U.S. Mil. Acady. West Point 18 Jany. 1855
Dr. Sir.
I have recd your letter of the 15th Inst. & regret to state that the information you recd. respecting the failure of your son to pass his examination before the Academic Board is correct. I sincerely sympathize with you at this result & had hoped to the last moment that he would have succeeded. I am glad to say that your confidence in his moral character has been sustained by his deportment while at the Acady.; & that in consequence of his conduct he has been allowed to resign, a certificate of which will be furnished him, stating the progress he made in his studies.
He left the Point this morning before it could be processed, & it will therefore be forwd. by mail to your address.—
His accounts have been closed & the balance due him with the usual traveling allowance, amounting to $34.54 has been given him.
Hoping that he will reach you safely, & that his recent disappointment may serve to stimulate him to greater exertion in whatever he may undertake & that his efforts may be crowned with success.
I remain with much esteem& consideration Your Obt. 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. 177. Addressed “Jas. MacManus Esq. ‹illegible› Bellefonte, Pa.”