Dear Sir N: York December 7^th 1785. Your favor of the 26^th ult: reached me on monday last and agreably to your request waited on M^r Pinckney and delivered him a copy of Your letter to M^r Kean which M^r Pinckney informed me would be Sufficient to lay before Congress, and which he proposed doing as soon as there was a quorum, at present there are but seven States. — Altho the business of the office does not require your presence I thought it best to wait on the Treasury Board, and inform them your desire of continuing some time longer — they wish not to prevent you from finishing your business but request that as soon as it is completed you will return— as they propose to settle the accounts of General Hazen and will want your assistance — this business they inform me will not be entered on for some time at present they have nothing particular for your Inspection.— I wrote you on the 23^d and 30^th Ultimos, and sent the letters with their enclosures, directed to be left at the post office in Hartford, which I hope you have Rec^d Inclosed are two letters one private which I have read the other from M^r Dunscomb which I think proper to forward to you, as I think myself not authorised to answer— In consequence of M^r Edes and Son letter I have wrote them, a copy of which is enclosed. — I am &c John Pierce Esq^r Jos: Howell