U.S. Mil: Acady. West Point 21 June 1853
Dear Sir.
I have just been informed by the Surgeon of the Post, that your son Cadet Frank, who has been sick in Hospital since the 10th Inst: has exhibited some alarming symptoms, & that he apprehends congestion of the brain.
I have thought proper to give you the earliest intelligence of the condition of your son, & the apprehensions of the Surgeon; & while assuring you that every thing will be done for him, that is in our power to do, to hope that his disease may have a favourable termination & that he may soon recover. He has been labouring under the effects of fever, which was supposed to be of a typhoid character
I remain Sir, very resply your obedt. Servt:
(Signed) R. E. Lee Br. Col:
Supt. Mil: Acady.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 33. Addressed “Alpheus Frank Esq. Gray. Cumberland Co. Maine”