[John Mercer Esq^r. Ap. 11^th 1786] [Recd] New York, April 11^th 1786 Dear Sir I yesterday received your favor of Jan 10— at the same time I received from M^r [undecipherable] on the papers and books which I was in want of — Gen^l M^cIntosh's arrears of pay and his commutation as a Brigadier I wish you to settle and free to turn my [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] [undecipherable]. I am doubtful whether I shall be fully justified in allowing his rations, as I have not admitted a claim of this nature, for the reason that the General Officers were permitted to draw from the Commissary not only to the full amount of their rations, but to any amount beyond the their allowance that they pleased — and as I am not possessed with an account of any of these officers I am unable to check accounts of this nature — for these reasons I am of opinion that it is best to have the ration account [strikethrough: the] made out & transmitted to me that I may lay the same before the Treasury. I wish for all the original files in your hands or which [you?] are freed [undecipherable: that are] unconnected with your present, and which of course you can part with