[Col^o. Troup] [Feby 24, 1784 Gates] [Copied] West Point feby 24, 1784 Dear Sir I have received your letter enclosing a certificate testifying from the As^t. Secretary at War, that you were retained on the service, drawing the 31 of Decem. 1783 and entitled to the emoluments of the resolves of Octo. 21 1780 — but as I am acting for the public I conceive it my duty to make a further inquiry therefor previous to admitting your claim — I wish to be informed what was the authority on which he grounded this 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which I did myself the honor to point out to you would otherwise have [an] operation and your Lieutenant Colonelcy be superseded by your other appointment — I wish also to be informed what resolution you retired under — as that of the 31 of December 1781 did not, nor has there been any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. SubAgent Jackson being a gentleman of great acumen I must own I am mortified that I cannot find after a careful research any foundation upon the resolves of Congress for his certificate. I have enclosed a copy of this [undecipherable] to M^r Carlton at the War Office and desired him also to give the proper information. Col. Troup