as he is continually pestering me for it — Captain Olivea has presented an account for recruiting in 1776 and charges 40/ paid to each man for bounty? Is this to be admitted? the Company was raised previous to any bounty Being allowed by Congress — he also charges for pay of his compt, Blankets &c to above 900 Dollars — M^r Cutenius is appointed to receive the Certificates for this State and M^r Nicholson those for Pennsylvania — I have received Letters from the Printers at Baltimore, Delaware & Rhode Island, accompanied a News-paper containing the Advertisement, agreeably to your letters to them — General Howe's accounts is closed and the Certificates delivered him, a ballance appeared due him of Six Thousand, three hundred & twenty five ^24/90 Dollars. You have not been particularly wanted since you left us — I would thank you for a line, if only to inform me you are well — I am, with Sentiments of Esteem Yours Sincerely Joseph Howell J^r Philadelphia November 10^th 1785. [John Pierce Esquire] P.S. You will do me a particular favor by transmitting to me a Certificate that I have not received my Commutation, as I understand it will be necessary for me to produce it to the Court in order to obtain my half pay — the sooner you comply with the above request the greater obligation you will confer on Sir, Your obed^t Hbl^t Servant James McLean, late Cap. Com^dg I. C. [J^no Pierce Esq^re Pay Master General] Pay Office New York November 30^th 1785. Sir, Your Favor of the 10^th instant did not reach me untill this day — M^r Pierce being absent in the Country & his return uncertain I have on his behalf enclosed you a Certificate that your Commutation has not been received from the United States, which I flatter myself will answer the purpose intended — If you accept the half pay it will be necessary that the Certificates given by M^r Carleton, be sent to this Office — I am, Sir, with esteem, Your Hbl Serv^t Cap. James McLean Jos. Howell J^r Commissioners Office for A. Accounts New York Nov. 30^th 1785 This may Certify that Lieu^t James McLean, late of the Corps of Invalids has not received the Commutation of five years half pay in lieu of half pay during Life, granted the Officers of the late Army of the United States, pursuant to a resolve of Congress of the 22^d March 1783, or any compensation for the same, appears by the Books of the Pay Master General. On behalf of J^no Pierce Esq^re P.M.G. & C. Joseph Howell M^t Commiss^r A. Au[undecipherable]