Robert E. Lee to Joseph G. Totten

The Commandant of Cadets has reported that it is known that two Cadets were in the City of New York on Sunday the 21st Inst: Cadet Dwight of the first class, was reported absent at the inspection of quarters, during Church Services, & Cadet J.B. Wheeler of the 3rd Class, was reported absent from Eng parade. Neither of these Cadets, as is required by Regulations, have explained their absence, & when offered the opportunity of clearing themselves from the suspicion that naturally attached to them, of having been in New York, have availed themselves of the priviledge.

Cadet Dwight in consequence of his written declaration on the 9 Nov. 1850, approved by his father; that he could not conscientiously attend the Presbyterian form of worship, was excused, under the Order of the Secty of War of the 30 Oct: 1850, from attending the regular service at the chapel.

On Saturday 20th Inst: he was excused by the Surgeon from the performance of his military duties for that day & Sunday, in consequence of having skinned his leg, & obtained in addition, permission to visit a friend at the West Point Hotel till latter Saturday Evg. which authorized his absence from quarters till that hour. Should he have been guilty of the act attributed to him, he has abused the indulgence of the Secty of War, violated the confidence of the Surgeon & outraged the discipline of the Academy. It is painful to be compelled to expose such conduct, but I know of no other way of correcting it, or of inculcating those principles of manliness & honour which are the only safeguard of a Soldier. I therefore reluctantly submit this case to the Dept: & ask for the investigation applied for by the Commandant of Cadets.

The conduct of Cadet (Lt) Sill, the Inspector of the Sub division, in which Cadet Dwight is quartered, in putting aside his responsibility & refusing to answer as to the presence of Cadet Dwight at inspection at taps, which he was bound to report, is highly reprehensible & destructive of the confidence reposed in Cadet Officers. If taught to practice such conduct here, they may learn to practice it in the Army, which would put an end to its discipline & usefulness.

Cadets have been recently cautioned on this subject by the Secty of War & in his order of 6 Sept. last, were plainly shewn the line of conduct they were expected to pursue. It is much to be regretted that one of the high standing, & general correct deportment of Cadet Sill, should fail to see & follow it. Should therefore the Dept: think that a milder course would not correct this evil, & that it is not a case requiring the action of a Genl Court Martial, I must recommend the severe punishment of dismissal from the service.

I enclose copies of the reports of Major Garnett, which will give you more full information on the whole subject.

I am very resply. your Obt. Servt.

Signed/ R. E. Lee Br. Col.

Supt: Mily. Acady