From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 25 December 1782

By the last Post I recd a letter from Mr Lund Washington (who lives at my Seat, & takes care of my business in Virginia) Inclosing a Letter from Jno. Francis Mercer Esqr. to him, with a decree of the High Court of Chancery in Virginia ordering the Bonds &ca in my hands to be delivered to the Said Mr Mercer who was required to give Bond & sufficient Security to comply with certain Provisos. in the Decree. Mr Washington never having heard from you on the Subject; nor having—I presume—any official, or authentic notice that the requisites of the decree had been complied with on the part of Mr Mercer refused to deliver the Bonds till he had my orders for it. As it is much my wish to get quit of this business, I have, by this Post, directed him to give up the Bonds. &ca agreably to the Decree if you should inform him that Security has been given, and should advise him thereto.

I have now, My dear Sir, to request the favor of you to give your Sentiments to Mr Lund Washington on these points, by the first Post after this reaches your hand, who is directed to govern himself by them that as little interruption as possible may be given to the business. If they are to give up the Bonds &ca be so good as to let Mr Jno. Mercer (if he should be at Richmd from whence his Letter to Mr L. W—n was dated) know it that no delay that can be avoided may take place. With the greatest esteem & regard I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt