January 05 1785 Sir.

Agreeably to a Resolve of Congress of the 24 Dec., last have examined the claim of Mr Ayott for his services in the army of the U- States- it appears by a Resolve of congress the 28 march 1776 that Jeremiah Dugan was a appointed a Major with the Rank of Lieutenant Col. To raise a Body of three hundred Men to act as Rangers the officers to be in commended by hum to the Commissioners then going to Canada for their approbation when commission should be grated- Mr Ayott by his commission was appointed by Col. Dugan. The 17th January 1776 as a Capt this appointment being Previous to a my authority given by Congress to Col. Dugan I do not think my self justifiable in admitting his pay from the time specified there in, on the other hand it appears by several Certificates given by Col. Dubois an& Brigadier General James Clinton & Phat Mr Ayott was considerd by them as a Capt., in the service of the U. States and served as such in past the year 1775 and 1776

I am to request of the Decision of Congress how for I am to consider the appointment given by Col. Dugan to Mr Ayott it being previous to any authority granted Him or whether I am solely to rely on the. Certificates given by Ger. Clinton & Mr Pierce being absent in Fettling the accounts of the Lines of the Southern States has committed the charger of the Department here to your Excellency Humblest

Jos. Howell Junr

His Excellency the President of Congress.