U.S. Military Academy West Point N.Y. Dec. 10, 1854
Sir.
You will proceed to the City of New York for the purpose of procuring specie for a Treasury Draft (specie being necessary for making payments to Enlisted Men on extra duty, Mechanics &c at this post, and not to be had at par in Exchange for drafts,) on completion of which business you will return to this post.
I am very respectfully 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. . Addressed “Lieut. R. S. Smith Q.M. U.S. Mil. Acady West Point N.Y.”