Trenton Oct^o 22. 1788. Sir I this day received your favour of the 20 & 21^st inst. inclosing continuations of the Register of certificates issued by John Pierce Esq^r late commissioner of Army accounts from N^os 83444 to 84557. In the first of these you suppose that I am possessed with the printed Register of Certificates issued by him — but this is not the case. I have never been furnished with any Register or Return of Certificates issued in that department whatever, before those which I have now received from you, and on this account have always considered myself as doing business at a very great risque, your furnishing me with one of the printed Registers you mention, if in your power, will be esteemed as a particular obligation conferred on Sir— Your very humble Servant Ja^s: Ewing Joseph Howell Esq^r — --- Sir I received your favor of the 2^d respecting Edwards Whelan, and am sorry to inform you he could not expect a pension from this State were he to apply — first the act of Congress and Assembly requires residence in the State from which it is drawn [and—]