July 26, 1854
Sir.
Having recd. no offers in reply to your advertisement for supplying the Mil. Acady.&c with Coal; & the time having arrived that arrangements for such supply must be made. You will proceed to the City of New York, and make the best terms in your power, upon completion of which business you will return to this Post.
Very respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
Signed/ R. E. Lee Br. Col:
Supt: Mil: Acady
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 126. Addressed “Lieut. R. S. Smith 4th Arty. Q.M. U.S.M.A. West Point.”