From the Richmond Dispatch, 7/1/1861, p. 1
Richmond Female Institute. - This Academy of learning had its annual "Commencement" on Friday night, at the First Baptist Church , preparatory to the summer vacation. Essays were read by the graduating pupils as follows: 1. "Some must be Great," by Miss Sallie M. Brockenbrough; 2. "What Man has done, Man can do," Miss Sarah C. Freeman; 3. "What will the End be," Miss Bettie A. Leitwich; 4. "Influence of Beauty," Miss Kate A. Garland; 5. "Secession," Miss M. Lou Macfarlane; 6. "The Conflict," Miss Rose M. Sands; 7. "In Market," Miss Mollie V. S. Rowe; 8. "earth's Battle Fields," Miss Nannie Watkins; 9. "Delusions," Miss Anna C. Winston.
After some excellent music the Diplomas were conferred and the benediction pronounced.