Letter to Lemuel Chenoweth

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

V.M.I.
Jan 9th 1858

Dear Father
Your 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 blazing 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 - 219 = 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 &c. We are going to Richmond on the 22nd February.

Your Affectionate Son
J. 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.
Joseph

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1850-1859
Correspondence

Names:

Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863
Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863

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