Early Governors' Papers

7^th July 1803

Sir,

M^r Flatt is now with me and states that he and M^r Reiley have so far as depends on them ^have accomodated the business respecting the advance of money made by him to Reily ^[alloted?] by me heretofore and that Reiley is now willing to deliver him a mare in satisfaction of their contract. but that as some difficulty occurs from the provisions of the intercourse law, he request me to state my Ideas on that subject. I have examined the law and think that the only way in which M^r Flatt can be safe in receiving the mare is by licence [sic] giving Bond &c This license might be for [illegible a short period as the [circumstances?] and be so drawn as to embrace the particular contract which he wishes to make. He might then receive the mare and to take a Bill of sale from Reiley and make the return of the color siz e&c in the manner prescribed by law. The whole business might be completed transacted in a day or two, and [illegible]