U.S. Mil. Academy West Point 7 Jany. 1854
Genl:
I have had the honour to receive the letter of Capt. B. W. Arthur 1st Inst referred to me on the 4th Inst. for a report. Dr. Gilbert is one of the Asst. Professors in the Ethical Dept. & has charge of more than one half of the 4th Class in that branch of their course. To deprive them of his services before the end of the term in June next, would be greatly to their injury—should the service permit the detail of another officer at that time to take his place, he might if more imperatively required with his company be relieved.
He reported at the Acady on the 28th Feby. 1850 for duty & but a short time before his promotion.
I remain very resply. 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. 84. Addressed “Genl. J. G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”