[ Autographs ] SUPPLYING HOWE'S ARMY Manuscript document, 1p. legal folio, "Comptroller's Office", July 8, 1776. Four days after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Henry Burnbury in the British Comptroller's Office certifies that: "...On a Certificate for provisions delivered into his majesty's Storehouses at Cork...for 3, 000 off his Majesty's forces, serving under General Howe in North America...I...humbly Report to your Lordships, that I have examined the Certificate...for sundry Quantities...Which are as follows Viz: 114 Tierces Containing 35,910 pounds of Mess Beef, at 315 each Tierce - 150 Tierces & 459 Barr, Cont. 143,640 pounds of Mess Pork, at 135 each Tierce & 210 each Barl.-- 63 Casks containing, 19,500 pounds of Oatmeal... And amounts According to Contract, to the sum of L3,694..5.7 1/2..." This return only accounts for a fraction of the provisions and stores that were sent to New York in preparation for invasion; thecombined strength of Howe and the fleet in New York Harbor during the summer of 1776 was in the tens of thousands. Minor tears at bottom margin, well clear of text, otherwise very good condition.