To James Madison from William Overton Callis, 9 August 1784
From William Overton Callis
Louisa 9th August 1784
Sir,
Mrs. Carr was informed by Mr Jefferson, previous to his departure to Europe, that he had requested the favor of you, to direct the Studies of her two sons Peter & Dabney in his absence. Should it be convenient for you to comply with Mr Jeffersons request, Mrs. Carr will be much obliged to you to inform her, when, and in what manner you would wish them disposed of. I am with great respect, Sir, Yr. Mo. Ob. & very Hum Sert.
W. O. Callis.1
RC (DLC). Cover missing. Docketed by JM.
1. Militia Maj. Callis (1756–1814), once a subaltern in the Continental Line, eventually became master of the historic estate of Cuckoo, in Louisa County. He was a justice of the peace and sheriff of Louisa County, 1790–1810, and represented the county in the House of Delegates for most of the sessions between 1788 and 1800. In 1788 Callis was a member of the state ratifying convention. His later politics were Jeffersonian (, p. 113; Harris, History of Louisa County, Virginia, pp. 23, 54, 63, 131, 442, 445). As JM made clear in a letter to Jefferson, 20 Aug. 1784, Callis had both of the Carr brothers in his custody.