John Pierce Esq^r. Commissioners Office Boston Jan^y 3^d 1788 D^r Sir It appears by Accounts exhibited that some of the Eastern States have paid Soldiers for Arms, Accoutrements, and Blankets by them furnished agreeably to a Resolution of Congress of the 26^th Feb^y 1778. in some instances the proper Officer has Certified, that the articles specified have been furnished by the Soldier mentioned, in others the State has made payment without being now able to produce such evidence — but they alledge that satisfactory evidence must have been offered at the time of payment, of such persons being entitled to receive it. The States having assumed these payments which the proper pay Masters were frequently incapable of defraying, and resolves of Congress authorizing the object of the charges, justice demands that such should be passed. The Question only is where it shall be done. The accounts may not strictly be of a complexion to pass through your hands, yet I conceive circumstances as they are, the checks against fraud can only be found in your Office. I beg that you'll favor me with your opinion upon the foregoing subject. I am Sir Y^r M^t [undecipherable] Ser^t E Haskell [Received from Auditor for the Interior Department May 7 1895. R.P.O. 415843.]