To James Madison from William Overton Callis, 9 December 1792
From William Overton Callis
Richmond 9th. December 1792
Dear Sir,
I received your favor 27th last Month in due time: and now inclose you my own affadavit and a certificate from Genl. Wood, who commanded the Regiment at the time of my derangement; which (the Paymaster, Benjn Lawson,1 being dead) is I conceive the best evidence that the nature of the case will admit of. This compensation having been allowed by congress in lieu of all others subsequent to the arangement, I conceive that the money never was, nor never could be in the hands of the Paymaster or Colonel. These Vouchers being I hope sufficient, I hope to obtain the claim. You will use the method most agreable to yourself in conveying them to me. With real Esteem I am Dr Sr Yr. Mo Ob
W. O. Callis
I am not a little astonished that the Books I suppose, in the possession of the Commissioner of Army accounts do not shew has paid or not.
WOC.
RC (DLC). Addressed by Callis and franked. Docketed by JM. Enclosure not found.
1. Benjamin Lawson (d. 1789) was chosen clerk of the Prince Edward County committee of safety in 1775, commissioned a lieutenant of the Second Virginia Regiment in 1779, and married to Ellen Worsham of Amelia County in 1783 (, 1st ser., V [1896–97], 248; XVI [1907–8], 212; , I, 411; Torrence, Virginia Wills and Administrations [1972 reprint], p. 254).