[Docket: Mr Osgood | Pierce] Richmond July 30^th 1787 Gentlemen A person this day from Charleston, informs me that Russell, who it is said had the money placed in his hands which was left with Mr. Alexander, was lately in Charleston that he has sold all the money to different people, and that he lives at or near Augusta in Georgia It appears to me very possible, from the conversation I had with this man, that he is in possession of a considerable part of it which he purchased from Russell and has now come on to make his sale and is to repay him on his return I have paid my attention to find out the persons holding this money before it was too late, and now I fear unless some quick & alarming measures are taken with them that it will altogether be lost — If Alexander could be found an immediate attachment of him, would be the most effectual way to bring the money back but I hear he is also in Georgia, a place so lawless that compulsary measures I fear will not be of consequence I take the liberty however to request that the Loan Officers of South Carolina & Georgia, may be instructed by the Board that the best possible measures may be taken — I am Gentlemen J Pierce [seal] Hon^ble Board of Treasury Richmond August 2^d 1787 Gentlemen — On the 30^th Inst. I did myself the honor to inform your Board that a man was then in this Town disposing of the Public monies which had been in Alexanders hands and was afterwards in Russells he sold him about Three thousand Dollars for sixty hard dollars for every Hundred to M^r. George Pickett merchant in this Town — he told M^r. Pickett that his name was Robert James that he & William Cooks of the house of Scarborough & Cooks of Charleston bought this money from Russell at Charleston about a fortnight ago for a small sum, that it was consigned to the care of Robert Taylor of Norfolk and that he believed that Russell has disposed of the whole, the man has now gone on to Maryland most undoubtedly to make sale of the Maryland money likewise — Last evening I received a letter from M^r. Neufville of which I enclose a copy, that the Board may take such steps as may be proper on so important an occasion