James Monroe, Albemarle, to [?], 1802 November 22

Albemarle Novr 22. 1802.
Dear Sir
I am compelled to sit out to Richmond in the morning or wod. immediately call on you. It is very much my wish to render you and yr. family any service in my power especially at a crisis so interesting to you. Unfortunately my own situation leaves but little in my power, relative to which it wod. be improper to say any thing in reply to yr. application. To pay any money or become responsible for the payment in a short time utterly exceeds my abilities. anxious however to yield what aid I can I shod. come up were I not unwell, and sensible that the ride wod. disable me from going down tomorrow, let me therefore request you to come down immediately on the rect. of this. I can give you a bed, and beg to assure you that if I can relieve you or gain you time for the sums you mention, that is the 75£ to Gilmer & 54. to Wells I shall certainly do it. To Shelby I am indebted & have been for several years & feel a repugnance to any further engagment to him. But as I expect you will come down in consideration of my being abt. to depart tomorrow I shall only assure you of my sincere friendship.
Jas. Monroe