[West Point Mrs Colburn's March 8^th 1784 [Copy]] [...Thomas Colburn B. N. H. who died Sep 20. 77 of wounds] West Point March 8. 1784 Madame, In answer to your favor of the 26^th Ulto. I beg leave to refer you to the Resolves of Congress providing for the Families of Officers killed in the Service — the first is of August 17. 1779. wherein it was resolved. "that it be & is hereby recommended to the several States to make such Provision for the Widows of such of their officers [undecipherable] their soldiers [en]listed for this war, as have died in the service as shall secure to them the amount of that [half] for [the] advancement of which their husbands [be?] doubly laid down their lives" and the other is of August 26. 1780 wherein it is resolved "that the resolution of May 15. 1778 granting half pay for seven years be in the words of the resolve." which resolves clearly point out the means that you are to pursue in obtaining your just rights — I am Madame, your Obt Servt [To Mrs Phebe Colburn her only]