Philadelphia May 20, 1798 Respected Friend Joseph Howell These are to desire the kind favor the to call on one — Burrell of Fredericksburg who is a justice & stationed in settling the public accounts, & know of him if he has the books of John Mitchell late 22^d Reg, & if he has on liquidated Certificate in that department, as I unfortunately lost one, a copy of a check I now enclose for thy better information as it belongs to a poor man who has put it into my hands for sale, I would be glad to assist him in the recovery of, or securing the same thy kind service would be obliging to the man & shall be deem'd a great favor done thy friend Thomas Shute N.B.— The man is very illiterate & I believe has evil council & thinks he can make me pay it — I pity his ignorance & would do what I can to save him I have given him the original certificate from J. Mitchell of the inclosed copy Joseph Howell esq^r