U.S. Mil: Acady West Point 29. June 1853
Sir.
It is with extreme regret that I announce to you the death of your son, Cadet Charles W. Frank who expired at the Cadet Hospital last evg.
My letter of the 21st Inst; will have informed you of his disease, its nature & progress, which notwithstanding all the attentions & skill of the Surgeons of the Post has proved fatal.
He was attended during his illness by the chaplain of the Academy, & will be buried tomorrow evg with military honours in the Cadet Cemetery.
Allow me Sir to offer you my sincere sympathy in your deep affliction & to hope that you will find consolation in your loss, by reflecting upon his gain.
I remain Sir with much consideration Your obt Servt
Signed/ R E Lee Bt: Col:
Supt: Mil. Acady.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 37. Addressed “Alpheus Frank Esq Gray. Cumberland Co. Maine”