Collections

The Archibald M. Fauntleroy papers consist of one testimonial letter (dated September 2, 1857) written by Superintendent Francis H. Smith on behalf of Fauntleroy, and one drawing by Cadet Fauntleroy that was completed for a class assignment at VMI.

The Barton family papers consist of the papers of three members of the Barton family who attended VMI during the mid-19th century. Papers related to Charles M. Barton (VMI Class of 1856) include a letter (dated September 28, 1855) from Charles to his cousin Joseph M. Barton in which he complains about VMI life and about his instructor Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (Jackson is described as a "hell of a fool"). Other Charles Barton material is found in a notebook (approximately 250 pages) that contains poetry copied by Charles, including "The Faculty of the VMI," which describes Francis H. Smith, John T.L. Preston, and other early faculty members; class notes from lectures given by Francis H. Smith; autographs of his VMI classmates, and a resolution on the death of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.

This collection consists of documents from various eras in VMI's history, reflecting the humourous side of cadet life. The collection includes:

• Three small (3.5 x 5 inches) watercolor sketches (circa 1920) that depict firecracker prank results
• A list titled "Graduated scale of beauty in Lexington" (1856)
• A notice about the Virginia Polytechnic Institute football game posted in a barracks room (1937)

The Clayton G. Coleman papers consist of three letters written to Coleman's sister Lucy during the Civil War, and an autograph album containing inscriptions written by his classmates at VMI, the University of Virginia, and the Medical College of Virginia (circa 1858-1861).

This collection consists of one excuse (dated January 23, 1856) in verse form written by Cadet Craig W. McDonald after being late for reveille. The document is addressed to the Commandant's office.

The Edward C. Shepherd papers consist of three notebooks, two documents, and an annotated analytical geometry text that belonged to VMI cadet Edward C. Shepherd during his years at VMI (1851-1855).

This collection consists of the one volume diary of VMI cadet Edward S. Hutter and covers the period between January to December 1858. The earliest entries were written while Hutter was on sick leave and contain mostly family references. Later entries mention VMI faculty members, friends, the Society of Cadets (a student debating club), room occupants, infractions noted while on Guard Duty, and other aspects of cadet life.

The Francis L. Smith family papers consist of the personal papers (five items) of the family of Smith, a prominent lawyer in Alexandria, Virginia. Items relating to his son Francis L. Smith, Jr. (VMI Class of 1867) include:

• An oath of allegiance verification (dated May 22, 1865), Amelia Court House, Virginia
• A letter with enclosure (dated 1867) from VMI Treasurer Robert H. Campbell that concerns the collection of a bill
• A telegram to Fitzhugh Lee (dated 1887)

The George A. Goodman papers consist of 11 items related to George A. Goodman, including:

• VMI Diploma and Cadet Dialectic Society certificates
• Letters of recommendation (1859) from Francis H. Smith and Thomas H. Williamson
• Civil War documents, including commissions, oaths of allegiance, and a prison parole

This collection consists of one manuscript (10 pages) of the commencement speech delivered by VMI Cadet George P. C. Rumbough on July 4, 1856.