Administrative Information

Access

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

William H. Dudley Papers, mss 00007, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical/Historical Information

William Henry Dudley, the son of Peter S. Dudley and Eliza R. Saunders, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on February 27, 1856. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1874 and received a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1876. Dudley practiced law in Lynchburg until he moved to Washington Territory in February 1884. He continued the practice of law in the town of Sprague, Washington Territory, where he died on September 3, 1886.

Scope and Content Information

The William H. Dudley Papers consist of two documents reflecting 1870's VMI cadet life. The letter of October 5, 1872, from Cadet Dudley (Class of 1874) to his mother contains references to various VMI routines (declamation, drill), as well as family information. A VMI quarterly report (October 1, 1873) includes class marks, account information, and comments by Superintendent Francis H. Smith concerning demerits for conduct. Infractions included "laughing in ranks," "talking in church," and "late at roll call."