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Binghamton N.Y. Nov. 21, 1902. Prof. Lyon G. Tyler Prest. William + Mary College Dear Sir In your letter to the Nation under date of Nov, 11 in the following. “This carr[?] to the war between the States in 1861 when the College was destroyed by the Federal troops.” I was on the Peninsula in 1861 and in Williamsburg while the ruins of the College were still smoking, and was there told that the origin of the fire was doubtful but that the fire was started before the entry into Williamsburg of the Federal troops. As I took some pains at that time to learn the facts I have always supposed my information to be correct. May I ask you to kindly give me reference to the proofs that the College was destroyed by the Federal troops. Thanking you in advance for your reply I am Very Respectfully Your E.P. McKinney.