Washington Attempts to Boost Morale During the Winter (December 1775)
As winter sets in, Washington urges the disenchanted to remember the cause of liberty and devotion to their country.
Lee Memorial School of Journalism Established (1925)
An account of the new Lee Memorial School of Journalism in the 1925 Alumni Magazine.
“Our University” Is Subject of President’s Smith’s Address (1924)
Featured in the 1924 Ring-tum Phi, President Smith delivers an address stressing the importance of character and honor at Washington and Lee.
Glimpses of the General Through the Eyes of a Boy (1928)
A letter printed in the 1928 W&L Alumni Magazine details a young boy’s recollected encounters with General Lee.
The Continental Army Succeeds in Canada (November 1775)
News of Benedict Arnold’s success in Canada reaches Washington while Congress authorizes the establishment of the Continental Marines.
Impressive Chapel Held Armistice Day (1921)
The 1921 Ring-tum Phi recounts a moving service held in Lee Chapel to commemorate Armistice Day.
Letter from William Preston Johnston to the Editor of the Washington and Lee University Southern Collegian (1874)
In a letter to the Washington and Lee University Southern Collegian, William Preston Johnston laments the post-war state of the South. He stresses the importance of alumni patronage and urges Washington and Lee alumni to devote their resources to aid the school.
George Washington’s Diaries: Volume III
In his diary, Washington details his visits to and the work of his plantations.
George Washington’s Diaries: Volume II
Washington recounts the Siege of Yorktown and Lord Cornwallis’s subsequent surrender in October 1781.
George Washington’s Diaries: Volume I
In his diary, General Washington describes his Native American allies and the capturing of a spying French force.
Mount Vernon in the Revolutionary War Era
Detailed is the life at Mount Vernon and General Washington’s desire to return to simplicity after the Revolutionary War.
An Antebellum Visit to Natural Bridge
An account of Porte Crayon’s visit to the Natural Bridge in Virginia.
A Presidential Defense of the Honor System
Former university president challenges law professor’s censure of Honor System
A Student Under General Lee
An aged alumnus looks back at the stern yet kindly leadership of President Robert E. Lee
Teddy Roosevelt Praises Robert E. Lee
An endearing letter from President Roosevelt commends the educational legacy of Robert E. Lee.
A Campus of Patriotism & Religion, c.1920
This century-old pamphlet fundraised for the “enlarging opportunities of the future” while celebrating the patriotism and religion of university history.
“Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee”
A century-old book review by William Taylor Thom, Class of 1869.
Abolitionists Vouch for President Lee
This highlight features excerpts from an 1868 pamphlet fundraising for Washington College under President Robert E. Lee.
Student Requests for Scholarship under President Lee
Four letters during Lee’s presidency from prospective students seeking financial aid scholarships.
John Robinson’s Exhumation
An 1855 letter describes the time capsule buried under the Robinson obelisk.