[133] you comply with the above request the greater obligation you will confer on Sir Your ob^t H^le Servant James W. Hare Late Cap. Com^d I^t C^o [left margin:] Jⁿ Pierce Esq^r P M General Pay Office New York November 30^th 1785 Sir, Your Favour 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 nece[ss]ary that the Certificate given by M^r Carleton be sent to this Office — I am, Sir, with esteem Your Ob^t Serv^t Jos Howell J^r Cap James McLean Commissioners Office for A Accounts New York Nov^r 30^th 1785 This may Certify that 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 Jⁿ Pierce Esq^r P M G^l Joseph Howell A^st Comm^r A acc^ts