Seeks an evaluation of Joseph Habersham, in order to find an appropriate federal appointment for him. Washington also asks advice on the law abilities of John Houstoun, for a possible appointment to Associate Judge for the Supreme Court. Marked confidential. Written as President to Secretary of War Knox.

Placing Knox in charge of certain affairs of government, because he is going on a journey to the Southern States. Gives Knox orders regarding various military actions, including troop recruitment, hostilities against the indians. and treaty issues with the Creeks. The last one or two pages of the letter are missing.

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, informing Knox that he will arrive later than he expected to or had hoped for in Philadelphia. States that his later than expected arrival means he will have very little time to prepare for his meetings with other officials. Asks Knox to be ready for his arrival. Copied from original 1 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.

Initialed by Knox. Thanks Washington for his sympathy regarding the death of his son. States The arrow with [which we were] stricken is indeed barbed with the keenest anguish. Says that neither reason nor philosophy has had their proper effect.

The Papers of George Washington, a grant-funded project, was established in 1968 at the University of Virginia, under the joint auspices of the University and the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, to publish a comprehensive edition of Washington's correspondence. Letters written to Washington as well as letters and documents written by him are being published in the complete edition that will consist of approximately ninety volumes. The work is now (2011) more than two-thirds complete. The edition is supported financially by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, the University of Virginia, and gifts from private foundations and individuals. Today there are copies of over 135,000 Washington documents in the project's document room. This is one of the richest collections of American historical manuscripts extant. There is almost no facet of research on life and enterprise in the late colonial and early national periods that will not be enhanced by material from these documents. The publication of Washington's papers will make this source material available not only to scholars but to all Americans interested in the founding of their nation. - Publisher.

Recently arrived in Peekskill. Expresses disappointment that Washington had moved by the time he arrived. Asks Washington to write to the Board of War if he plans to alter the time of arrival of stores sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a post script, writes, If your Excellency should be engag'd in any operations, which you intend to lead to immediate action I hope I may with confidence expect your Summons ...