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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.

This collection consists of five letters (dated 1848 to 1854) written by Giles Gunn while he was a schoolteacher in Lexington, Virginia. The letters, addressed primarily to his sister Mary (living at the Gunn home in Washington, Litchfield County, Connecticut), include discussions of interesting local events as well as references to family. Topics include:

• VMI commencement
• A detailed description of his school and his methods of instruction
• A description of the communion service at a local church, including references to black communicants
• References to the townspeople's reaction to a rumored slave insurrection
• A discussion of the murder of VMI cadet Thomas Blackburn.

This collection (two items) consists of one letter (dated March 22, 1859) from Jacob Lynch to his son, VMI Cadet David C. Lynch. In the letter, Jacob reprimands his son for excessive demerits and for acquiring debts that have not been paid. The collection also includes one Presbyterian hymnal used by David C. Lynch.

The James H. Waddell papers consist of four items, including:

• A letter (dated 1855) from Waddell to his sister that contains a detailed description and pencil drawing of his room (#14) in barracks and of his roomates (Barksdale, Penn, Magruder, Shepherd, and Wilson)
• A drawing of a barracks room and roommates
• Pencil map, 8 inches x 10 inches, labeled "Plan of Battle of Bethel Church, June 10, 1861"
• Letter of recommendation (dated 1879) written by VMI's Superintendent Francis H. Smith and endorsed by Board of Visitors President John Letcher