From James Madison to James Barbour, 13 October 1826
To James Barbour
Ocr. 13th. 1826
Dr. Sir
I have just recd. a letter from Majr Byrd C Willis,1 of Tallahassee well known to you reminding me that I was the medium of an application for a Cadet Warrant in behalf of his son George,2 and requesting me to intimate that he has still the same object in view: and that as his son, “is no longer a Citizen of Virga., but hails from Florada,” the former difficulty that the claim of Virginia had no room in it, will not be applicable. The Major has recollection also, of circumstances from which he draws hopes of finding favorable dispositions both in yourself & in Genl. McComb. I can say nothing, of my own knowledge, as to the merits of the youth in question; but am unapprized of any flaws in his character; and must be presumed—if there be none such, and the way be properly open for a birth at West point, to wish well to the application.