[122] that the States ought not to be allowed a Payment before it was made by them, as depreciation of themselves would not admit it a good one, and as for as I can recollect the resolves of Congress comports with them, for if you do not adhere to this principle, some of the Commissioners will be led into an inextricable Labyrinth. Royall Flint Esq^r. Sam. [signature] Sir New York September 14 1786 I have Considered the contents of your Letter of the 4^th Instant. If I remember right when you settled the Accounts of the Officers of Virginia, the general Answer was, that the Old Money which they had to Account for was done already with the State. and which in many instances Obliged you to Close their Accounts altho a Charge appeared against them in my books how far this was true you will now have an Opportunity to discover. and to Judge of the loss that must be Justained by the State or United States. I am of Opinion that the recruiting and the depreciation Accounts of the States cannot be properly Closed untill it is determined from my Office, what Payments and advances have been made by the