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Joseph Howell Esq

Modham 26th Decem 1787

Sir

I received yours enclosing your certificate for the securities which I received from Mr Pierce. I have wrote to you since respecting the matter of Mr Philips on presumption that you have received that letter. I shall not mention anything of it now but I have another grievance to mention to you now - which is that I have lately applied to the treasury of this state for a yearly pension which I am entitled to ((undecipherable) 150 dollars (undecipherable) annum) as an invalid, but am told that the 12th of July last Congress resolved that nothing more be paid to disabled officers until they shall produce a certificate from your office, or some other office, that I am not indebted to the United States - I have no soon - the resolution nor am rightly informed about it - my name is to be found in a book in your office among others who were prisoners by which it will appear that I am not indebted - I am never far from being indebted to the United States except it may be said that I have not settled the account of certificates received for the artifacers - and that is against me and not the public, as I have received nothing for my services - now if you can help me to a certificate that I as (undecipherable)

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to the late 4th Jersey (undecipherable) am not indebted to the United States, you will lay me under further and greater obligations - if so please to enclose it in a letter, left (undecipherable) the (undecipherable) stains - of any officers that are (undecipherable) are indebted to the public, and Congress had transmitted the accounts to the several states they belong to those to be (undecipherable) from them, it would have save me from troubling you which I am sorry for - the United States are indebted to me near £2,000 and I am suffering for the want of it.

I am yo friend

Joseph King