In the 19th century, students applying for admission to VMI submitted letters from parents and others in support of the application. This subject file consists of these letters, and includes both matriculating and non-matriculating students. Students who ultimately enrolled at VMI will have a more complete file in the alumni biographical files collection. However, students who did not enroll may have no other information on file.

Alphabetical

Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty & staff positions. Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster. This file only relates to a few specific positions.

Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions. Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue. For a full account, see 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147. One unrelated document from 1860.

Alphabetical

Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication; original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock, Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.

Examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute. This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members. The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy.

19th century legal documents. Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873

Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished. (See the book "One Hundred Years at VMI" by William Couper, vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).

19th century historical court martial and board of inquiry records. Includes bound volume, 1848-1854, containing early VMI Courts Martial proceedings, including trial of Cadet James Walker for disrespectful behavior toward Major Thomas Jackson (Stonewall), May 1852. One box, misc. cases, 1881-1898. Records of other cases are located in the Order Books.

Biographical, genealogical, printed material and other related information compiled over decades. This material is used as a reference file.

These miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal papers were once held by a Smith descendant and subsequently donated to VMI. Much of the material is in poor condition. The most significant items are 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited. The material also contains misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife. Two items were transferred to the VMI Museum:a pair of Smith's eyeglasses; anda small oil portrait of Sarah (Sara) Henderson Smith, his wife.

Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III. This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.

Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth. This material comprises his research material relating to Smith's personal and professional life.