Robert E. Lee to Charles W. Whipple

The day after the reception of your letter of the 5th Inst: I sent for Cadet Graves to ascertain if he had recd your letter to him, and what was his determination as to resigning. He informed me that he had rec’d your letter, but had not made up his mind to resign, but would consider the matter. I heard nothing more from him, & in the regular order of the Examination he came before the Academic Board. I am sorry to inform you that he was pronounced by the Board not proficient in his course of Mathematics, of which I entertained fears when I previously wrote to you; and deficient in Conduct. According to the Regns. on the subject; the Secy of War in approving the action of the Board, has directed his discharge. His accounts have been closed, & he has been allowed the usual allowance of transportation to his home & the whole sum paid him amounts to $127.99—he leaves here to day.

I am very sorry that he was not disposed, as it has resulted; to resign previous to the examination, as I am sure it would have been more agreeable to his friends, thereafter to himself. I hope however he will set manfully to work to complete his education, & that his present disappointment may by stimulating him to exertion, insure his future success.

Please present my kindest sympathy to his estimable father, & while I sincerely joint in the regrets he naturally feels on this occasion: I beg he will not distress himself unnecessarily, or allow his son to be discouraged.

I am with much esteem my dear Judge Truly your obedt. Servt.

Signed/ R. E. Lee Br. Col.

Supt. Mil. Acady.