[T D] C. V^a. Nov. 14. 1794 Sir Col^o Porset has ^repeatedly called on me & intimated to as your wish for that I would ^should communicate my opinion on his claim for pay as an Officer of the Militia. He states that he is the Colonel of the Militia Reg^t. in Washington [undecipherable: Reg^t] County that he called out & has commanded a detachment of about one hundred men by orders of the Sec^y of War — that no doubt is entertained except as to his pay as Commanding Officer. — If these facts are proved as the law [undecipherable: Reg^r] established forms requires, I see nothing to cause a doubt as to the propriety of his claim — [undecipherable] [John Robins on the head of [undecipherable] can give evidence of th[e undecipherable]] If however you wish for my opinion on any points relating to this subject, I request that it may be reduced to writing I am, very rispectf[ully] Sir Y[ou]r obed[ient] Joseph Howell Esq. [endorsement rotated: Col^o [undecipherable] (certificate) [undecipherable] Joseph Howell Esq]