Philadelphia Sept^r 11^th 1788 Sir I would wish to know if any thing can be done, as I am informed there is a Congress consider Sir the settlement of the Act are put off and must pay Col Williams his balance, shall be thankfull for your assistance — Congratulate you on your appointment of M^r Burnham Esq^r but Wellbanks he must be charged with 200 dollars but he says not. I am Sir Y^r Ob^t Ser^t J Bon de Mear Joseph Howell Esq^r --- Sir Shafford Sept 19^th 1788 After ten years of fidelity I am in hopes to obtain a small gratuition of Compensation for the many hours and years of pain and anguish consequently of a wound received on Lake Champlain 1776 while acting as Captain in the Continental Army in Col [undecipherable] under by Waterbury and Commandant of the galley Washington in prosecuting my claim innumerable difficulties have been thrown in my way, that which seems at present the greatest is I know not when my pay as Captain was stopped and am advised that a Retifficat from you will be admitted, I therefore you will be a Kindness to send me by the bearer Col^o Goodwin how much money had been paid to me as wages exclusive of what was accured as subsistance or ration Money you will much Oblidgee your distressed friend &c. Joseph Howell Esq^r John Thacher