U.S. Mil: Academy West Point. 7 Oct. 1853
Captain.
You will proceed to the City of New York, & procure from the proper sources, data to enable you to make out a detailed estimate for the equipment of a Pontoon train &c. as called for by the Chief Engineer in his letter to me of the 3rd Inst: handed to you herewith for your information & guidance. After which you will return to this Post.
I am very respectfully Your obedt Servt
Sigd./ R. E. Lee Br. Col:
Supt. Mil: Acady.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 58. Addressed “Capt: G. W. Cullum Corps of Engineers West Point N.Y.”