"Washington, February, 1857. Dear Sir: You are aware that thebill which has been pending before Congress for the last two ro three years, proposing to give half pay for life to the officers of the Continental line or regular army of the United States in the war of the revolution ..." Signed: M. Thompson, Attorney and Counsellor at Law ... Ms. written by M. Thompson in blue pencil on blank leaf: "Dear sir. Upon receipt of the necessary data &c. as indicated upon points marked, I will prepare to send you the necessary petition, etc, &c."