Writes that he arrived in Boston yesterday after a pleasant journey, and found all of his friends well. Found that his parents were both quite ill and confined to their bedchamber, and fears particularly for his father, who seems to be declining fast. Mentions that when he passed through Watertown, Captain [Thomas] Vose approached him to discuss concerns about Vose's trip eastward to the Waldo patent lands. Reports that Vose was distressed because Knox took so long to respond to Vose's letter that Vose has been unable to proceed eastward to begin his work as Knox's agent. Vose is also frustrated because Knox did not even fully answer his questions. Adds that Vose will be visiting him again tomorrow to discuss the matter further.

Describes his trip back to Boston as a most disagreeable and damnable passage of five days ... Still suffers from the voyage, noting: at this moment the Sea is rolling in my head, and the Room and Chairs... if ever I am caught again in the sound I pray I may be committed to a mad house as a lunatic. States that he had wanted to discuss a misunderstanding which took place on the day of the arrival of the President, but will have to put it off since he is not feeling well. Relates that his parents are in ill health and are declining fast. Asks Knox to give his regards to Lucy Knox and Catharine Greene. Notes, all the people here are high for War. Stamped Boston on address leaf.

Informs Knox that Ben, possibly Benjamin Hichborn, and Sam Gardner, will consider Knox's unspecified proposal. Reports that Captain Thomas Vose, who was overseeing affairs on Knox's Maine lands, was in town the previous week. Vose fears that a ship sailing from the St. George River was lost at sea. Adds that Knox's coachman, William, was on board. Notes that the people who live on Knox's land are late in their payments because of Brown's petition, and they will not make any payments as long as the petition's status is uncertain in the [General] Court. Encloses a letter from William Frost (not included). Frost is trying to collect money from Knox, and Jackson plans to wait for Knox's approval before paying him. Briefly describes George Washington's recent visit to Boston: The Presidents visit will make a lasting impression on the minds of the people in this quarter, and I can discover an alteration in the sentiments of a number who were fluctuating & uneasy previous to this event. The President must have arrived with you long before this and I am satisfied you will hear every particular that took place on his introduction to this City. Also writes, Many here are of opinion that an Indian War is inevitable. Some have gone so far as to begin to count on their share of the plunder of South America. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox and Catharine Greene.

Writes that he received Knox's last letter, and, noting that Knox did not mention his leg injury, he assumes Knox has recovered. He does remind Knox to be more careful the next time he plays sports. Discusses current politics in Massachusetts, such as the illness of the Governor. Also declares that the General Court is concerned that its members are no longer as influential now that the new federal government is running. Provides information on their friends and acquaintances in Boston as well.

Thanks him for his recent letter as well as the letters he enclosed. Relates that one of them was from Jackson's sister, and it related news of the death of his 17-year-old niece. Discusses the recent illness of Knox's daughter Julia, but believes she is out of danger. Writes about their friend Mr. [James] Swan, who is in Europe, writing a book. Mentions the lavish welcome the governor gave the French squadron currently at anchor in Boston Harbor. Is concerned that he has bothered Knox too much on the subject of obtaining an appointment, and apologizes if he has. Mentions a letter he wrote on behalf of Mr. [Moses Michael] Hays (see GLC02437.04356), recommending him for a job.

Discusses his disappointment with apparently not receiving a government position, but knows that Knox did everything in his power to help. Would prefer, if possible, to be appointed in the Revenue department. Comments on the appointment of General [Benjamin] Lincoln and of Mr. Lovell. Mentions the severely hot weather they have recently experienced in Boston, and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the rest of the family.

Received his last letter. Is sorry to hear that Knox injured himself at the game of fives. Hopes his recovery will not be long, but advises him to take care of himself: it will be a good lesson to you, when you exercise, to do it with less violence. Discusses a visit by Captain [Thomas] Vose, in which he helped Vose to prepare to depart for the Waldo patent lands, so that Vose could work as an agent for Knox. Delivered a letter to Vose from Knox, and watched Vose and his family pack their belongings and depart on a ship. Vose seemed to feel happy about the arrangements they made. Mentions that Mr. [Theodore] Sedgwick has been elected to Congress, which pleases the Federalists, and adds that General [David] Cobb, also a Federalist, is Speaker of the House in Massachusetts. Has enclosed a letter from Constant Freeman in which he asks for help finding a job in the new government (see GLC02437.04223).