Robert E. Lee to Joseph G. Totten

I submit, herewith, the Report of the Progress, Aptitude, & c of the Cadets of the Fourth Class who at the present semi-annual Examinations have been declared deficient by the Academic Board & recommended to the Secy. of War for discharge—The Regn. of the Dept. of July 2, 1852, requires that the Cadets found deficient, shall be returned at the Acady until the Report of the Board shall have been approved by the Secy. of War.

I have therefore thought it advisable to forward the particular report in their case in anticipation of the General. report of the examination, that I may receive as soon as possible the action of the Secy.- the 4th Class resume their studies tomorrow. These young gentlemen have been assigned to sections & Instructors provided, but I presume they will do nothing, & I fear will interrupt the duties & be of no benefit to the other Cadets. It will be a relief to them as well as the Acady. to have their case decided at once.

In obedience to the substitute, for par. 72 Academic Regns, Cadets Amory & Deveraux, having an amount of demerit exceeding 100 (165 & 134 respectively), since the 22nd July last, the date of the promulgation of the regns. At the Acady, have been declared “deficient in conduct” & recommended for discharge.

They are the only members of their class who have subjected themselves to this penalty, & although the decision of their case it not of such immediate consequence as the others, they have been included in the report of their class.

You may recollect they have been recently tried by a General. Court Martial. Should they have been acquitted of the charge & specifications & their reports for this offence be removed, their amount of demerit will be diminished by 16 still leaving it over 100.

I remain very resply. your obt Servt

(Signed) R. E. Lee. Br. Col: