Letter to Maria Stevenson

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

V. M. I. Lexington
April 19th/61

My Dear Sister
I was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence "why don't you answer my letter." I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.

Great excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.

Col. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew

Destroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.

Subjects:

Secession
Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

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