166. Dear Sir New York October 13 1786 The Inclosed is the Copy of a Petition [undecipherable] Drew and laid before Congress. I have replied to General [undecipherable: Bland?], and Irvine respecting the Articles of your resignation, who cannot give a Certificate that will Answer any Purpose and therefore declined it. In regard to the Second Point in question. I have already acquainted you with my Sentiments. A Board Commission as ours is merely honorable and is attended with no Emoluments whatever, that mine any [undecipherable] assigned to it by a particular resolution: no other can be enforced than those then expressed, and in your Case no more than the pay and rations given by the Act for that purpose. The resolutions on the subject are as follows. April 30. 1778. That no Commission &c. (see the Resolve) April 1. 1779. The Board of War &c. (see the Resolve, and Sept 10. 1783. it was resolved that the Secretary at War &c. (see the Resolve) I am Mortified that I shall not be able to report on the Case in your favor, without further information on the first head, and as the Resolutions stand in respect to the latter, as you were from the United States on your resignation, the presumption is that you could not have done it without the Approbation of Congress, unless it was understood that you had relinquished both your Appointments. The Inclosed I submit with them you the