of the transaction I have therefore to beg you will write me as soon as possible and give me such information as you possess John White Esq^r I am W^r Joseph Howell --- Petersburgh Sep^t 15^th 1798 Sir Since the death of M^r Brace I have been much at a loss till now to know to whom I was to apply on the subject of a claim which has long since been made by me for commutation and arrears of pay, you I believe must have been acquainted with the Officers of it heretofore, that of establishing from the records of the Commander in Chief that your Brace was not assigned; this M^r Brace in a letter to me of the 2^d Octo^r last, suggested, as the only means whereby he would be justified on the subject, and this by the enclosed which I received the other day from Gen^l Washington will I think do away all Scruples which have heretofor existed — The resignation of Regimental Commissions took place 16^th May 1791, previous to my knowledge or your appointment, I shall write the President of Congress on the subject that in case there was no necessity for M^r Brace, a further matter might be again laid before Congress who have already acted, M^r Pierce who was not then furnished with the enclosed proof which would effectually have proved him — I have now only myself to request your attention to this affair as briefly as you can and will beg you to drop me a line on the subject by the post. Rec^d any Barrett will not testify by Doc^r Buck on the subject must be among the papers of our departed friend which I do thank you to forward me whether you are informed — Josiah Howell Esq^r I am Y^r Ser^vt J. Gillman