not say any thing about being tied and ducked. I was dragged a short distance one night, but it did not hurt me any. The cadets attempted to duck me and another new Cadet, but I jumped from under the water and did not get but very little on me. They also tied the Military cravat on me. They did this by tying my cravat in about a dozen knots, this was all done while we [were] in camp. Since we came in barracks they do not molest us New Cadets. And in fact they all treat me very well. It is perfectly impossible for a man to come here without having to undergo some bad treatment, at first. You can rest assured that I am well pleased with the place. They beat the drum so near my room that it always wakes me up. Except that the first morning we came in\nbarracks, I did not hear the drum beat, but they did not miss me.","Tell Mother that she need not be uneasy about my sleeping too late. I always am among the first ones up. I wish you would send me a copy of the Dispatch occasionally if it is not too much trouble. Give my love to all the family.","Yours Affectionately\nJ. H. Chenoweth, V.M.I.","To L. Chenoweth\nBeverly, Va.","P. S. I was very much surprised to hear of the marriage of Mary E. Chenoweth with E. Rowan.\nJ.H.C.","Lexington Feb. 18th. 1856","Dear Father\nI received yours of the 10th and enclosed I found Col Smith's letter. I was in hopes that you would not hear of my having played cards, but since you have heard it I will give you all the particulars. You can thus judge for yourself, the extent of my \"crime\" On the evening of the 25th of Jan. two of my room mates, a cadet by the name of Lewis¹ from Mason County and myself -- were sitting in my room, playing a social game at cards. A professor came to the door, knocked and came in. We concealed our cards,\nas quick as possible but not soon enough to escape the eye of the Prof. He reported us for playing cards but he could not swear that we were playing at cards. From the tenor of Col Smith's letter, you must certainly think that I am a desperate character of late. But dear Father believe me on my honor when I say that, Playing cards has been my greatest offence, I did wrong, I must acknowledge, I should not have allowed myself to play at all. I hope that you will forgive my first offence, I will promise you that I will not again while at the institute, be guilty of the same offence! Col Smith seems to think that playing cards is a habit, which I indulge in frequently, but father, he is mistaken, I do not make a practice of playing at cards. I have conducted myself, I think, with the utmost propriety (with the exception of this one offence) since my arrival at this place. The number of my demerit \"is rather my misfortune than my fault.\" I feel it my duty as your son to follow your directions, I thank you for the kind advice, which you have given me from time to time. I will take pleasure in observing your directions, and I hope that the next circular will surprise you equally as much as the other, but in another manner. I am fully aware of the importance of my maintaining my situation here as a\ncadet. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, in allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity of obtaining a good education. I think that if I get along as well hereafter as I have since Jan, I will stand better on Mathematics than I did last Jan. I will be through Davies Geometry in a few weeks. I am reading French, at present. As to your fears about my \"keeping bad\ncompany,\" I will have to say that I do not, keep bad company. If you would call those persons bad company, who had played an occasional game at cards, I will say that each of my roommates may be called bad company, but they have all stopped off short, since we came so near being dismissed for that grievous offence. That having been our greatest crime, we are now strictly moral. To calm your fears on all heads, I will say that I pledged my honor the first day that I entered the institute not to drink while at the institute, and as I value my honor I have kept it. This was unnecessary, because I never did drink. Yet I did it because it was customary. From this day henceforward I will see how few demerits I can get, I must acknowledge that I have been somewhat careless sometimes in regard to my demerits. But hereafter I will cultivate that virtue called \"punctuality\" which of all others I think it is among the best especially for a person who expects to stay at the institute","Many thanks to you for your kind promise, I will try to make myself worthy of it, To be comprehensive in reply to your questions about the Institute, I will answer. The institute is an excellent school, I can obtain as good a mathematical education here as at any place in the United States, a good French Latin \u0026 English education, Chemistry Mechanics Natural Philosophy Rhetoric Moral Philosophy, \u0026 c, also a splendid Military Education. Write soon I am, in good health, I am determined that the next letter that you receive in relation to my conduct shall please you, better than the last, I am glad to hear that you have got a contract to build the bridge across Buchannon. From your affectionate but unfortunate son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L. Chenoweth","P.S. Cadet Lewis broke his arrest and was dismissed I have taken the liberty of retaining Col Smith's letter which I suppose is immaterial to you. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute, April 15th 56","Dear Father,\nI have at present a few leisure moments which I will employ in writing to you. I am enjoying good health at present, and in fact I have had excellent health ever since I arrived here. I am progressing in my studies admirably, I get along a great deal better than I\nat first thought I would. If I meet with no misfortune hereafter, I flatter myself that I will have a better standing at July, than I had last Jan. I do not at present get near as many demerits per month as I have heretofore.","There was a very sad accident happened in the vicinity of the Institute a few weeks since. Two students of Washington College started upon a hunting expedition, they had not gone very far when they stopped, one of them was loading his pistol when it accidentally discharged itself, the contents lodging in the breast of a Mr. Booker. He was carried to the Hospital of the Institute and died in a few days, he was a citizen of Richmond.","There has been a new method of drill introduced at the Institute. It consists of a double quick step, it makes me sweat every evening. I have increased considerably in weight since I became a Cadet, I weigh at present 155 lbs., I am now studying \"Analytical Plane Trigonometry,\" French and English. I have at present I think nothing to fear. My total number of demerit is about 130, this is the last quarter of the present year and I have 70 demerit to go upon, I think I am perfectly safe. I wish you would send some postage stamps when you answer this letter, if you should ever have an opportunity I wish you would send that book which I received from New York, entitled \"New elements of Geometry\" by Seba Smith, I think it will be of some benefit to me. You have a book which would be of infinite benefit to me when I become a third classman, I think it is called \"Minifies Mechanical Drawing Book,\" but perhaps you cannot spare it. If you cannot you need not send it, I can get along without it. Give my love to all the family, and write soon. I heard that you were going to build two Academies in Beverly. I hope you may succeed, in the enterprise,\nFrom Your Affectionate son\nJ H Chenoweth","Virginia Military Institute\nFeb 21st 1857","Dear Father\nIt is needless for me to say that I have not received anything from you in the [illegible] of a letter during the extraordinary period (three month nearly) which has intervened since you wrote last. You have -- I have no doubt -- good reasons for this failure upon your part to write, I take it for granted at least -- and will not enquire into their nature. But really, I do not see why you can not appropriate a few moments, occasionally, to letter-writing. To me at least, it is by no means a disagreeable occupation, especially when I have no bad news to communicate.","\"I am well, and am getting along very well with my studies.\" You will perhaps be puzzled to find out why I enclosed the above sentence with quotation marks. You need not be, if you examine the letters which you have received from me, from time to time, you will find that this same sentence occurs in nearly all, besides -- it is perhaps the best line, with respect to its \"subject matter\" that will be contained by this letter. Therefore, I distinguish it from the commonplace remarks by which it is surrounded. Since I entered, a student, at this Institution, I have been doubly blessed, I have enjoyed excellent health, and my laudable ambition has been gratified in some manner. Yes it is a laudable ambition, that ambition which makes me yearn to excel here in intellectual improvement, in all that makes man, -- a man in the highest, truest, noblest, sense of the term! Ambition, of a different kind is a\ndangerous thing; that ambition which rears [illegible] of despotism upon the ruins of Liberty, Justice and the rights of man; or climbs to the highest pinnacle of Fame, over the bones of murdered millions; that species of ambition, the gratification of which, \"damned Napoleon Bonaparte into everlasting fame\" is hellborn, and its tendency is and ever has been hellwards! On the other hand that ambition which when gratified, made a Washington, a Webster and a Clay, established and supported Liberty, upon the broadest foundations, and terrified all Tyrants, is heavenborn, its possessors stand unique and alone, the only mortals truly great, overleap Fame's polluted mount, and soar in the pure ether beyond, ever pointing heavenwards. These are but few names purely immortal, which will be remembered with [illegible] feelings of reverence and love by the truly good until the latest generations. Alas, there are too many merely notorious names, names which will be remembered only to curse until the last trump shall awaken the dead [ ]!!. With Cicero I am led to exclaim \"Oh times, oh customs!\"; the very Senate chamber, in which, the immortal Clay was wont to move the multitude to tears, or animate the thousands with his own passion, is now polluted by the whispers of corruption or bribery. Sumner stands upon the same floor upon which he stood, and contaminates the atmosphere with his huge\nlibels upon the venerable Butler. Oh! departed shades of our ancestors, was Clay and Webster the last of their race? Has patriotism become extinguished? Is there nothing left of \"the age of bronze\"? Will the black chains of tyranny be our portion at last? Oh! no, Say not, the pleasant memories of yourselves forbid it, the hopes of your posterity forbid it, and all the good ones of the earth forbid it, the animated eloquence of Keit forbid it and the still fresh though sad memory of Brooks, forbids it. But hold, my pen is running away with me, I did not intend to become so enthusiastic upon this subject. How did my standing at Jan. please you? Answer in your next if you was pleased with it, I am happy.","When you write again I wish you would let me know whether I ought to get a furlough suit or not, it will cost in all about $40, if you can spare this much, I will be much pleased, if not I can do very well without it. I shall be so much pleased to visit you that I will care nothing for clothes, the Cadets generally buy one,","Write soon\nYour Affectionate Son\nJas H. Chenoweth","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va Sep 15th 57","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time. I put off writing until now -- so that I would be able to inform you how I am doing, or rather how I am getting along with my studies. I am doing well on \"Calculus\" (the highest branch of Math), I made the highest -- \"mark\" in my class on this study the first week (we have only recited a week and two days on Cal). I\nrecited 1 day on Chemistry, I did very well. We have not commenced reciting on Latin yet.","I started from home Wednesday, as you directed me to do, and arrived at the V.M.I. on Friday 11 1/2 P.M. I had quite a pleasant time from Staunton over to Lexington -- I can not say the same for the other portions of the journey -- as it rained on me from Yeagers to Staunton. With regard to that \"Assistant Professorship,\" about which I was speaking to you, I must say that as yet -- I have not heard anything about it, -- I am afraid that the appointment will not be made. I will hope for it however still -- I may be appointed next Jan.","I am well. I heard that you were raising your bridge, I hope all success for you. If the weather in your part of the state be anything like that here, it is certainly favorable to such an undertaking. When you can find time, write to me -- This may not be soon as you are so busy. I am quite busy myself now. I was elected speaker for the 11th Nov next --(the anniversary of the Institute). By the\nway to be elected to this post -- is considered quite an honor here. I will, of course, have my hands full for the next two months. I am afraid that I will not do honor to myself on that occasion -- but I will do my best. Give my love to John, my compliments to all of your hands (or those with whom I am acquainted)","Your Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth\nTo\nL Chenoweth\nBuckhannon\nUpshur Ct, VA","(P.S) If you have any money on hand to spare, I wish you would send me a little, as I have never had any pocket money. I have one or two little debts to pay. If it is inconvenient you need not do it. J.H.C.","V.M. Institute\nLexington Va\nNov 22nd 1857","Dear Father\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time, although if you recollect I wrote last. You requested me to write frequently -- whether I received anything from you or not -- as you would not have the time to spare from your business to write often, or even to answer my few letters. Could I have found time, I would willingly have acted in accordance with your desire,\nbut you will readily excuse me from the most dreaded of punishments, your displeasure, for this seeming negligence when you read, what I am about to write.","My class has now arrived at the most critical period, in the existence of all V.M.I. \"Second Classes,\" that is, we are about to graduate upon the most important, branch of the course; at \"Jan. Examination\" our standing upon Mathematics is irrevocably fixed, and you can well imagine, as I am \"running\" for first, that the most of my time is dedicated to this and that I have but few\nopportunities [of] writing, even to the dear ones at home. I have still the \"first mark\" upon \"math,\" notwithstanding the many competitors with whom I have to contend for this high position in my class, and it is my opinion at present, that by hard study I will be enabled to keep it until the end of the hotly contested battle. I will stand first upon this branch of the courses, or come home, this is my chief ambition. You will I hope call it a laudable one, and I could not remain here and see my enemies smile at the keen disappointment that would be occasioned by my failing to realize it, neither could I bear the keener taunts of mock sympathy, that would be imposed on me by deceitful nominal friends.","My immediate studies, however, are not all that I have to offer as an excuse for not writing to you oftener. Just after I came off furlough I was elected \"debater\" for the 11th Nov, and of course I was compelled to write a \"speech,\" which occupation required a considerable portion of my time -- the dreaded 11th has come and gone, and I will have a little more spare time now than heretofore. I suppose I had better tell you how this my first effort at speechmaking was received. Well I hope you will not call me egotistical, when I inform you that it was highly complimented chiefly by the ladies (of whom there was [missing word] a number present), and sufficiently [applauded by] the male auditors, in fact several [people] said that \"it was the best speech made that evening\" and four were delivered. The well educated community around and in Lexington was well represented, and you can judge how I trembled when I arose for the first time in my life, to declaim an original speech. I stood it better however than I had thought I could. I wrote twelve pages of foolscap and spoke it off without once referring to the manuscript. I spoke about twenty minutes.","I have the second \"mark\" on chemistry, with another man, that is I have the same mark that he has, and our mark is second. I have not been appointed assistant professor yet, I still hope however that I will get this office after Jan. I was appointed \"sergeant\" yesterday (21st Nov) and will not have to stand post any more in the cold -- I will have to wear a sword now, and sit in the \"guardroom\"\ninstead of carrying a musket out in the sometimes chilly atmosphere. We are going to Richmond on 22nd Feb -- we have been ordered there, by government, Crawford's statue of Washington will be inaugurated then and the President will be there, beside many other distinguished personages. I am well at present -- I wish you would send me a few dollars of pocket money -- if you can spare it. I want it to pay one or two little debts, that [I have] contracted from time to time. I [have not] had any pocket money of any consequence. I will if I [live] pay you ten fold for all the mere money that you can send -- but oh! your kindness -- that I can never repay. Write soon -- give my love to (Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella May, \u0026 Blanche) and all my friends. Great God how my heart sickens when I leave John's name out of the above list - - - The stern tyrant -- Death-- has dealt harshly with us -- he has visited our house until now four of your sons, my brothers, sleep in the silent grave, it seems as if the number of your children can never remain long greater than seven. But I must hush these murmurings, against the [decrees?] of God -- Natures God I mean -- I hardly know whether to believe in the God of revelation or not, -- or rather I do not know whether I believe or not. Belief is not a voluntary act, we must understand partially at least everything that we would believe, or we can not reasonably believe. The faith of the great body of Christians is blind and scarcely deserves the name. Ask the most enthusiastic fanatic of our own day to explain an obscure passage of the Bible and two to one he will admit that he does not understand it -- while he holds out to the last, that he believes it. Write soon","Your affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","V.M.I.