[M^r Joseph Howell Assistant Commissary of Accounts Present] Roxbury March 17^th 1792 Sir The return of my Papers, by Doctor Downer and your observations upon them I must confess dis-appointed me in some measure; I have endeavoured in some Instances on the same papers to answer your Observations, and can firmly rely on the candour of a Gentleman of your reputed and established Character for strict Justice on thorough investigation — I request no more — and I rely upon a certainty of that tho' it will not be offered. You will find Sir among the vouchers that accompany this letter what I believe will sufficiently satisfy you either in public or private capacity that in our retreat from Canada in 1776 I lost my shot, retaining my Cloathing, Books, Accounts & Papers of sundry descriptions, which could avail myself of my accounts; I make no doubt would exhibit a much larger size than what are now exhibited, but as I met with that misfortune I chose to give my Affidavit certainly within bounds, choosing rather to sacrifice a little Emoli than the Honor of a Gentleman Soldier and a Citizen. With respect to a complete Muster Role of my Company in 1776 a short retrospective view will convince you that the regulations that subsequently existed in the Army did not exist then; I will not take up your time with this reasons on presumption that they are Known. I however coger my papers with an Abstract of the State of My Company the first three Months of that Year 1776 — my extream distance of 200 Miles from General Pattersons dwelling, and when I arrived there the locality of his Removal, and other disappointments has hindered a more timely application: but I submit to your Ingenuous decision without entertaining the most distant doubt of impartial Justice. Must I pray you Sir to return such papers by Doc^t Downer as may be objected to, Col^o Reed's certificates in particular while with every sentiment of esteem I conclude with due respect Sir Your very Humble Servant William Nyman M^r Howell