From James Madison to Edward Coles, 19 October 1822
To Edward Coles
Montpellier Ocr. 19. 1822
As you are about to assume new motives to walk in a straight path, and with measured steps,1 I wish you to accept the little article* enclosed, as a type of the course I am sure you will pursue, and as a token of the affection I have so long cherished for you.
*a Pedometer
RC (NjP: Edward Coles Papers); draft (DLC). RC docketed by Coles. Filed with the RC is a separate sheet with the following, in JM’s hand: “The Pedometer is to be put into a Watch pocket, fastened by the hasp, and the string passed through the bottom of the Pocket over the Knee, and hooked to the knee band or garter. The bend of the knee at every Step will then move the Indexes, which count units. &c &c.
When out of order any Watchmaker can readily put it to rights.”
1. Edward Coles was the newly elected governor of Illinois.