Col Stephen Bayard Office of Army Accounts New York Jan^y 25 1788 Sir Your letter of the 18^th Inst reached me two late on Friday last to be answered by that days Post. The only account of yours among the papers of Col Wood now with me is a pay roll of your Company from the dates of their Inlistments to the first of November 1776, in which is annexed a receipt for the sum of £413.6.3 (being as is expressed) for a balance of Money advanced Soldiers more than was issued, and for balance due for new accounts of [undecipherable] rendered. This balance was paid over in consequence of an order from [undecipherable] their commanding Officer at Philadelphia. I must acknowledge the words "and for balance of new accounts of [undecipherable] rendered" implies a settlement made for Bounty paid the Men, or for Monies advanced the Officers for recruiting. Unfortunately this settlement is wanting, and while it is the case, will prevent me from complying with your request in issuing a Certificate for the amount of Stoppages. [undecipherable] to do it, it would be a tacit acknowledgement on the part of the United States (and me as their Officer) that the Monies which are charged against you were accounted for without the necessary proof in such cases required. Of the $910 dollars entered I make no doubt a great part was advanced Officers for recruiting, which ought to appear to enable me to Charge them on Settlement. On the whole Sir however my information leads me to serve you and my fellow Officers, in this case you must excuse me, for as a public Officer under the Necessity of implicitly obeying, and directed by acts of Congress, am thereby prevented from serving you. — Col Butler's accounts are in the same