was trying to enlist men, and the donation of a year's pay and
subsistence; and it is not probable he would wait three years and a half
to receive these. I suppose he has staid, in hopes of finding some other
opening for employment. If these articles of pay and subsistence have
not been paid to him, he has the certificates of the paymaster and
commissary to prove it; because it was an invariable rule, when demands
could not be paid, to give the party a certificate, to establish the sum
due to him. If he has not such a certificate, it is a proof he has
been paid. If he has it, he can produce it, and in that case, I will
undertake to represent his claim to our government, and will answer for
their justice.

It would be easy to correct several inaccuracies in the letter of
Monsieur Klein, such as that Congress engaged to give him a regiment;
that he paid the recruiting money out of his own pocket; that his
soldiers had nothing but bread and water; that Congress had promised
him they would pay his soldiers in specie, &c.; some of which are
impossible, and others very improbable; but these would be details too
lengthy, Madam, for you to be troubled with. Klein's object is to
be received at the hospital of invalids. I presume he is not of the
description of persons entitled to be received there, and that his
American commission and American grievances are the only ground he has,
whereon to raise a claim to reception. He has therefore tried to make
the most of them. Few think there is any immorality in scandalizing
governments or ministers; and M. Klein's distresses render this resource
more innocent in him, than it is in most others.

Your commands, Madam, to give what information I could, have drawn thus
much from me. I would not wish to weaken the hopes he so justly rests
on your, known goodness and benevolence. On the contrary, the weaker his
claims elsewhere, the stronger they will plead in your bosom to procure
him relief; and whatever may be done for him here, I repeat it, that if
he has any just demand against the United States, and will furnish
me with proofs of it, I will solicit it with zeal, and, I trust, with
effect. To procure him justice will be one gratification, and a great
additional one will be, that he has procured me the occasion of offering
you my portion of the general tribute so justly due, for all the good
you have done, and all you are perpetually endeavoring to do. Accept
then, Madam, I pray you, th