When I set down to write you the first thought that occurs is that the repeated addresses will excite your surprise, but a confidence in your willingness to afford usefull [useful] information suppresses the Idea in its conception

A few weeks ago I wrote you by Mr Jackson who has not started as yet, but I fear he has [unclear: mislaid ] the letter, and the busyness [business] to which it refers being of moment I write repeal

We are informed here that some [unclear: situation ] has been [unclear: I ] made by Congress in the pay of the Soldiers, but hav [have] not been able to learn with certainty the particulars__ I will therefore thank you to forward me by the earliest opportunity of an account of the charge both in the Cavalry and Infantry, which will be satisfactory__ If you hav the law by you, you will oblige me by forwarding it

I can not forbear expressing to you the lively sense of gratitude of the paper intertained [entertained] by the proper on account of your exertions in raising the pay of the Infantry, which was obviously tag law

I am with the [unclear: deep res [respect] your obts [obedient servant] ]

J [John]W Overton