U.S. Mil: Academy West Point 25 Jany 1854
My dear Sir.
I have recd your letter of the 23rd Inst. & regret to state that I know of no arrangement by which you could rejoin your former class at the Acady. The Regn. To which you refer, respecting Cadets discharged &c, still exists; and the Academic Board at each Examn makes to the Secy of War the report called for. It has been done in your case; & I am sorry to say their opinion was unfavorable to your return; in consequence of your inattention to Regns; nor do I see any prospect of their making a different report.
Although your separation from the Academy may be a subject of regret & disappointment to you at present, I hope you will not let it discourage you in your efforts for the future, or prevent your taking a position in the world, of which you are capable, & which you owe to your character & friends. If it will induce you to prosecute with greater determination & constancy all that is good, & to avoid with care & repugnance, what tends to evil, it will prove a benefit rather than an injury.
I send herewith a certificate of your proficiency while at the Acady & the acceptance of your resignation, & with sincere wishes for your success & happiness in life.
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. 88. Addressed “Mr. Arthur F. Deveraux Salem, Mass.”