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A topical and chronological file of pamplets containing the text of speeches and addresses delivered at VMI.

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 related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:

• Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)
• Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)
• Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.
• A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle

• Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown
• Death of Turner Ashby
• Refugee and civilian life
• Camp life
• References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death

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).

These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.

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.