Refers to his last letter (GLC02437.04777) he sent to Knox. Believes by bleeding and a few Salts the destruction in my head is in some measure removed. Informs Knox that he is sending via the Fish Knox's [wall] Paper which is now finished and a most beautiful thing. Mentions he is ready to deal with Sylvanus Bourne regarding their debt issue. The word is that Governor Bowdoin's estate is worth 60,000. Describes in detail how Bowdoin's estate is to be divided. Bowdoin left 400 to the College.

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's favor of the [November 7] (inclosing [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall's Bill, and Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne's Note). Complains of a chronic disagreeable feeling in my head. To treat this, his doctor bled me in my right Arm. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Tells Knox that he has spoken with the ailing Governor [James] Bowdoin respecting the Fish, and we have concluded to put on board the first Vessell bound to Philadelphia. Bowdoin died at 4 o'clock that morning. He had his reason to the last moment. Bowdoin's property left to Mrs. Temple will be put into the hands of the Trustees, and the income only at her command during the life her husband but if she outlives him, it comes into their hands and at her own disposal. Notes he had a visit from Mr. [Sylvanus?] Bourne, but Jackson had no directions from Knox pertaining to their business. Reports Judge [Chief Justice John] Jay is here... He is most respected & esteemed, and is taken every particular notice of - his speech to the Grand Jury was much admired. Says he was appointed foreman on a jury with Judge Jay. Tells of an attempt to raise a Balloon thirty feet distance from the Common. The failed attempt you will observe it was on the 5th of November (Guy Fawkes Day). Asks about an appointment for a friend.

Mentions letters (pertaining to business affairs) that recently arrived by ship for Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War. Reports news of Knox's brother William, who suffered from mental illness: By Mr. Webbers letters you will observe the melencolly [sic] situation of poor Bill, it makes my heartache when I think of him- Mr Webber appears to be a divine man, & it must give you great consolation that Bill has fallen into such good hands (referring to James Webber, a close friend and subsequent caretaker of William). Advises Knox to send for his brother, noting that all of William's financial worries will fall into Knox's hands.

Jackson describes his concern that two letters he sent to Secretary of War Henry Knox did not reach him yet. Jackson tells Knox that a Captain Barnard is in Boston and will bring the article Knox left when he returns. Jackson also informs Knox of the courtship and pending marriage between John Codman and Katy Amory. Notes that judgment against a man named Richard has been postponed fourteen days, during which time Richard must prove that he paid a debt. Jackson closes by saying that Governor James Bowdoin is very sick and not expected to continue long. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 24 October 1790 and was pleased to learn that Knox had arrived safely in New York. Jackson and others in Boston had received word of a coach accident that severely injured Mrs. Knox and some of their children. To the astonishment of every body, Governor Bowdoin is yet living, Jackson reports, for a week past every moment was supposed to be his last. Bowdoin is a good and valuable man, and his death will be much lamented by his family and the public at large. Jackson comments on the performance of Knox's horse, Boston, saying that Knox will not regret buying the horse. Lists items he is sending to Knox with Captain Barnard including cranberries for Mrs. Knox. Jackson remarks that he has heard nothing further respecting the Fish, and I think it will not do for me to make the first advances on that head.

Writes that he is very upset at the sudden death of his brother, Joseph, which happened the previous Friday. Is traveling to Brookline to see his brother's widow and daughter. Touches on financial arrangements with Knox and with Mr. [James] Swan.