\nDec 30th 1857","Dear Father\nYour very kind letter is at hand, I would have answered it sooner, but I thought I would wait until I could inform you with tolerable certainty where I will stand in my class (on Mathematics). The contest for the highest \"honor\" that will be awarded to my class at the Jan. Examination, has been quite animated and grows more \u0026 more exciting as we approach the end of the race. At present\nthe chances are greatly in my favour. To-morrow is the last day that we will recite on Mathematics and I have the \"first mark\" independently of several \"extras\" that I have \"handed in\" and which have not as yet been examined. All that is now necessary to render my success complete is for me to pass a good examination. This I am preparing to do, and from present appearances, I think that you may rest assured that I will stand at the head of my class (on math).","I hope that Mother is not dangerously ill, and am pleased to learn that my surviving brothers and sisters are enjoying those blessings, which health always confers upon those who are so fortunate as to escape the \"ills that flesh is heir to.\" I received Mothers letter written just after John's death and answered it. I can not divine how it is that she did not receive my answer to that letter. I also received Mary's letter, (the one in which she speaked of your illness)and as well as I recollect, I am pretty certain that I answered it, and expressed my solicitude for your recovery.","Accept my thanks for the $10 note enclosed in your letter. It is a nice Christmas gift and I will not forget your kindness should fortune smile upon me in future. Give my love to Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella, Blanche, \u0026 the baby. Tell Mother to write to me soon. I need not tell you that I was relieved of a great deal of anxiety when I received your letter and learned that you\nhad recovered. I had not received a letter from home for so long, that I really thought that something dreadful had happened. Tell Mary to write soon. I have the manuscript of my speech (11th) and will bring it home with me next July. Our question was, \"Which form of government is best -- adapted to the present state of society -- the Monarchical or Republican?\" I was on the [illegible] is\nthe Republican side, write soon","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","V.M.I.\nJan 9th 1858","Dear Father\nYour letter was received this morning, and as you appear somewhat anxious to learn where I stand in my class on mathematics, I conclude that I can not spend a few leisure moments more profitably than in giving you the desired information. So draw your chair up before your warm\nblazing coal fire and read what I am about to write. I will give you the full and true account of the issue of this, to me, very exciting contest. But know first that I am the successful competitor for the high honor which has called forth so much study and intense application.","After my conversation with you while I was on furlough, you will understand the technical terms that I am about to use. At the end of the race when the marks were added up, the maximum was found to be 219. My mark was 249.8; Mr. Clarke (who was the next best on the lists) had 243.7; Mr Lyell (from Richmond County) the third on the lists, had about 223. You will perceive from the above that I had the \"first mark\" by 6.1, (as 249.8 - 243.7 = 6.1). You will notice also that I had 30.9 above the maximum (249.8 -\n219 = 30.8). I will say again that the contest for first was exceedingly animated, every nerve was brought into active (if I am allowed the term nerve when speaking of mental endeavors and intellectual actions) by all the higher members of the class (Mr Clarke especially).","But I have said nothing of the examination. The maximum, in the Examination Hall, was simply 3. (on math) Mr. Clarke made 2.90, Mr Lyell made 3, and I made 3.15, so, that I am first is shown not only by my recitation marks (249.8) but also by my examination mark (3.15). I made the highest mark that was made in the Examination Hall, as no one else made more than 3. The \"standing\" has not been announced officially, and will not be for two weeks, but I am certain that I am \"first\". I have not been examined in Chemistry or Latin yet. I have the third mark on Chemistry, and a very low mark on Latin, but these are of minor importance, as we do not graduate on them until July. We will now study Natural Philosophy, and will recite to Major Jackson (Miss Arnold's brother) on this branch of the courses.","I am well and was happy to learn that all are well at home. A little child was burned to death in Lexington to day. Give my love to all at home and my kind uncles and aunts. Remember me to my Grand father and Grandmother \u0026c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","(P.S.) I would have written more, but I \"must cut my coat according to my cloth,\" I have no more room on this sheet, write soon.\nJoseph","V.M.I.\nMarch 8th 1858","Dear Father\nI received your very welcome letter last Friday. It affords me much pleasure to learn that you are all well. I am not as well at present as I would wish to be. I caught cold while I was in Richmond and I have not entirely recovered from it yet. I am not too unwell to attend to my studies, and I hope I will get no worse.","You ask me to tell you something about my recent visit to Richmond. Well, to begin I will say that \"our corps\" covered itself with as much glory as \"mud\" on this ever-to-be-remembered-occasion, and by the way, if any disinterested looker on had said this in my presence, I would without hesitation have called him a flatterer. In short, the pavement was covered with loose earth mixed with water, shoe-mouth-deep, nearly every day that we paraded, and we had to march through it with a measured step, regardless of its presence, and with our \"eyes to the front.\"","We started from the V.M.I, Feb 15th at 7 o.c A.M, walked 8 miles to a point on the North River Canal, where two boats were waiting to receive us. We traveled down this canal until we came to the mouth of North River (it empties into the James), here we struck the great James River and Kanawha Canal, we proceeded via this canal until we arrived at Richmond, its eastern terminus. We were frozen up part of one night in the North River Canal, a Cadet fell over-board and broke through the ice, and was saved without receiving any serious injury -- beyond these little incidents nothing interesting happened to us while on the boats.","We numbered 138 strong in ranks, and had two \"plebes\" along who could not drill well enough to appear on parade. We were cordially received by the citizens, perhaps more so than any other corps present, of which there was a great many. We were placed at the head of the columns, this was quite a compliment, or at least we considered it as such. It snowed considerably in the morning of the 22nd, notwithstanding this, the procession was perhaps two miles and a half long. On Saturday the 20th we escorted Genl Scott from the Exchange Hotel to the Capitol, where he was appropriately received by the Senate and House of Delegates. On the same day we escorted John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, from the Depot to his lodgings. Genl. Scott said that we Cadets drilled better than the Cadets at West Point. Mr. Conrad said that you saw the Statue when you were in Richmond. I think it magnificent. It is so natural, the Rider is so Washington-like, and the horse is so life-like. Crawford the Artist sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, but his name will live when the bronze which now almost breaths in praise of his Genius, shall have moldered into dust. I wish I could have seen you in Richmond. Did you succeed in accomplishing what you intended by your visit\nto the City? I hope you did.","I have not been appointed Assistant Teacher yet, no one has. I have my office yet, and I wore my sword when I was in Richmond. Col Smith is not at home, he is in Washington, when he comes home I will make it all right with him about the deposit. We were in Richmond about a week. We arrived at the Institute on our return last Tuesday at 4 P.M. Give my live to all the family. My respects to Andrew Godin.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth\nV.M.I.","March 30th 1858","Dear Mother\nI was prevented from forwarding my letter as soon as I intended, and I thought I would add a little to it before mailing it. One of my classmates, Mr. Hutter of Lynchburg, who has been traveling in the south for his health, has just returned. His lungs were affected. He lost one of them, but is restored to health again I believe.","Another of my classmates, Mr. Cooke of Portsmouth, was taken suddenly ill yesterday. I thought at first that his disease was congestion of the brain -- he raved like a maniac when first taken and we feared he would not live long. The physician was sent for, he was bled copiously -- went to sleep and slept soundly for two or three hours, awoke raving worse than ever, although his head had been covered all this time with ice: at length however, some medicine was [ ed] to him, which [ ]....reminded of the dreadful illness that carried poor lost Bernard from the stage of life.","I have been elected to the office of orator for the Society of Cadets, and will have to make a speech in there, or rather our Hall next July. I wish some of my friends would come over, that is if I have a good speech, and if I have a poor one, they will do me a kindness by staying away. I am doing well so far as my studies are concerned.","Is the basement of our house walled up with brick yet? Is the Academy finished? What kind of furniture is father making for our house? What young gentlemen is peculiarly attentive to Mary -- has she given the mitten to anybody else? You need not be uneasy about me in a moral point -- I am very moral I do not drink a drop of liquor. Glen McLean \u0026 Dick Brown were quite\ncomplimentary, so was Jacob Conrad, I hope I deserve the esteem. It is only three months until I can See you all -- write soon.","V.M.I.\nJune 20th 58","Dear Father\nI have been appointed \"Private Secretary\" to Col Smith, upon the condition that I remain at the V.M.I. until the first of August, therefore you need not send my furlough money until then. I should say will be appointed, as the appointments are not yet made -- and will not be before the 5th of July -- but this scarcely affects the matter, since the office has been promised me by the proper authority. Of course, whether I accept this office or not, will be entirely owing to what you think about it. The position offered me, is I believe the best one that will be given out -- and it is my hope that you will not object to my accepting -- and complying with the above mentioned condition. I am well. Give my love to all the family.","I have passed my examination on Latin \u0026 Philosophy. I am first, beyond a doubt, on Natural Philosophy -- and pretty low down on Latin. I will be examined tomorrow on Chemistry -- I have the first mark on this study with several others -- and will I hope stand abut third on it. I have a great deal of work on my hands just now -- I speak before a crowded house next Friday -- and am busy preparing for that occasion. Hope you are all well -- Tell Mother to write soon. Oh! how I long to see you all.","Your Affectionate Son\nJ.H. Chenoweth","To L Chenoweth\n(P.S) You may if you have it to spare send me a few dollars. I need it--Joseph","(P.S. No 2) My classmate (Mr. Govan) who was very ill when I last wrote is slowly recovering -- he narrowly escaped the grave. His Mother has been with him for some time, and if he gets well, it will be on account of good nursing -- as the physicians concluded at one time that he must die. Mr. Hutter (another class-mate) whose lungs were affected is about well, he is now at the V.M.I. attending to his studies. Mr. Cooke who had the intermittent fever is well. Mr. Govan's disease is brain-fever, \u0026 I fear\nnotwithstanding the present favorable symptoms, that he is not safe yet. Chenoweth","(P.S No 3) I saw Col Smith about my deposit when he was here -- before he started for Europe. He said that there was no danger of my not being allowed to go on with my studies in consequence of my indebtedness to the Institute, and gave me, for you, the enclosed note. The amount due the Institute, from me, is about $250 or more -- and $50 added to this as a deposit will make three hundred dollars -- This seems at first sight to be a larger sum -- but when we remember that no deposit has been sent for some time, the amount looks reasonable. The Col suggests that you give a negotiable note for $300 -- so that he may use it as money when he settles the affairs of the Institute with the state authorities -- Whether this is the best course to pursue is left wholly with you -- I would say though that if you have the money on hand -- send it -- by all means. I believe now that next year just before I graduate I will make an application for an Assistant Professorship in Mathematics -- in this way I will be enabled to pay the last installments of our debt -- myself -- But I will speak to you on this subject when I come home -- Excuse this long (P.S)\nJoseph","V.M. Institute\nNov 21st 1858","Dear Father\nYour long-looked-for letter came to hand yesterday (Saturday). I read it with great pleasure because I learned from it that you are getting along well with your work and that my friends at home are all well. Accept my thanks for the favor which you have conferred upon me, by paying D. Frown the $5, for me.","Your opinions with reference to the action of the authorities of the Virginia Military Institute, since my matriculation here as a State Cadet, are certainly just. The Board of Visitors have, during the last few years, -- acted -- perhaps unintentionally in direct violation of the sacred obligations of contracts. I can conceive of no circumstances which they could reasonably point us to in justification of their course, when they made State Cadets pay for certain articles which had been guaranteed to these Cadets, by the regulations of the Institute, -- at the time of their appointment. If they tell us that the prices of beef -- butter -- and corn has-have increased since these Cadets entered the Institute -- We ask -- Is that any reason why they should make these Cadets pay for their washing -- their fuel -- their lights? By no means!, All good men will answer. This is no reason. And moreover no sufficient reason can be found for the post facto law -- by which these Cadets are made to pay for these articles, after the Virginia Military Institute had contracted with them -- to furnish them -- these things free of cost. -- It is a melancholy thought that the State of\nVirginia is by the action of her officers, prevented from accomplishing the noble object she had in view from exercising that high kind of charity she contemplated when she established her Military Institute. How much good will accrue to young Virginians who are in moderate circumstances even, from an Institution, in which the State proposes to educate them for a mere trifle while the men charged with the government of this Institution