Discusses the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: My God, what a Stroke we have met with in Loss of Ticonderoga- after all the trouble, pains, & expense the Continent has been at in Fortifyg [sic] that Post, to think we should be obliged to give it up without fire'g a gun- is too much... Predicts that because of the loss, there will be nothing but Scalp'g & [Butcher'g] our back settlements... Reports on the capture of The Fox, a British ship. Mentions the capture of British General Richard Prescott, and hopes for the exchange of Prescott for General [Charles] Lee.

Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will form a junction with the Northern [sic] Army. Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will always take up the hatchet on the strongest side. Declares that if Howe captures Philadelphia, Albany, and Ticonderoga, it may help the Continental cause: it would Brake up all our dam'd money makers, who are making their Fortunes on the ruin of their Country. Complains of the poor pay for soldiers and officers in the Continental Army. Discusses his regiment. Gives details of an Independence Day celebration held the previous Friday. Reports that a maritime prize landed in Marblehead [Massachusetts] with Jamaican Rum.

Colonel Jackson asks, What think you of the loss of Ticonderoga, it is in general believ'd here, that that Fortress was sold to the enemy- as for my part, I shall suspend my Judgement till I can hear more of the particulars. Discusses recent news from France that all France is Arm'g their Fleet and Army... to assist America. Also notes that a private letter from Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin to a gentleman in America suggests that a War was inevertable, (possibly inevitable). Mentions the British recapture of their frigate the Fox, which had been taken by the Americans earlier. Notes that unless the court assists, he will not be able to fill his regiment. Asks about the affair of the Frenchman, declaring that if du Coudray is appointed the head of artillery. Declares that du Coudray is appointed in Knox's place, all the Majr Generals must resign.

Colonel Jackson declares, The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us... Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the North River (the Hudson), and has received information that many British soldiers are sick. Discusses the capture and recapture of the Fox, a British frigate. Expresses gratitude for his appointment as Knox's agent. Cannot recruit enough men to join his regiment, and asks for assistance from Knox and his Excellency the Genl, (George Washington). Text loss on page three.

Knox writes, the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me... Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most disagreable [sic] consequences of any thing during the War... Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Arthur St. Clair (American), and Philip Schuyler (American). Refers to a wagon of supplies Lucy sent to him. Wishes his brother William would not join the Army, but would instead remain in Boston, serving as a disinterested friend and protector for Lucy. Expects General William Howe to combine forces with Burgoyne at an unspecified point along the North River (the Hudson). Mentions that Mrs. Greene (Catherine Littlefield Greene, wife of General Nathanael Greene) arrived several days before. Discusses a letter he sent to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, inquiring if Congress intended to appoint Phillippe du Coudray in command of the Continental Artillery. Reports that Congress resolved that Knox's letter was an infringement on the Liberties of the people.

Mentions the capture of the Fox, a British frigate. Apparently, the Fox was retaken by the British, but this news is uncorroborated. Colonel Jackson expects to be called in to pay Knox's contribution to a privateer. Suggests that Henry persuade his wife Lucy to sell her phaeton (a horse drawn carriage), noting that Lucy keeps the carriage in case Henry approves her to visit him at military headquarters. Reports that between the phaeton and the chaise, Lucy will need two more horses than she has. Writes, maybe you'll say it is none of my Business, if she wants 10 Horses, your pay as a Brigr will support it... Notes that a prize arrived at Dartmouth (possibly Massachusetts) with sugar, rum, and cotton.

Lengthy letter written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant to the good of the service and your own reputation... Discusses General William Howe's recent movements, and General John Sullivan's Continental force in Princeton, New Jersey. Is confused by the movements of the British. Assumed they intended to march to Philadelphia, but they instead fortified their position at Middlebrook, New Jersey. Notes that Mr. Howe, instead of marching to Philadelphia found himself almost blockaded in an open flat County. If Howe had attempted to march on Philadelphia, Knox asserts he should probably had twenty five thousand or thirty thousand militia upon his back... Describes Howe's retreat, at one a.m. the morning of 19 June. While Howe plundered on his way, he was intermittently followed and attacked by American militia. Predicts Howe to attack on the North River (the Hudson). Reports that General John Burgoyne is active near Fort Ticonderoga, and Genl Howe must make an attempt or push for a junction. Notes that the enemy, by all appearances, is leaving New Jersey.