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.

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.

Acknowledges Knox's letter of 30 January 1791. Comments that [James Swan] is too sanguine in this business and his profits are only on paper. Notes [Sylvanus] Bourne is eager to settle his business affairs with them. Talks about the celebration of President George Washington's Birthday where they consumed 82 Bottles of Madeira Wine. Says the purpose of [Samuel] Ogden's visit to Boston is to make a purchase of the remaining 2/3d of our Western Lands - Gorham and Philips having purchased the other 1/3d. Tells Knox that a number of Petitions have made their appearance from the settlers on the patent all of the same complication. The Indian problems, Jackson thinks, will terminate in very serious consequences or the whole Western Country will be depopulated.

Discusses the proper time to sell goods recently arrived from London that were consigned to Henry Knox. Relates that Granville Sharp sent a box of books intended for Knox, Harvard College, Rhode Island College, and George Washington. The books were damaged in transit, and are presently with Lucy, Knox's wife. Reports that in a recent meeting (held at Faneuil Hall in Boston) merchants resolved to have no dealings whatever with any British mercht. agents... that we will not receive them to Board-Speak or have any connections with them, [that] we will not Let them a House shop-store, or Wharfe... In consequence, the British merchants are leaving Boston. Reports that Lucy's sister Hannah recently informed Lucy of the death of their brother.

Discusses business activities. Comments that most officers send money home to their families. Mentions that Mr. Jackson will read William his letter, possibly Henry Jackson who wrote to Knox with military news on 17 June 1776 (see GLC02437.00343). William was overseeing Henry's business in Boston.

Notes he received Knox's post and is all anxiety to learn that you have fin'd the business with Mr. B [William Bingham?] - and also concluded with Mr [William] Duer... Informs Knox that he has sent all of the copies out and that [Jean-Baptiste] de la Roche has left for the Eastern Lands in a very good mood. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Discusses recent correspondence between himself and Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War. Discusses business and financial matters pertaining to Knox (apparently, Jackson was managing Knox's affairs while Knox was in New York).