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Sir:

Your favor of the 8th Instant I received this day by Capt. Powell. Mr. Blount the Deputy Pay Master General has held himself for some days past in readiness to attend the services you mention, but until the arrival of the money 'tis needless for him to repair to Halifax. I presume you do not expect on its arrival at Halifax that the Pay Master is to open the package and take out what money may be necessary for the purpose. Such a measure I cannot consent to, the money must issue from the Treasury, and I consider it to be my duty in consequence of the resolve

of the General Assembly, to see it placed there. However you may depend on every necessary step being taken to give despatch to this business.

I am lately informed the Drafts refuse to march, from the Westward, until they receive their bounty. I purpose sending the paymaster's assistant immediately there, (on the arrival of the money). I have had no account of the money being issued from the Continental Treasury, but daily look for the return of the messenger; if you should happen to see him, on his way, pray push him on directly to me.

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