[upper right corner] 89

New York April 23.d 1785

Dear Sir [line flourish]

Just now I am favour’d with yours of a few days ago respecting Joseph Jones formerly of the Second New York Reg.t

I am heartily [editor’s note: heartily partially underlined] sorry to hear your tender feelings are so much imposed on by one of the greatest villains that I have ever knew in our line of the army. This Jones beloned to Cap. Pawlings Company 2.dReg.t I have seen him bargain and sell his wages gratuity and clothing. notwithstanding. I have given him a crown the day before to relieve him or carry him home and in two or three days he imposed on two or three of his acquaintances, this was just after the disolution of the army he has carried the Joke so far as to go once or twice before a magistrate, and was sworn he never received nor sold or bargain’d away his pay __ I think he has taken his oath twice to my knowledge. [line across page]

I am sorry to hear that the well disposed part of the Community towards the army so much imposed on especially from your quarter __ as to our eastern brethren it is not a bit the better [line across page]

For Gods sake take no notice of the villain further, and if he has contracted any debts (he bring a good hand at that) let him be sent to Jail or Somewhere else to prevent his further impositions __ From your very Humble Serv.t [signed] [undecipherable] Connolly [to the left of Connolly’s signature] Jo.s Howell.