U.S. Mil: Acady. West Point N.Y. 24 March 1855
Genl.
I have recd your letter of the 21st Inst. & am sensibly impressed with the kindness of your remarks & undeserved commendation. Upon completing the consideration of some questions in which certain Cadets are involved, & the proceedings of a Garrison Court-Martial of which Major Barnard is President, I shall relinquish to him the Superintendency of the Academy & proceed to close my connexion with it.—
Should I not receive definite instructions by that time, I will turn over to him all funds in my hands belonging to the Institution.
I remain Genl. your obedt. Servt.
Signed/ R. E. Lee Br. Col: U.S.A.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 193. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”