make these Young Men pay almost as much as their education would cost them at other Institutions where they would have to pay for every item in the list of College expenses. These young men, evidently, will not reap half the advantages which the State intended them to have when she built the Institution. When I came here, I expected to find good-men placed by the State, in the highest offices of the Virginia Military Institute. In some respects in some cases, I have not been disappointed. In other cases I have been totally disappointed. For I see presiding over a fountain of learning the waters of which I have been told, were almost as free as the air we breathe, men who like auctioneers cry -- Education!! Education!! Come buy!! Come buy!! The Price is Gold! Gold! Gold! Those who have the most, are most welcome to the soothing waters we sell!!! to the Instruction we impart!!! This is a sad state of things truly -- still, however sad, I feel that I\nshould not complain. For have I not received a blessing, an education which never would have been mine had the State refused to establish the Virginia Military Institute, or in other words, if this Institution did not exist at present. My only complaint, if I have any, is against those who are at the head of the Virginia Military Institute. Not against all of these, but some of them. I have been treated well enough by all of them yet I feel that they have not treated you as you should have been treated, that they have wronged you most seriously. It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that my little speech delivered on the 11th gave general satisfaction. I was highly complimented after I got through. I am progressing firmly in my studies -- and hope to take a pretty high diploma. I do not think -- now -- that I can stand first in my Class -- I am trying very hard though -- for that position. I will not stand below Third, I think, at the lowest. But time will tell. Our Society meets every Saturday night in our Hall (in the North Eastern Corner of Barracks) and I have come to the conclusion to speak at every meeting. We had quite an animated discussion last evening. I find that I improve much by engaging in the debates. The time will soon come when it will be my duty to select a profession or occupation. I wish when you write you would give me some advice on this subject. You know my nature, and can\njudge what would suit me best. Give my love to all the home-folks, and to all my other relatives. And to my other friends-- Remember me to Lilly, Dr Bosworth, Hughes \u0026c. \u0026c. Write soon.\nYours with great affection\nJ.H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Mother\nYour very kind favor is at hand, and I proceed to reply immediately. I thought something more than ordinary was the matter at home. Had it been otherwise I would certainly have heard from you more frequently. I suppose you did not like to let me know that Taylor was so sick, and hence concluded to allow me to remain in blissful ignorance on this subject until you could\ninform me that he was nearly well. I am so glad that he is recovering. So glad that he is well enough to write to me, and that he will soon be well enough to go to school. I am also equally glad to hear that every body else at home is quite well. I received a letter from Mary some time ago. She was well. I can see from her letter that she is much pleased with the idea that she may learn music. It is my belief that she will be an apt scholar, since she has such an ardent desire to learn. I am expecting a letter from her\nnow. I have not heard from Father recently. He will write soon I suppose. I am well, and doing well.","I was elected the other day one of the Speakers for the next Fourth of July. I wish some of my dear home-friends could be here on that day. -- I am very busy just now, but amid all my trials and labors, the thought that in four-and-a-half months I may return home -- never fails to solace me. You say, very truly too, that you have never fully answered my first letter yet, and what pleases me much you add that, in your next you will say something about the matters touched upon in that letter. I hope father is doing well,\nand making money by his contracts at Weston. What a load will be taken off his shoulders and off of my mind too, when I graduate and commence life for myself. I feel that he has already done more for me than I deserve, and am determined to do all I can to repay him (in part, for I despair of repaying him in full) for all that he has, and you for what you have, done for my sake. Col. Smith, who returned from Europe some time ago is now attending to the duties of his office. He lectures every Saturday evening on Europe, and is quite entertaining. By the way, I think I was highly complimented the other day. I will tell you how it came about. If you recollect aright, you are aware that I delivered a speech on the 11th of last November (the Anniversary of the Institute). Well Col. Smith was in Europe at that time and did not hear what I had to say. When he returned he prevailed upon one of my friends to borrow the speech from me for him, and without my knowing it he took it (the speech) down to Richmond last month, and read it before the Board of Visitors, and strange to tell, the Col says that Body were much pleased with it. -- In my dreams -- I had not thought that this little speech would procure for me the admiration of the Board, and in my waking hours I can not persuade myself that I desire this admiration on account of my having made this speech.","Write soon. Give my love to all the children., and to Father when you see him. -- Also -- My love to all my Aunts Cousins Uncles -- Grandmother, and Grandfathers. Have you heard from Aunt Mary H lately? How is she and uncle H getting along in Kansas. On the other side of this leaf you will find a little letter for Taylor, in answer to his, which accompanied yours.--\nYour Affectionate Son\nJoseph H. Chenoweth","Va Military Institute\nFeb 7th 59","Dear Taylor\nI was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.","It pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella \u0026 Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say \"Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die,\" now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.\nYour Affectionate Brother\nJoseph","Va Mil Institute\nJune 20th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter together with my last circular and Col Smith's receipt for your $100 check, came to hand this morning. There is, as you very justly remark, great discrepancy between the estimated and the real amount expended by me during the last quarter, but you should remember that the estimated amount was only conjectural while the real amount is now accurately known. I have\nexamined my \"book,\" in accordance with your request, and I find that there is but one mistake made in the circular as compared with the \"book.\" Total expenses in the circular, should be (up to April 1st) $551.45c instead of $549.59c as it now stands. I am surprised at the fact that such a gross error was made by the Col when he estimated my expenses for 3 months at $20.41. By a simple arithmetical process he would have found that this estimate was unreasonably small, or he would have been convinced that my expenses up to the beginning of the present quarter were unjustly large. To show you how this is, I will perform the operation. Up to the beginning of the present quarter there were 40 months, which I spent at the V.M.I. In the present quarter there are 3 months. During the 40 months I expended $551.45c. How much would I expend during the present quarter? This question is answered below.","40.: $551.45 :: 3 : $ x","From this proportion, which is nothing more nor less than the expression of a simple example under the \"Single Rule of Three,\" we find x = $41.35 for a probable estimate of what I should expend during 1 quarter. To this sum the Col should have added $10.00, the price of my Diploma, making in all $51.35. This should have been the Col's estimate. But it was a summer estimate\nand of course no provision was made for a pair of Winter Pants which I had made this spring. Adding $7.50 for the Pants and we have $51.35c + $7.50c = $58.85c. To this sum should also be added $9.00 = $67.85c for an estimate founded on positive knowledge and probably conjecture. Now let us see what my expenses really were. the \"book\" shows that I have expended during\nthe last three months $63.78c. Subtracting this from the estimate and we have $67.85c -$63.78c = $4.07c which shows that I have expended $4.07c less than an average for the whole time, during the present quarter. The three extraordinary items, Diploma, W Pants, and Interest, have cause my expenses for these 3 months to exceed the average $22.43c. The Pants, I was compelled to buy as I had none scarcely at the time, I have them yet and they are as good as new. $10.00 is the usual price for a Diploma, And as to the Interest it seems perfectly just that it should be paid. You will readily perceive from this \"mode of reasoning\" that either the charges made against me for the whole time are unjust, or those made against me for the present quarter are just. You have tacitly acknowledged the justice of the charges up to the beginning of the present quarter, by paying money on an estimate made in connection with these charges, so that, it seems we have to admit now the justice of the charges for the present quarter. My own opinion is, that you are very unjustly compelled to pay for some things which you did not agree to purchase when you sent me to the V.M.I., but which nevertheless have been furnished me. I allude to \"washing\" \"fuel\" \u0026 c. But while I believe this I do not hesitate to make known to you my firm conviction that you had better pay the whole debt. If you do not pay it you will be sued. This would be annoying to you, besides, you will have to maintain a suit against a wealthy \u0026 powerful corporation which would not be satisfied if the case should be decided against it -- in the lower courts but would carry it to the\nhighest tribunals in the Land, rather than have a precedent established which would cause the Institute to lose largely. You now have my conclusion and my opinions on the subject. Of course, however, you will act as you choose. One thing I would request of you -- viz -- not to do anything before the Fourth of July that might prejudice the Faculty and Board against me. Since you ask it I will not bind myself to pay the balance due the Institute, and I think I have a good reason for not doing this should they ask me to do it for I consider myself already bound to pay you what you have advanced on my behalf and it is not right that I should be bound to pay two parties for the same article. You are expected, I suppose, to answer Col Smith's \"horse-leech\" cry for more - more either in the affirmative or negative. On this point I will merely remark that you had better inform him in a very polite note that your resources are not infinite and that therefore you can not pay him just now. In other words, inform him that the means with which to liquidate the debt due the Institute are not in your possession. Then, when the blood ceases to flow, the \"Horse-Leech\"\nwill cease to annoy you. You can readily perceive the delicacy of my position.","Col Smith has, without my asking it, placed me under obligations to him by recommending me to the authorities of a College in Florida, as a suitable person for a situation there. Yet I feel that, this should not make me mum concerning his grasping propensities or at any rate those of the parties of whom he is but the agent. The State, God bless the old commonwealth, intended that the Institute should be a blessing to the poor, but the authorities of the Institute, God have mercy on their souls, have converted it into a Financial Inquisition and Col Smith is their \"Instrument of Torture\" with which they wring from honest poor men -- the money that they have earned as Jehovah directed, by the \"sweat of their brows.\" Let not then, Father, your maledictions be poured upon the passive \"Instrument\" but upon those who use it. Think not harshly of Col Smith but direct your anathemas against the Board of Visitors, or at least those of them who have been the cause of the present State of things, and who have done so much to \"violate the obligation of contracts.\" I would not be ungrateful -- and since Col Smith has granted you considerable indulgence I would advise you or rather I would request you not be hasty in forming your opinion of him. I may do him injustice in what I have said of him in these pages. I would speak my sentiments thus freely to no one but you and then only because I know that what I write now will be a \"sealed book\" after you have read it. I have not time now to send you a copy of my accounts, but what is better I send you my \"book.\" Some of the items you will not understand. I will explain them when I come home. Until then let the matter stand where it is, except in so far as simply informing Col Smith that you have not money with\nwhich to pay him now. When I shall have talked the matter over with you you can determine on your course of action. There is one mistake in Col Smiths letter The balance should be $121.35c instead of $123.00 as given by him. Say nothing in your letter to him that will injure me. The appointment at the Florida College has not been made yet. I will know when I come home what my fate will be. I will not be able to deliver my oration as I have something the matter with my throat not serious though only enough to prevent me from speaking. My love to the family.\nYour affectionate Son\nJ. H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nOct 30th 1859","Dear Father\nYour letter is at hand. It is now Sunday, and I may as well appropriate the few leisure moments at my disposal to the pleasant duty of writing to you. I am sorry that I was such a goose as to forget -- or misunderstand -- (for I had not the letter before me when I wrote) -- the contents of the letter to which my last was an answer. I will now, I hope, satisfy you on the point which, it seems, most interests you. I shall not alter the number of my diploma -- nor shall I allow it to be altered, since it is your desire that the number shall remain as it is. I will here remark, however, that I care not a straw for the number of the diploma. This is the most insignificant part of the whole affair. The right to have the number \"one\" on the diploma is what alone deserves our attention. This right, as you know, has been transferred from me to another and I can not easily be convinced that it is entirely proper for me to retain that to which I have no right. In my own opinion, and in the eyes of some of my friends I may be entitled to the \"first honor\" in my class. This is not doubted. But it should be remembered that neither I nor my friends are authorized to judge, and that the Faculty of the Institute have the power to do what they have done, be it just or unjust. Nor should it be forgotten that the opinion of the Faculty as published in the Register will have more weight with the world than anything that could be said in my behalf by any other party. I will here drop a subject upon which too much has already been said with a repetition of my determination to allow the No \"1\" to remain on my diploma.","I am glad to hear that you are progressing so finely with your work, and hope that you may soon bring it to a successful completion. I see that you have been studying the Geology that I left with you. I agree with you in the opinion you express -- with reference to the plan of the work. It was not, however, designed for those who study without a teacher or previous preparation, but for those who have passed over a certain part of the regular Scientific course. I am very fond of theories -- still -- I would always have them nailed together and supported by a few facts well established and well explained. Are you not mistaken in regard to the\ndrift agency? There is no cause, within my knowledge, now operating of sufficient power to transfer large boulders from one side of a mountain to the other. There are, doubtless, causes now acting but of a different nature from that which was the great agent during the \"drift period.