U.S. Military Academy West Point 7 July 1854
Sir,
Your application to the Honble. Secy of War for a leave of absence for Alfred T. Torbert, has been referred to me for a reply. Though well convinced of the gratification it would afford Cadet Torbert to visit his home under the circumstances stated, the Regns. of the Acady. do not contemplate but one leave of absence to a Cadet while at the Institution; nor would it be right to extend this privilege to one, even under the reasons assigned, without granting it to all; in which case you can see how seriously the object of the Institution would be interfered with and the duties of the Cadets interrupted. Cadet Torbert had his leave of absence last encampment from the 17th June to the 28th Aug. & it is his turn this encampment for duty. His class are now engaged in the Study of Infy & Arty Tactics, & are to receive instruction in Practical Eng.—so that although he has as he states, completed his studies for the past Academic year, he has just commenced those for the Current.—I trust he will have more time & a better opportunity next year after graduating to visit his home & friends; & regret I cannot recommend the indulgence he requests be granted.
I am very respectfully Sir 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. 117. Addressed “Honble Gen: Read Riddle House of Repr Washington City, D.C.”