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 Sims papers, 1868-1871. MS 0475. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

John Sims was born in 1850 in Halifax County, Virginia. After graduating from VMI in 1871, he returned to Maxwelton, Halifax County and was a farmer there until his death in 1909.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of 14 letters (dated 1868-1871) written by VMI Cadet John Sims (Class of 1871), to members of his family, a VMI quarterly grade report, and other documents. The correspondence provides rich details of cadet life during that era, as well as personal news. Sims mentions many leisure activities and comments on academic life and routine events. The letter dated October 17, 1870 mentions viewing the body of, and preparations for, the funeral of General Robert E. Lee.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Baseball
• Correspondence
• Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869
• Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1870-1879
• Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1871
• Virginia Military Institute—Curricula
• Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century
• Washington and Lee University—History