Chamber of Congress 10^th Octo.^r 1788 Sir When I left New York in august I lodged the inclosed with Major Ross to obtaine settlement as soon as a paymaster sh^d be appointed in the room of the late M^r Pierce — the Major also left this City in Sept and informed me that the appointment of paymaster had been so lately made [strikethrough: that] had not had time before his Departure to present the inclosed — I now do it and request you will enable me to write to Cap^t Dyson by munday's post, and acquaint him in what manner his account is settled — I am S^r Y^r Ob^t Serv^t Benj^s. Contee Friday morning — — Howell esq.^r Pay master Gen.^l Office of Army Acco.^ts Octo.^r 11. 1788 Sir On a reference to the books of this Office I find that Lieu^t Dyson has received forty dollars on account of his subsistance for the year 1783 — if his claim was not considered as foreclosed by the act of Congress of the 2.^d November 1785. there would still be a balance in his favor of 16 dollars as by the enclosed account appears — his [strikethrough: charge] of subsistance to the 23 November 1783 is erroneous as the army was not paid any further than to the 1 Aug. 1783 at which time the officers were generaly Discharged — J. Howell — The Hon.^ble Benj^s Contee — Philad.^a October 9^th 1788 Sir As the continuance of M^r Whites Commission is matter of uncertainty I wish to make application for an employment in some of the Public Offices in New York and take the liberty, to solicit your friendly asistance in procuring it — The Board of Commisioners I am informed are appointed and 'tis likely will have occasion for a number of Asst.^s to them my acquaintance with the public accounts would enable me to be of considerable service — I inclose a letter from M^r Richmond which I hope will be considered as a sufficient recommendation but if you think it esential M^r Whites Testimony in my favor will willingly be added — I hope the pleasure of a line from you in a few days and am in the mean time Your Obed^t H^ble Serv^t Jn^o Wright Joseph Howell Esq^r —