[Outer address panel: [undecipherable] / Major General Lincoln / [undecipherable] / [right margin filing notation: undecipherable] 1784] My dear General Philadelphia Sept. 20^th 1784 My expences of living since I have had the management of the Business of the War Office have con- siderably increased, which has determined me to address Congress on [undecipherable] for an aug- mentation of Salary. I blame myself ex- ceedingly that I did not apply to you in the appointment of [undecipherable] after the resignation of Major Jackson, which you could then have given me one which would have secured the [undecipherable: probable reading "perfect"] emoluments of that Office I shall indulge a hope, it will be allowed, & [undecipherable] as happy as to have your [undecipherable] a to me expressive of your [undecipherable] [undecipherable] on the occasion, wou have great effect and give me a just claim to [undecipherable] I conceive myself entitled on every principle of equity. Your compliance my dear Sir with this request will add to the many favors already conferred on Y^r Affe^te & Obed^t Servant [undecipherable signature] Major General Lincoln