Letterbook Copy

Regarding discrepancy in account balance

Believed he had a balance in his favor, but by Howell's statement, this is not the case. Goes on the state his case.

1787

08

17

Boston

Moses White

Joseph Howell

Joseph Howell

Moses White

paymaster

Congress

Mr. Pierce

Boston

'

balance

statement

pay

resolve of Congress

credit

certificate

vouchers

1787081770055

212

Boston Augt 17th 1787

Sir

I fully thought when I wrote you last, that my account as I left it, when in New York left a Balance in my favour - by by your statement of the 8th instant I observe a bsllance from me to the U States if 40 (undecipherable) Dollars though I cant find that you have credited me with two months pay as Paymaster, which was due me on the last settlement and noted.

213

noted by yourself on my account in my favour - If this was added to the account you was so good as to transmit me, if should leave a balance of 20 Dollars in my favour - exclusive of advances yet unallowed, and which I intended should remain, in hopes Nr Pierce would see fit at some future day to allow them; as you very justly observe they ought to be passed to my credit -

I am much obliged to you for the statement you sent me and am sorry it won't answer the purpose you intended by it- the resolve of congress as pointed that no person shall be paid til the party shall produce a certificate perporting that nothing is due to the U States that I find it impossible to obtain it, or even settlement until I can produce such a certificate; notwithstanding an offer on my part to have the deduction made which you suggested how systematic, how exact-

I have therefore here with inclosed 40 (undecipherable) Dollars with the interest due thereon, with a view to open the path and make clear the way of every obstruction, that in case you cannot (consistant with the duty you think you are bound to observe between the publick and an individual) grant one without; you will then please to credit my account with the same and transmit me a

214

a certificate, adequate in every shape to the purpose intended by it. I must beg you will inclose it to me by the first post.

When this is done a small balance will be in-my the account may remain- possibly one day or other Mr Pierce may see just cause for allowing the other vouchers.

Yours SC Moses White

Jo Howell Esq