You are bidding on a framed print of "Put the Boys In", by Don Troiani, one of the finest military artists of his century. Troiani has created a beautiful and arguably the most historically accurate portrayal of the VMI cadets at the Battle of New Market in "Put the Boys In". The original is an 80"X50" oil which hangs in Moody Hall at the Virginia Military Institute.

Print Size: 19X29 inches

Description of "Put the Boys In":

On a drizzly May 15th in 1864, a small Confederate force risked being overwhelmed by a larger Federal unit commanded by Franz Sigel near New Market, Virginia, in the Shenandoag. Suffering the combined effects of Union muskets and artillery canister rounds, the center of the Confederate line evaporated. Confederate Gen. John C. Breckinridge quickly realized his options: repair the gap in the line or fal back. With the young cadets from VMI as his only reserve, he hesitated, but then commanded, "Put the boys in," he stated, "and may God forgive me for the order." The young cadets advanced, cheering loudly, with many losing their shoes in the muddy field. The cadets engaged the Federals of VonKlieser's Battery who attempted to defend their position. Moments later, Cadet Oliver Evans jumped up on a captured cannon, madly waving the VMI flag as the cadets cheered wildly, having helped rout the Union force. Afterward, Gen. Breckinridge rode up to the young men stating, "Well done, Virginians. Well done, men."