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Concerning attempts to settle an account through Smith, asking "the Liberty of troubling your Honor, to present the enclosed to His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, for obtaining a Speedy Settlement."

Concerns his efforts regarding "the Pass for your friend Musharow Twist." Judge Smith said that he would have the matter done as soon as possible and enclose the pass to Ryerson.

Addressed to Capt. Lt. Isaac Guion, 2 Regt. Artillery, Quarter Master Generals Office. Requesting information about how the "officers of our line or Regt." have decided regarding "the proposal of Congress of 5 years pay in lieu of half pay." His provisions have been withheld since February and his situation has become desperate, despite applying to Capt. [Isaac?] Hubbell, and requests Guion to intervene. Comments on Tories and the need to prevent men from joining their ranks. See also John Copp ALS to Isaac Guion, October 18, 1787, in Women's History Collection.

Expresses hopes of returning to America; "we are not without Hopes, that when Peace has had its common...we may be permitted to revisit our native soil." Hopes to be received by some vacant congregation upon his return.

Fears for new government now that war is over. Sir Guy Carleton has received orders to evacuate New York City. Praises his virtues while claiming that "Committees in America usurp the authority of the United States." Concerns over the country's future considering the current state of "Anarchy & rebellions"

With Breck letter of Jan. 15, 1782

Asks for Breck's help in learning mercantile trade, does not want to spend his days in idleness once he retires to private life. Laments that his education as a youth was cut short, but he still thinks that it is "probable that...I may be able to take charge of property, and enter the theatre of commerce."

With Breck letter of Jan. 15, 1782

The veteran, "late a sargeant of the first New York Regiment," sells land to Edward Cumpston of Albany.

Petition of Benjamin Day Junior to become a subject of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by naturalization “or in any other way.” States that Day had resided in the state previously before leaving “as an adventurer” to the Mississippi River with his family in 1776. Day’s family resided in Mississippi “until the year of 1782, when the Savages becoming troublesome.” Day’s family had some trouble returning to Massachusetts, but now desire to become subjects again.

Details his service record throughout the conflict and his experiences as prisoner of war under the Americans. He was imprisoned on three occasions and left Yorktown for New York a day before Compt de Grasse's fleet trapped Cornwallis. Concludes with orders delivered on June 4, 1784, implying that the document was written after that date.

Will examine records of the privateer brig Holker to provide an "Idea of the mode in which the Transactions respecting her were carried on." Provides a brief account of how the prizes were handled and funds distributed proportionally, including those sent to the West Indies. References Blair McClenachan's account in particular. N.B. Mr. Holker may be John Holker (1745-1822). See the Clements Library's John Holker Papers.