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.

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.

Has received Knox's recent letters and is happy to hear that Knox's son's health is improving. Discusses the best way to send letters to Knox now that new rules are in place. Describes the recent Commencement at Cambridge (possibly referring to Harvard University), in which the Governor appeared. Has enclosed some newspapers. Writes that soon the Officers for the Collection of the Revenue will be appointed, and he is really anxious because so many people are applying for those positions. Mentions that their Wednesday evening club is at an end, as several members have moved out to the country, but that all their friends send their love to him and to Mrs. Knox. Hopes to hear by the next post that Washington (likely Knox's son George Washington Knox, mentioned above) is out of all danger.

Writes that he was somewhat alarmed not to receive a letter from Knox, but believes that if he were dangerously ill, Knox's brother or someone else would send word to him. Therefore assumes that business or a visit from friends prevented his writing. Is enclosing Knox's agreement with Mr. [Thomas] Vose, who has now gone eastward, presumably to Knox's property in Maine. Writes that Mr. Hall will join Vose on the return trip.

Mentions the illness of Lucy Knox, related to the recent passing of one of the Knox children. Discusses the recent bill describing the salaries of the various executive departments. Mentions General [Benjamin] Lincoln's recent appointment and his leading troops to negotiate with the Creek Indians in Georgia. Comments on his own prospects for receiving an appointment in the Revenue office or as Marshall. Also mentions the arrival of a French ship in the Boston area, as well as a bill from Captain [Thomas] Vose, Knox's agent in the Waldo patent.

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.