U.S. Mil. Acady. 11 May 1854
It gives me pleasure to state that your son Charles B. Watson while at the Mil. Acady. was remarkable for correct deportment, gentlemanly behaviour, subordination & general attention to his duties. The certificate given him upon the acceptance of his resignation shows the branches of instruction in which he had proved himself proficient, & his separation from the Acady. was owing to his having failed to pass a satisfactory examination in Philosophy & Chemistry in Jany. 1854. & not to any misconduct on his part. It was a subject of much regret to the officers of the Institution, by all of whom he was much esteemed & considered.
I remain Very resply. Yr. obt Srvt
Signed/ R. E. Lee Br. Col:
Supt: Mil: Acady
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 104. Addressed “Mr. M. A. Watson Terra Haute, Ind.”