Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 22.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

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[375] evolutions of whatever kind, and when the tactics are to be performed by such admirably trained troops as the Virginia Military Institute cadets, the feeling of interest is very naturally intensified.

It was not surprising, therefore, that a vast concourse of people assembled in the Capitol Square yesterday morning as early as 7.30 to witness the cadets go through the ceremony of mounting guard at the Capitol. Promptly at 8 o'clock the corps marched into the square, looking remarkably smart and soldierly in the close-fitting gray tunics and spotless white pants of their full-dress uniform. The evolutions were, to the majority of those present, as novel as they were interesting. The orderlies were marched on, company detailed, and guard formed; then followed the inspection by the adjutant and sergeant-major, after which the guard was relieved; the new guard march down to the armory, followed by the relieved guard. Twenty men were mounted on each occasion.

Here, as everywhere along the line of march, the appearance of the cadets excited the utmost interest and admiration. They performed all their manoeuvres with a precision born of discipline and careful training. Their bearing is soldierly and smart; and murmurs of admiration followed them all along the line.

The cadets were quartered on the second floor of the Habliston building, 905 east Main street. The military packs, which were ordered to contain a change of pants and brush and comb, lie picturesquely scattered upon the straw, which is arranged around the room, to serve as a pelisse. The arms were stacked down the centre of the room, and the washing-basins arranged at the end. The cadets were immensely pleased with their reception here, and spoke in the highest terms of the courtesy shown them by the ladies, and of the ball given in their honor at the Masonic Temple on Tuesday night.

Considerable disappointment was felt that the Blacksburg cadets had to defer their dress parade and exhibition drill until to-day on account of being detailed as the Governor's escort. The exhibition which will consist of dress parade, guard mount and drill, will, however, take place at Camp McBride, which is situated at the Lee monument, this afternoon at 5.30 o'clock.

This efficient cadet corps seemed to vie with the Virginia Military Institute corps for popularity. Whenever they appeared along the line they were greeted with the wildest enthusiasm, partly, no doubt, the outcome of an honorable prestige, but mainly on account of their uniform smartness and soldierly appearance.