Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Mentions current issues facing the military establishment, particularly regarding enlistment and pay. Also touches on military inspections, and tells Knox to expect a letter from Captain C[onstant] Freeman on the subject. Briefly mentions the price of State notes. Discusses the travel plans of Mrs. Swan, who will be meeting her husband in Paris. Hopes she will travel with some letters of introduction in case Mr. [James] Swan cannot meet her when she arrives.

Writes that he received Knox's letter and the enclosure for Mr. Short, but it arrived too late to give to Mrs. Swan as she left for Paris. Wishes her a safe journey. Also reports that Mr. Swan wrote to him and seems to be doing well; promises to tell Knox more when Jackson visits New York on business that weekend.

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus King and Elbridge Gerry. Finally, asks Knox to choose whether Major [William] North or Major [Elnathan] Haskell would be placed with his regiment, and goes on to explain how he plans to subdivide his regiment and who he may place in command.

Reports that Mrs. Swan, the wife of James Swan of Boston, will soon be leaving for France. She plans to meet her husband in Paris, but if he cannot meet her right away, would like to arrange for someone else to meet her as she is a stranger in that city. Recipient's name is illegible, but may be Mr. Short, and is listed as a Charges des affaires in Paris (see GLC02437.04619 for another reference to Mr. Short).

Discusses a meeting Knox and his delegation are attending. Mentions a meeting held at the Green Dragon to deal with officers pay. Says a committee was appointed to draft a memorial to Congress and report it at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in July. It is the intention of the committee to meet with the officers the latter part of this month and present their findings to Congress in June. Forwards a copy of the memorial that was drafted for Knox to peruse, he is instructed not to say a word of it to anyone. Says if he dislikes or would like an amendment to any part of the report to let him know. Believes the memorial is the only way to satisfy the officers. It is their intention for General [Benjamin] Lincoln to sign the memorial on behalf of the officers.

Confirms that he was out of town the previous week and that this is why he was unable to respond to a previous letter. Reports that he will forward Jackson's circular letter during the coming week. Declares that Jackson has involved me in an embarrasing [sic] predicament by asking my opinion of the intended memorial of the Massachusetts Line. Discusses his beliefs on the memorial, which pertains to solider pay.

Discusses a mutual friend's financial troubles and the need for every exertion to be made on his behalf. Mentions a general meeting of delegates that may be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asks Knox to inform him if he believes the business at the meeting will not be attended to. Describes the dissatisfaction many former officers are feeling as they still have not received any pay for their services to the government. There is a meeting being held regarding their situation and he has been asked to join it. Notes he feels the officers complaints are just but the timing is wrong. Mentions, according to the Constitution, that tomorrow is the first day for electing the governor and senators. Discusses the candidates running for office. Says the House of Representative will be discussing a bill regarding the South Western frontiers on Thursday. Notes the President's (George Washington) signature is still needed on the Bill.