The last Post brought me your letter of the 10th Instt—and a former one handed me a line from Mr Lund Washington informing me of your application for the Bonds, & other Securities taken at the Sale of Colo. Mercer’s Estate; and of his suspending the delivery of them ’till he could hear from me. His reasons for so doing, I suppose, for I can suggest no others, were, not having heard from the Attorney Gl (to whose care he knew I had committed this business) on the Subject—and because he had received no Official notice of your having complied with the proviso in the Decretal Order.

By the returning Post, I desired him to give up the Bonds & other Securities; and Money if he had any; together with a list of such Bonds as had been discharged, and his disposition of the Money agreeably to the Order of the Court: And moreover, to allow you to take Copies of any Papers in my possession relative to this business; But, as the Accounts & Memorandums had been reduced to Specialties, and the Decree did not require them of me, I directed him not to part with these; lest, eventually, I might find occasion for them hereafter to elucidate any part of my transaction of this business.

As I have no doubt of your being possessed of the Papers ere this, I have only to add, that Thirteen hundred & Ninety two Dollars in Bills upon France, were exchanged at 35 for one by the advice of your Brother James Mercer Esqr. & the produce of them placed in the Loan Office of Virginia. This money was sent to me by Mr Lund Washington at the request of your Brother. This is the only money that ever came into my hands, except a few shillings at the Sale, for trifles. My respects and best wishes are offered to your Brother. I am Sir, Yr Most Obedt Servt