Admissions circular

Scope and content:

The printed portion of the document outlines the proposed training regimen and lists estimated monthly expenses. This particular document was mailed to Christopher Damron, a lawyer in Allegheny County, Virginia, who had inquired about enrolling his sons (they did not enroll). A handwritten note from VMI's treasurer William S. Polk to Damron appears at the bottom of the document.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

Virginia Military Institute

As soon as the Cadets now in the field can be spared from the duties upon which they are now detached, they will return to the Institute, and regular Academic exercises will be resumed.

In the meantime, young men of good character, who desire the advantages of the military instruction of the Institution, theoretic as well as practical, will be admitted upon presenting themselves to the Acting Superintendent Major S. Crutchfield.

Persons thus admitted will be organized into classes for instruction in infantry, artillery, and cavalry tactics, in field fortification, strategy and pyrotechny, and will be controlled and governed by the same regulations which apply to Cadets. The first element in a soldier's instruction is to learn respect for, and submission to, lawful authority, and no one will be received under any circumstances who is not willing to submit to this control. The tendency of a state of war is to demoralize the soldier. It is the high function of the Virginia Military Institute to restrain this tendency by imparting, as far as it may, the qualifying influences of discipline. When the regular Academic exercises are resumed, the persons thus admitted to the privileges of Cadets, will be allowed to withdraw, or to continue the regular course of the Institute, at will, and in the mean time no charge will be made for tuition. Deposit on admission $120. Such portion to be refunded as may remain unexpended when the cadet leaves.

Estimated Expenses
Board per month $12.00
Washing 1.50
Fuel and Lights per month 1.50
Medical Fee per term, 5.00
Room furniture 5.00
Library fee per term 2.00
Music fee per term 5.00
Contingencies, per month 6.00
Uniform, 12.00

May 13, 1861
C. Damron Esq
Dr. Sir: Your sons will be red'd. and allowed to resign when they desire. The above will give you necessary information.
William S. Polk

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science
Virginia Military Institute—Curricula
Broadsides (notices)
Circular letters
Correspondence

Names:

Damron, Christopher
Damron, Christopher

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