[Col^o Troup a/c. Feby. 24, 1784 Gates. Copied] West Point feby 24 1784 Dear Sir                                                                                                     Paynes I have received your letter enclosing a certificate from the A^st Secretary at War ^testifying that you were returned in the service, classing the 31 of Dec^r 1781 and intitled to the emoluments of the resolve of Oct 21 1780 - but as I am acting for the public I conceive it my duty to make a further inquiry previous to admitting your claim - I wish, ^therefore to be informed what was the authority on which he grounded his certificate the former part of it must be supported by some public act, as the resolves which I did myself the honor to point out to you would otherwise have [been] of no operation and your Lieutenant Colonelcy be superceded by your other appointment I wish also to be informed what resolution you retired under - as that of the 31^st of December 1781 did not, nor has there been any resolution since that time which has promised the half pay to those retiring on that day. As Colo Jackson ^being a gent[le]men of great accuracy I must own I am mortifyed that I cannot find the after a careful research any foundation ^among the resolves of Congress for his certificate I have enclosed a copy of this certificate to M^r Carlton at the War office and desired him also ^{^} to give the proper information Col. Troup