General Lincoln Sec. at War Oct. 12 1783 In answer to mine of the 7th Commander in chief authorized to furlough chaplains [undecipherable] relative to Capt [undecipherable]’s affairs -

Public Service Colonel Pickering BLincoln Furlough Princeton 12 Octo. 1783 - Dear Sir, I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 7th by the last post. [undecipherable] it which relates to the chaplains and the medical department, should have been directed to the Commander in Chief, as you will see by the following resolve of Congress Feb. 20 1783 Resolved that the Commander in Chief be authorized and directed to grant furloughs to such of the general medical and [undecipherable] officers, and the officers of engineers whose services are not in his opinion necessary for the troops remaining in service. With regard to Capt [undecipherable]’s demands, give me leave to observe that I do not see any thing which can [undecipherable] hm from the depreciation of his pay. I think he should charge the public with his full pay in specie and credit for the money received at the real value of it when received. I am not as clear that he has a right by the resolves of congress to the commutation. He cannot I think obtain it without an application to that body, in which I think from their present [undecipherable] there would be little hopes of success. I have the honor to be [undecipherable]your ob servant Colonel Pickering BLincoln