\" I think you would progress more rapidly now with your geological studies if you had studied Chemistry first. Both are very interesting. Have you read the Intellectual Philosophy which I left with you. You would find it extremely\ninteresting, I have no doubt.","You wish to know how I am getting along in my capacity as Professor. In answer to this query, I will say charmingly. I am much pleased with the occupation and, without egotism I say it, I regard myself competent to perform all the duties appropriate to the office. I study a good deal, too much indeed to allow of my doing much at anything else, and therefore I have not yet visited the Society Hall. I am not willing to speak on any subject, now, without thorough preparation of my speech. The consequence of this\nis that since I have not time to prepare, I do not speak at all. I think you will agree with me that it is best not to attempt anything when we doubt that we will do it well.","I can not say that I am entirely well. My throat bothers me some yet. I have to talk a great deal in the \"section room\" during recitations, and I find that it irritates my vocal organs to such an extent that I am sometimes forced to stop and rest awhile. Only for short periods however. Five or ten minutes. I explain everything that is difficult. In other respects I am entirely well. Write soon. My respects to Uncle Eli -- Harrison Kelly and Andrew Godden\nYour Affectionate\nSon Jas H. Chenoweth","Va Mil Institute\nNov 19th 1859","Dear Mother\nYour very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.","Several companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.","I hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to \"go to Hell.\" What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine \u0026 Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.","Ella May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the\nmischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.\nYour Affectionate Son\nJ Hart Chenoweth"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetters dated from 1860 to 1861 were written while Chenoweth was a Professor at the Maryland Agricultural College and at VMI. Topics include the election of 1860, John T. L. Preston, and religion.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis collection also contains two VMI grade reports for 1856.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and punishment for playing cards.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and a trip to Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and Joseph H. Chenoweth being elected as \"Private Secretary\" to Francis H. Smith.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life, finances, and a potential position at a college in Florida.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Joseph H. Chenoweth papers consist of letters (dated 1855 to 1861) written by Chenoweth to his parents Lemuel Chenoweth and Nancy A. Hart. Letters dating from his cadetship cover topics such as exams, trips, and demerits, and provide a good portrait of pre-Civil War cadet life.","Letters dated from 1860 to 1861 were written while Chenoweth was a Professor at the Maryland Agricultural College and at VMI. Topics include the election of 1860, John T. L. Preston, and religion.","This collection also contains two VMI grade reports for 1856.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and punishment for playing cards.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and family news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and a trip to Richmond, Virginia.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life and Joseph H. Chenoweth being elected as \"Private Secretary\" to Francis H. Smith.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family health news.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life, finances, and a potential position at a college in Florida.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions the execution of John Brown."],"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 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":["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 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_95b21828e647b7611d9ae2d6d3e20117\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John"],"names_coll_ssim":["Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Chenoweth, Joseph H. (Joseph Hart), 1837-1862","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Johnson, Francis S. (Francis Smith), 1847-1902","Brown, John"],"language_ssim":["English\n."],"total_component_count_is":17,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nSep 28th. 55. (1855)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father:\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter of the 11th and was extremely glad to hear that you were all well. I am getting along first rate with my studies. The 4th class study algebra, Geography and English; we will not commence studying French until January. We recite Algebra at 8 o clock in the morning, Geography at 11, and English at 3, and we have Battalion Drill at 5 o clock in the evening.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI stand guard about once a week. I have been Drilled so much that I have become to be a tolerable good soldier. As to the letter which James Campbell has in his possession, I do not know whether it is genuine or not I did write a letter to him but I certainly did not say any thing about being tied and ducked. I was dragged a short distance one night, but it did not hurt me any. The cadets attempted to duck me and another new Cadet, but I jumped from under the water and did not get but very little on me. They also tied the Military cravat on me. They did this by tying my cravat in about a dozen knots, this was all done while we [were] in camp. Since we came in barracks they do not molest us New Cadets. And in fact they all treat me very well. It is perfectly impossible for a man to come here without having to undergo some bad treatment, at first. You can rest assured that I am well pleased with the place. They beat the drum so near my room that it always wakes me up. Except that the first morning we came in\nbarracks, I did not hear the drum beat, but they did not miss me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTell Mother that she need not be uneasy about my sleeping too late. I always am among the first ones up. I wish you would send me a copy of the Dispatch occasionally if it is not too much trouble. Give my love to all the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYours Affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth, V.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo L. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eP. S. I was very much surprised to hear of the marriage of Mary E. Chenoweth with E. Rowan.\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington Feb. 18th. 1856\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yours of the 10th and enclosed I found Col Smith's letter. I was in hopes that you would not hear of my having played cards, but since you have heard it I will give you all the particulars. You can thus judge for yourself, the extent of my \"crime\" On the evening of the 25th of Jan. two of my room mates, a cadet by the name of Lewis¹ from Mason County and myself -- were sitting in my room, playing a social game at cards. A professor came to the door, knocked and came in. We concealed our cards,\nas quick as possible but not soon enough to escape the eye of the Prof. He reported us for playing cards but he could not swear that we were playing at cards. From the tenor of Col Smith's letter, you must certainly think that I am a desperate character of late. But dear Father believe me on my honor when I say that, Playing cards has been my greatest offence, I did wrong, I must acknowledge, I should not have allowed myself to play at all. I hope that you will forgive my first offence, I will promise you that I will not again while at the institute, be guilty of the same offence! Col Smith seems to think that playing cards is a habit, which I indulge in frequently, but father, he is mistaken, I do not make a practice of playing at cards. I have conducted myself, I think, with the utmost propriety (with the exception of this one offence) since my arrival at this place. The number of my demerit \"is rather my misfortune than my fault.\" I feel it my duty as your son to follow your directions, I thank you for the kind advice, which you have given me from time to time. I will take pleasure in observing your directions, and I hope that the next circular will surprise you equally as much as the other, but in another manner. I am fully aware of the importance of my maintaining my situation here as a\ncadet. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, in allowing me to take advantage of this opportunity of obtaining a good education. I think that if I get along as well hereafter as I have since Jan, I will stand better on Mathematics than I did last Jan. I will be through Davies Geometry in a few weeks. I am reading French, at present. As to your fears about my \"keeping bad\ncompany,\" I will have to say that I do not, keep bad company. If you would call those persons bad company, who had played an occasional game at cards, I will say that each of my roommates may be called bad company, but they have all stopped off short, since we came so near being dismissed for that grievous offence. That having been our greatest crime, we are now strictly moral. To calm your fears on all heads, I will say that I pledged my honor the first day that I entered the institute not to drink while at the institute, and as I value my honor I have kept it. This was unnecessary, because I never did drink. Yet I did it because it was customary. From this day henceforward I will see how few demerits I can get, I must acknowledge that I have been somewhat careless sometimes in regard to my demerits. But hereafter I will cultivate that virtue called \"punctuality\" which of all others I think it is among the best especially for a person who expects to stay at the institute\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMany thanks to you for your kind promise, I will try to make myself worthy of it, To be comprehensive in reply to your questions about the Institute, I will answer. The institute is an excellent school, I can obtain as good a mathematical education here as at any place in the United States, a good French Latin \u0026amp; English education, Chemistry Mechanics Natural Philosophy Rhetoric Moral Philosophy, \u0026amp; c, also a splendid Military Education. Write soon I am, in good health, I am determined that the next letter that you receive in relation to my conduct shall please you, better than the last, I am glad to hear that you have got a contract to build the bridge across Buchannon. From your affectionate but unfortunate son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo L. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eP.S. Cadet Lewis broke his arrest and was dismissed I have taken the liberty of retaining Col Smith's letter which I suppose is immaterial to you. J.H.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute, April 15th 56\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have at present a few leisure moments which I will employ in writing to you. I am enjoying good health at present, and in fact I have had excellent health ever since I arrived here. I am progressing in my studies admirably, I get along a great deal better than I\nat first thought I would. If I meet with no misfortune hereafter, I flatter myself that I will have a better standing at July, than I had last Jan. I do not at present get near as many demerits per month as I have heretofore.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere was a very sad accident happened in the vicinity of the Institute a few weeks since. Two students of Washington College started upon a hunting expedition, they had not gone very far when they stopped, one of them was loading his pistol when it accidentally discharged itself, the contents lodging in the breast of a Mr. Booker. He was carried to the Hospital of the Institute and died in a few days, he was a citizen of Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere has been a new method of drill introduced at the Institute. It consists of a double quick step, it makes me sweat every evening. I have increased considerably in weight since I became a Cadet, I weigh at present 155 lbs., I am now studying \"Analytical Plane Trigonometry,\" French and English. I have at present I think nothing to fear. My total number of demerit is about 130, this is the last quarter of the present year and I have 70 demerit to go upon, I think I am perfectly safe. I wish you would send some postage stamps when you answer this letter, if you should ever have an opportunity I wish you would send that book which I received from New York, entitled \"New elements of Geometry\" by Seba Smith, I think it will be of some benefit to me. You have a book which would be of infinite benefit to me when I become a third classman, I think it is called \"Minifies Mechanical Drawing Book,\" but perhaps you cannot spare it. If you cannot you need not send it, I can get along without it. Give my love to all the family, and write soon. I heard that you were going to build two Academies in Beverly. I hope you may succeed, in the enterprise,\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom Your Affectionate son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ H Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 21st 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is needless for me to say that I have not received anything from you in the [illegible] of a letter during the extraordinary period (three month nearly) which has intervened since you wrote last. You have -- I have no doubt -- good reasons for this failure upon your part to write, I take it for granted at least -- and will not enquire into their nature. But really, I do not see why you can not appropriate a few moments, occasionally, to letter-writing. To me at least, it is by no means a disagreeable occupation, especially when I have no bad news to communicate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\"I am well, and am getting along very well with my studies.\" You will perhaps be puzzled to find out why I enclosed the above sentence with quotation marks. You need not be, if you examine the letters which you have received from me, from time to time, you will find that this same sentence occurs in nearly all, besides -- it is perhaps the best line, with respect to its \"subject matter\" that will be contained by this letter. Therefore, I distinguish it from the commonplace remarks by which it is surrounded. Since I entered, a student, at this Institution, I have been doubly blessed, I have enjoyed excellent health, and my laudable ambition has been gratified in some manner. Yes it is a laudable ambition, that ambition which makes me yearn to excel here in intellectual improvement, in all that makes man, -- a man in the highest, truest, noblest, sense of the term! Ambition, of a different kind is a\ndangerous thing; that ambition which rears [illegible] of despotism upon the ruins of Liberty, Justice and the rights of man; or climbs to the highest pinnacle of Fame, over the bones of murdered millions; that species of ambition, the gratification of which, \"damned Napoleon Bonaparte into everlasting fame\" is hellborn, and its tendency is and ever has been hellwards! On the other hand that ambition which when gratified, made a Washington, a Webster and a Clay, established and supported Liberty, upon the broadest foundations, and terrified all Tyrants, is heavenborn, its possessors stand unique and alone, the only mortals truly great, overleap Fame's polluted mount, and soar in the pure ether beyond, ever pointing heavenwards. These are but few names purely immortal, which will be remembered with [illegible] feelings of reverence and love by the truly good until the latest generations. Alas, there are too many merely notorious names, names which will be remembered only to curse until the last trump shall awaken the dead [ ]!!. With Cicero I am led to exclaim \"Oh times, oh customs!