U.S. Mil. Academy West Point Dec. 23 1853
Sir.
Yours of yesterday’s date asking a leave of absence for your son Cadet Weed is received. I regret under the circumstances, that on account of the amount of his demerit, I cannot extend to him the priviledge of visiting his home on Christmas, which has been granted in some cases to Cadets residing in the vicinity of the Academy.
(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 “John K. Weed, Esq. New York.”