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.
John Seldon Bagnall was born in 1844 in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1865 and was a New Market cadet. Later in life he became a cotton broker. Bagnall died in 1922 in Norfolk.
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John S. Bagnall papers, 1862-1921. MS 0219. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
A list of demerits since January 1, 1862 are listed on the back.
Ten dollar receipt from John S. Bagnall for his VMI diploma.
A 500 dollar receipt from Tazewell Taylor for the settlement of former Cadet John S. Bagnall's account.
Post marked from New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the public opening of a cave.
Dear Mr. Bagnall,
I enclosed a chip of our wonderful cave. I wish you could come and go out there with me. Col. Brown a very fine old Southern gentleman has opened it to the public and as he has barrels of money it will be a great success for the wonders of the cave and the old town of New Market. Col. Brown sent two men to take my picture last week. I stood in my flower bed as the pretty flowers will hid the old time worn face of your old friend.
E. C. Crim
Written from New Market, Virginia. Letter mentions cadet Moses J. Ezekiel caring for the mortally wounded cadet Thomas G. Jefferson. The letter also asks John S. Bagnall to visit.
New Market Va April 20th 1921
My Dear Old Friend. Many a long day has passed away since I have heard from you and I missed my beautiful greeting yo sent on birthday. I hope you are well and that yo will let me hear from you if only a card. Old age creeps on and much that I should do is not done. I wanted to write you and tell you that time and old age can never dim the love and kind remembrance I cherish for you and all the other dear old V. M. I. cadets. I wonder if you went to the burial ofyour old comrade Moses Ezekiel. I did not see your name in the papers sent me. I had a very cordial invitation from the Ezekiel family also on from President of U. D. C. but could not go as I am deaf and could not go alone. I was there in spirit and shall ever remember Ezekiel, not as the world noted artist but the little boy soldier that came to my home after the battle. He came in an ambulance with his wounded comrade in his arms. He gave little Tommie Jefferson the tenderest nursing, his own mother could not have done more. It is many, and many years ago but all so fresh in memory. The memorable day May 15 1864 is a mind picture for a life time.