U.S. Mil. Academy West Point 23 Dec. 1853
Dear Sir.
In answer to yours of the 9th Inst., asking a leave of absence for your nephew, Cadet Nicholls, to visit you. I have the pleasure to inform you that I shall be able to grant him a leave of absence from 1 P.M. tomorrow until 7½ P.M. on Monday the 26th inst.
(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 “F. R. Tillon Esq. No. 70 Wall Street New York.”