Baltimore Oct^r 25. 1798 Dear Sir Capt. Simon White, the bearer of this is a particular friend of mine; whose Schooner is a constant Packet between this place and New York, any favor you may please to render him at any time, shall be considered as a continued acknowledgment to your friend — My brother Benjamin some time since informed me that on a further investigation of the balance due me there appeared only 700. yrs — Dollies in place of 900 dollrs as at first stated; as I am sensible of your accuracy in those things I take it for granted it must be so, have therefore to request that you will please deliver a certificate for the same to Cap^t White, as he will produce an Order from me for the purpose I condole with you my good friend, on the public & private loss of the once worthy M^r Pierce, excuse me when I say that I do not know where the public can supply his place by a character more suitable than yourself — I speak the sentiments of my heart Do write me by the return of Cap^t White I shall esteem it a particular favor conferred on an old friend — please remember affectionately to brother Boy — inform him I wrote about a week or ten days since, which letter I hope he rec^d I am Dear Sir with every sentiment esteem and regard yours Sincerely In^o Bankson [Joseph Howell esq^r]