New York 30^th March 1786. Sir Your favor of the 28 Ins^t was handed me this day by M^r Erskine — in answer thereto I must inform you that it is not in my power to assist you in the settlement of your accounts with M^r Nicholson until yours for recruiting your Company of the late 12^th regiment is closed with the U States — Colonel Cook is charged with large sums of money for recruiting, part of which I make no doubt has been advanced by him to his Officers to raise their Companies, and as I expect you are of the number who have received of him, it will be absolutely necessary for you to attend at this Office for a settlement, this being done a Certificate will be given you to M^r Nicholson who will then settle with you — Cap. Luke Broadsford is in the same situation, he is charged with 490 dollars by Colonel Bicker for the recruiting service — This must be accounted for previous to a settlement with the State — I am, Sir, &— J Howell jr. Cap. Alex Patterson