[Still existing] Subscribers, who I have reason to suppose have claims against the United States. I must therefore request on behalf of M^r Pierce, that you would not promise any recompence to the Several printers in your State, for printing the advertisements, until the matter is made known to him — I have the Honor to be y^r very H. Ser^vt Benj. Edes & Son. Howell J. Dear Sir Hartford December 9^th 1785. I have received two letters from you one of about November 23^d and the other of the 30^th and have written you two letters, one soon after my arrival and the other of November 30^th — being here on some business and the post going in a few days, I write to inform you of my welfare. In my last I requested you to inform me whether my pre-sence would be wanted as soon as I expected to return, and to consult the Board of Treasury on the subject. I was to have set out next monday, but if possible I wish to stay till the begening of January — in respect to Paulints Papers, I do not remember that they were left with me — if they were you would have found them — I suppose Haren has them, and is willing to involve me in trouble before he delivers them — the recruiting account of Olive, I do not know what to say about them — I think a bounty of 10/ was given at the first raising an Army — but under what authority — I do not recollect, he undoubtedly is able to shew the reasons or the authority by which he was governed — the charge of Blankets ought to be supported by Vouchers, it being enormous and improbable — I conclude the money he received of Haren was for the pay of his men, and am fearful that they are endeavouring to get this covered some way or other — and then will come in with the demand for the pay over and above it — You must be cautious in this as Haren will triumph if he over reaches us, and comes in with a heavy demand in consequence of our inattention — this letter will reach you so that you can answer it by next thursdays post — but if your letter which I expect by the post that comes into this place tomorrow and which will reach me on tuesday night informs me that my presence is necessary, I shall set off from Litchfield so as to arrive at New york the Sunday evening following which will make it about the 18^th of the month and you need not then write me — my Compliments to the Gentlemen of the Office Jos. Howell Esq^r N. B. L. Pierce Dear Sir Weathersfield December 11. 1785. you will be so kind as to copy the enclosed and forward it by Post — In the midst of wine noise and Company, I have only to inform you of my health and that I was detained by which means I received your letter by the post in consequence of which I shall remain here until the 1^st of January indeed