Joseph Howell discusses army accounts with Doctor Jonathan Elbert
Document 1787Joseph Howell informs Doctor Elbert that he must verify his appointment as an apothecary to the Southern Army before a certificate can be issued from the Office of Army Accounts.
Office of Army Accounts
New York Nov 5th 1787
Sir
Your letter of the 27th (undecipherable) is received. Mr Pierce at present is in Virginia, during his absence the business of his department devolves on me, before I can comply with your request in granting the commutation it is absolutely necessary that you procure a certificate from Doctor Oliphant that you were appointed (undecipherable) to the so army and was deranged in consequence of the act of Congress of the 3rd of January 1782. His certificate being produced I shall have no objections to comply with your request. Their is no return in this or in any other office that I can find that mentions you as returning from service. You will therefore see the propriety of my conduct as a public officer in not complying with your wishes. I am Sir Yo
Joseph Howell Jr
Doct Jno L Elbert Talbot County Maryland
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