Edward M. Watson Letter 1868

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of one letter (September 17, 1868) written by Virginia Military Institute Cadet Edward M. Watson to his father. Watson describes in detail the typical daily new cadet routine at VMI during the post-Civil War years. Topics include reveille, roll call, inspections, meals, study and recitation, drill and parade. The letter contains one of the earliest documented examples of term "rat" as a reference to a new cadet.

Biographical / historical:

Edward Minor Watson was born in 1851, the son of John W. C. Watson, a lawyer and judge. He entered the Virginia Military Institute on September 14, 1868, from his home at Holly Springs, Mississippi and studied at VMI for one academic year, resigning his cadetship in 1869. Watson subsequently read law and received his license in 1871. He served as an attorney in the Department of Justice during President Grover Cleveland's first administration. Watson married Lily Moore of Noxubee County, Mississippi in 1871. The couple had five children: Dudley, Edward, William, Jean, and Anne. He died on December 7, 1887.

Physical description:
The collection consists of one item.