U.S. Military Academy West Point 9. April 1853.
My dear Genl:
I have just recd. your letter of yesterday’s date, & hasten to inform you, that I know of no immediate necessity for a republication of the Register of Officers & graduates of the Mil: Acady, & should think you would be in sufficient time, were you to furnish the desired information in reference to Col: Williams during the summer.
It is very desirable that he should receive honorable mention in the next edition, & I therefore hope you will be able to furnish all the necessary data.
Your journal I am sure would give interesting information as regards the history of West Point, the early state & progress of the Academy, & the instruction of the Cadets. I hope its contents will not therefore be lost, but you are the proper judge of the best means of giving it publicity
I remain faithfully. Your friend & Servt
Signed/ R. E. Lee
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 19. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Swift 56 Exchange Place New York”