Pay Office New York August 21 1785 Sir, On settlement of the Subsistence of the Officers of the late 3^d Jersey Regiment, I find there was a [undecipherable: probable reading "Certificate"] given for the balance due Cap Gifford — Since our opening business here, this person has made application to have the arrearages of his Pay granted him, but it appearing from the accounts of that Regiment corroborated by the evidence of several Officers, that M^r Gifford deserted to the Enemy — in consequence he is not entitled to any settlement or arrears of pay or of any kind — I have therefore to request of you to retain the [undecipherable: probable reading "Certificate"] given in his favor (if not already disposed of to him) or send it by the first conveyance to me under cover to John Paine Esq^r P M^fent N^o 14 Great Dock Street — Your compliance will infinitely oblige Your very H^ble Serv^ant Joseph Howell A^sst Comp^t H. Accts Major Richard [undecipherable]