John M. McCalla (1793-1873) of Lexington, Kentucky, was an attorney and U.S. Marshall. McCalla's papers from 1812 to 1899 are available only on six reels of microfilm. They include correspondence from 1815 to 1870; ten letter books from 1829 to 1867; account books from 1849 to 1865; clipping books; lectures; and legal and business papers related to McCalla's activities as U.S. Marshall in the District of Kentucky from 1830 to 1841, attorney, and agent in Lexington, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C. McCalla represented clients in land settlements, pension and military claims, and estate settlements. Subjects include McCalla's church, Masonic, and political affiliations and activities as well as family affairs. Letters from military associates primarily relate to battle experiences and property losses, chiefly from the Battle at River Raisin in Frenchtown, Michigan, during the War of 1812; the Battle at Vera Cruz during the Mexican War; Civil War conditions in the St. Louis area; and seizure of pistols and cannon by the U.S. government in the 1860s. A more detailed inventory is available in the Center.