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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.

The annual reports of the Superintendent contain a detailed account of the activities for each academic year. The 19th century through mid-20th century reports are an excellent primary source for exploring the administrative and academic history of the Institute. In addition to annual reports, special reports were occasionally issued to provide details about specific topics; and "semi-annual" reports were published during parts of the 19th century to provide the results of mid-year examinations and other mid-year updates.

This sub-group includes the following documents: Manuscript, appointment of the first VMI Board, 1839; James McDowell appointment, 1839; Alfred Leyburn, 1843; William B. Taliaferro, 1852; Arthur C. Cummings, 1866; Martin B. Wood, 1882; Alexander F. (Alex) Ryland

This sub-group consists of records of standing and ad hoc committees of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors. Historical documents include ledger concerning bonds, correspondence, reports, members' travel expenses, and receipts for meeting expenses.

This sub-group includes incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors or correspondence related to BOV business. Includes correspondence files for some historical individual members of the Board.

The collection consists of items related to Charles M. Figgat, who embezzled over $145,000 from the Bank of Lexington, Virginia in 1895. Included is a reward notice distributed after Figgat fled, 10 cancelled checks from local banks (1870-1871) that bear Figgat's signature, and one petition to the Lexington school trustees endorsing Jacob Fuller for a teaching position, signed by Figgat and other citizens.

Bound and unbound historical records documenting the operation of the Commandant's office and of the Corps of Cadets. The earliest examples date from 1839, the first year of the Institute. Items include: guard records, morning reports, demerit books, inspection books, permit books, muster rolls, record of events, penalty tour and confinement records, Commandant orders and memoranda, World War I Training Camp (1917-1918), ordnance stores (1858, 1861), George C. Marshall signed amnesty document, Scott Shipp correspondence

Includes Ledgers, vouchers, accounts, correspondence, and other financial records dating from the opening days of the Institute through the early 20th century. These records are a good source of information for tracing early purchases of goods and services; local Lexington and Rockbridge County businesses/artisans/craftsmen appear in vouchers.

This collection consists of two documents, including one letter from John L. Gilliat to Lewis D. Crenshaw (dated February 7, 1884) that discusses the status of VMI's debt to the company, and one bank draft (Canadian Bank of Commerce) payable to John K. Gilliat & Co. (dated February 23, 1876).

The Marshall McDonald papers (approximately 90 items) include primarily correspondence (1861-1892), notes, scientific reports, and documents. Among the correspondents are several VMI alumni and faculty members and Civil War officers, including:

• Scott Shipp
• Francis H. Smith
• Edward Cunningham
• Wilfred E. Cutshaw
• John W. Lyell
• James H. Morrison
• Mark B. Hardin
• Daniel W. Flowerree
• General Dabney H. Maury
• Hunter McGuire