Philada Jany. 11th 1785

Dr Sir

Your favr of the 29th Ulto was handed me Saturday Evening last.

Immediately waited on the Chief Justice of this State and presented him the Letter when he requested me to draw up a state of the Case which I did, and was Qualified this day before him as also Mr. Jackson one of the Gentlemen who was present; the other two are not at present in the Office — the Chief Justice inclosed the affidavit & has directed it as you wished — I flatter myself the inclosed will be sufficient to Indemnify you & bring the Villain to the Post, were a matter of this nature directed in this City, the Laws of our state as Judge McKean observes would not admit of Lenity to the offender nothing less than his Ears would satisfy for the fraud — Mr McKean Requests if any further information can be procured, that you will be kind enough to inform him, or send it to me, as he wishes to draw those Villains from their lurking holes.

I shall have this Letter &c Frank’d if Possible —

Jos. Howell Junr.

Wm Thompson Esqr.