C.F. Mercer (Brig. Gen., War of 1812), Georgetown, to James Monroe, Oak Hill, 1823 July 15

Geo-town July 15th. 1823
My dear Sir
Mrs. Monroe has been so kind as to send me an contract from your last letter in which you refer to the period at which Mr Lemon proposed to take your deposition. He was detained here longer than he expected and went away with the intention of giving notice that the Dep. would be taken in Loudoun on tomorrow or in Washington on tomorrow week being Wednesday the 23d. inst.
Mr. L. was to write to me at Aldie to let me know that the notice had been served and to cover for the use of the magistrates a copy of the notice. My detention here beyond my expectation when we parted will perhaps render my attendance in Loudoun tomorrow impracticable. It is for that reason that I now write. Should I leave town very early to morrow I may yet be able to attend at your house by 4. O Clock in the afternoon preceded with the Interrogatories. I do not send these because without having provided the magistrates they would be useless and in the event of the deposition's not being taken in Loudoun I will attend in person or by attorney to the taking of it in Washington on the 23d. should that day suit, your perfect convenience. It will be very easy if necessary to renew the notice for another day and at all events I beg you not to let the present notice interfere in any degree with your comfort.
I had the pleasure of spending Sunday afternoon with your family and of finding them very chearful and in their accustomed health.
With sincere regard I am Dr. Sir Your friend & St.
C. F. Mercer