Howell, Joseph (1750-1798) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03920 Author/Creator: Howell, Joseph (1750-1798) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 1 July 1788 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.4 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses details of settling the accounts of Colonel [John] Crane and his officers. Indicates that army accounts must be settled before officers can obtain "the lands they are entitled to." Notes that the advances made to those who were supposed to have resigned or left the service before army settlements took place cannot be admitted. Holds Crane responsible for allowing officers to leave without waiting for the settlement of army accounts. Further criticizes Crane for his record keeping in relation to army accounts and the payment of officers. Recently discovered that John Bryant is a pensioner, and temporarily suspended his allowance until Crane's payment to Bryant is accounted for.
Howell was auditor of accounts of the War Department until the adoption of the Federal Constitution, when he was appointed Paymaster General of the Army. He held this office until his death. Howell was also secretary of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati 1791-1793.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.