J. Madison with his best respects to Col: Coles, requests the favor of him to have the enclosed delivered to his brother, if in the neighbourhood. Should he have left it, and be out of immediate reach, Col C. will be so obliging as to return it to me, with a notice of the most expedient address for a letter to his brother.

[printer’s fist] The enclosed letter contains a check on the B. Bank of Virginia at Fredericksburg, for the debt of J. M. due to Govr. Coles, say 2000$, and some interest. Should Col C. be authorised to receive the payment, he will please open the letter and let me know what may be further requisite on my part.