U.S. Mil. Acady. 28 April 1854
Genl.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th Inst. announcing the names of the gentlemen invited by the Honbl. Secy. of War to attend the annual Examination of the cadets in June next.
The funds available for their expenses in traveling & board while at the Acady are as follows:
| Balance of Appns. on hand, 30 June 1853 | $275.88 | |
| Appropriation for fiscal year, ending 30 June 1854 | $3000 = | $3275.88 |
| Supposing that the mileage of the Hon. S.S. Phelps will not differ materially from that of Jacob Kent Esq. declined the total mileage of the Board—28,274 miles @ .08 will be | $3061.92 | $3061.92 |
| Leaving available for their board & lodging at West Point | $213.96 | |
| The board & lodging last year of 14 members amounted to | $931.00 | |
| At the same rate for 16 members, it will cost | $1064.00 | |
| There will consequently be a deficiency of funds amounting to | $850 |
Please give me the necessary directions.
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. 102. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”