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The New Market collection consists primarily of reminiscences of the Battle of New Market, Virginia (May 15, 1864) written by participants and other witnesses between 1894 and 1915. Written in response to specific inquiries and questionnaires, these memoirs were collected by various groups and individuals, including the VMI Alumni Association, author/historian Edward R. Turner, Henry A. Wise (VMI Class of 1862) and Benjamin A. Colonna (VMI Class of 1864). In addition to VMI cadet participants, information was received from veterans of other Confederate units, from Union soldiers, and from a small number number of eyewitnesses who were citizens of the town of New Market at the time of the battle.

The VMI diplomas collection consists of VMI diplomas from various eras. The oldest is that of Edmund Pendleton, Class of 1842. Contact the VMI Archives for a complete list.

This collection consists of one Civil War parole document (dated April 18, 1865) signed by Andrew Pizzini, Jr. This document is a typical example of the document signed by Confederate prisoners at the end of the Civil War.

This collection consists of items related to Erskine M. Ross, including:

• A certificate (dated April 14, 1875) that grants Ross permission to practice law in California
• A certificate (dated January 13, 1887) for a judicial appointment to the United States District Court, Southern District of California
• A certificate (dated February 22, 1895) for a judicial appointment for the United States Circuit Court, 9th District

The Harris W. Garrow letters consist of correspondence (2 items) related to Garrow. The first letter (dated June 9, 1904) is from Rose Pendleton to Garrow, in which Pendleton thanks Garrow for his contribution to the hospital fund. The second letter (dated December 2, 1916) is from Garrow to A. B. Thorburn of Liverpool, England, in which Garrow mentions the New Market Medal.

The John S. Bagnall papers consist of the personal papers (seven items) of Bagnall. Included are two letters (dated 1921) from Eliza Clinedinst Crim, the New Market resident who came to the assistance of wounded cadets after the Battle of New Market. The letter of April 20 mentions cadet Moses J. Ezekiel caring for the mortally wounded cadet Thomas G. Jefferson. The papers also include an 1862 VMI grade report, two receipts for payment of tuition and diploma, and an envelope containing two of Bagnall's calling cards.

The VMI historical appointment documents collection consists of notices of appointment sent to new cadets at VMI. The documents date from the 1840s into the 1900s. These are typically pre-printed forms on which the name, date, and other details are filled in by hand. They also include a list of supplies needed and information about expenses.

This collection consists of two items. The first item is a letter (dated February 14th, 1862) from Cadet Robert H. Rutherford to his cousin Louisa Henderson Perkins, in which he describes life at VMI and mentions Valentine's Day. The second item is Rutherford's prayer book.

This collection consists of one letter (dated February 17, 1862) from Thomas B. Tredway to his father, William Marshall Tredway of Chatham, Virginia. Thomas discusses VMI's daily academic routine, the food served to cadets (beef, molasses, bread, and butter), regulations, and mentions that the cadets have offered their services to Governor John Letcher.

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.