[from 82668 to 82668. for pay and fulleft & Commutation of Cap^t Dorsey " 82669 to 82675 for pay and fulleft & commutation of J^t Findley " 82602. for pay & Subsistence of R. C. Skerrell] Office of Army Accounts New York Dec 8. 1788 — Sir In answer to your letter of the 4 In^t I have to inform you that there is not a sufficient number of members to form a Congress & probably there will not be untill the new Government shall be in operation. I have done as much as lays in my power to the settlement of your late fathers accounts and lament that his inattention to his own interest as well as the public should be a disadvantage to you. — It is a great misfortune that receipts have not been taken from the officers, as those who are still alive may have it in their power to deny the charge, and the heirs of those who are dead, for the same reason cannot be called on to a settlement. — the accounts being referred to the Board of Treasury cannot be further acted on by me unless by their order or that of Congress — I flatter myself no other officer will have it in his power to lay a similar claim with that of Col^o Williamson, but if it should be the case I will with pleasure give you every assistance consistant with my official capacity. J Howell Jr. M^r John P De Haas