Letter from Lawrence Royster to John E. Roller

Creator:

Royster, Lawrence, 1841-1914

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards academics, changes in faculty, and cadet life.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

"V.M.I." April 21st 1864

My Dear Roller,
Your kind and interesting letter should have had a more speedy reply, but as the examination approaches, I am more and more busy every day. The Class has lost a great deal of time and consequently will not have so much to review in. We are now in the field surveying, have not yet finished Shades and Shadows. The weather has been during the past month colder than I have felt for eight years even in the depth of winter. The mountains in sight are still covered with snow, and today is the only mild and clear day that we have had for over one month, and notwithstanding this we have not had fire since Christmas, and during the deep snows we had suspension of all duties for several days at a time. The cold was so severe that it was impossible to study, a great many went to bed in order to keep warm. This together with Col. Massie's sickness has thrown the 3rd class back very much, so now the hard work comes.

Since you left quite a change has taken place in the Faculty. Lt. Col. Ross has been appointed assistant Prof. Math 4th Class in your place; Sal Crawford received a commission in his old regiment and resigned about a month ago. Dr. Ross is Asst. prof French as well as Asst. Surgeon.

Spex is still very fond of his "reviews and parades." Not long since Gen. Rosser's Cavalry Brigade came through here and encamped about ten or twelve miles beyond Lexington, by Spex's invitation he reviewed the Corps and inspected the barracks. Several days afterwards, he presented the Corps with a flag captured in battle from 164th New York Regiment as a trophy; the presentation speech was very fine indeed, it took place under guard tree before a very large crowd. Scott Shipp received it and replied; his was also very good but he was very much excited though, however it was his first speech in public. After the ceremony was over the Cavalry made a charge in field in front of barracks to give us an idea of it. But the idea, Roller, of the Corps of Cadets receiving a trophy taken by our troops in the field from the yankees; it looked like saying, "Well, you are too weak and afraid to do any thing of this yourselves, so we will make you a present of one," I feel that it is a disgrace to the Corps. The speaker alluded in such a touching manner to the precious blood which was spilt in taking it, and of the Col. falling in the charge. That night he invited the officers of the Institute and the 1st Class to attend a party at the house where he was staying, but as all could not attend, Spex allowed only the four Captains and Adjt. to go. Several days afterwards he invited Spex to review his brigade, and the officers and 1st Class again to dine with him, which as many as could conveniently do so, very readily accepted of.

I should like very much to enjoy those nice vegetables and fish you were speaking of, it certainly would be a great treat, especially when everything is so high and scarce, we are nearer starving here than ever before, a piece of beef frequently comes on the table for nine men which candidly speaking I could easily cover with one hand. If the school cannot be maintained on a better scale, I think they had as well close it. It is rumored and I partly believe it that instead of giving the Corps furlough next summer, we are to be sent in a body to Gen. Lee's army. We have not had a march since December last, which I think I gave you an account of. Err this reaches you I imagine you will have received some news from the two grand armies on the Potomac, we are of opinion that it will be the greatest of the war up to this time. May Heaven give us the victory! Many thanks to you for your kind offer, it will be very acceptable. I will inform you immediately of the result of the examination after I know my fate, should I be unsuccessful will go directly from here to Charleston, so in your next letter write me what to equip myself with before leaving and what articles I can procure in Charleston as I do not want to carry more than is necessary.

There are now about fifty odd in the third class and I do not think Massie will pass more than twenty. I know he intends making a most "awful rake." I must not neglect to tell you of the marriage of Miss Sanders (I suppose you remember her) to Capt. Contri an Italian on Gen. Morgan's staff. They say he is a very accomplished and gallant man, fought fourteen pitched battles in Europe, was in Crimean war etc., that is all I know however. They were here today. The Commandant's Office is now a reception room for all visitors, they are not allowed to come into barracks during study hours under any pretence whatever.

How are you progressing with the ladies now or do you visit them at all? As for myself, I have long since abandoned all thoughts of them, scarcely even look at them, you know how fatal they are. I have many things to write, but it is almost 11 o'clock PM and this is the last chance I will have to write for sometime to come. Finished my day's survey in[--] rather earlier today or would not have had this [missing word]. Write me as often as you can.

Your sincere friend,
Lawrence Royster

Sam Hopkins who was here last year, after being confined in some Yankee prison for several months returned home and died two days after.

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

Names:

Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917
Shipp, Scott, 1839-1917
Royster, Lawrence, 1841-1914
Roller, John E. (John Edwin), 1844-1917
Shipp, Scott, 1839-1917

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