U.S. Mil. Academy West Point 23 Dec. 1853
Gen:
In reply to your enquiry of the 21st Inst. in reference to the correctness of the extract from Major Garnett’s report of the 18th: I have to state that the words specified by you are correctly copied; & that you may know the reasons for the opinion thus expressed, I have caused the remainder of his report to be appended to the extract returned to me, but I do not consider it as a part of my report submitted to you.
CLOSING
(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 “Genl. J. G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”