Collections

The Jennings C. Wise papers consist primarily of Jennings C. Wise's incoming and outgoing correspondence from the period 1910 to 1960. Included are letters dating from his years as Professor and Commandant of Cadets at VMI, from his practice of law, and from his retirement period in which he devoted himself primarily to writing. Wise was passionately interested in the history and future development of VMI and much of the correspondence reflects his ongoing involvement with the school. He often held controversial views and frequently expressed his dismay at what he perceived to be a lessening of military discipline at VMI. Other items in the papers include:

• Memoranda
• Editorials and articles written by Wise
• Circulars
• Notebooks
• Printed material
• A photograph album (1913-1914) documenting the retirement of the VMI Cadet Battery and the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market, Virginia

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 Moses J. Ezekiel papers consist of the papers of noted 19th century sculptor Moses J. Ezekiel, including:

• Correspondence to VMI superintendent Edward W. Nichols and others (dated 1867-1917), some relating to the design of the Battle of New Market memorial sculpture Virginia Mourning Her Dead
• Pen and ink sketches by Ezekiel (approximately 67 items)
• A typescript version of Ezekiel's autobiography
• Memoirs from the Baths of Diocletian
• Print material

The material in this sub-series is related to the Biennial meeting and conference.

This collection consists of the papers (21 items) of 19th century VMI faculty member William Gilham, including:

• Official Register of the Officers and Cadets of the U. S. Military Academy (June 1841)
• A VMI weekly class report (circa 1860)
• A dispatch signed by General Robert E. Lee
• Correspondence, including a letter from Moses Ezekiel (VMI Class of 1866)
• Photographs where the subjects are Robert E. Lee, Gilham and his wife, Libby Prison, and Richmond, Virginia during the Civil War
• Invitations to social events in Lexington, Virginia from the McDowell Family