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 Zacharias Cooke — the claim must therefore be considered as forclose 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 Andrews 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 — Sam^y J Howell J Howell es^qr Annapolis 2 January 1789 Sir I wrote to you on the 29^th Ult^o enclosing a letter to go by the New York Parquet — I now take the liberty of troubling you with the Orders of Major Carlile in f^av Mich^l Gilberts 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 Jersey [undecipherable] mulled from their final Settlement and