The Local Board here informs me that they have written you in behalf of Mr. John J. S. Calloway, one of the registrants of this county. Mr. Calloway’s order number is 599, and his serial number is 861.

Mr. Calloway was married to Miss Janie Royster, of this county, since the 18th of May 1917, and he has lived with and supported his wife since that time, and up to the time he left to enter the service.

When his Questionnaire was returned, and before the ruling of Secretary Baker as to the burden of proof in case of such marriages, the Local Board felt it was their duty, on account of the fact that the marriage had taken place since the above date, to treat him as a single man, and place him in Class 1, and did so.

When this was done, feeling that, if he had to go, he preferred to select the branch of service he would enter, he was granted permission to enlist in the Marine Service, and he did so, and is stationed at Marine Barracks, Paris, S.C.

As above stated, he took this course, and his wife signed the waiver, solely for the reason that they were informed that the marriage after May 18th, 1917, could not be considered as other marriages.

These people are among our best citizens, and I know that the marriage was entered into in good faith, and with no purpose or intent, in the slightest degree, to evade the draft, or any military service. They can furnish abundant proof of this, if necessary.

Mr. Calloway is a man of excellent character, was constantly and usefully engaged, and was supporting his wife, who is entirely dependent upon him. They have no property or income, outside of the salary paid him. His wife, who is unskilled, has undertaken since his enlstment to get employment, and is now trying to fill a clerkship, for which she is unprepared, to help support herself.

While as above stated, Mr. Calloway entered the service voluntarily, and his wife signed the waiver that he might do so, it was realy “under duress” for reason above stated, and his retention in the service would be a great hardship on his dependent wife, and might result in suffering on her part.

For the above reasons I heartily endorse the request of the Local Board that you will do whatever you can to relieve this unfortunate situation.