U.S. Mil. Acady. West Point 27 Feby 1855
Gen.
In the execution of the orders of the Secy. of War, communicated in your letter of the 26th Ulto: Cadet J. Sharp as you were advised on the 20th declined the privilege offered him of tendering his resignation. I endeavoured to explain to him that under the circumstances, his resigning would neither injure his case or claims; & that having no option as to my course, I should be obliged if he did not to discharge him.
A copy of the order issued on the occasion is enclosed.
In a letter recently rec’d, he informed me he is now willing to resign his Cadet appointment. But having no longer an appointment to resign, & my former action having terminated my authority, I do not consider I have any further power in the matter.
I should be willing to give him the benefit of his tardy acceptance of the option to resign; as the object of his separation from the Acady. will be attained, & be made more agreeable to him; but having executed the orders of the Secy. I consider I have no more right to alter the proceedings in his case than the others.
The application of Mr. Sharp is therefore submitted to you.
I am very respfy. Yr. Obt. Servt.
Signed/ R. E. Lee Br. Col.
Supt. Mil. Acady.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, pp. 188–89. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”