[98] I much fear the Acts of Congress of the 30 April 1779, the 1 April 179 & the 10 Septem^r 1783 will operate against you, however the Certificate will certainly have its proper weight, and I shall feel myself happy in having it in my power to inform you that a difference in opinion should now prevail — I would suggest to you the propriety of transmitting the original certificate of Gen. Washington as I conceive it necessary. — Your Commission was sent by M^r Pierce to Col^o Johnston as appears by his letter of the 20^th last. I am Sir, J. Howell Cap^t James Gibbons Petersborough Phil^a 6 Sep^t 1788 D Sir After Congratulating on your new and Honorable appointment, I take the liberty of informing you that I sent by Post some time ago enclosed to the late Paymaster General the Discharge and Certificate of his services for a certain John Patten a private in the third Regiment of the Massachusetts line his discharge is signed by Col. Crain, also a certificate from Col. Land with a power of Attorney to me — Patten is a poor honest man, with a small family — he lives with me his great Dependance — if any Obstacle is