U.S. Mil: Acady West Point 19 Sept: 1853
General.
Having learned from the Hd. Qrs. of the Army, that neither Bt Major John F. Reynolds or Lt. J. P. Gauche can be detached for duty in the Dept: of Arty & Cavalry Tactics, as requested in my letter of the 1st Inst: I have the honour to recommend for that service the following named officers in the order in which they are given, viz:
| 1st Lt. Samuel F. Chalfin | 1st Arty. |
| 1st Lt. John Gibbon | 4th Arty. |
| 1st Lt. James B. Fry | 1st Arty. |
| 2nd Lt. William Silvey | 1st Arty. |
I am very respectfully. Yr Obt. Servt
Sigd. R. E. Lee Br. Col:
Supt: Mil: Acady
Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy
Superintendent's Letter Book No. 3, p. 53. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”