New York March 22d 1787 Joseph Clay Esquire Dear Sir Your Letter of the 20th of January is received, but the others which you have mentioned to have written are not come to hand ——- The Board of Treasury will [circled word at lower right edge is difficult to discern, but probably “copy”] [in top right corner] 263 take measures for bringing to this place the money which you mention to be in the hands of Mr Russell—– I have consulted the Board also on the bills you mention and the residue of your pay, which I have convinced them must be paid in specie, they say they will do the best by you they can, and will if possible draw on the Treasury of So Carolina for the amount of both — and I suppose the Interest, but this had better be sacrificed if by it you obtain specie & prompt payment; I do not know what dependence can be placed on a draft on South Carolina, tho’ the Board informed me that the State was collecting money for the [continent?]—– You had best send me the three setts of Bills in your hands, which the Board will cancil on their settlement of your pay this way – The draft in the hands of Mr Blake is still carried to your debit – cannot you procure a certificate from the Office or Officer on which it has been drawn, that it never has been presented or paid—– I am &c J Pierce