Writes that he is sorry to hear of the situation of your poor little fellow Washington, but as I did not hear from you last evening, I please myself he is better, which I pray god may be the case... Sends news of their mutual friend Shaw, who is home and will be disappointed if he does not meet with the kindest reception from his sweetheart and so states that Knox must prepare the way. Goes on to describe Shaw's ship (the most perfect ship ever built in America) and nomination of officers. Notes that the Impost Law is passed & approved by the President... Mentions the trouble Knox has been having with settlers on his eastern land and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the family. Watermarked L Paine and with a hunting horn in a crest with G R underneath.

Unsigned. Writes that he received Shaw's letters and enclosures, and was delighted and satisfied to hear of his health and the prospect of advancing his interests. Has no hope that Shaw will receive the letter, but addresses it to him on the bare possibility he will receive it, hoping that if he does not, our dear friend Randall may for whom it is equally intended. Focuses primarily on business matters. Discusses the sale of merchandise Shaw arranged for Knox before he left for China, and describes a transfer of this merchandise from Samuel Ogden because Ogden went out of town. Also mentions the new government and new Constitution of the United States, and declares that when he returns to the country, he will likely find George Washington to be President and John Adams to be Vice President. Provides some information on their family and friends, and also discusses ships traveling to China from Boston. In the hand of William Knox.

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.

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.

Congratulates Shaw on his arrival in Providence and hopes that his projects may be blessed with success. Presumes he went directly to Boston when he arrived. Discusses business concerns, including the sale of Shaw's goods, and comments on his correspondence with Shaw.

Sends a return of the troops (not included). Written and signed for Knox by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. Retained copy.

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.