\"; the very Senate chamber, in which, the immortal Clay was wont to move the multitude to tears, or animate the thousands with his own passion, is now polluted by the whispers of corruption or bribery. Sumner stands upon the same floor upon which he stood, and contaminates the atmosphere with his huge\nlibels upon the venerable Butler. Oh! departed shades of our ancestors, was Clay and Webster the last of their race? Has patriotism become extinguished? Is there nothing left of \"the age of bronze\"? Will the black chains of tyranny be our portion at last? Oh! no, Say not, the pleasant memories of yourselves forbid it, the hopes of your posterity forbid it, and all the good ones of the earth forbid it, the animated eloquence of Keit forbid it and the still fresh though sad memory of Brooks, forbids it. But hold, my pen is running away with me, I did not intend to become so enthusiastic upon this subject. How did my standing at Jan. please you? Answer in your next if you was pleased with it, I am happy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen you write again I wish you would let me know whether I ought to get a furlough suit or not, it will cost in all about $40, if you can spare this much, I will be much pleased, if not I can do very well without it. I shall be so much pleased to visit you that I will care nothing for clothes, the Cadets generally buy one,\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJas H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va Sep 15th 57\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time. I put off writing until now -- so that I would be able to inform you how I am doing, or rather how I am getting along with my studies. I am doing well on \"Calculus\" (the highest branch of Math), I made the highest -- \"mark\" in my class on this study the first week (we have only recited a week and two days on Cal). I\nrecited 1 day on Chemistry, I did very well. We have not commenced reciting on Latin yet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI started from home Wednesday, as you directed me to do, and arrived at the V.M.I. on Friday 11 1/2 P.M. I had quite a pleasant time from Staunton over to Lexington -- I can not say the same for the other portions of the journey -- as it rained on me from Yeagers to Staunton. With regard to that \"Assistant Professorship,\" about which I was speaking to you, I must say that as yet -- I have not heard anything about it, -- I am afraid that the appointment will not be made. I will hope for it however still -- I may be appointed next Jan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am well. I heard that you were raising your bridge, I hope all success for you. If the weather in your part of the state be anything like that here, it is certainly favorable to such an undertaking. When you can find time, write to me -- This may not be soon as you are so busy. I am quite busy myself now. I was elected speaker for the 11th Nov next --(the anniversary of the Institute). By the\nway to be elected to this post -- is considered quite an honor here. I will, of course, have my hands full for the next two months. I am afraid that I will not do honor to myself on that occasion -- but I will do my best. Give my love to John, my compliments to all of your hands (or those with whom I am acquainted)\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ Hart Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nTo\u003cbr\u003e\nL Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nBuckhannon\u003cbr\u003e\nUpshur Ct, VA\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S) If you have any money on hand to spare, I wish you would send me a little, as I have never had any pocket money. I have one or two little debts to pay. If it is inconvenient you need not do it. J.H.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 22nd 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYou have, I have no doubt, been expecting a letter from me for some time, although if you recollect I wrote last. You requested me to write frequently -- whether I received anything from you or not -- as you would not have the time to spare from your business to write often, or even to answer my few letters. Could I have found time, I would willingly have acted in accordance with your desire,\nbut you will readily excuse me from the most dreaded of punishments, your displeasure, for this seeming negligence when you read, what I am about to write.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy class has now arrived at the most critical period, in the existence of all V.M.I. \"Second Classes,\" that is, we are about to graduate upon the most important, branch of the course; at \"Jan. Examination\" our standing upon Mathematics is irrevocably fixed, and you can well imagine, as I am \"running\" for first, that the most of my time is dedicated to this and that I have but few\nopportunities [of] writing, even to the dear ones at home. I have still the \"first mark\" upon \"math,\" notwithstanding the many competitors with whom I have to contend for this high position in my class, and it is my opinion at present, that by hard study I will be enabled to keep it until the end of the hotly contested battle. I will stand first upon this branch of the courses, or come home, this is my chief ambition. You will I hope call it a laudable one, and I could not remain here and see my enemies smile at the keen disappointment that would be occasioned by my failing to realize it, neither could I bear the keener taunts of mock sympathy, that would be imposed on me by deceitful nominal friends.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy immediate studies, however, are not all that I have to offer as an excuse for not writing to you oftener. Just after I came off furlough I was elected \"debater\" for the 11th Nov, and of course I was compelled to write a \"speech,\" which occupation required a considerable portion of my time -- the dreaded 11th has come and gone, and I will have a little more spare time now than heretofore. I suppose I had better tell you how this my first effort at speechmaking was received. Well I hope you will not call me egotistical, when I inform you that it was highly complimented chiefly by the ladies (of whom there was [missing word] a number present), and sufficiently [applauded by] the male auditors, in fact several [people] said that \"it was the best speech made that evening\" and four were delivered. The well educated community around and in Lexington was well represented, and you can judge how I trembled when I arose for the first time in my life, to declaim an original speech. I stood it better however than I had thought I could. I wrote twelve pages of foolscap and spoke it off without once referring to the manuscript. I spoke about twenty minutes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have the second \"mark\" on chemistry, with another man, that is I have the same mark that he has, and our mark is second. I have not been appointed assistant professor yet, I still hope however that I will get this office after Jan. I was appointed \"sergeant\" yesterday (21st Nov) and will not have to stand post any more in the cold -- I will have to wear a sword now, and sit in the \"guardroom\"\ninstead of carrying a musket out in the sometimes chilly atmosphere. We are going to Richmond on 22nd Feb -- we have been ordered there, by government, Crawford's statue of Washington will be inaugurated then and the President will be there, beside many other distinguished personages. I am well at present -- I wish you would send me a few dollars of pocket money -- if you can spare it. I want it to pay one or two little debts, that [I have] contracted from time to time. I [have not] had any pocket money of any consequence. I will if I [live] pay you ten fold for all the mere money that you can send -- but oh! your kindness -- that I can never repay. Write soon -- give my love to (Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella May, \u0026amp; Blanche) and all my friends. Great God how my heart sickens when I leave John's name out of the above list - - - The stern tyrant -- Death-- has dealt harshly with us -- he has visited our house until now four of your sons, my brothers, sleep in the silent grave, it seems as if the number of your children can never remain long greater than seven. But I must hush these murmurings, against the [decrees?] of God -- Natures God I mean -- I hardly know whether to believe in the God of revelation or not, -- or rather I do not know whether I believe or not. Belief is not a voluntary act, we must understand partially at least everything that we would believe, or we can not reasonably believe. The faith of the great body of Christians is blind and scarcely deserves the name. Ask the most enthusiastic fanatic of our own day to explain an obscure passage of the Bible and two to one he will admit that he does not understand it -- while he holds out to the last, that he believes it. Write soon\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 30th 1857\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind letter is at hand, I would have answered it sooner, but I thought I would wait until I could inform you with tolerable certainty where I will stand in my class (on Mathematics). The contest for the highest \"honor\" that will be awarded to my class at the Jan. Examination, has been quite animated and grows more \u0026amp; more exciting as we approach the end of the race. At present\nthe chances are greatly in my favour. To-morrow is the last day that we will recite on Mathematics and I have the \"first mark\" independently of several \"extras\" that I have \"handed in\" and which have not as yet been examined. All that is now necessary to render my success complete is for me to pass a good examination. This I am preparing to do, and from present appearances, I think that you may rest assured that I will stand at the head of my class (on math).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hope that Mother is not dangerously ill, and am pleased to learn that my surviving brothers and sisters are enjoying those blessings, which health always confers upon those who are so fortunate as to escape the \"ills that flesh is heir to.\" I received Mothers letter written just after John's death and answered it. I can not divine how it is that she did not receive my answer to that letter. I also received Mary's letter, (the one in which she speaked of your illness)and as well as I recollect, I am pretty certain that I answered it, and expressed my solicitude for your recovery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAccept my thanks for the $10 note enclosed in your letter. It is a nice Christmas gift and I will not forget your kindness should fortune smile upon me in future. Give my love to Mother, Mary, Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Ella, Blanche, \u0026amp; the baby. Tell Mother to write to me soon. I need not tell you that I was relieved of a great deal of anxiety when I received your letter and learned that you\nhad recovered. I had not received a letter from home for so long, that I really thought that something dreadful had happened. Tell Mary to write soon. I have the manuscript of my speech (11th) and will bring it home with me next July. Our question was, \"Which form of government is best -- adapted to the present state of society -- the Monarchical or Republican?\" I was on the [illegible] is\nthe Republican side, write soon\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nV.M.I.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nJan 9th 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter was received this morning, and as you appear somewhat anxious to learn where I stand in my class on mathematics, I conclude that I can not spend a few leisure moments more profitably than in giving you the desired information. So draw your chair up before your warm\nblazing coal fire and read what I am about to write. I will give you the full and true account of the issue of this, to me, very exciting contest. But know first that I am the successful competitor for the high honor which has called forth so much study and intense application.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAfter my conversation with you while I was on furlough, you will understand the technical terms that I am about to use. At the end of the race when the marks were added up, the maximum was found to be 219. My mark was 249.8; Mr. Clarke (who was the next best on the lists) had 243.7; Mr Lyell (from Richmond County) the third on the lists, had about 223. You will perceive from the above that I had the \"first mark\" by 6.1, (as 249.8 - 243.7 = 6.1). You will notice also that I had 30.9 above the maximum (249.8 -\n219 = 30.8). I will say again that the contest for first was exceedingly animated, every nerve was brought into active (if I am allowed the term nerve when speaking of mental endeavors and intellectual actions) by all the higher members of the class (Mr Clarke especially).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBut I have said nothing of the examination. The maximum, in the Examination Hall, was simply 3. (on math) Mr. Clarke made 2.90, Mr Lyell made 3, and I made 3.15, so, that I am first is shown not only by my recitation marks (249.8) but also by my examination mark (3.15). I made the highest mark that was made in the Examination Hall, as no one else made more than 3. The \"standing\" has not been announced officially, and will not be for two weeks, but I am certain that I am \"first\". I have not been examined in Chemistry or Latin yet. I have the third mark on Chemistry, and a very low mark on Latin, but these are of minor importance, as we do not graduate on them until July. We will now study Natural Philosophy, and will recite to Major Jackson (Miss Arnold's brother) on this branch of the courses.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am well and was happy to learn that all are well at home. A little child was burned to death in Lexington to day. Give my love to all at home and my kind uncles and aunts. Remember me to my Grand father and Grandmother \u0026amp;c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S.) I would have written more, but I \"must cut my coat according to my cloth,\" I have no more room on this sheet, write soon.\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 8th 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your very welcome letter last Friday. It affords me much pleasure to learn that you are all well. I am not as well at present as I would wish to be. I caught cold while I was in Richmond and I have not entirely recovered from it yet. I am not too unwell to attend to my studies, and I hope I will get no worse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou ask me to tell you something about my recent visit to Richmond. Well, to begin I will say that \"our corps\" covered itself with as much glory as \"mud\" on this ever-to-be-remembered-occasion, and by the way, if any disinterested looker on had said this in my presence, I would without hesitation have called him a flatterer. In short, the pavement was covered with loose earth mixed with water, shoe-mouth-deep, nearly every day that we paraded, and we had to march through it with a measured step, regardless of its presence, and with our \"eyes to the front.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe started from the V.M.I, Feb 15th at 7 o.c A.M, walked 8 miles to a point on the North River Canal, where two boats were waiting to receive us. We traveled down this canal until we came to the mouth of North River (it empties into the James), here we struck the great James River and Kanawha Canal, we proceeded via this canal until we arrived at Richmond, its eastern terminus. We were frozen up part of one night in the North River Canal, a Cadet fell over-board and broke through the ice, and was saved without receiving any serious injury -- beyond these little incidents nothing interesting happened to us while on the boats.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe numbered 138 strong in ranks, and had two \"plebes\" along who could not drill well enough to appear on parade. We were cordially received by the citizens, perhaps more so than any other corps present, of which there was a great many. We were placed at the head of the columns, this was quite a compliment, or at least we considered it as such. It snowed considerably in the morning of the 22nd, notwithstanding this, the procession was perhaps two miles and a half long. On Saturday the 20th we escorted Genl Scott from the Exchange Hotel to the Capitol, where he was appropriately received by the Senate and House of Delegates. On the same day we escorted John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, from the Depot to his lodgings. Genl. Scott said that we Cadets drilled better than the Cadets at West Point. Mr. Conrad said that you saw the Statue when you were in Richmond. I think it magnificent. It is so natural, the Rider is so Washington-like, and the horse is so life-like. Crawford the Artist sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, but his name will live when the bronze which now almost breaths in praise of his Genius, shall have moldered into dust. I wish I could have seen you in Richmond. Did you succeed in accomplishing what you intended by your visit\nto the City? I hope you did.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have not been appointed Assistant Teacher yet, no one has. I have my office yet, and I wore my sword when I was in Richmond. Col Smith is not at home, he is in Washington, when he comes home I will make it all right with him about the deposit. We were in Richmond about a week. We arrived at the Institute on our return last Tuesday at 4 P.M. Give my live to all the family. My respects to Andrew Godin.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\nV.M.I.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 30th 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI was prevented from forwarding my letter as soon as I intended, and I thought I would add a little to it before mailing it. One of my classmates, Mr. Hutter of Lynchburg, who has been traveling in the south for his health, has just returned. His lungs were affected. He lost one of them, but is restored to health again I believe.