Office of Army Accounts New York Aug 25^th 1788 Sir Your letter of the 10^th Inst. came to hand this day, I most sincerely regret with you the loss of our Mutual friend: his decease has prevented me entering on the business mentioned in yours of the 25^th July last, and I am rather of Opinion that the Board of Treasury will not admit the Qualification of M^r Scott while a charge still exists against him, I know of no other Method to clear up this transaction than to wait untill M^r Hamilton produces his vouchers for settlement, when this is done and then should not appear either a receipt or order from M^r Scott then the Money may be Obtained; but untill such evidence is produced I acknowledge I should not be free in reporting to the Board that such a sum of Money was due him more especially as I said before a Charge is still exist=ing against him — the Chest of Papers were received this day which you will please to inform M^r Meriwether of many of them were wet but not materially damaged I am Sir Y^r Joseph Howell Andrew Dunscomb Esq^r