U.S. Mil. Academy West Point June 21, 1854
General,
In compliance with a request from Gen. J. Watson Webb, I have the honour to forward herewith an application from him for a leave of absence for his son Cadet Webb, addressed to the Hon. Jefferson Davis, Secy. of War. It is proper I should remark that Cadet Webb had his furlough last year from June 17th to August 28th. That he is now a member of the 1st Class, is in Camp, and will soon commence his course of Practical Engineering & the duty of Infantry & Artillery Tactics. To grant him a leave of absence equally desirable for all his class, would not be doing equal justice. This & a regard for his own interests compels me to withhold a favourable recommendation.
I am 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. 111. Addressed “Genl. J. G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”