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAnother of my classmates, Mr. Cooke of Portsmouth, was taken suddenly ill yesterday. I thought at first that his disease was congestion of the brain -- he raved like a maniac when first taken and we feared he would not live long. The physician was sent for, he was bled copiously -- went to sleep and slept soundly for two or three hours, awoke raving worse than ever, although his head had been covered all this time with ice: at length however, some medicine was [ ed] to him, which [ ]....reminded of the dreadful illness that carried poor lost Bernard from the stage of life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been elected to the office of orator for the Society of Cadets, and will have to make a speech in there, or rather our Hall next July. I wish some of my friends would come over, that is if I have a good speech, and if I have a poor one, they will do me a kindness by staying away. I am doing well so far as my studies are concerned.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs the basement of our house walled up with brick yet? Is the Academy finished? What kind of furniture is father making for our house? What young gentlemen is peculiarly attentive to Mary -- has she given the mitten to anybody else? You need not be uneasy about me in a moral point -- I am very moral I do not drink a drop of liquor. Glen McLean \u0026amp; Dick Brown were quite\ncomplimentary, so was Jacob Conrad, I hope I deserve the esteem. It is only three months until I can See you all -- write soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 20th 58\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been appointed \"Private Secretary\" to Col Smith, upon the condition that I remain at the V.M.I. until the first of August, therefore you need not send my furlough money until then. I should say will be appointed, as the appointments are not yet made -- and will not be before the 5th of July -- but this scarcely affects the matter, since the office has been promised me by the proper authority. Of course, whether I accept this office or not, will be entirely owing to what you think about it. The position offered me, is I believe the best one that will be given out -- and it is my hope that you will not object to my accepting -- and complying with the above mentioned condition. I am well. Give my love to all the family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have passed my examination on Latin \u0026amp; Philosophy. I am first, beyond a doubt, on Natural Philosophy -- and pretty low down on Latin. I will be examined tomorrow on Chemistry -- I have the first mark on this study with several others -- and will I hope stand abut third on it. I have a great deal of work on my hands just now -- I speak before a crowded house next Friday -- and am busy preparing for that occasion. Hope you are all well -- Tell Mother to write soon. Oh! how I long to see you all.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo L Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\n(P.S) You may if you have it to spare send me a few dollars. I need it--Joseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S. No 2) My classmate (Mr. Govan) who was very ill when I last wrote is slowly recovering -- he narrowly escaped the grave. His Mother has been with him for some time, and if he gets well, it will be on account of good nursing -- as the physicians concluded at one time that he must die. Mr. Hutter (another class-mate) whose lungs were affected is about well, he is now at the V.M.I. attending to his studies. Mr. Cooke who had the intermittent fever is well. Mr. Govan's disease is brain-fever, \u0026amp; I fear\nnotwithstanding the present favorable symptoms, that he is not safe yet. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(P.S No 3) I saw Col Smith about my deposit when he was here -- before he started for Europe. He said that there was no danger of my not being allowed to go on with my studies in consequence of my indebtedness to the Institute, and gave me, for you, the enclosed note. The amount due the Institute, from me, is about $250 or more -- and $50 added to this as a deposit will make three hundred dollars -- This seems at first sight to be a larger sum -- but when we remember that no deposit has been sent for some time, the amount looks reasonable. The Col suggests that you give a negotiable note for $300 -- so that he may use it as money when he settles the affairs of the Institute with the state authorities -- Whether this is the best course to pursue is left wholly with you -- I would say though that if you have the money on hand -- send it -- by all means. I believe now that next year just before I graduate I will make an application for an Assistant Professorship in Mathematics -- in this way I will be enabled to pay the last installments of our debt -- myself -- But I will speak to you on this subject when I come home -- Excuse this long (P.S)\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 21st 1858\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour long-looked-for letter came to hand yesterday (Saturday). I read it with great pleasure because I learned from it that you are getting along well with your work and that my friends at home are all well. Accept my thanks for the favor which you have conferred upon me, by paying D. Frown the $5, for me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour opinions with reference to the action of the authorities of the Virginia Military Institute, since my matriculation here as a State Cadet, are certainly just. The Board of Visitors have, during the last few years, -- acted -- perhaps unintentionally in direct violation of the sacred obligations of contracts. I can conceive of no circumstances which they could reasonably point us to in justification of their course, when they made State Cadets pay for certain articles which had been guaranteed to these Cadets, by the regulations of the Institute, -- at the time of their appointment. If they tell us that the prices of beef -- butter -- and corn has-have increased since these Cadets entered the Institute -- We ask -- Is that any reason why they should make these Cadets pay for their washing -- their fuel -- their lights? By no means!, All good men will answer. This is no reason. And moreover no sufficient reason can be found for the post facto law -- by which these Cadets are made to pay for these articles, after the Virginia Military Institute had contracted with them -- to furnish them -- these things free of cost. -- It is a melancholy thought that the State of\nVirginia is by the action of her officers, prevented from accomplishing the noble object she had in view from exercising that high kind of charity she contemplated when she established her Military Institute. How much good will accrue to young Virginians who are in moderate circumstances even, from an Institution, in which the State proposes to educate them for a mere trifle while the men charged with the government of this Institution make these Young Men pay almost as much as their education would cost them at other Institutions where they would have to pay for every item in the list of College expenses. These young men, evidently, will not reap half the advantages which the State intended them to have when she built the Institution. When I came here, I expected to find good-men placed by the State, in the highest offices of the Virginia Military Institute. In some respects in some cases, I have not been disappointed. In other cases I have been totally disappointed. For I see presiding over a fountain of learning the waters of which I have been told, were almost as free as the air we breathe, men who like auctioneers cry -- Education!! Education!! Come buy!! Come buy!! The Price is Gold! Gold! Gold! Those who have the most, are most welcome to the soothing waters we sell!!! to the Instruction we impart!!! This is a sad state of things truly -- still, however sad, I feel that I\nshould not complain. For have I not received a blessing, an education which never would have been mine had the State refused to establish the Virginia Military Institute, or in other words, if this Institution did not exist at present. My only complaint, if I have any, is against those who are at the head of the Virginia Military Institute. Not against all of these, but some of them. I have been treated well enough by all of them yet I feel that they have not treated you as you should have been treated, that they have wronged you most seriously. It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that my little speech delivered on the 11th gave general satisfaction. I was highly complimented after I got through. I am progressing firmly in my studies -- and hope to take a pretty high diploma. I do not think -- now -- that I can stand first in my Class -- I am trying very hard though -- for that position. I will not stand below Third, I think, at the lowest. But time will tell. Our Society meets every Saturday night in our Hall (in the North Eastern Corner of Barracks) and I have come to the conclusion to speak at every meeting. We had quite an animated discussion last evening. I find that I improve much by engaging in the debates. The time will soon come when it will be my duty to select a profession or occupation. I wish when you write you would give me some advice on this subject. You know my nature, and can\njudge what would suit me best. Give my love to all the home-folks, and to all my other relatives. And to my other friends-- Remember me to Lilly, Dr Bosworth, Hughes \u0026amp;c. \u0026amp;c. Write soon.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours with great affection\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 7th 59\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very kind favor is at hand, and I proceed to reply immediately. I thought something more than ordinary was the matter at home. Had it been otherwise I would certainly have heard from you more frequently. I suppose you did not like to let me know that Taylor was so sick, and hence concluded to allow me to remain in blissful ignorance on this subject until you could\ninform me that he was nearly well. I am so glad that he is recovering. So glad that he is well enough to write to me, and that he will soon be well enough to go to school. I am also equally glad to hear that every body else at home is quite well. I received a letter from Mary some time ago. She was well. I can see from her letter that she is much pleased with the idea that she may learn music. It is my belief that she will be an apt scholar, since she has such an ardent desire to learn. I am expecting a letter from her\nnow. I have not heard from Father recently. He will write soon I suppose. I am well, and doing well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI was elected the other day one of the Speakers for the next Fourth of July. I wish some of my dear home-friends could be here on that day. -- I am very busy just now, but amid all my trials and labors, the thought that in four-and-a-half months I may return home -- never fails to solace me. You say, very truly too, that you have never fully answered my first letter yet, and what pleases me much you add that, in your next you will say something about the matters touched upon in that letter. I hope father is doing well,\nand making money by his contracts at Weston. What a load will be taken off his shoulders and off of my mind too, when I graduate and commence life for myself. I feel that he has already done more for me than I deserve, and am determined to do all I can to repay him (in part, for I despair of repaying him in full) for all that he has, and you for what you have, done for my sake. Col. Smith, who returned from Europe some time ago is now attending to the duties of his office. He lectures every Saturday evening on Europe, and is quite entertaining. By the way, I think I was highly complimented the other day. I will tell you how it came about. If you recollect aright, you are aware that I delivered a speech on the 11th of last November (the Anniversary of the Institute). Well Col. Smith was in Europe at that time and did not hear what I had to say. When he returned he prevailed upon one of my friends to borrow the speech from me for him, and without my knowing it he took it (the speech) down to Richmond last month, and read it before the Board of Visitors, and strange to tell, the Col says that Body were much pleased with it. -- In my dreams -- I had not thought that this little speech would procure for me the admiration of the Board, and in my waking hours I can not persuade myself that I desire this admiration on account of my having made this speech.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon. Give my love to all the children., and to Father when you see him. -- Also -- My love to all my Aunts Cousins Uncles -- Grandmother, and Grandfathers. Have you heard from Aunt Mary H lately? How is she and uncle H getting along in Kansas. On the other side of this leaf you will find a little letter for Taylor, in answer to his, which accompanied yours.--\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 7th 59\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Taylor\u003cbr\u003e\nI was very sorry on account of your being sick when I heard about it. Somebody ought to have informed me that you were unwell before you commenced getting well. You say that you had not been out of doors, for a long time until the day on which you wrote to me, and that you took a good ride that day on Grandfather's old Gray Mare. I suppose this was very beneficial. You should ride out whenever you can get a gentle horse and the weather is fine. It is excellent exercise, this riding on horse-back.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt pained me much when I heard that Joseph Keesey was so sick, with the Lung Fever. I hope he will get well. Who cut the wood for the girls to cook with -- when you were so sick, and Father was away from home? I suppose Ella \u0026amp; Blanche are much larger now than they were when I was at home last. Can Blanche say \"Big pig, little pig -- root hog or die,\" now. She could not say it when I was at home. I wish I could have been in Beverly when Big Sam Currence made the attempt to squeeze hell out of the people, and danced in church with Morgan Kittle, it must have been rich in the extreme. I am glad to hear that Mart Buckly has confessed his sins, and professed religion. It pleased me to know that Harriet and Criss are going to school, and that you will be well enough to go in a few days. Give my love to Harriet Criss - Ella - Blanche - and the Baby. Has the Baby been named yet? You ought to get Mr. Birkett to back your letters for you. You write very well for one so young but the letter would look better if you would get him to back it. You will soon learn to write well enough yourself. Give my respects to Burns and Emmet and Lee, and Worthington and Caleb and all of your young friends.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nJoseph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Mil Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 20th 1859\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter together with my last circular and Col Smith's receipt for your $100 check, came to hand this morning. There is, as you very justly remark, great discrepancy between the estimated and the real amount expended by me during the last quarter, but you should remember that the estimated amount was only conjectural while the real amount is now accurately known. I have\nexamined my \"book,\" in accordance with your request, and I find that there is but one mistake made in the circular as compared with the \"book.\" Total expenses in the circular, should be (up to April 1st) $551.45c instead of $549.59c as it now stands. I am surprised at the fact that such a gross error was made by the Col when he estimated my expenses for 3 months at $20.41. By a simple arithmetical process he would have found that this estimate was unreasonably small, or he would have been convinced that my expenses up to the beginning of the present quarter were unjustly large. To show you how this is, I will perform the operation. Up to the beginning of the present quarter there were 40 months, which I spent at the V.M.I. In the present quarter there are 3 months. During the 40 months I expended $551.45c. How much would I expend during the present quarter? This question is answered below.