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John Nicholson Esq

Office of Army Accounts New York Jan 21st 1788

Dr Sir

Your letters of the 3rd November, 10th Dec (undecipherable) and of the 15th and 16th inst are received - I have some time since stated the Accounts if Col Wood as far as the papers in my possession would admit, but for want of /col Bayarda and Col Butlers vouchers I am not able to close them - in the present situation of accounts there appears a balance of four thousand dollars due the United ‘states, and how far the accounts of those two officers may affect Col Wood is at present uncertain - I lament the situation of his family and well know the virtues of his wife, were it in my power to resit her by forwarding his business, I would with the utmost (undecipherable) do it, but circumstanced as I am, bound up by acts of Congress and under the control of Superiors, as also the accounts being improperly vouched prevents me from making any the last favourable report.

I am of opinion that Col Bayard has made a settlement with Col Wood but this settlement being wanted and a supposition arising that grant part of the money

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received by him was advanced the officers for recruiting which if not brought to light will be a total loss to the United States. a circumstance that will prevent me from complying with his request in granting a certificate for pay retained.

I have received a letter from Mr Le Barbrier Duplessus enclosing a certificate from you for depreciation granted to a certain Hugh Bradley late a Serg in the 5th regiment. This gentleman has wrote me several times on the subject of pay due the said Bradley and I have as often searched the rolls of the regt for him, but without success. Bradley I now find was missing after the action of Brandy wine from which time I do not find him - I therefore wish you would favour me with a copy of the voucher that intitled him to depreciation, on a certificate that he was legally discharged for without one or the other I cannot grant any pay.

I am Sir with great esteem Y obed sevt

J Howell