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Office of Army Accounts

New York Nov 22nd 1787

Sir

Your letter of the 11th ins was handed me yesterday as I wish that justice should be done to every soldier who has faithfull served his country and being always wiling to serve them as far as my duty as a public office will permit. I have made a full examination of the muster rolls of the 5th Reg of Pennsylvania for the year 1779 and 1780 also the accounts as settled by me for the years 17811 and 1782 and cannot find Hug L Bradley either on those musters or in the accounts from which I do suppose that he then directed or belonged to another Regiment if he has a discharge it will inform you what Regiment he belonged to on the contrary if no discharge appears my suspicion of desertion may be right.

There is however one method by which we may have a knowledge of his services and yet find out the Regiment he served in, it is by knowing the names of the several Captains has served under, if you can procure this.

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this information I am willing to make a further examination - to go thro the whole line would take me at last a week, this time the ladies of my office will not permit me to devote to one man.

Inclosed is the power of Attorney from Adam Syfat to you which came to my hands a few days since. You will please to inform Griffith Jones that his original certificate mentioned only fifteen bushels of corn and for which the auditor of accounts would not allow more than 3/9 p.bush. This will account for the difference and the certificate sent hm.

I am Sir

Jas Howell Jr

P Le Barbrinduplessis Esq

Phila