No addressee but most likely to son Fitzhugh 
   
West Point 3 March 1853 
   
Why horse, are you hors de combat?  You must get out of that I pray you.  It makes one feel bad all over & I cannot see the humour of it!  Bathe your wrist in cold water frequently & do not use it if you can avoid it.  I hope however, it is well again & that you will be able to tell us so in your next.  If you cannot write, you must get Elwyn or Miss Helen P__ or Mrs H. Stanton to tell us how you are.  I hear you have been to see you new cousin Miss Campbell, but you have never told me anything about her.  How is that?  Your mother has told you all the news, except that we are expecting your Uncle Childe from Paris about the middle of the month.  We ought to have you here to speak french with him.  He is coming in alone & will come directly up here from New York.  He does not purpose staying long in this country, & after remaining with us a while, will go to Boston & I presume after paying a visit to his mother will embark directly to Liverpool.  I heard from your Aunt Lucy last week.  They are well at Brookfield & enjoying cornbread & chicken.  The wonders of the world were growing finely & Polly push on & Margaret keepup were as flourishing as (page 2) usual. My cadet horse is fine.  I have not seen him since last Saturday, but he was then driving as usual.  Corny is improving & was transferred last Saturday to a higher section in Mathematics.  The rest of the fine fellows, in their opinion are doing as well as possible.  I took a ride yesterday  afternoon with my little horse.  It worked his white __?__ to get through the mud.  Grace stomped all around him, & would have stomped over him if I had let her.  We rode 10 miles.  It was excessively muddy, & gave us no pleasure except the exercise of ourselves & horses.  I am glad to hear you are studying hard.  Push on.  Spring will be upon us soon now & then comes summer & the holy days.  If you require another Dictionary, you must get one.  Mr. Peugnot, or your Latin teacher can tell you better than I can whether another is necessary.  Consult them & also as to what dictionary is best.  I have been thinking over my last visit to you.  I wish I could take another doz oysters with you.  They are the only ones I have eaten in New York for a long time.  I do not know when I shall be down again.  Not before April I expect.  Remember me to Mr. Peugnot & all friends & believe me always your affectionate father 
R E Lee