U.S. Military Academy West Point. 4th May 1853.
Genl:
In answer to the application of Thos. P. Treadwell Esq. for a leave of absence for his son; from the 20th June to the 10th July next; referred to me on the 2nd Inst: I have to state that the annual encampment of the Cadets commences about the 20th June. That the graduation of one class & the regular furlough of another, devolves the whole Camp duty upon the then 1st & 3rd classes, until the newly admitted 4th class is sufficiently instructed to share the burden. That Cadet Treadwell had his furlough last year, from the 17th June to the 28th August. That his class commences this encamp-ment, the course of Practical Engineering, & the study of Infty. & Arty. Tactics. That it would be unjust to his class & Corps, to grant him an indulgence equally desirable to all, & return them to do his portion of duty. And that a regard for his own instruction & the general interest of the Cadets, compels me to recommend that a leave of absence be not granted him.
Very resply. Your obedt. Servt.
(Signed) R. E. Lee Br. Col.
Supt. Mil: Acady.
The letter of Mr. Treadwell is returned.
(Signed) R.E.L.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 24. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City. D.C.”