Letter to Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson)

Containers:

Box 1, Folder 40

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and barracks construction.

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

Va. Military Institute
Lexington, Va. June 5th, 1852

My Dear Sister,
Your welcome letter has come safe to hand but I regret that your health is not yet restored though improved at present, let us hope to see the day when you will again enjoy that greatest of earthly blessings in perfection. Do not begin to look for me until the latter half of July. I may be with you in the first part but I can not speak definitely at present.

My box has not yet arrived, but I have spoken to a friend whose family lives in Staunton to endeavor to have his family to forward it. I shall try to get some grafts to take with me.

Is it a fur hat which I am to get for Thomas, if so it would be desirable to have the measure of his head.

The weather is quite cool here this morning though for sometime back it has been very warm.

The people are beginning to visit the Alum Springs.

I wish that you could see our Institute for I consider that it is the most tasty edifice in the state. We have had green peas for sometime and the strawberries are I believe beginning to disappear. But the cherries are just coming in season.

Beverly must be cold enough for all practicable purposes even at this late period. I am enjoying myself more than I have done for some years; but still my health requires much care and rigid regard to diet.

I hope that the news may be true that Uncle Cummins has returned; to meet him will be a proud day in my life. He has certainly been a good friend to me. Have you heard anything from cousin E.J. Jackson.

A bill has recently passed out state Legislature which appropriates 30,000 dollars for the purpose of completing our Barracks. We expect during the coming session to have about 18 or 20 more cadets that at any previous one and when the buildings shall be completed the accommodations will admit of upwards of 200. This past year we had to refuse admission to a large number. Remember me very kindly to Mr. A & family & to all inquiring friends and relatives.

Your brother
Thomas
P.S. I hope that you will not make any calculations as to the manner of passing the present summer until after my arrival at Beverly. T.

Subjects:

Barracks
Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century
Correspondence

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