U. S. Mil: Academy West Point 6 April 1853.
Genl.
In obedience to your instructions of the 5th Inst. this day recd. I have detailed Lt. A. J. Donelson, 1 Sergt., 1 Corpl., 4 Artificers & 4 Privates of the Engineer Company, for the duty specified therein.
Lt. Donelson has been directed to report the readiness of the detachment to Govr. Stevens at Washington by letter, & to await orders at this place. I will see that they are provided with all that they require that can be furnished from this Post.
It was with some hesitation, in the absence of Capt. Cullum, that I selected Lt. Donelson for this service, but under all the circumstances of the case, I consider him the most available for the duty.
I remain very respectfully 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. 19. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City, DC.”