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. Oct. 18, 1862

Dear Pa
I recd your letter this evening and according to your request I answer immediately.

As well as I remember the report for Oct & Nov 1861 were put up in envelopes in bundles & were in the little box on the right hand side of the closet as you go in. They were mixed up with other months I think, but I am not sure. I know how troublesome it will be to find them. Undo the bundles and you will see marked on the backs of the envelopes the month & dates.

My ear has nearly gotton well but it pained me a great deal. The rising went up into my head & stopped up the opening so that Dr. Madison had to cut through the lower part, which gave me a great deal of pain. It is however now nearly well.

I have had my uniform made which makes me feel quite comfortable. Gen. Smith expected to get some cloth from near Winchester, but Gen. Lee pressed it for his army and Gen. Smith will have to do without it. I don't know what the Rats will do.

I went up town to day & had the pleasure of seeing Miss Cassy Reeder from Waynesboro. She says all were well when she left. I have gotten off from all my demerits & will try not to get any more. I must close. With love to all I remain,
Your affectionate son
J. Henry Reid

P.S. Please send me my old cadet pants, old gray ones, some Friday. Ma knows which ones.

Subjects:

Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
Correspondence

Names:

Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890
Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890

Access and use