To Mounsieur Desdevan January 1617, 1786 “Copied” New York January 17 1786. Sir

In answer to your applications to me of 9th Instant praying pay subsistence and commutation, I am to inform you that I do not find any evidence that you ever was an Officer appointed in the service of the United States, but only that you acted as a voluntier in Canada and retreated with that Army — in consequence confirmation of which I find that you were comprehended in General Schuylers provision for those characters under the resolution of the 10th day of August 1776 — that you acquiesced in the deposition of the Geniral, by constantly receiving your monthly allowance — and that no further provision of any kind has been made you, until the discontinuance of your stipend in December 1781 — as you therefore never weas an Officer in the service, you can not entitled to the allowances which has been promised by Congress to Officers, but to such only as the have been given to Canadian volunteers cannot and to you particularly by any ixpress Resolution of Congress I am &c [unsigned, Handwriting of John Pierce] Monss Desdevan