Francis H. Smith

“ It was a most unpropitious day to begin the important work in hand. A heavy fall of snow rested on the ground. The work on the barracks had been delayed, and the buildings were in a most unfinished condition — without roof, and no rooms in a condition to be occupied except those used by the old guard. The Superintendent had to crowd the little band of Virginia youths, who had accepted their appointments as cadets expecting comfort, at least, eight in a room, in extemporized bunks, without shelter overhead. ”

“ There was a felt necessity at this time for a better discipline for youths attending college. There was also a demand for more thorough practical instruction in mathematics, and in science generally. Why should the Virginia Military institute be dependent upon Washington College for its course of instruction? Why could not the Virginia Military Institute, under its West Point code of laws, so wisely adopted by the Board, by a steady adherence to thorough discipline, and to a distinctively scientific and practical course of instruction, be to Virginia what West Point was to the whole country? ”

“ Sarah Henderson-Smith, on the occasion of raising the State flag by Adjutant-General Peyton, on this memorable day, the 11th of November, 1839:—
Our work is nobly done,
We have raised our flag on high,
A pledge is made at Freedom’s shrine
That speaks in every eye ”