John Sims papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

John Sims papers, 1868-1871. MS 0475. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
17 items
Creator:
Sims, John, 1850-1909
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

John Sims papers, 1868-1871. MS 0475. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of 14 letters (dated 1868-1871) written by VMI Cadet John Sims (Class of 1871), to members of his family, a VMI quarterly grade report, and other documents. The correspondence provides rich details of cadet life during that era, as well as personal news. Sims mentions many leisure activities and comments on academic life and routine events. The letter dated October 17, 1870 mentions viewing the body of, and preparations for, the funeral of General Robert E. Lee.

Biographical / historical:

John Sims was born in 1850 in Halifax County, Virginia. After graduating from VMI in 1871, he returned to Maxwelton, Halifax County and was a farmer there until his death in 1909.

Physical location:
Manuscripts stacks