Thomas Harwood Esq. Richmond May 6^th 179[undecipherable] Sir There was a large sum of Maryland, Paper money which was issued under the authority of March or April 1780 left by an accident in the year 1781 in the hands of a M^r Wm. J. Alexander who sold as a [undecipherable] M[undecipherable] at [undecipherable]borough in N. Carolina after which I am informed that it came into the hands of a M^r Thomas [undecipherable] Ruffell lately residing at Charleston — this latter man has been attempted to be found but cannot, his wife now in Charleston says that he is gone a great way off but where she cannot tell — I am therefore suspicious that he may be in Maryland to dispose of the money. I give you this information thereby that you may be watchful that in case anyone should be known to be disposing of such money and that you may [undecipherable] me in this City and also the Board [undecipherable] money if it is seen advisable — and take any other steps that you may think advisable — and [signature] Pierce