Letter from John E. Roller to VMI Authorities

Creator:

Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, VIrginia. In the letter, John E. Roller submits a report concerning the theft of Commandant records.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

V.M. Institute
March 18th 1863

The following is a true statement of the facts with regard to my tour of O.D. on the 16th inst. and in connection with the removal of reports from the Commandant's office. I marched on O.D. at the usual time on Monday morning, and from that time until the recreation drum at 4 PM, I was either in Mr. Grigg's room, the Commandant's office, or in front of the Barracks (several hours spent either in section room, Mess Hall, or my own room), with the exceptions of the following times, viz.-- from 8-9 in Col. Williamson's section room, from 10-11 in Col. Preston's, from 12 to 1 in Col. Gilham's, and from 1-2 spent partly in Mess Hall and partly in room. I attended all C.P.s and looked up absentees and went in the Commandant's office frequently during the day

Sometime in the morning, I cannot state positively the precise time, though I think between 9 and 10 o'clock AM, upon entering the Commandant's office, I saw one of the fatigue sentinels standing at the desk, with a key in the keyhole. I did not see him have the desk open, nor did I see him have any reports. I remarked to him, "What are you doing? Do you not know that you are responsible for those reports." He replied that he was not stealing reports, but that he just wanted to see if his key would fit the lock. I said nothing more, but turned around immediately and went out.

From 4 o'clock until E.P., I was in my room and went from there to Supper in the Mess Hall, after which I returned to my room (where I remained) until the Study Drum was beaten, when I went down to Mr. Grigg's room and remained there until 11 o'clock. And after spending 10 or 15 minutes in quieting noise, receiving reports of inspectors, seeing the sentinels challenge properly, I went to my room and retired for the night.

I arose about 5 minutes to 7 o' clock and left my room about 15 minutes after and proceeded to Mr. Beckham's room to see some Engineering plates which he had, and from there went to Mess Hall to breakfast, being just in time to meet the corps as it was leaving the Hall. After B. I marched of O.D. and on enquiring of Mr. Shaw for the Guard Book was told that Major Ship had it and also that the reports had been removed, which was the first intimation I had rec'd of the fact. I know not even the slightest circumstance upon which to ground even a suspicion, except the above circumstance, but in justice I feel bound to say, that I could not give any positive evidence that the desk had been opened by him or whether his key fit the lock, and can conscientiously express the belief that he was not the one who removed the reports after E.P., or before E.P. & [?]. Hoping the above may [prove] &.

J.E. Roller

I forgot to mention that about ten o'clock, seeing the Orderlies Delinquencies laying outside the desk, and knowing that I was responsible for them, I got Mr. Grigg's key and placed them in the desk. Mr. Shaw and two of sentinels were present at the time. I am unable to say how the books came there, and according to the best of my recollection. I saw them there after I saw Mr. Turner at the desk. I do not pretend to say that he placed them there, or that there were left there by the Com't. I merely make the statement and leave the inferences to be drawn.

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

Names:

Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917

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