Jackson describes his concern that two letters he sent to Secretary of War Henry Knox did not reach him yet. Jackson tells Knox that a Captain Barnard is in Boston and will bring the article Knox left when he returns. Jackson also informs Knox of the courtship and pending marriage between John Codman and Katy Amory. Notes that judgment against a man named Richard has been postponed fourteen days, during which time Richard must prove that he paid a debt. Jackson closes by saying that Governor James Bowdoin is very sick and not expected to continue long. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 24 October 1790 and was pleased to learn that Knox had arrived safely in New York. Jackson and others in Boston had received word of a coach accident that severely injured Mrs. Knox and some of their children. To the astonishment of every body, Governor Bowdoin is yet living, Jackson reports, for a week past every moment was supposed to be his last. Bowdoin is a good and valuable man, and his death will be much lamented by his family and the public at large. Jackson comments on the performance of Knox's horse, Boston, saying that Knox will not regret buying the horse. Lists items he is sending to Knox with Captain Barnard including cranberries for Mrs. Knox. Jackson remarks that he has heard nothing further respecting the Fish, and I think it will not do for me to make the first advances on that head.

Sends Knox a copy of the Boston Gazette (not included). Writes about recent stormy weather, which has prevented Samuel Shaw from setting off on his trip. Provides some news on family and friends.

Expresses his disappointment at not hearing from Knox and tells him about mutual friends and their families.

Writes, The time taken up by Congress in fixing the permanent seat of Government, and the situation of the Funding business has caused a great uneasiness & clamour amongst the people, and of that Class that have been the firmest supporters of the government ... every mechanick & Tradesman conceives that their being out of employ is wholly owing to that circumstance - and the distress of that class of people in the several seaports in this State is very alarming - in this town it is melancholy to see the poverty and wretchedness of the inhabitants... Reports that Captain Vose, managing affairs on Knox's lands in present-day Maine, informed him that the people who live there are behind in their payments. They will not make any payments until the Massachusetts General Court decides on a petition related to the land. Relates, a Spanish War remains as it did...

Jackson acknowledges that he received a letter from Knox on 22 August 1790. Laments that it was not within his power to take care of a debt that Knox asked him to settle in Worcester. Says he heard from a vessel from the West Indies that on 15 July war had been declared on England, but Jackson does not believe it, though he wishes in god it may be true. Reports that Benjamin Austin, Jr. and Thomas Dawes, Jr. are candidates for Federal Representatives for this district in the Room of Mr. Ames. Expects opposition, but believes we shall be able to counteract them. