[From Lt Col H. B. Livingston / d. Feby 1 1784 — ny] [Address panel: Colla. [undecipherable] & / [undecipherable] office / best hereon [undecipherable]] New York 1 Feby 1784 Sir, I have recieved your favor of the 17 ult & am at a loss to account for your doubts respecting the propriety of my claim to Commutation — When Congress first determined on a reform of the Army, General Washington suggested the necessity of a future Provision as well for the Officers who were to be reduced, as for those who continued in Service. his Representation had the desired effect, & half Pay for life was given to the Officers who were deranged by the Resolutions of October 1780. This Emolument, it is true, extended only to those who were the immediate objects of that Resolution, but the reason & equity of the Provision applied equally & indeen stronger to every subsequent derangement, unless we can suppose that the Officers who continued in the Army untill eighty two were less deserving [strikethrough: of them] than those who had elided a year or two before — I cannot reflect on [undecipherable] the wisdom & justice of Congress as to admit the supposition — If therefore the Resolution of December 1781 will admit of two more Constructions than one, that Construction ought to be given to it, which will be most consonant to justice & of course to the Intentions of Congress — but as we differ in Sentiment, it will be trespassing on your time to dwell longer on this Subject — I only [undecipherable] is that you would be so obliging as to inform me whether you expect any Instructions on this head, and if you do not whether an application on my part to Congress or the Finances will be the most proper, either of which I shall readily make in the fullest confidence that neither the one nor the other will entertain any immediate doubt about the validity of my claim on the Construction of the Resolution in question — as this is a matter of some Importance I flatter myself you will be so good as to favour me with as early a reply as you conveniently can. I have the honor to be Sir. your most Obedient & very Humble Servant Henry B. Livingston [his Pierce Esq. [undecipherable]]