Mr Duncan, my Pay Master1 was unable to compleat his bond in season for this days mail, I enclose it now for tomorrows, to be submitted to the Secretary at war. I requested in a former letter2 your directions respecting the Person to whom his bond was to be given, but have not had the honor of receiving your answer thereto.

In your favour of the 15th3 you constitute me the judge of the sufficiency of the sureties & wish my opinion of those named in his bond. The first is his Father,4 an officer in the customs, & a respectable Character. The other, Mr. West5 is reputed a worthy man, of handsome property, who keeps a large bookstore, & carries on the bookbinding business very extensively. I should not hesitate, to receive them as sureties for that sum, in any private concern of my own. The Bond is drawn in my favour, if it is improper, please to let it be returned with your directions on the subject. A compliance therewith, shall be instantly had by

Sir your very respectfull Servant