have been a Soldier in the 1^st. New York Reg. and is returned as of the Quota of that State — As soon as time will permit I will forward the necessary information relative to M^r Jackson, James Clearly, Cap^t. Charles M^cHenry — Your^s Jos Howell jun^r John Nicholson Es^qr Philadelphia June 14^th 1786 D^r Sir Pardon my delay in regard of the acc^t of the State Regiment, but, as I gave the account to the Council of Safety properly authenticated and lost the original on this western expedition — is at a loss to know how to act in consequence of it — Since I seen you I have not been three days out of my room, occasioned by sickness — This affair I hope you will represent to G^lt Pierce and let me know how to act on it — The acc^t of the 1^st Penn^a Reg you have — I am & John M^cGowan. [J Howell Es^qr]