More About VMI

Saturday, in the rain, we went on a ride to the New Market Battlefield, 'holy ground" for all VMI cadets and alumni for it was here that the "New Market" cadets from VMI made a name for themselves on 14 May, 1864.  Called upon by Confederate General John C Breckinridge, the VMI cadets (over half of whom were "rats" or first year cadets) marched 81 miles to join in the engagement.

A New Market Day ceremony is an annual observance held at VMI in front of the monument "Virginia Mourning Her Dead." The names of all of the cadets in the Corps of 1864 are inscribed on the monument, and six of the ten cadets who died are buried at this site. The ceremony features the roll call of the names of the cadets who lost their lives at New Market, a custom that began in 1887. The name of each cadet who died is called, and a representative from the same company in today's Corps answers, "Died on the Field of Honor, Sir." A 3 volley salute is executed by a cadet honor guard, followed by an echoing, solemn version of Taps played over the parade ground. To culminate this ceremony, the entire Corps passes "Virginia Mourning Her Dead" in review.

Annually, the newly matriculated Rat Mass travels to the battlefield and recreates the charge of the VMI Cadets across the "Field of Lost Shoes." Four days prior to that, a march team consisting of first classmen (seniors) representing all companies and cadet government organizations depart from the VMI and march the 81 miles.

The service of the Corps of Cadets during the 1864 Battle of New Market marks the only time in the nation's history when an entire student body fought as a unit in pitched battle. That service entitles VMI cadets to parade with fixed bayonets.

Quite a moving story.

While there, Colonel Gibson, who conducted the tour told me he remembered a New Market cadet that had a connection to PMC.  We went to the book store and consulted "Virginia Military Institute Cadets at New Market" and found Jonathan Edward Woodbridge. I quote:

Born Jan 16, 1844. When he was a second classmen he was cadet sergeant major, the highest ranking noncommissioned officer in the corps and in that capacity served in the battle of New Market. 

" 'At-ten-tion-n-n! Battalion forward! Guide Center-r-r' shouted Shipp (Lt. Col. Commandant of Cadets) and up the slope we started.  Fromt he left of the line, Sergeant-Major Woodbridge ran out and posted himself forty paces in advance of the colors, as directing guide, as if we had been upon drill-ground.  That boy would have remained there, had not Shipp ordered him back to his post; for this was no dress parade."

Woodbridge later wrote:

On Saturday night, April 1, 1865, the cadets were called from their barracks in Richmond (having been evacuated there) to go on the lines below the city, taking place of Lee's veterans who had been withdrawn to the south side of the river.  As adjutant of the corps, I took out the last order to evacuate the lines below Richmond.  After marching into the city Sunday night to our barracks, we were disbanded and told to take care of ourselves....I with several other cadets started at midnight to make our way to join Genl. Lee. I got up to the army at Appomattox late Saturday evening.  On Sunday morning I learned of the probability of surrender, so went to Lynchburg, thinking a stand might be made there. 

The autumn of 1865 (September) ( went to Chester, Penna., entering the shipbuilding yard of Reany Son & Archbold...covering a period of 20 years.  In a885 I entered the US Government service in a civil capacity.  For forty years I was employed as naval architect and mechanical engineer during which time I was engaged in the construction of many of the largest and finest vessels of the American Merchant Marine, as well as most of the great fighting ships of the United States navy.

On May 23, 1876 I married Louise, only daughter of John O. Deshong, a wealthy and influential citizen of Chester.  In April of 1905 I retired from active work and have devoted my time to my private affairs and travel."

The books ends his entry: :He is not living at 1401 Potter Street."

Check out the pictures.  PMC cadets will remember this house!
http://www.oldchesterpa.com/woodbridge_home.htm

Here are a couple photos of in John:
http://www.oldchesterpa.com/biographies/woodbridge_jonathan_edwards.htm

Small world!