I understand you are going to take your departure for Old England, believe me when I wish you all health, a safe and pleasant passage there, a quick return, may you experience many, very many happy New Years in the wish of M^rs Knott Your friend J. Howell J^r. [C.P. Richmond esq^r] — Office of Army Accounts New York Dec^r 30. 1788 Sir Agreably to your request of the 18 Ins^t and my promise of yesterday, I inclose you a return of the non Commiss^d privates of the Mary lands Artillery, specifying the sum each has received in final Settlements certificates, as appear by the accounts on file in this Office — I am &C. J. Howell J^r. J. Howell — New Haven Dec^r 26. 1788 — Sir When you showed me, at your Office the last time I had the pleasure of waiting on you, the principles on which accounts with officers of Army, were settled with, I tho't the vouchers sent by Cap^t Beecher sufficient to bring Cap^t Thacher within the resolution of Congress and that subject. Cap^t Beecher tells me however that I was unhappily mistaken, the consequence of which will I fear be utter ruin to Cap^t Thacher & render all his flattering hopes and consequent expences to nothing — for if he must account