New York January 16 1781 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 11^th Ulto and the 4^th Instant were received — on that day last, in answer to the former, I have to inform you, that on examining, the Muster of the 5^th Regiment, James Wilson is returned the 20 January 1780 — the time I understood you was fixed by the rolls in your possession — to the latter, there is a William Bryan made out for his pay in the 5 Regiment for 1783. Gradually, but whether there were two of the name, I cannot ascertain, neither does the returns inform me further respecting him. you will please to be register of the fourth by and see if there is any of the name in the year 1780. On making my return to you of the 18 Muster Men, there is as not a Muster or any papers in the office, that could give me any information, that was not communicated — so that I cannot add to the information already given you. Surely you will endeavor to procure the time of inlistment, and death of James Wilson, a Seaman, first named, the Muster, or in the accounts, this being done, a certificate will be forwarded. — I find the subject of my letter of the 17 November last, was as you observe shuffled from your memory, for in the place of transmitting the accounts of fourteen William Register, as was requested — you have sent those of Cap^t D^r Martin do be kind enough to rectify this mistake, and forward the ones first mentioned as soon as possible, as Cap^t Sarginson will die under the necessity of joining his Regiment in the course of the next Month. Joseph Howell John Nicholson Esq^r