If you are a fan of V.M.I., here is a beautiful piece of stationary with a nice ALS by its famous Superintendent Francis H. Smith. During the campaign against Richmond in 1864, Smith’s Corps of Cadets aided in its defense. The Institute buildings that you see on the stationary were destroyed by fire during the war. The V.M.I. Cadets were most famous for their charge at the Battle of New Market.

Smith is recommending one of V.M.I.’s grads Martin Fletcher Tutwiler from Fluvanna County, VA. The letter is dated August 1, 1855. Tutwiler, after serving in the U.S. Army, was a Civil Engineer in St. Joseph, MO and when the war broke out was appointed Major of Engineers by the State of Virginia.

Condition of the letter is fine, with one tape stain from tape that has been removed. A nice display piece for the V.M.I. collector!

Va. Military Institute

August 1, 1855

My Dear Sir,

You are authorized today to the Secretary of War that you are a graduate of this institute, were a good soldier here & that I have no doubt you will make a good officer of the army. Should it be his pleasure to appoint you,

Yours Res.,

Francis H. Smith

Sup.

Mr. M. F. Tutwiler

Seven Islands

Fluvanna Co.

Va.

[ph:L]

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