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.

Online Access

A full text transcription is available online

Preferred Citation

William Galt notebook, 1862-1863. MS 0362. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

William Galt was born circa 1841 and was the youngest son of William Galt of "Glenvaron," Fluvanna County, Virginia. He resigned his cadetship at VMI to join the Confederate Army, serving as Adjutant with the 52nd Virginia Infantry. Galt died on October 6, 1864 in the hospital in Winchester, Virginia from a wound received in battle.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of one notebook, (1862-1863) compiled by Cadet William "Willie" Galt, VMI Class of 1864. The manuscript reflects the concerns and interests of a wartime cadet and thus contains many verses and songs inspired by the ongoing conflict. A few of the entries toward the end of the volume were made by an unknown family member, probably circa 1865-1866.

The notebook contains approximately 30 pages of entries, including some original cadet poetry as well as popular wartime verses (e.g., Bonnie Blue Flag; Oh Weep Not Mother). Two pieces concern the death of Stonewall Jackson.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Confederate States of America -- Poetry
• Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863
• Notebooks
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Poetry
• Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet compositions—Poetry
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
• Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864
• Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century