Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

John P. Bowyer letter of recommendation, 1847 September 18. MS 0162. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

John Preston Bowyer was born circa 1829. He graduated VMI in 1849 and then served with United States Volunteers in the Mexican War. He died in 1849 at sea while in route to California.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of one letter (dated September 18, 1847) from VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith to General E. C. Carrington. The letter recommends a United States Army commission for John P. Bowyer. Bowyer had volunteered for service in the Mexican War, in which he subsequently served.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bowyer, John P. (John Preston), 1829?-1849
• Correspondence
• Letters of recommendation
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849
• Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1849