New York Decem. 27^th. 1787 — Dear Sir Your several Letters were duly received and should have been answered sooner if an opportunity had offered. I do not think myself justifiable in stating your account against the Estate of General DeHaas in my official capacity untill such time as I know the sum which may be due'd you in Consequence of your prosecuting the Estate — M^r. DeHaas memorial still lays with Congress which prevents me from closing the accounts and leaves me in the dark relative to what may be allowed to the Estate of Colo. DeHaas for if Congress should admit the whole of the charges which are made by him I am of opinion the money which he charges you and paid M^r. Bankson should be allowed. I mean that part only which was paid for pay, the other sums being advanced for the Recruiting Service — [undecipherable: probable reading I am &c.] Colo. W^m. Williams J. Howell J^r