During this Session of Congress a law hath been made authorising the payment of certain pensions by the Secretary of War at the City of Washington. On enquiry I understand that no person hath, by the Secretary, at War, been appointed to perform the duties assigned by that Law, there may be an impropriety in making application to You in this case—however as there are some poor old men who expect to receive their pensions or arrearases of pensions in virtue of that Law, and as that probably cannot be, without the interposition of the President of the United States—the case is therefore Submitted to You—

Please accept the assurances of my most Sincere esteem. I am Sir Your Obt Sevt.