The delay you complain of1 has not been occasioned by me but by the Absence of Mr Lee from this place, first at Richmond then in Westmoreland & afterward in Loudon where he was obliged to go to avoied his family havg the smallPox—It was but the other Day I wrote him stating that I was fearful you would complain of me for not forwarding the Deeds2—To Morrow I will assuredly see him again & all in my Power forward the Business, Unwilling that any one should throw blame on me in any thing that wears the Appearance of delay I am truly Yr Mt obed. Servt