New York August 4^th 1786. Sir, In answer to yours of the 20 July, I have to inform you that M^r Joseph Cox of the Late 6^th regiment, has been settled with as a supernumerary Officer in consequence of his being arranged in 1778, there were no Officers in his situation allowed Commutation, excepting a few which the State adopted, and were recommended by Gen^l M^cClalan, this was not done in the case of M^r Cox consequently his Claim for Commutation is inadmissable. I return you the order of John Smith, as the pay in Pension, claimed by him as not drawn could not have been charged him by the State in account of depreciation, consequently he has received the value of it. M^r Binn is absent from this Office, and not expected for some time; on his return I will present your letter with Manning's discharge, and if any thing can be done for him I will inform you — Yours &^c J. Howell Jr. [Gen^l R. Thompson.]