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e40.: $551.45 :: 3 : $ x\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrom this proportion, which is nothing more nor less than the expression of a simple example under the \"Single Rule of Three,\" we find x = $41.35 for a probable estimate of what I should expend during 1 quarter. To this sum the Col should have added $10.00, the price of my Diploma, making in all $51.35. This should have been the Col's estimate. But it was a summer estimate\nand of course no provision was made for a pair of Winter Pants which I had made this spring. Adding $7.50 for the Pants and we have $51.35c + $7.50c = $58.85c. To this sum should also be added $9.00 = $67.85c for an estimate founded on positive knowledge and probably conjecture. Now let us see what my expenses really were. the \"book\" shows that I have expended during\nthe last three months $63.78c. Subtracting this from the estimate and we have $67.85c -$63.78c = $4.07c which shows that I have expended $4.07c less than an average for the whole time, during the present quarter. The three extraordinary items, Diploma, W Pants, and Interest, have cause my expenses for these 3 months to exceed the average $22.43c. The Pants, I was compelled to buy as I had none scarcely at the time, I have them yet and they are as good as new. $10.00 is the usual price for a Diploma, And as to the Interest it seems perfectly just that it should be paid. You will readily perceive from this \"mode of reasoning\" that either the charges made against me for the whole time are unjust, or those made against me for the present quarter are just. You have tacitly acknowledged the justice of the charges up to the beginning of the present quarter, by paying money on an estimate made in connection with these charges, so that, it seems we have to admit now the justice of the charges for the present quarter. My own opinion is, that you are very unjustly compelled to pay for some things which you did not agree to purchase when you sent me to the V.M.I., but which nevertheless have been furnished me. I allude to \"washing\" \"fuel\" \u0026amp; c. But while I believe this I do not hesitate to make known to you my firm conviction that you had better pay the whole debt. If you do not pay it you will be sued. This would be annoying to you, besides, you will have to maintain a suit against a wealthy \u0026amp; powerful corporation which would not be satisfied if the case should be decided against it -- in the lower courts but would carry it to the\nhighest tribunals in the Land, rather than have a precedent established which would cause the Institute to lose largely. You now have my conclusion and my opinions on the subject. Of course, however, you will act as you choose. One thing I would request of you -- viz -- not to do anything before the Fourth of July that might prejudice the Faculty and Board against me. Since you ask it I will not bind myself to pay the balance due the Institute, and I think I have a good reason for not doing this should they ask me to do it for I consider myself already bound to pay you what you have advanced on my behalf and it is not right that I should be bound to pay two parties for the same article. You are expected, I suppose, to answer Col Smith's \"horse-leech\" cry for more - more either in the affirmative or negative. On this point I will merely remark that you had better inform him in a very polite note that your resources are not infinite and that therefore you can not pay him just now. In other words, inform him that the means with which to liquidate the debt due the Institute are not in your possession. Then, when the blood ceases to flow, the \"Horse-Leech\"\nwill cease to annoy you. You can readily perceive the delicacy of my position.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol Smith has, without my asking it, placed me under obligations to him by recommending me to the authorities of a College in Florida, as a suitable person for a situation there. Yet I feel that, this should not make me mum concerning his grasping propensities or at any rate those of the parties of whom he is but the agent. The State, God bless the old commonwealth, intended that the Institute should be a blessing to the poor, but the authorities of the Institute, God have mercy on their souls, have converted it into a Financial Inquisition and Col Smith is their \"Instrument of Torture\" with which they wring from honest poor men -- the money that they have earned as Jehovah directed, by the \"sweat of their brows.\" Let not then, Father, your maledictions be poured upon the passive \"Instrument\" but upon those who use it. Think not harshly of Col Smith but direct your anathemas against the Board of Visitors, or at least those of them who have been the cause of the present State of things, and who have done so much to \"violate the obligation of contracts.\" I would not be ungrateful -- and since Col Smith has granted you considerable indulgence I would advise you or rather I would request you not be hasty in forming your opinion of him. I may do him injustice in what I have said of him in these pages. I would speak my sentiments thus freely to no one but you and then only because I know that what I write now will be a \"sealed book\" after you have read it. I have not time now to send you a copy of my accounts, but what is better I send you my \"book.\" Some of the items you will not understand. I will explain them when I come home. Until then let the matter stand where it is, except in so far as simply informing Col Smith that you have not money with\nwhich to pay him now. When I shall have talked the matter over with you you can determine on your course of action. There is one mistake in Col Smiths letter The balance should be $121.35c instead of $123.00 as given by him. Say nothing in your letter to him that will injure me. The appointment at the Florida College has not been made yet. I will know when I come home what my fate will be. I will not be able to deliver my oration as I have something the matter with my throat not serious though only enough to prevent me from speaking. My love to the family.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ. H. Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Mil Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 30th 1859\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter is at hand. It is now Sunday, and I may as well appropriate the few leisure moments at my disposal to the pleasant duty of writing to you. I am sorry that I was such a goose as to forget -- or misunderstand -- (for I had not the letter before me when I wrote) -- the contents of the letter to which my last was an answer. I will now, I hope, satisfy you on the point which, it seems, most interests you. I shall not alter the number of my diploma -- nor shall I allow it to be altered, since it is your desire that the number shall remain as it is. I will here remark, however, that I care not a straw for the number of the diploma. This is the most insignificant part of the whole affair. The right to have the number \"one\" on the diploma is what alone deserves our attention. This right, as you know, has been transferred from me to another and I can not easily be convinced that it is entirely proper for me to retain that to which I have no right. In my own opinion, and in the eyes of some of my friends I may be entitled to the \"first honor\" in my class. This is not doubted. But it should be remembered that neither I nor my friends are authorized to judge, and that the Faculty of the Institute have the power to do what they have done, be it just or unjust. Nor should it be forgotten that the opinion of the Faculty as published in the Register will have more weight with the world than anything that could be said in my behalf by any other party. I will here drop a subject upon which too much has already been said with a repetition of my determination to allow the No \"1\" to remain on my diploma.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to hear that you are progressing so finely with your work, and hope that you may soon bring it to a successful completion. I see that you have been studying the Geology that I left with you. I agree with you in the opinion you express -- with reference to the plan of the work. It was not, however, designed for those who study without a teacher or previous preparation, but for those who have passed over a certain part of the regular Scientific course. I am very fond of theories -- still -- I would always have them nailed together and supported by a few facts well established and well explained. Are you not mistaken in regard to the\ndrift agency? There is no cause, within my knowledge, now operating of sufficient power to transfer large boulders from one side of a mountain to the other. There are, doubtless, causes now acting but of a different nature from that which was the great agent during the \"drift period.\" I think you would progress more rapidly now with your geological studies if you had studied Chemistry first. Both are very interesting. Have you read the Intellectual Philosophy which I left with you. You would find it extremely\ninteresting, I have no doubt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou wish to know how I am getting along in my capacity as Professor. In answer to this query, I will say charmingly. I am much pleased with the occupation and, without egotism I say it, I regard myself competent to perform all the duties appropriate to the office. I study a good deal, too much indeed to allow of my doing much at anything else, and therefore I have not yet visited the Society Hall. I am not willing to speak on any subject, now, without thorough preparation of my speech. The consequence of this\nis that since I have not time to prepare, I do not speak at all. I think you will agree with me that it is best not to attempt anything when we doubt that we will do it well.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI can not say that I am entirely well. My throat bothers me some yet. I have to talk a great deal in the \"section room\" during recitations, and I find that it irritates my vocal organs to such an extent that I am sometimes forced to stop and rest awhile. Only for short periods however. Five or ten minutes. I explain everything that is difficult. In other respects I am entirely well. Write soon. My respects to Uncle Eli -- Harrison Kelly and Andrew Godden\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nSon Jas H. Chenoweth\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Mil Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 19th 1859\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour very welcome letter reached me this evening. I would have replied by your other letter sooner if I had not started on a visit to New York about the time I received it. Of course you can, under the circumstances, pardon me for my remissness. Especially when I tell you that I will endeavor to do better in the future.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSeveral companies of soldiers have been ordered to be present at Brown's execution. The Cadets have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to be called on at any moment, and I believe that we will set out next Tuesday, at least we are expecting hourly an order from the governor, to that effect. For a short account of my visit to New York, I refer you to a letter which I wrote a few days ago to Taylor. I can not begin to tell half I saw, until I see you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hear that Mary has two beaux, Elam Bosworth and Dr. Carson. I have learned too, that a third individual, Judson Suiter Esq. would be very attentive to her if she would allow it. She is very fortunate in having the two former gentlemen as suitors for her hand, but God grant, I say, that she may never give her hand or her heart to the latter individual. There was a time when I would have unwillingly owned him as my brother-in-law. That time has passed, however, and I can now say with real sincerity that I would rather see Mary in her grave, than in the family of a man who can so far forget himself as to tell a lady to \"go to Hell.\" What caused the coolness between Mary Catherine \u0026amp; Andrew Smiley? I thought that they were firm friends. I hope John Bosworth will do well in Beverly. He has always been my friend.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElla May writes very well for a girl of her age. She is certainly a good girl and must study well or she could not learn so fast. It will not be long until she will be able to write me a letter. That would be so nice! But, by the way, I can't see why those who can write do not let me hear from them. I am much pleased to know that Father has finished the Bridge, and that he will soon be with you all again to stay. I am well. Write soon. Give my love to Harriet, Chris, Taylor, Mary -- Ella May, Blanche and Charley -- the\nmischievous little dog. Kiss the little imp for me. Good night.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e\nJ Hart Chenoweth\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_188"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to sister, 1853","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01","parent_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865","Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to sister","title_ssm":["Letter to sister"],"title_tesim":["Letter to sister"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to sister, 1853"],"text":["Letter to sister, 1853","Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865","Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Correspondence","English","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister,\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother\nAbram Fulkerson","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865","Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. papers, 1853/1865","Cadet correspondence, 1853/1854"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1853"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1853 June 4"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[3],"sort_isi":19,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"creator_ssim":["Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902"],"names_ssim":["Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Social life and customs","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1853],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute June 4th 1853\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nAbram Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister,\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother\nAbram Fulkerson"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball."],"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#0/components#0","timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_596.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00012.xml","title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1835-1925"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1835-1925"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1835/1925"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"text":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925","MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25)","McDowell, Battle of, McDowell, Va., 1862","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.","Winchester\n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son,\nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market\n3 Apl. 1862","Dear Kate\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him.","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore.","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S.\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.  \n16 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns.","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded.","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862","Dear Kate\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy.","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\n28 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch.","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\nSaml V. Fulkerson\nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co. \n8 [June] 1862","Dear Kate\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured.","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward.","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles.","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina.