[Copied] Sir New Brunswick May 20 1784 previous to my obtain- -ing a certificate for my one years supernumery pay bam in- form'd his necessary to produce a certificate off my not having rece'd either the commutation of the one years pay above alluded to but as the Colonels and paymasters were so often changed while I was prisner (near four years) that it would be difficult for me to [strikethrough: know] where to apply and as difficult for them to ascertain — I imagine your minutes will sufficiently ascertain my not having rece'd the commutation and the the bearer M^r Edward Patterson is here by authorised to receive the certifi- cate for my one years supernume- -ry pay allow'd by congress to the Officers detain'd whilst Prisoners John Mercer Capt. 2^d Jersey Regt [Major Peirce Paymaster Genrl to the Continental Army Philadelphia]