Tag Archives: Francis H. Smith

VMI Cadets at McDowell: “War was not a pastime”

Posted on May 8, 2022 by Sarah Kay Bierle

When were the Virginia Military Institute Cadets (VMI) called to join a Confederate army as reserves? The most obvious answer is: May 1864 for the battle of New Market. But did you know that “Stonewall” Jackson himself “called out the … Continue reading →

Posted in 160th Anniversary, Battles, Campaigns | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A “Melancholy Suicide”: The Death of Brigadier General Philip St. George Cocke

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Frank Jastrzembski

On December 26, 1861, Confederate Brigadier General Philip St. George Cocke’s wife, Sallie, reluctantly left her home that Thursday evening to attend a neighbor’s party. The general had not been well since returning home, suffering from a mental breakdown. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership--Confederate, Personalities | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments