Letter [undecipherable] Secretary at War Sept 15th 1790 filed Oct. 19. 90 September 15th War Department Septr 15th 1790 Sir The Congress of the United States have directed the register of the Treasury to issue certificates to the Military invalids and to the Widows and Orphans of such officers non commissioned and privates who were killed or died while in the Service of the United States, and who are entitled to pensions by the Acts of Congress for the arrears of their pensions due prior to the 4th of March 1789. It is therefore become necessary to Ascertain with prevision the sum due to each individual of the above description. As several of the States may have paid a part or the whole of the said Arrears since the return received at this office I have the honor respectfully to request that you would be pleased to cause me to be informed whether any such payment of Arrears has been made by the State of Virginia since the 17th day of March 1790. the date of the list transmitted to this Office by your direction If any partial payments have been made by the State of Virginia, I take the liberty to request the information whether any Arrears prior to the said 4th of March 1789 remain due and if so the Amount to each individual If no payments have been made since the date of the list, the Arrearages may be made out of this office presuming on the Accuracy of the list received. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble servant Signed H. Knox, Sey of War His Excellency The Governor of Virginia