[30 May 1791 from D. Matt^w. Ernst.] [Public Service 1/8 D. [undecipherable] Howell Esquire [undecipherable] Pay Master Gen^l. Philadelphia [undecipherable]] [D^o] New York 30 May 79[1] I am informed that my Daughter is now at Philad^a. and by the breaking up of the late Batallion I think it would be good enough to have an Allowance [strikethrough: and] had Approved of my [undecipherable] as Adjutant from the commencement of the new Batallion made. My Deeply promised me to enlist me in the arrangement. — As I have entered in favour by having already paid on the presumption of receiving the emoluments of the Adjutancy of Artillery. I have been sorry to have my prospect blasted. that the occasion of Gen^l Knox who is in a doubt full will not allow him — be pleased to inform me when the matter comes to your knowledge — as I would wish to write to the General about it — if it is not considered — Please to make my respects to any Lady — I am with great esteem — D^r Sir, your Most Hum^ble & Matt. Ernst [flourish] Jos^s. Howell Esquire