In French except for refrain - Blow the trumpet in Zion. Von Steuben criticizes Aedanus Burke, aka Cassius, the author of an anti-Society of the Cincinnati pamphlet (Considerations on the Society or Order of Cincinnati, 1783). Burke, a South Carolina Supreme Court justice, accused the society of trying to create a race of hereditary Patricians or Nobility, with von Steuben as their grand master. Von Steuben jokingly passes the accusation over to Knox, suggesting that the young Marquis Harry Knox has used him as a cat's paw to further his aristocratic ends. Noted as written in Shulkill (perhaps Schuylkill, in Pennsylvania). Docketed by Knox on verso.

Discusses enclosed copies of a document [not present] regarding the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and asks von Steuben to forward them to the officers.

Reports that the corps in the detachment at West Point have been dissolved, except for those soldiers whose terms of service have not expired. These 500 men will be commanded by Colonel [Henry] Jackson, presumably at West Point. There is also one corps of artillery commanded by Major Sebastian Bauman. Asks Steuben to instruct Jackson on the mode by which the remaining soldiers will be mustered and inspected. Plans to depart soon for Boston, leaving Jackson in charge.

Refers to a recent letter from Steuben transmitting papers from General [Jethro] Sumner of North Carolina. Discusses matters pertaining to the Society of the Cincinnati, referring to an upcoming meeting in May at Philadelphia. Writes that many opponents of the society claim it was formed in Europe to overturn our happy constitutions. Refers to objections raised by Aedanus Burke of South Carolina, who argues that the society is a hereditary nobility. Reports that Legislature of Massachusetts has chosen a committee to investigate associations that promote hereditary nobility.

Written to P.J. Van Berckel, likely Pieter Johan Van Berckel. Replies to Van Berckel's letter from 9 May, in which he recommended Joseph Mandrillon for membership in the Society of the Cincinnati. Regrets that the Society's rules did not permit to associate so worthy a character. Refer to GLC02437.03566 for Knox's letter to Mandrillon.

Discusses a letter Boudinot sent exculpating the attributed author of a piece that evidently criticized Knox. Declares that he does not remember seeing or hearing anything about the story to which Boudinot alludes. States that as a public official he is rightly open to criticism.