U.S. Military Academy West Point. N.Y. August 18. 1853.
General.
I have the honor to enclose herewith, a copy of a communication from the Police officer of the Post. Br. Major G. H. Thomas, 3rd Arty, reporting repeated violations of police regulations and orders. These offences, on the part of persons prohibited from coming upon the post on account of their notoriously bad character, have become so frequent and daring, that measures more summary and stringent than mere expulsion must be resorted to, to prevent exististing orders from being utterly disregarded and the discipline of the post destroyed. According to my understanding of the opinion of the Attorney General of the United States (Hon. B F. Butler) of July 13. 1837, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, we can drive of trespassers, but not seize and retain their horses, wagons, or other effects, introduced upon the public domain in contravention of police regulations. At a large post like this, it is impossible to guard every avenue of approach, and were the chances of eluding the vigilance of the police much less, these lawless people would still venture here if there is no other penalty than forcible expulsion. They must be made to feel the weight of military authority by confinement of their persons, or suffer pecuniarily by the imposition of fines, or the award of Courts. I have therefore to request that explicit instructions may be issued for the future guidance and maintenance of the authority of the Commandant of the Post; and that legal proceedings, through the proper channels, be instigated in the United States Court against Killiam Schneider for his repeated trespasses upon the ceded territory of the United States, particularly that of the 9th Ulto: when his wagon and horses, driven by his servant Fritze Bloutze, came upon the post in direct violation of repeated orders,
A copy of the Act to cede to the United States the jurisdiction of the State of New York to certain lands at West Point is herewith transmitted.
I am very respectfully Your obt Servt
Signed/ Geo. W. Cullum
Capt. U.S. Engr. Supt. M. A.
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 45. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”
George W. Cullum signed this letter on behalf of Lee.