New York Jan. 23^d 1786 Dear Sir Yours of the 29 Ult^o has been delivered to me by M^r McKenzie — Gen^l Irvine was in town but he was unable to give any certificate, except that he believes you had no intention of resigning before the result of the law, which made your services unnecessary as this certificate would be of no service, and would carry an appearance that you resigned in consequence of the Result, I supposed his certificate would rather injure you than than forward it. Gen^l St Clair is now in Town — when he arrives I will endeavour to get him to bring the Question in before Congress, and assist you as much as in my power — I am much obliged for the kind wishes of your Family and request that you & Mrs Gibbons will accept of my best regards in return — [Marginal note: Major James Gibbons]