1862 March 18 Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va.

Va. Military Institute
Mar. 18 1862

My dear John[Bowdoin Cocke]
I have just recd your letter, &
since its receipt I see the legislature
was about passing a bill for exempts
which will relieve either you or your
overseer or both. Certain it is, that
the best interests of the state would be
compromised, unless some such bill
is passed, & I take it for granted
it will be done.

If you have to go into the service, I
would advise you to try & raise
an independent company, or to
go into one alredy raised, by
adding some 50 reenlists...
Your education & experience ought
to be much of importance to any

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company of either arm. The present
militia is so democratic in its
operations,that nothing can be
done except in this way.

I am glad to see that your mother
was well enough to go to your
grand father. Give my love
to her & to all your family.

I write in great haste: & am very truly
Yr friend
F.H. Smith
Let me know what you finally
determine to do.
JHS

MSS 640

Francis Henney Smith, 1812-1890, was the first superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, 1839-1899, and author of several books on algebra and geometry.