[118] Trenton Oct^o 22. 1788. Sir I this day received your favors 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^o 93844 to 94557. 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 risk, 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. Ewing Joseph Howell Esq^r. —— Sir I received your favor of the 20^th 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— [119] and altho the Supreme Court were not uniformly attentive thereto they were so of late — Next the time is elapsed since 22^d Sept. last for admitting pensioners at all accord^g. to Our law. And will soon expire according to the Resolves of Congress. the Acts of Congress if adopted by the State of New York, according to their Spirit and letter require provision for the Disabled Officer or Soldier to be made in that State where he may then be, to whatever State, line, or quota he may have belonged. if it should be any want of evidence to prove that his disability was incurred while in the service and any proof may be had here which you have no opportunity of please to command Sir your most obedient & very humble Servant Jn. Nicholson Philadelphia Oct^o 22^d 1788. Joseph Howell Esq^r.