U.S. Mil: Acady West Point NY. Nov. 26. 1853
Sir.
I have understood that Lt. Wm. G. Peck of the U.S. Topl. Engineers, on duty at the Mil: Acady, desires to be an applicant for the vacant chair of Natl. & Expl. Philosophy in Columbia College; & I take pleasure in bringing his name & qualifications to your notice.
Lt. Peck graduated first in the class of 1844, at this Institution, & returned to the Academy in 1846 as an Instructor in Natl. & Expl. Philosophy. In 1847 he was appointed an Actg Asst: Prof of Mathematics & has held the place of 1st. Asst: Prof in that Dept: since Sept: 1851.
In addition to a thorough knowledge of his course, & habits of industry & study, he possesses the art of instruction; & his success at the Acady. has given the best evidence of his ability & fitness for the position to which he aspires.
I have the honour to be With much esteem—your 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, pp. 72–73. Addressed “Charles King L.L.D. Pres: Columbia College”