U.S.Mil.Academy West Point N.Y. 11 Nov. 1854
Colonel.
I have the honour to enclose herewith, a copy of a Summons for Lt. Jas. Thompson, 2nd Arty., to appear before a Court Martial to assemble at Fort Moultrie S.C. on the 15th Inst. with the letter of the Judge Advocate enclosing it to me, & my authority to Lt. Thompson, to obey the Summons. As I do not feel authorized to order any officer from the Acady. on duty not connected with it, I request to be informed whether my letter to Lt. Thompson covers the case; or whether an order from the War Dept. would not be more proper in similar cases.
I am very respfy. 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. 147. Addressed “Col. S. Cooper Adjt. Genl. U.S. Army.”