New York August 21, 1785. Sir, The enclosed letter to Major Dees being on public account of some consequence to the United States, I have taken the liberty to address it to your care being informed by a Gentleman that you knew where the Major lived and would be kind enough to forward it — Your compliance in this will particularly oblige Sir, Your very Hble Ser^t Joseph Howell J^r M^r Isaac Collins N York Sept 8. 1785. D Sir, I am sorry that I cannot comply with your request in granting the Certificate retained by me for accounts unsettled. It appears by an account settled by you on behalf of Captain Hoper with Colonel Hartley the 1^st June 1778, that there was a balance due the United States of £329. 6. What part of this money was due by you I cannot ascertain and as there has been a large sum of money received by Captain Hoper & his Officers for the purpose of mustring I am bound in duty to see this money or at least the part you have received accounted for before your request can be complied with — Most of the money [strikethrough: charged] appears to have been received by Cap. Hoper. this induces me to believe that you might make a partial settlement of your own account — the papers necessary for this business are in the Office — If therefore you think the