U.S. Mil: Acady. West Point 27th Feby. 1855
Sir.
I have recd. your letter of the 19th Inst. offering the resignation of your appointment of Cadet in the U.S. Mil. Acady. & requesting a certificate of proficiency & progress in your studies &c. Being no longer a member of the Mil. Acady., I regret it is not in my power to accept your resignation; & having executed the orders of the Secy. of War in your case, I consider my authority as having terminated.
The Regns. confine the issue of certificates of Proficiency &c. to Cadets who resign, & I am therefore unable to grant one to you. I have however referred your application to Washington; & if so authorized will with much pleasure comply with your request.
I am very respfy. your 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. 188. Addressed “Mr. J. Sharp Kingston, N.Y.”