Letter discusses an article Whitehead discovered while in Houston regarding a VMI Cadet Christopher G. Caplice and his commitment to honor. Whitehead found the article uplifting and sent it to General Walber (spelling questionable). Whitehead was in Houston following his son's stroke in August of that year.

Letter of thanks to Floyd Gottwald for his continued and generous support of the University, his monetary support has qualified him for membership in the 'General's Council'

Hotchkiss addressing the issue of coeducation. He is notifying the benefactors of the school of this impending decision and assures them that they will be notified immediately after the Board meets. Goes into detail regarding the actions and deliberations of the Board while attempting to arrive at a decision, and promises more information to follow

Writing to Libby and Bill Gottwald following Commencement, describes Lexington as experiencing the 'mass exodus' yet describes his busy schedule of University business, including finding a replacement for Law School Dean Rick Kirgis and receiving the funding necessary for a micro-computer lab in the School of Commerce, the restoration of Morris House, development of a new arts center, an increase in both applications and the Annual Fund. Yet Wilson also identifies what still needs to be done – strengthening of the endowment, the reformation of the fraternity system. Wilson finishes the letter with a personal touch.

Starts with a personal touch, remarks that Gaines Hall is open and occupied though adds humorously that 'we didn't remember to put a party room in the basement,' and Gilliam House also is newly renovated and occupied. Wilson makes it clear that the freshman class is doing exceedingly well, and also notes that the retention rate increases every year. Also mentions a fundraiser where campus fraternity Sigma Nu raffled off the President's office for a day and Wilson was forced to attend the winner's classes. Adds information regarding campus activities and financials.

Describes the beginning of Washington Break, updates the Gottwald's of the Board's decision to fix tuition at $8,900. Notes that after 2 years of coeducation, retention rates were increasingly rapidly and as a result the incoming freshman class would have to be reduced. Also addresses the issue of the decrepit frat houses, and the process and cost of renovations, but expresses his commitment in solving this problem. Notes that while Gaines Hall is occupied, it is not finished. Wilson also says that applications are at an all-time high. Believes the University is making 'steady progress' in its academics, including fellow academic benefactors and foundations that support the school. Finishes the letter on a personal note.

Describes the end of the year as Commencement approaches. Describes the reunion of the Classes of '38 and '63 and their generous monetary donations. Describes the keynote speech of Philippe Labro ('58). Also adds details on the sports program, specifically the upcoming national tennis championships. Notes that on the following afternoon members of the Gaines family will help the University dedicate Gaines Hall. Also goes into detail regarding his upcoming sabbatical leave and his trip to Oxford, and notes that he will leave the school under the 'able direction of the Vice-President John Elrod.' Laments on finding funding for the performing arts center

Writes as the class of 1992 moves in, and notes their transformation from facts and figures in the admissions office to enthusiastic and palpable members of the community. Wilson prepares for his departure to Oxford. Comments that he has found a checklist of items for the 1987-1988 year, including the completion of the performing arts center, the completion of Gaines Hall and the relocation of admissions to Gilliam House, the renovation of the 'Red House,' the acquisition of the Niekirk property, the unfinished fraternity renovation. Also discusses the need for reformed behavior in the fraternity houses. Letter concludes as Wilson signs off for his trip to England.

Wilson writes a letter upon his return from sabbatical in England, and his realizations while on the trip, including the comparative systems of education in America vs. Britain. Also touches on the 'faculty exchange' between Oxford and the University. Remarks that John Elrod has taken good care of the University and that the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts is 'well established'. Also notes the excellent condition of the athletic complex. Also lists other changes in the University – including the new Dean to the Law School, the fraternity renovation, the strength of the Early Decision class, and the results of the reaccreditation study

Writes just as spring term is about to begin, and remarks that he is still attempting to be caught up again with the pulse of the school from being away Fall Term. Grievously notes the death of Ashley Scarborough in a hit-and-run accident. Also notes the success of W&L's recent New York Party, and adds that John Elrod continues to lead the reaccreditation program, and the development in the Fraternity Renaissance. Notes that the numbers of applications are up, and that spring sports are underway.

Talks about the progress of the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts, and the overall development of the campus. Wilson also notes that the grand opening and dedication of the Center will occur in 1991 for General Lee's birthday party. That summer a new all-weather track was being put in at Wilson Field, which Wilson notes will be a game-changer for the university. Notes the impending arrival of the law school students and the dynamic of the class. Wilson also addresses the Fraternity Renaissance Program and marks its start in the months ahead. Notes the emergence of the Long-Range Plan, a 'blueprint for the next 10 years' and identifies a need for a student center or main gathering place.

