U. S. Mil: Acady. West Point 17 March 1853.
Genl.
I enclose herewith a communication of this date to the Qr M Genl. of the Army in reference to certain saddles that were condemned last Fall as “unserviceable”, which I have to request you to forward to him. You will be able to see the uselessness of the Saddles to the Academy, & I hope will endeavor to have them replaced by others more suitable.
I have the honor to be very resply. Yr. 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. 11. Addressed “Genl. Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City DC”