U.S. Mil. Academy West Point Dec. 23 1853
Sir.
I have recd your letter of the 13th Inst., asking a leave of absence for your son Cadet M. H. Bell.
I regret the distance is too great to enable me to grant him the opportunity to visit you on Christmas & to return in time to resume his studies, which in some cases has been extended to cadets residing in the vicinity of the Academy.
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. 80. Addressed “Mr. S. Bell Esq. West Chester Penna.”