U.S. Mil. Academy West Point 9 Jany. 1854
General.
I have the honour to submit herewith an application from 1st. Lieut. Oren Chapman, 1st Drgns to be relieved from duty at the Mil. Acady. Lt. Chapman has just reported in compliance with orders no. 100 17 Nov. 1853 of the Army, & Lt. R. Jones Mtd. Rfls Has been relieved. I consider it desirable to have at the Acady. those officers who are willing, as well as qualified, to undertake the duty & on that account had in the first instance applied for 2nd Lt. R. Ransom, 1st Drgns.—On the same grounds I renew that application, provided his services can be obtained by Sept. next and in that event could either 2nd Lts. W. J. Magruder, or Robt. Williams 1st Drgns. Be assigned for duty at the Acady. till June. I would recommend that application of Lt. Chapman for favorable consideration. Should the circumstance not allow the detail of Lt. Ransom, I can only recommend Lt. Chapman to be relieved provided 2nd Lt. W. J. Magruder be assigned to duty at the Acady. in his place.
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, pp. 84–85. Addressed “Genl. J. G. Totten Washington City D.C.”