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. Sep 14 1862

Dear Pa
Your letter was recd several days ago for which I am very much obliged as it has relieved me of a great deal of twisting &.

Gen. Smith has gone to Gen. Jackson's army with his son (who you saw, he was adjutant of the V.M.I.) who has the position of first Lieutenant in the C.S.A. (Artillery). He will return in a few days, when he does I will ask him about the cloth & write you immediately.

Since the first of Sept I have been getting up at 5 oclk to Rev., squad drill from 5½ to 6½, breakfast at 7, go in to recite math at 8, Geography at 11, drawing, composition and French till 4, squad drill at 5, & Dress Parade at 6, supper at 7, & Tattoo at 9½.

The last week I made 15 on French (max 15) & 14 6/10 on Math. They did not mark us on the other studies as we have just commenced. The reason I make such good marks in Math is because we are in the first part of Algebra & I have been over it before. If I could make 13 every week on math I would stand near the top of my class, but when we get over in the middle of the book I don't expect to average 11. Very few will make more. I am i the 7th section in alphabetical order. In French I will stand about 7 in the class.

Over 100 cadets were found deficient at the last examination & of course a great many of them will stand above me on Math. Frank Smith was so sure of being found deficient that he went home on furlough & did not even run for the 3rd class.

I have 5 demerits. It happened in this way. I was orderly of the room (an orderly is a cadet who is detailed every Sunday morning. He sweeps out the room, brings water & is responsible for noises &). Some of the boys made a noise. I as orderly was reported for "noise after Taps" (after Taps is after the lights have been put out). All of them denied making any noise & I as orderly had to take the report. I don't think I will get any more for some time.

I am getting very tired of the V.M.I. & would a great deal rather be with you in the office than here, especially as you have no one to assist you. I know you have a great deal to do.

If our army goes into Alexandria I would like very much to go also. Write & let me know because if the army goes in it will not stay any length of time.

Ten cadets deserted the other day & 10 or 12 more are making preparations to leave also. There is a rumor that all cadets over 18 will be taken as conscripts. I don't know how true it is, if so the Institute will be broken up unless they are exempted by Congress. I think by studying Gilham a little I might get an office in the army for I have learned a great deal about it. With love to Ma & all my friends.

I remain
Your affectionate son
J. Henry Reid.

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

Names:

Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863
Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863

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