Writes a response to Knox's proposed plan for regulating the militia and gives his opinion that it has great merit and if cordially embraced it would make ours the strongest militia in the world. But believes the people of Massachusetts will not adopt the plan. The expence, pay of officers, no pay of men, the burden on Masters, calling the youth indiscriminately, disfranchised for a time in certain cases, officers excluded from actual service, subjection to a draught, for a service of three years &c &c will be magnified here and dam the bill. Thinks it is a bad time to bring this up to the General Court.

Signed, HK. Discusses his interest in training the militia and asks Lincoln for his opinion on the subject. Writes [t]ell me Sincerely your own opinion, my dear Friend, is the project of the Militia herewith enclosed an utopian plan? If I am not acting under a delusion, as sure as we exist as a republic we must have a strong institution of the sort, or we shall have a standing army which I should exceedingly dislike - For I am [sincerely] impressed with the opinion that under the influences of a standg army the Gloss of Our republic would pass away like snow before a summer Sun. Docketed in Knox's hand.

Encloses (not included) his report on the subject of a republican national militia. Discusses his thoughts concerning a republican national militia... Believes republic governments are the sort of governments that will be more productive of happiness and an enlargement of the mind than other forms [of] government, But that they cannot be [effectively] secured [against] the machinations of the interested and ambitious unless the people will sacrifice some [portion] of [ease], and establish strong institutions... Solicits Hancock's help saying he does not know the fate of the report but believes if it meets Hancock's and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approbation it will take deep root... Mentions Mrs. Knox just gave birth to another son. Date taken from docket. Knox's working draft. Docketed in Knox's hand.

Discusses the outcome of a hearing concerning a mutual acquaintance's petition. Writes that Knox's plan for the militia is not very well received here - altho every one speaks highly of it, as it appears on paper, and confess, that it is a masterly performance, & discovers great genius & knowledge in military arrangements, and that such a militia would be superior to any in the world - some doubt the necessity of such a militia in the country, but they are for keeping up a sufficient number of standing troops to answer all the purposes of government.

Discusses an excise and valuation bill in the House. Writes, The state notes hold their ground much better than the continentals, the moment they are at your marker, I will strike, and with the greatest secrecy as it respects you. Comments that at present he cannot determine how Knox's plan for the militia will be received, as he has heard many different opinions about it. Informs Knox that they celebrated Washington's birthday in Boston.

Unsigned, and marked copy. Body of the letter in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Knox refers to a previous letter he sent to Lincoln (see GLC02437.03446). Thanks him for his last letter, and believes his recent services to the government (by leading troops to suppress Shays' Rebellion) will prove beneficial. Writes, A Congress of seven States has been lately formed. Our old friend General [Arthur] St. Clair president. Nearly three months elapsed between the time Congress ought to have been and the time it was actually formed. Adds, I have written you an official letter respecting some troops I have ordered to Springfield. Discusses where these troops are currently stationed, and how they will arrive at Springfield. Urges him to keep your attention fixed on the Stores and to afford them as ample protection as your force will admit, and the case may require. Mentions the variety of rumors he has heard regarding the status of Lincoln's regiment, but has heard that Generals [Rufus] Putnam and [Benjamin] Tupper are with him and if so, sends his regards to them.

Signed at the conclusion by Benjamin Lincoln. Pages divided into two columns. The left column contains sixteen issues about which Knox would like further direction and information from General Benjamin Lincoln. Some of these include questions and concerns about artillery, ordnance, artillery men, and their pay. The right column has Lincoln's reply concerning the respective issues. The entire document is written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp.