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 York Oct: 20. 1788 Sir In reply to your letter of the 8^th Inst. I have to inform you that I have carefully examined the several returns of the Virginia Lines now in my possession, none of which take any notice of Doctor Brownlie, 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. 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 agreed to your request returned you the papers sent on — M^r. Benj. Dawson Joseph Howell