Sample Petition Letter

There are dozens of similar letters among Walter Sheldon's papers, from soldiers who served in the War of 1812 and were seeking backpay.

transcript:

Plattsburgh Nov. 24th 1815

Sir,

Will you be good enough to look over your accounts
and inform me of the time you last paid me to, it is
either July or August 1814. as it is necessary I should
know the date pricisely, you will much oblige me.
Will you also let me know whether you expect to pay
off the troops at this Post, and if you do, when you
think probable they will be paid off

with much respect, I am Sir,
your ob_t Serv_t
R.E. De Russy
Capt_Eng_M