Identifies some of the characteristic fall activities on campus, including Homecoming Weekend, the Trustees autumn meeting, and Parent's Weekend. Notes the success of both the undergraduate and the law students post-midterm grades. Wilson also expands on the new idea of cross-registered courses for undergraduates and law students, and is impressed by the work product. Notes some expanding academic departments, and the progress of the Lenfest center. Wilson identifies the need of increasing the endowment of the school. Addresses the U.S. News and World Report of the school's ranking.

Starts with a personal note regarding college football, and expresses his disdain for the business of college sports, and stresses the importance of academics and scholarship. He remarks on how 'refreshing' the University's balance of sports and academics is. Remarks on the speed at which the year has gone by, and notes his love and appreciation for the campus, a 'hypnotic combination of things'

Describes the Fancy Dress event, and the wrapping up of the admissions process, as well as the significantly increased number of applicants to the Law School. Remarks on the slow and steady progress of the restoration of the fraternity houses as well as the process of finding housemothers. Speaks of the endowment of the University in comparison to others, but Wilson says he has faith in its ability to grow. Comments on the repairs needed to the old folk sculpture of George Washington, but overall identifies the happiness and success of the school. This letter also encloses the endowment figures Wilson addresses.

Comments on the success of the most recent reunion weekend, as well as the resulting financial gift and projects. Goes into detail of the activities of the alumni of the University. Also notes the success of the tennis team and the lacrosse season, including the W&L victory over VMI. Remarks about the positive outlook for Admissions. Notes the start of the fraternity renovations, both the cultural and building revitalization. Finishes on a positive note regarding the University and the progress being made.

This letter contains no actual note from John Wilson, but rather is a photocopied article from Fortune magazine titled, Where the CEO's Went to College. The article identifies Washington and Lee as a school capable of producing executives and successful individuals.

: Comments on the rapid speed of the academic year, and the academic rigors of W&L. Notes that the basketball team is struggling despite a group of talented seniors, though he notes that the wrestlers and swimmers are doing well. Admissions are up, though Wilson notes that high school graduates are down. Remarks on the success of the fraternity renovations and the continuing effort to restore these buildings. Wilson admits that Lenfest is behind schedule in its construction, but promises that the opening ceremonies will still continue. Wilson also comments on the struggles of this year, including finding faculty replacements, keeping on schedule with fraternity renovations, but notes that the Annual Fund is off to a great start in that year.

Starts with a personal touch about the start of Washington Week Break. Notes the tuition for the 1991-92 school year, but explains that this figure may be impeding for some families and also addresses the scholarship endowment and its growth and priority. Also notes the importance of the overall endowment fund and the need of a 'stronger permanent financial foundation.' Highlights another impressive year in admissions as well as the caliber and competitive nature. The Lenfest Center is now open, and remarks on the overwhelming success of this new feature on campus

Remarks on the declining financial support of the University's counterparts, yet makes it clear that the University enters the 'new year in a vibrant condition'. Notes the sudden death of Professor Minor Rodgers, a member of the Department of Religion on campus. Includes an update on the landscaping of the Lenfest Center, the new addition to Lewis Hall, the near completion of the Fraternity Renaissance, and the donation, by Elizabeth Watson, of a collection of oriental artifacts to be housed in a new addition to the Reeves Center. Remarks that while the University has been able to avoid the downshift in American applicants, this may catch up to the University soon. Notes the importance of the endowment and ends with a personal note.

: Starts with a note about the weather, and tells of Oscar Arias's recent visit to Lee Chapel – the former President of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and identifies other noteworthy future visitors to campus as well as to VMI. Carefully notes the development of the Fraternity Renaissance and also reports on the sorority rush process, including the introduction of Pi Beta Phi. Also remarks on the record-setting number of applicant pools. Notes February as the start of the join kick-off for the capital campaign as well as the Winter Meeting of the Board of Trustees. Though it promises to be a tough time for the University, Wilson expresses his promise to stand by the principles of the University. Ends with the death of Professor Emeritus Jack Wise

Writes a few days after Commencement, and remarks on the high retention rate, around 90%, for the University – an indication on the bond students feel for the school. Notes the tragic death of Lisa Corwin and Wilson's upcoming trip to English with his wife Anne. Upon return, Wilson intends to fully dedicate himself to the success of the Campaign for Washington and Lee and notes the necessity of its success.

