Washington City DC June 22, 1839
E. Hyatt[unclear: McBurney]& co

gentlemen I have been detained here since the first of last month trying to procure a settlement of a claim due me as contracter [contractor] for the troops stationed in the cherokee nationthe delay has in part been owing to the report of the Quarter master not being as full & explanatory as it might have been, which caused me to have to send home for papers and evidence to establish the claims, I am inclined to think payment will be made me in the first of next month, I have also a considerable number of cherokeeclaims, arrising [arising] under the Cherokeetreaty of 1835 to settle before I leave here The amount due my friends in Charlestonwill be remitted assoon [as soon] as received having a sufficient amount due me from the united statesto pay all the different stores were owing made no other prepration [preparation], but since finding that payment was delayed here have written home instructing remittances to be made from there also If you have any debts against Nathan B Hyatt(deceased) formerly of the firm of Loveand Hyattif you will authenticate them and forward them to me at this place I will try to collect them he had many due from the United statesfor improvements it is probable the government would consent that it should be applied to the satisfaction of such of his debts as [unclear: Love] is not bound for, please explain to such of my friend in Charlestonas you may see the above causes of delay in remittance --

yours [unclear: &c [et cetera]]
[Signed] Wm [William] H Thomas