[John Pierce Esquire Commissioner of Accounts [by Captain Sheldon] West Point [docket notations and stamps, partially legible: 4818]] New York 7^th January 1784 Sir I should have been very glad to have settled my account with the United States before this, but it is so uncertain when you might be at leisure to attend to it I will put it off for some time longer, for I assure you I cannot afford to make a jaunt to West point upon uncertainty— I request you to advance me notes to the amount of my Commutation as directed by the Resolve of Congress dated 2 June 1783. and send them either by Capt. Sheldon or some other person coming this way— if you will not chuse to advance me any notes till I make a final settlement why I must sub[mit], but if you can, you'll much oblige me. and I shall with pleasure acknowledge it. I am Sir your very Obedt. Serv^t. [undecipherable] Jn. Pierce Esq. P.M. Gen^l to the Army P.S. I conversed with many persons on the meaning of the resolve alluded to — some Gen. Officers and the Gentlemen at Head Quarters in particular, and they were universally of the same opinion that I was of when I last saw you. Indeed any person who is of a contrary opinion must construe the English language in some new manner that is yet uncontroverted to me —