At the request of Mr. Wm. Lee I forward to the Office of Secretary of State the inclosed Bond for 2000 Dollars—executed by Mr. Lee, Elbridge Gerry Esquire and Myself—as security, for Mr. Lee’s faithfull discharge of the duties of his Office as Commercial agent at Bordeaux—and Which would have ⟨bee⟩n forward to the Office of State—at the time ⟨of⟩ Mr. Lees departure for France and was delayed only ⟨on⟩ account of the absence of his Friend Mr. Gerry at New-⟨Yor⟩k from Whence he but Yesterday returned. Wishing that the Bond may not prove very unreasonable, I am with high Consideration, The Secretary, most Obt. Servt.