Letter to James Henry Reid, Sr.

Scope and content:

Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards cadet life.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

V.M.I.
Aug 10, 1862

Dear Pa
Having nothing else to do this evening I thought I would write to you although I had just seen you yesterday morning. After I left you I went up to Barracks & staid in my room all the morning. After dinner I had a very bad headache so I laid down & went to sleep whilst Henderson, Lee & Read went to town.

After supper the Corporal of the Guard came for me to go on guard at an outer post & was very particular in telling me to let no one pass without the countersign, but he would give me no load to put in my gun. After he left about 25 cadets came down & wanted to take my gun but I stuck one of them with my bayonet not very hard (for I knew it was all a trick to frighten me) & drove them off but they came back with guns & got my gun away. The Corporal came & made a big fuss saying he would have to be responsible for my neglect of duty, but I told him how 25 with guns could easily take one man but he said I must be court martialed & sent me to the guard house but in fact Sub Profs. Wise & Semmes room, kept me in there some time & saw I was not to be fooled so let me go. That ended yesterday.

I went up town to the Church, I don't know what kind of church but think it was Presbyterian. Came back went to dinner & am now in my room No.76. Tell Ma to send my box about a foot or less any size about six inches high, I think she has one with my 2 shirts with the 2 collars, as soon as possible if she don't I will have watch money or nothing in a few days. I must close. Please excuse writing as my fingers have all been put out of joint today & I can hardly write.
With love to all I remain.

Your affectionate son
J. Henry Reid

P.S. Tell Mrs. Holcombe Tommy is getting on very well, is very studious & and fat as a pig. Remember me to Mrs. Brown, Mr. Brown, & every body who think enough of me to inquire after me. Tell Mac he ought to be here the bucking would not hurt him. Please send me some stamps. Henry.

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

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