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Lexington [Kentucky] 27 April 1833

My mother and myself have concluded to send my nephew James Clark, to the Centre College. He is a son of Col. James Clark formerly of Jessamine County [Kentucky]. We are desirous to ascertain something more than what is contained in your circular, and I have now written to obtain information. We wish him to labor, as far as it may be really beneficial to him, and perhaps he might find boarding at a little distance from town at some respectable house where he could have sufficient opportunity for doing so, even if he could not be accomodated at the education farm. Please to let me know whether a situation like that could be procured, and the terms of boarding. I think it very probable that I shall send my son Andrew over in a few weeks, also, immediately after the term of the Federal Count in May.

As to the books used in the preparatory class, will you send me a list of the authors used and the prices at which they are sold in Danville. There are several of them which can be procured here, I suppose, and perhaps on better terms. I have told my mother and nephew that I feel much better satisfied at the prospect of his going to Danville, because I can entrust him in a very great degree to your friendly attention and care. He is now seventeen years of

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of [sic] age, and is so far behind the boys of his age generally in education, on account of the removal of his father to Illinois and his pecuniary difficulties. Any expenses or responsibilities which he may incur in the progress of his residence at your college, I will be responsible for, particularly as I shall hope for your attention to him in advising in all such cases.

As I wish him to go over in the stage on next Tuesday, I will thank you to answer this letter by return mail in order that he may take over with such books as we may purchase here.

Your friend
Jn [John] M. McCalla

David G. Cowan Esqr.
Danville [Kentucky]

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10
[Lexington postal stamp]
David G. Cowan Esqr
Secretary of Centre College
Danville K [Kentucky]
ansd [answered] 29th [April 29, 1833]