• Type: 6-pdr Smoothbore "Cadet Guns"
• Tube Composition: Bronze
• Bore Diameter: 3.67 inches
• Standard Powder Charge: 1.25 lbs.
• Projectiles: 6 lb. Round Balls
• Current Disposition: Virginia Military Institute Parade Grounds
• Special Notes: These four "cadet" 6-pounders were designed specially for the use of the students at the Virginia Military Institute. They were slightly lighter than the regulation M1841 6-pounder and were mounted on smaller carriages.

Donated to VMI by Presidnet Zachary Taylor in 1850, these four guns were christened as "The Four Apostles: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John" by Episcopal rector Col. William Nelson Pendleton and the seminary students "because they spoke a powerful language". For years, students at VMI were trained in field artillery tactics with these guns.

At the start of the Civil War the guns were turned over the the 1st Rockbridge Artillery (then under the command of Pendleton). Pendleton loved working with these cannons and felt it was a "good sign from God".

The guns of Rockbridge Artillery saw their first action on July 2, 1861, in a small skirmish at Falling Waters. After first imploring, "May the Lord mercy on their souls!" battery commander Pendleton shouted, "Fire!" and a large body of charging Union cavalry was sent scurrying for safety.

Nineteen days later the Four Apostles were used in the fighting on Henry House Hill at the Battle of First Bull Run, and played a part in the repulse of repeated attacks on that position. The guns also accompanied the Stonewall Brigade on the winter campaign to Romney, WV, and were heavily engaged in Jackson's famous spring 1862 Shenandoah Valley campaign. The battery earned more honors at Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg. In May 1863, the 1st Rockbridge defended the heights of Fredricksburg during the Chancellorsville campaign. In 1864 the 1st Rockbridge served with valor in the Wilderness and aided General Robert E. Lee in stopping Grant's advance on Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor.

Replaced with heavier artillery pieces as the War progressed, the 1st Rockbridge was sent to the defenses of Richmond, bombarding the Federal army as it attacked the city. The Four Apostles were captured by Union forces at Deep Bottom as the capital fell.

After the war the Four Apostles were returned to VMI, and the cadets continued to train on them until they were retired in 1913. The Four Apostles were placed at the foot of the Jackson monument on the parade ground at VMI where they can still be seen today.

It is interesting to note that these guns, among the prized mementos of VMI, never participated in the Battle of Newmarket.