Photograph of William E. Peters. No date.

Another former University student, Colonel William E. Peters of the 21st Virginia Cavalry, refused to carry out the order to torch the town of Chambersburg. He handed over his sword to his commanding officer as he had not enlisted to fight innocent women and children. After the war Peters returned to the University as Professor of Latin. Here he continued his contrary ways, by advocating the admission of women, the building of a gymnasium, and the raising of the student contingency fund by $2.50 per year to cover the costs of chapel maintenance and religious services. His respect among the students was so great that "Old Pete" was single-handedly able to quell a riot by the Washington Society, warding off their mass arrest by the local sheriff for a breach of the peace.