[Copy] New York Novem 3^d 1785 Sir Congrs. have had several memorials from the late Officers of Artificers, on which I am directed to inform the gentlemen, that their claim does not appear to be founded on the usage of nations, that it was intended to be granted to the military Officers only, in consideration of their hard lives, personal dangers, and their losing their habits, by a long and continuance in the military line by which they formerly obtained a living — but that the Artificers are expressly excepted. and nothing but a direct and engagement and promises grant of it could an entitle them to the commutation for which reasons Congrs. cannot grant it. You may therefore be assured that it will not be granted prior you without a special promise, which was not at present be made — You are mistaken in respect to any Officer of Artificers receiving it, as it has not been granted to any one. Congrs. has directed the accounts of the Corps of Artificers to be settled by me, and that the Board of Treasury report to them the reasonable allowances for settling the accounts. I am sir Your Obt. Ser. [Cap. Thos Patten]