Episode 36: Cadet CPT Frank Preston and the VMI Cadets at the Battle of New Market

At the Battle of New Market, 15 May 1864, Cadet Captain Frank Preston and the Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute, as an infantry battalion, marched north from Lexington to the town of New Market Virginia, where they joined the Confederate Army under MG Breckenridge. Initially placed in a reserve linethey advanced across the muddy fields north of New Market. After a failed Union Advance, CPT Preston and the VMI Cadets filled a gap between two regiments. Now in the front rank, they prepared to charge across a muddy field north of the Bushong House.

Picture Credit of CPT Frank Preston to Historic Smithfield at www.historicsmithfield.org.

Sources used for this episode:

V.M.I New Market Cadet. The Battle of New Market and The Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute May 15, 1864. 1914. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101065096610&seq=3.

Davis, George B., Perry, Leslie J., Kirkley, Joseph W. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 37, pt. 1: Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1891. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077728289&view=1up&seq=5.

“College of William and Mary.” Norfolk Virginian, September 4, 1869. https://www.newspapers.com/image/604908452/.

“Death of An Esteemed Gentleman.” Norfolk Virginian, November 22, 1869. https://www.newspapers.com/image/604914261/.