[Private] Fort Fidelius, 1^st July 1794. Dear Sir I have received your favor of the 13^th of May. Your unfortunate relation left this country on the 13^th of April 1793, as appears by Capt. Roberts' muster from the 1^st Jan. to 30^th June of that year — he has not been heard of since — I am sorry it has not been in my power to transmit you more agreeable news of him. I have to request a favor of you — As it is highly probable I shall remain in this country next winter, I propose to send to my brother in Philadelphia to forward such necessaries as I shall want in clothing &c — the risque of sending money so great a distance induces me to ask of you to advance him on account of my salary two hundred dollars to enable him to procure these things for me — I shall send him an order on you for that purpose — I will credit the United States with this sum, or account for it in any mode you shall propose. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedient Servant Conm^t Freeman Joseph Howell Esq.^r