the class of 1842 graduated 16 cadets. living conditions were poor until 1850 when the cornerstone of the new barracks was laid. in 1851 thomas "stonewall" jackson became a member of the faculty and professor of natural and experimental philosophy. under jackson, then a major, and major william gilham, vmi infantry and artillery units were present at the execution by hanging of john brown at charles town, virginia (now west virginia) in 1859.