[322] Joseph Howell Es^q. Richmond Decemb^r 4^th 1797 Sir I return you the Rect. and papers of John Hanse he is by no means to be considered as a Long — but a regular Soldier — look at my Settlements and you'll find many of that Class settle upon further Authority before I sent you his Claim — I had Doubts whether to prove but the were removed — and M^r Duer in conversation a few days since Said I should represent the matter to you — as he supposed you were unacquainted my Authority came from Col Carrington who said all Soldiers which at any time went into service for 18 Months were put on the Continental Rolls and were by no means under the Denomination of Militia — I am in great haste — with usual regard W^m Mad. B^t. Es^q. J. Dunscomb