Notes the near beginning of the academic year, and the subsequent rise in energy level and activity in Lexington. Remarks on the strength of the incoming academic profiles, as well as the geographic diversity of both the undergraduate and Law School classes and the expanding football program. Wilson hopes that the University can demonstrate that athletics and academics are not mutually exclusive. Notes Dean Bezanson's speech regarding honor and civility to the incoming law students, and gives an update on the Reeves Center construction. Wilson gives an update on the fraternity renovations, as well as the continued undertakings of the Capital Campaign

Expresses his pride in the freshman class and the success of the recent Parent's Weekend. Remarks on the end of fall sports, and the significantly improved football season, as well as the success of the water polo team, cross-country teams, and soccer teams. Notes the upcoming project to bring the science building up to date, as well as the development of the 1993-94 operating budget. Also notes the necessity of a endowment to reduce the dependency on tuition but Wilson expresses his confidence in the success of the campaign

: Starts with a note about the weather and life on campus, as well as the transition from winter sports to spring ones and the upcoming Fancy Dress. Also remarks on the development of the Capital Campaign, the importance of contributing back to the Washington and Lee Community, and the reasonable progress made so far. This letter coincides with the height of the admissions season, and the higher acceptance rate of alumni children. Notes that the operating budget for 1993-94 is almost finalized, as well as the importance of the financial security of the University in order to maintain its affordability and distinguished place in American education. Finishes on a positive note, and despite a tight budget, notes the blessings afforded to the University.

Starts with a comment on the weather, and remarks on the continuing alumni colleges, and gives an update on the Capital Campaign and the increased alumni support and recognition of the importance of financial solvency of the University. Remarks on the rising price of tuition, though notes that this figure is still lower when compared to peer institutions and stresses the need for secure funding for the University. Touches on the search for a new dean of the Law School, and closes the letter with a personal note about his trip to North Carolina and expresses his wish for the Gottwald's to visit campus soon.

Remarks that while academics are seriously underway, Wilson believes that students will throw 'a Christmas Party or two'. Remarks that while the football team lost against Georgetown while playing them in Bermuda, they won in a number of other ways. Notes another record-breaking year in applicants, and the continuing search for a dean of the Law School. Continues to stress the importance of funding and the budget as well as the need for financial assistance for qualified students in need. Overall, highlights the need to secure a strong academic reputation for the University, and Wilson sees ample funding and development as the means to this end.

Starts with a personal note about the weather and the spring sports teams. Touches on the need for indoor sports complexes both for practices and games, but identifies the new science center as the main priority. Goes into detail about the new building, its location, process of moving, ect. Notes the progress of the capital campaign, identifies the new dean of the Law School – Barry Sullivan and gives details on his credentials, and remarks that applications continue to be record-breaking. Wilson briefly discusses the search for his successor.

Notes the incoming spring, as well as the continuing research of the Reeves Center, specifically the Chinese Export porcelain collection yet also touches on the lack of funding needed to adequately complete these projects. Highlights the Reeves center as an objective academic resource as well as a staple of the University community. Also touches on the influx of art being gifted to the center. Letter also includes a hand written personal note at the bottom.

Letter asks for a photograph of Bill Gottwald, the clarification is made that the University already has one of Libby Gottwald, to publish a book that records the names and brief write-ups of each of the major benefactors of the University. This sub-file also contains a handwritten note written back to Farris Hotchkiss regarding the picture as well as the 'Leyburn Library Dedication Panel Discussions' featuring Bill Gottwald as well as a typed note regarding the tape.

Touches on the weather in Lexington as well as the recent Reunion weekend, and commencement of both the undergraduate and Law School classes. Notes the three graduating Russian students and their academic success. Notes the dedication of the University Library as the James Graham Leyburn Library. Highlights some of the activities of the students and the campus as a whole as well as the recent success in the performing arts department. Also touches on the success of the spring sports teams and the ongoing process of the Capital Campaign. Mentions the absence of students but notes that the campus continues to be active with academics and summer programs.

A quick note thanking Libby for the picture of Bill she had sent along. Also clarifies that Libby will have the opportunity to approve her picture before it is printed

Briefly describes the recently passed Convocation and the positive energy of the event. Also notes the increasingly competitive academic pool and the geographic distribution of the present class. Notes the beginning of the end of the financial campaign and its uses for University resources and programs. Closes on a personal note regarding his daughters wedding as well as a note about the athletic teams and the approaching autumn.

Notes the anxiety regarding the approaching end of the fall term and the upcoming Christmas break. Wilson notes his upcoming family time over break. Also touches on a new school using the name Washington and Lee Academy in Atlanta and the measures being taken to cease and desist as amicably as possible. Highlights the progress of the Capital Campaign as well as the building of the science center and the exterior design of DuPont Hall. Includes an article regarding college presidency and notes that the University's traditions set it apart from other institutions. Closes on his faith of finding a wonderful replacement for the Presidency