U.S. Mil. Academy West Point 20 Jany. 1854
Sir.
I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 14th Inst. in reference to the application of Mr. Herbert of Alabama for the appointment of cadet at the Mil. Acady. It would give me great pleasure to aid him in his wishes, but you will see by the Accompg. Copy of the Regs. of the War Dept. on the Subject, that the member of Congress representing his District, has the appointment in his own hands & that nothing I can do will be of any avail.
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. 87. Addressed “Hon. W. M. Boyce, Ho. of Repr. Washington City D.C.”