Commissioners Office Philadelphia 17^th March 1788 Sir I am favoured with your Letter of the 13^th instant in answer to which I think entirely with you that the Accounts had best remain in the State they are at present, and that time may probably produce something favourable in their behalf; your further Attention I hope will be a means of forwarding the Settlements — About a Month ago M^r White had the Misfortune to lose his youngest Daughter (a favorite Child) However I since learn that he is on the Eve of having an addition to his Family which will in some measure compensate for his [loss?] I thank you for your information with Respect to M^r Stiles Certificate which I find to have been altered from the original Sum of 5 ⁸⁵/90 Dollars to 500 Dolls I am with great Respect Sir Yours &c &c — Joshua Dawson — Joseph Howell Esq^r