\nYour brother\nS.V. Fulkerson","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson","Sir-\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister,\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother\nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute\nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son,\nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks \nFt. Delaware \nMay 13, 1865","My dear wife-\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter.","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson. \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)","This collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\nCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\nSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\nWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\nA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\n\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\nBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\nDeath of Turner Ashby\nRefugee and civilian life\nCamp life\nReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\n\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\nLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\nLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\nLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848)","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835/1925"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 not 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—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25)","McDowell, Battle of, McDowell, Va., 1862","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862","Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (May 25)","McDowell, Battle of, McDowell, Va., 1862","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[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],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n9 March 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSince we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour son,\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near New Market\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Apl. 1862 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCapt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026amp; S.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.\u003cbr\u003e  \n16 May 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026amp; brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026amp; he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026amp; Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026amp; that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026amp; fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026amp; Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026amp; we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026amp; sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026amp; Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District\u003cbr\u003e  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n28 May 1862  \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026amp; 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026amp; 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026amp; efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026amp; Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026amp; men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml V. Fulkerson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comd. Brigd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePort Republic, Rockingham Co.\u003cbr\u003e \n8 [June] 1862 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026amp; elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCharging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhile this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026amp; Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOn our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAs I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026amp; c., and a number of small arms.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026amp; burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOur camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026amp; limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOn Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026amp; Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026amp; c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026amp; will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026amp; Selina.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nS.V. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. F.M. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am Sir your obdt. servt\u003cbr\u003e \nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute June 4th 1853\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nAbram Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApr 14 1854\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCumberland Gap\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026amp; uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026amp; Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\u003cbr\u003e\nAF\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eField Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026amp; sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026amp; in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026amp; c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficers Barracks\u003cbr\u003e \nFt. Delaware \u003cbr\u003e\nMay 13, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026amp; clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.\u003cbr\u003e \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester\n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son,\nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market\n3 Apl. 1862","Dear Kate\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him.","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore.","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S.\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.  \n16 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns.","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded.","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862","Dear Kate\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy.","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\n28 May 1862","Sir-\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch.","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\nSaml V. Fulkerson\nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co. \n8 [June] 1862","Dear Kate\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured.","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward.","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles.","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina.\nYour brother\nS.V. Fulkerson","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson","Sir-\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister,\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother\nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute\nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son,\nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks \nFt. Delaware \nMay 13, 1865","My dear wife-\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter.","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson. \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath of Turner Ashby\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefugee and civilian life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamp life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a recent trip and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\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":["This collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\nCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\nSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\nWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\nA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\n\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\nBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\nDeath of Turner Ashby\nRefugee and civilian life\nCamp life\nReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\n\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\nLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\nLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\nLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848)"],"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 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":["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 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_037e0e501ef493707a01e4a9bf4b0596\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"names_coll_ssim":["Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":25,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:54.976Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596_c02_c01_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Notebook, 1849/1864","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis notebook contains approximately 50 poems by William E. Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","parent_ssim":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102"],"title_filing_ssi":"Notebook","title_ssm":["Notebook"],"title_tesim":["Notebook"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Notebook, 1849/1864"],"text":["Notebook, 1849/1864","William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864","Arnold, William E. (William Elisha), 1830-1902","Denby, Charles, 1830-1904","Benton, Thomas O. (Thomas Owen), 1830-1907","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Notebooks","Poetry","English.","This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by William E. Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1849/1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1849-1864"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[1],"sort_isi":1,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864"],"creator_ssim":["Arnold, William E. (William Elisha), 1830-1902","Denby, Charles, 1830-1904","Benton, Thomas O. (Thomas Owen), 1830-1907"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"persname_ssim":["Arnold, William E. (William Elisha), 1830-1902","Denby, Charles, 1830-1904","Benton, Thomas O. (Thomas Owen), 1830-1907"],"names_ssim":["Arnold, William E. (William Elisha), 1830-1902","Denby, Charles, 1830-1904","Benton, Thomas O. (Thomas Owen), 1830-1907"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Notebooks","Poetry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Notebooks","Poetry"],"language_ssim":["English."],"date_range_isim":[1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis notebook contains approximately 50 poems by William E. Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by William E. Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-06-23T06:59:04.198Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_102","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_102.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00047.xml","title_ssm":["William E. Arnold notebook"],"title_tesim":["William E. Arnold notebook"],"unitdate_ssm":["1849-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1849-1864"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1849/1864"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864"],"text":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849/1864","MS.0018","/repositories/3/resources/102","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Notebooks","Poetry","There are no restrictions","William Elisha Arnold was born June 14, 1840 in Franklin County, Virginia to James Arnold and Julia Barrow. He enrolled at VMI in July 1849 and graduated in July 1853. Shortly after graduation, he married Susan Meriweather Taliaferro of Amherst County, Virginia and the couple had five children: William, Julia, James, Frederic, and Kate. Arnold taught school in Amherst County, and in 1859, began teaching math and tactics at the Lafayette Military Institute in Lexington, Missouri.","During the Civil War, Arnold served briefly in the Missouri State Guard and in an artillery unit before passing his medical exams. After November 1862, he was a medical officer assigned to various commands. After the War, Arnold practiced medicine in Springfield, Missouri. He died there on August 18, 1902.","This collection consists of a poetry notebook compiled by William E. Arnold during the period between 1849 and 1864. The bulk of the entries date from the years in which he was a VMI cadet (1849-1853). Such notebooks were popular among VMI cadets of the mid-19th century and typically contain both original and copied verse. This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.","This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by William E. Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.","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 not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Arnold, William E. (William Elisha), 1830-1902","Denby, Charles, 1830-1904","Benton, Thomas O. 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(William Elisha), 1830-1902","Denby, Charles, 1830-1904","Benton, Thomas O. (Thomas Owen), 1830-1907","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 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—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Notebooks","Poetry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1853","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Notebooks","Poetry"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Notebooks","Poetry"],"date_range_isim":[1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e  "],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam Elisha Arnold was born June 14, 1840 in Franklin County, Virginia to James Arnold and Julia Barrow. He enrolled at VMI in July 1849 and graduated in July 1853. Shortly after graduation, he married Susan Meriweather Taliaferro of Amherst County, Virginia and the couple had five children: William, Julia, James, Frederic, and Kate. Arnold taught school in Amherst County, and in 1859, began teaching math and tactics at the Lafayette Military Institute in Lexington, Missouri.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Arnold served briefly in the Missouri State Guard and in an artillery unit before passing his medical exams. After November 1862, he was a medical officer assigned to various commands. After the War, Arnold practiced medicine in Springfield, Missouri. He died there on August 18, 1902.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["William Elisha Arnold was born June 14, 1840 in Franklin County, Virginia to James Arnold and Julia Barrow. He enrolled at VMI in July 1849 and graduated in July 1853. Shortly after graduation, he married Susan Meriweather Taliaferro of Amherst County, Virginia and the couple had five children: William, Julia, James, Frederic, and Kate. Arnold taught school in Amherst County, and in 1859, began teaching math and tactics at the Lafayette Military Institute in Lexington, Missouri.","During the Civil War, Arnold served briefly in the Missouri State Guard and in an artillery unit before passing his medical exams. After November 1862, he was a medical officer assigned to various commands. After the War, Arnold practiced medicine in Springfield, Missouri. He died there on August 18, 1902."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam E. Arnold notebook, 1849-1864. MS 0018. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["William E. Arnold notebook, 1849-1864. MS 0018. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of a poetry notebook compiled by William E. Arnold during the period between 1849 and 1864. The bulk of the entries date from the years in which he was a VMI cadet (1849-1853). Such notebooks were popular among VMI cadets of the mid-19th century and typically contain both original and copied verse. This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.\u003c/p\u003e  ","\u003cp\u003eThis notebook contains approximately 50 poems by William E. Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes \"The Regulations\" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and \"The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond\" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of a poetry notebook compiled by William E. Arnold during the period between 1849 and 1864. The bulk of the entries date from the years in which he was a VMI cadet (1849-1853). Such notebooks were popular among VMI cadets of the mid-19th century and typically contain both original and copied verse. This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. 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Barksdale papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1851-1855"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1851-1855"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1851/1855"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Thomas F. Barksdale papers, 1851/1855"],"text":["Thomas F. Barksdale papers, 1851/1855","MS.0062","/repositories/3/resources/146","Virginia Military Institute—Academics—History—19th century","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1855","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Mathematics—Study and teaching","Physics—Study and teaching","Notebooks","Poetry","There are no restrictions.","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. 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