VMI Cadet Artillery

VMI had four six pounder cannon for training in the 1850's -60's. Thomas J. Jackson was the artillery instructor. He was lackluster in the classroom. The guns first saw action at Manassas Junction or as the Yankees call it Bull Run Creek. (the South named battles for nearby towns etc while the Union named them by landmarks.) At Manassas the guns were commanded by Capt. Wm. Pendleton who would command the Artillery Corps for the Army of Northern Virginia. Pendleton an Episcopal Priest named the four pups - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John because
they spoke a strong gospel.