James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Benjamin Aydelott, 20 May 1819

From Benjamin Aydelott

Corydon Indiana May 20. 1819

Hond Sir

The enclosed Bill of Merchantdize was bought by a young Man of genteel appearance reccommending himself as a distant relation of yours. Since the date of the bill he left this country (probably without recollecting his debt) without making payt if you have any knowledge of Such a man and can aid me in obtaining my Cash you will greatly oblige Your Very Hbe. St

Benjn Aydelott1

P. S. I Should not have troubled you with this enquiry but for my press for money to pay my own debts.

RC (DLC). Addressed by Aydelott to JM “Late president U. S. / Virginia,” and franked. Marked “Corydon, Ind. May 26.” Cover docketed by JM with his note in the top margin of the RC: “(Imposture).”

1Benjamin Aydelott owned a dry goods and drugstore in Corydon, Indiana (John P. Campbell, comp., The Southern Business Directory and General Commercial Advertiser [2 vols. (vol. 2 never published); Charleston, S.C., 1854], 1[pt. 1]:122).

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