Francis H. Smith

“ The influence of the institution is already felt in the Washington College, which, at its reopening, a few days ago, received an accession of twenty students already, and probably ai have not yet arrived. There is a general feeling all over the State, and even abroad, favorable to our infant school.
The Board has fixed the 11th day of November for the opening of the Institute, when we expect, all, collectively and individually, the pleasure of meeting you. ”

“ If none offer combining all the qualifications desired by the Board, such an officer might be chosen as will be well qualified to render you the most efficient assistance, especially in the incipiency of the institution. Probably your acquaintance among the graduates of West Point may afford you facilties in the furtherance of this object, possessed by no other member of the Institute.
We have now appointed twenty regular cadets, and thirteen paying cadets, which is the complement that our present buildings can accommodate. ”

“ The only connection which is expected to exist between Washington College and the Virginia Military Institute is that the students of the latter will be permitted to attend, upon payment of fees, the classes of the Professor of Natural Science in College. This privilege will be reciprocated upon the same terms by the Institute. The Mathematical Professor could not, however, expect any considerable addition to his salary from this source, as the College, of course, supplies its own instruction in Mathematics. Possibly he might receive some students of Civil Engineering. ”

“ We are very desirous to set the institution into operation on the 7th of September next, that our sessions may correspond with those of Washington College, which begin at that time of the year. The State appropriation is a permanent one of $6,000 per annum, out of which the salaries are to be paid, the allowance made to the cadets, etc., and for a few years at least $1,000 a year must be appropriated to building. ”

“ Add to this that the field of usefulness is an important one, which will be occupied by one who will preside over the opening of such an institution, and of course in an important degree will determine its future character. ”

“ The College does not teach the Modern Languages, and, therefore, this Professor in the Institute would doubtless be attended by many of the students from College. It is expected that the State will pay fees of the cadets who will attend the classes at College.
The minimum and maximum number of cadets is fixed by law at twenty and forty, and we expect to commence with the minimum. To each of the cadets will be allowed enough to pay his board, washing, fuel, etc., perhaps from $100 to $120 per annum; leaving his clothing as the only expense of his course. ”

“ The duties of the professorship will be instruction in a thorough course of Mathematics, especially as applied to Civil and Military Engineering, and the exercising the cadets in military tactics. Besides this professorship there will be one of Modern Languages. There will also be made arrangements with Washington College by which the students of one institution may have the benefits of instruction in the other, and taking the two together the collegiate course will be very complete. ”

“ There will be twenty or twenty-five cadets admitted into the institution (the name of the institution will be The Virginia Military Institute) to be supported at the expense of the State, and formed into a military corps for the defense of the Public Arms deposited at the Arsenal. The salary of the Commandant is expected to be $1,500 per annum, and the house in which the Captain at present lives will also be his, a neat and commodious building. ”

“ There are other points, such as the clothing, uniforms, music, etc., which require consideration, and to aid me in the proper arrangement of which I had proposed visiting West Point. To do this my salary should commence immediately on entering upon these duties, say the 1st of October. I should also add that before the cadets are received many important arrangements are required for their comfort and organization, all of which will require time and my presence in Lexington. ”

“ The muskets and equipments will be obtained from the U. S. Government free of charge. It will consequently be sufficient to apply for them in the proper quarter, and correspond with General Peyton, if necessary, on the subject. ”