[162] ...proof Porter has done, as her Company was not attach'd to my [undecipherable], during the time you charge — if on the contrary your pay has not been drawn, it will be absolutely necessary that a certificate be given by your late troop now defunct Porter, that this pay is yet due, and the reason why it was not drawn — all this certificates being obtained I have reason to believe justice will be done you — your presence will be necessary to accomplish the business Jos Howell M^r James Bray Dear Sir, Allentown January 3^d 1786 There is a great favor, if you will inform me whether Congress have agreed upon any thing with respect to granting a compensation to the regimental Agents of no particular State. I have long expected some information on this subject [undecipherable] M^r [undecipherable] or M^r [undecipherable] as agreeable to promise, but have been disappointed, and as I would much [undecipherable] make a full settlement with your Office, hope you will write me by next [undecipherable] Stage — my compliments to all friends Richard Lloyd Joseph Howell Esq^r Pay Office New York January 4, 17[undecipherable] Your letter of the 3[undecipherable] Ult: respecting your three [undecipherable] pay were received this day — in answer to which I have to inform you that your [undecipherable] charges in this office [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] is [undecipherable] by M^r [undecipherable] — and if that has not been the case, it would not have been in my power to render you the necessary [undecipherable] [undecipherable]