the papers relating to this subject, and shall with the greatest pleasure exhibit any Accounts or afford any information in my power — As the Committee of the State charged the nominal pay of the Army by one rule, returns from the Pay Master Generals Office were unnecessary and were never obtained. I take the liberty, to enclose a Letter to M^r Bronsans, who I understand is a Clerk in your Office — I have the honor to be with respect your most obedient & humble Serv^t. Oliv: Wolcott Jr Joseph Howell J. Esq^re Commissioner of Army Acc^t — Office of Army Accounts New York Octo 20. 700 Sir Your letter of the 9 Ins^t was not received untill saturday last. — The Board of Commissioners have some time since been appointed, but by an act of Congress they cannot enter on the duties assigned them untill all the accounts are Delivered by the District Commissioners, the same act restricts them to two Clerks only, who are to be taken from the Clerks now employed by the Board of Treasury, so that I fear it will not be in the power of M^r Nourse or of myself to assist you. — for myself my friend Richmonds recommendation is sufficient, & I should feel myself happy to see a Gentleman employed who I am sensible merits it — Probably you may come on with the papers, when if an opening should offer you may be assured of my little influence & friendship to serve you — Joseph Howell M^r John Wright — Office of Army Accounts New Yorke Octo 20. 1788 Sir In reply to your letter of the 1^st Ins^t I have to inform you that I have carefully examined the several returns of the Virginia line now in my possession none of which take any notice of Doctor Brownley, neither does it appear that he ever applied to M^r Dunscomb the Ass^t Commissioner for Virginia for a settlement — an application at this day, is too late as the act of Congress of the 2^d Novem^t 1785, forecloses all Army claims that were not presented on or before the 1^st Aug^t 1786 — nothing but a special act of Congress in his favor will Justify me in complying with his demand. I have therefore agreably to your request returned you the papers sent on — M^r Benj Dawson Joseph Howell