Office of Army Accounts New York Sept^r 7^th 1798 Sir, A few days since was handed me a letter directed to M^r Hilldron or Hopkins commissioner for settling army accounts with the Signature of John Thatcher, Kentucky a request that a Certificate might be forwarded him of the time he last received Pay from the United States — on searching into the Books of this Office, I find that their is a Capteain John Thatcher late of Col Smith's Regiment, and commander of the Galey Washington, charged with the sum of 270 ½ dollars being for Cash and Supplies received of the Commissary general of Prisoners while in Captivity — presuming this person who was a prisoner to be the same that I am address, I have to request you to answer the following Queries to my satisfaction and which is absolutely necessary previous to giving the Certificate required — 1^st where and on what day were you taken Prisoner 2^d what time were you liberated either by Exchange or parole 3^d has the State to which you belong advanced you any Monies on account of your Services while a Prisoner 4^th Have you received any rations, how many, and of whom, since your return from Captivity — The articles of prisoners on my Books from does not make mention of your name, which makes it necessary that the 1^st and 2^d Queries should be particularly answered, and more is done by wit to would Silence satisfactorily — The 3^d query may be answered by a Certificate from the Commissioner of the Pay Table which I make no doubt you can obtain on application — The 4^th I am willing to take on your Certificate on honor or otherwise as may be most agreeable — I have been thus particular in order that any obstacle to your request may be removed, and if the State has not made a settlement with you, you will be entitled to me as a