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Start Over Collection Valentine C. Saunders papers Date range 1843

Valentine C. Saunders papers 2 items

Saunders, Valentine C. (Valentine Cook), 1820-1894

The Valentine C. Saunders papers consist of one letter from Cadet Saunders to his parents. This letter is the oldest extant letter written by a VMI cadet. Dated November 30, 1839, shortly after the first cadets arrived in Lexington, Virginia, the letter provides a cadet's view of the newly established Institute. Saunders describes the following:

  • Arsenal
  • Relationship with Washington College
  • Method of instruction
  • Course of studies
  • An opinion (favorable) of Superintendent Francis H. Smith.
The papers also contain Saunders' copy of a published address by Francis H. Smith titled "The Inner Life of the VMI Cadet" (1866).

  1. Virginia Military Institute Archives

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