U.S. Mil: Acady. West Point 19 March 1853.
Genl.
I have not recd an official copy of the Bill, passed at the last session of Cong. for the support of the Mil: Academy, for the next fiscal year. Some of the items for which I have seen in the public papers appropriations were made, the wharf especially, it would be convenient for me at present to make preparations for their construction. I would therefore ask your instructions on this point at your earliest convenience, for though I am aware that the appn will not be available till the first of July, arrangements can be made for its application more economically now than later
I remain very resply. your obedt Servt.
(Signed) R. E. Lee. Bvt: Col:
Supt: Mil: Acady.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 12. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City DC”