Letterbook Copy

Regarding justness of pay

Discusses Roth's pay and issued certificates, Captain Armstrong's pay, Mr. Gordon's account, and the matter of depreciation and the invalid Regiment. Intends to give full justice, subjected to a little delay, as precedents may be dangerous.

1785

04

28

Richmond

Cited in Howell to Dunscomb, 05/10/1785.

Cited document addressed to the War Office

Joseph Howell

Andrew Dunscomb

Captain Armstrong

Mr Gordon

Invalid Regiment

Captain Hoard

Roth

Roath

private of infantry

dragoon

sergeant

Virginia officers

Captain Beatty

Major Bowen

Colonel Moylan's Regiment

soldiers

Richmond

interest

depreciation

1785042870055

89

[upper right corner] 91

Richmond April 28. 1785.

Dear Sir

I have your letter of the 18.th [undecipherable] Just come to hand If you will read my letter over again you will find a contra= =diction to yours ___ what does the first paragraph say "I have issued certificates agreeable to the accompanying General and particular accounts current [undecipherable] ___ in the second as to Roths pay, he cannot claim more that of a private of Infantry &c &c. to speak congressionally; but merit &c &c" How sir does this carry any thing that bears the least towards a stoppage or denial of pay? No, and did you view the [undecipherable] of certificates retaind, a copy of which Cap Hoard is furnished with - and find Roaths pay that of a private, and without Gratuity, or that of a Serjeant of dragoons with the Gratuity

I believe equal spirit of favor, and as high reflection on the propriety and Justness of giving merit its due, prevails with me as any one ___ But from your misapprehension, my intention to give free justice, subjected to a little delay, a precedents may be dangerous, is very prettily construed into _ what shall I call it _ a backwardsness to assist in giving the hire to one who has granted help to raise our independence and secure our liberty _ No _ my reflection at the time would not nor now will agree to its being kept totally from him __ The amounts of this State, so far as the settlement that comes within notice of their auditors _ closes on Saturday Consequently no more will be the equal power of application
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this and many other ideas as well those that led me to Retain the number of certificates now agree to the delivery of M.r Roaths, upon his producing his order on me for the sam -

As to your Statement of Cap. Armstrong's pay and your expression that I must be" fully convinced that I have wronged those Gentlemen" I view equally curious as the ideas that were engendering in you on Roaths account. --

To act consistent and agreeable to your mode of Stating the amount an interest ought to be charged on the balance of 1783 and deducted from that of 1782, but all this might have been prevented by a proper statement, either in putting 1782. and Commutation together, or charging the State advance to 1782. they would have thought much of 10 1/2 monthly interest particularly with a brave officer. To convince you that I have no desire to wrong those Gentlemen, as soon as you make a proper and Just report to me, I will with pleasure certify any deficiency by the issue of a certificate in amount thereof

Mr Gordons amount can be setled if his heir at law applies in person or proxy with the certificate you mention as being enclosed _ though not so _ You I judge wer much in a hurry to scold at such a rate and make such a representation _ You will be pleased to inform Major Bowen, and Cap Beatty that the Virginia officers in Colonel Moylans Regiment, as well the Soldiers who have settled with their State for depreciation [undecipherable mark bottom right corner]
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&c. also the other officers of the invalid Regiment and Legion, that those officers of this State belonging thereto have also settled

I am with esteem and regard

Your Obd Servant

[signed] Andw Dunscomb

[to the left of Dunscomb's signature] Jos. Howell Esquire [underlined]