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This collection consists of the notebook and diary (1849-1853) of Robert Gatewood. Entries include original and copies poetry dating from his last year at VMI, essays, and diary entries written while Gatewood was teaching at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia (1851-1853). Diary entries and notes frequently have a religious theme.

The Spencer L. Carter papers contain two items dating from Spencer L. Carter's VMI cadetship. Included is a notebook (binding missing) compiled by Carter that concerns VMI football and baseball. It includes lists of teams, game scores, and plays.

The Thomas F. Barksdale papers consist of two items. The first is a letter (dated January 25, 1855) from a Prussian official, denying Thomas F. Barksdale and his roommates permission to enter the Prussian Army. The second item is a notebook that contains:

• Class notes, including notes taken in Stonewall Jackson's class section in natural philosophy (a course that would today be most similar to physics) and notes taken in analytical geometry class taught by Francis H. Smith
• A resolution issued by cadets following murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn, Class of 1854
• Poetry
• Autographs of the Class of 1855
• A list of roommates and room numbers

This collection consists of one notebook compiled by William A. Irvine from 1888 to 1889. The notebook contains poetry (copied and original), sketches, and programs from the Lexington Minstrel Club and the VMI Minstrel Club.

This collection consists of a poetry notebook compiled by William E. Arnold during the period between 1849 and 1864. The bulk of the entries date from the years in which he was a VMI cadet (1849-1853). Such notebooks were popular among VMI cadets of the mid-19th century and typically contain both original and copied verse. This notebook contains approximately 50 poems by Arnold, other cadets, various 19th century poets, and anonymous authors. Cadet poetry includes "The Regulations" by Charles Denby (VMI Class of 1850) and "The Six Plebes on Leaving for Richmond" by Thomas O. Benton (VMI Class of 1850). A few poems were composed by Arnold during the Civil War. The notebook also includes clippings, puzzles, and riddles.

This collection consists of one poetry notebook compiled by Cadet William E. Wiegard. The notebook contains original and copied poetry.

This collection consists of one notebook, (1862-1863) compiled by Cadet William "Willie" Galt, VMI Class of 1864. The manuscript reflects the concerns and interests of a wartime cadet and thus contains many verses and songs inspired by the ongoing conflict. A few of the entries toward the end of the volume were made by an unknown family member, probably circa 1865-1866.

This collection consists of a one volume notebook compiled in 1862 by VMI cadet William J. Hubard. The bulk of the volume contains poetry and mementos. There are also two diary entries. The poetry includes "The Six Plebes" and "The Old Gray Coat" by Sara Henderson Smith, and several poems attributed to cadets Edward A. Rhodes, John F. Hanna, and Benjamin F. Bishop. Subjects of the verses are VMI life and regulations, including many references to faculty members (e.g., Francis H. Smith, Raleigh Colston, John T. L. Preston, William Gilham, Thomas H. Williamson, and Stonewall Jackson). Poetry composed by cadets, includes "Soliloquy of a Rat," "Examination," "The Faculty," "The Rat's Dream," and other poems about cadet life. Mementos consist of autographs and dried pressed leaves presented to Hubard by young ladies. One sprig of cedar is labelled as being from Stonewall Jackson's coffin.

This collection consists of the notebook (approximately 165 pages) of VMI Cadet William Neill. The notebook contains copied and possibly original poetry, and one watercolor sketch (10 inches x 7.5 inches) of barracks room number 38, drawn by Neill and dated October 1877.

This collection consists of a diary fragment (approximately 25 pages) kept by William O. Yager from 1849 to 1852. The bulk of the diary concerns a dispute between his classmates John A. Thompson and William M. Gordon that led to a court of inquiry and court martial. The diary also contains lists of roommates and poetry.