some months after the limitation made by Congress. — I have examined the several returns made by you previous to the 1 Aug.^t 1786. in none of which appears the name of Zacharia Cooke — the claim must therefore be considered as foreclosed I feel unhappy that you should suggest the Idea I might readily "dispense with the rules of office & consider this claim as entitled to notice, and to issue : certificates accordingly" — certainly my friend Andrew would not wish that I should subject myself to censure much more that I should act contrary to a solemn oath given, and to the act of that Hon.^ble body who has been the means of my preferment, & pleasing situation in life, & whose confidence and instruction it would be criminal in me to violate — the several papers sent me are herewith returned — Jamy J. Howell --- J Howell esq.^r Annapolis 2 January 1789 D.^r Sir I wrote to you on the 29^th Ult.^o enclosing a letter to go by the New York pacquet — I now take the liberty of troubling you with the Orders of Major Carlile & [undecipherable] Mich.^d Gilbert, whose certificates if received, I request you to enclose to Major John Carlile at Bush Town Harford County Maryland, franked by yourself; and I have further to request that you will inform me whether [undecipherable] sums advanced by the State of Mary[land] [de]ducted from their final Settlement and passed to the Credit of the State — To major John Carlile pay from 1^st Aug.^t 1700 to 1^st Jan.^y 1781 — — — — — — — — — £ 75. 0. 0 Goods of John Muir . . . . . . . . . 9 .12. 6 £ 84. 12. 6 To Cap.^t Mich.^d Gilbert. 5 Mo.^s pay as above and goods of Jo.^o Muir — — — £ 84. 12. 6 this information you will please to give me the same post that you forward the certificates by — I will also thank you for making some enquiry relative to M.^r McCoy's account in the D.^r Master Generals department, you will understand the business by perusing the enclosed letter. I give you a great deal of trouble, but as it proceeds from a wish that I think you join me of obliging some poor suffering fellow soldiers. No to say any thing more about it — with great truth I am your affectionate friend — C. Richmond