James Madison Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-06-02-0207

To James Madison from Edward Coles, 20 April 1813

From Edward Coles

Tuesday night
Philadelphia April 20th 1813

Dear Sir

I have this moment received a direct intimation from Dr. Barton, which I am requested to communicate to you without delay, that he is desirous of being appointed Treasurer to the Mint of the U. S. which has become vacant by the death of Dr. Rush.1

I have barely time before the mail will close to add, that the cure of my disease continues to progress as rapidly as Dr. Physick says I have any right to expect.2 I am now able and at liberty to walk over the greater part of the City. Altho’ I am still on a very spare regimen my strength and health improve daily. The Dr. says however that I must retain a good stock of patience as such diseases require a tedious time to cure.

I tender my respects and affectionate regards to Mrs. M. and all the family, and am with the greatest respect regard and gratitude your friend

Edward Coles

RC (ICHi). Docketed by JM.

1For Benjamin Smith Barton’s application for the position, see his letter to JM of 20 Apr. 1813. For the death of Benjamin Rush, see Robert Patterson to JM, 20 Apr. 1813.

2Coles was being treated for hemorrhoids. By May 1813 he had still not fully recovered and wrote JM offering to resign his position as private secretary to the president. JM did not accept the resignation, and Coles returned to Washington in the fall of 1813 (Mattern and Shulman, Letters of Dolley Payne Madison, 177 n. 1).

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