[133] you comply with the above request the greater obligation you will confer on Sir Your ob'd Hbl Servant James W. Harris Late Cap^t. Comly &c [J^no Pierce Esq^r / P.M. 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 Certificate given by M^r Carleton be remit to this Office — I am, Sir with esteem Your Ob^t Serv^t Jos Howell Jr Cap James McLean Commissioners Office for A Accounts New York Nov^r 30^th 1785 This may Certify that Lieut 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 [undecipherable] Master General. On behalf of J^no Pierce Esq^r P.M.G[undecipherable] Joseph Howell A^st Commis^r A a[undecipherable]