Joseph Howell Esq^r Lexington March 2^nd 1794. Sir I have just returned from Maj^r Caleb Swan who I found at the Head quarters of the army, and now take the liberty of [underline: in closing] his Letter to which I beg your reference. — Soon after my arrival from the At: States (which was not in my power to accomplish until the Month of Oct: last, I became acquainted with the difficulties that would attend the payment of the Moneys I rec'd in Phil^a and then repeatedly wrote Maj^r Swan to agree to receive it from me with the vouchers in my possession, this he declined, and I have waited on him in person and received every instruction he can give in this business. — It has been of so long a standing that the powers of atty & orders for the pay is in many instances transf'r'd to the third & fourth person, and many are at present out of this part the Country. — You will please observe by Maj^r Swans letter that I lodged 3000 Dollars of the Money in the hands of the Dep^ty Q. M. G., Mr. Belli, and that I have on my return by Fort Washington called on him and taken it up, and I shall endeavour to apply it in the best manner agreeable to my instructions; however difficult. — I now beg you will please write Maj^r Swan and instruct him to receive the balance and that may remain and at the same time that he may receive and examine my recpt^s & vouchers, — otherwise I shall be obliged to undertake a very long and disagreeable journey (say from this place to Phil^a for the sole purpose of complying with the conditions of my obligation. — or should you think proper to prolong the time, I beg you [strikethrough: will], in either case, consider my situation and by post, or other conveyance give me the earliest information, — I have the Honour to be with every sentiment of respect, Sir Your M^o Ob^t Servant Will. Morton [Joseph Howell Esq^r Ac^ct War Department] [Endorsement on cover: Joseph Howell Esquire / acct War Department / Philadelphia. Docket notation: Bro't by Mr. Levy / who was the bearer / This at the War office]