[page 132] light on this subject, which if done you will please to inform me of that the amount may be rectified, your letter you will Still please to address to M^r Paine as he is the Ostensible officer — Pray Madam M^rs Martha Durkee your Ob^dt Serv^t Jos. Howell J^r Office of Army accounts New York May 15. 1787 Sir Your favor of the 8^th Instant to M^r Pierce is received. I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your request, as I find there is an error in the Settlement of your fathers accounts of the Sum of 782 dollars Not credited, this mistake has arisen by M^r Pleids placing that Sum to his credit without reducing the Same was to the debit of the General, it being so much paid to Henry Larkson as an allowance to the officers for recruiting in the year 1776. I am Sorry the mistake has arisen, the necessity of rectifying it I presume will be obvious to you, and therefore wish you to come forward for the purpose. The Sooner the better, as in all probability this office will be extinct in a few months, M^r Pierce is on public business in Virginia during his absence the care of the department devolves on your Ob^dt Serv^t P.S. your letter of a public n[ature] J Howell Jun^r you write this; address to M^r Pierce Major [undecipherable] Stark