Jan^y 5^th 1785 Agreeably to a Resolve of Congress of the 24 Dec^r last I have examined the Claim of M^r Alyott for his Services in the Army of the U States. It appears by a Resolve of Congress the 28 March 1776 that Jeremiah Duggan was appointed [strikethrough: appointed] a Major with the Rank of L^t Col to raise a Body of three hundred Men to act as Rangers the Officers to be recommended by him to the Commission ors then going to Canada for their app ointations when Commissions should be giv Fed— M^r Alyott by his Commission was appointed by Col. Dugan the 17 Jan^y 1776 as a Cap^t this appointment being Previous to [strikethrough: any] authority given by Congress to Col Dugan I do not think myself justifiable in admitting his pay from the time specified therein on the other hand it appears by several Certificates given by Col. Dubois & Brig. Gen. James Clinton &c that M^r Alyott was Considered by them as a Cap^t in the Service of the U States & served as such in part the Years 1775 & 1776. I am to request the Decision of Congress how far I am to consider the appointment given by Col. Dugan to M^r Alyott it being previous to any authority granted him or whether I am solely to rely on the Certificates given by Gen^l Clinton &c. M^r Pierce being absent in settling the Accounts of the Lines of the Southern States has committed the Charge of the Department here to your Excellency. Humble &c. Jos^h Howell Jun^r His Excellency the President of Congress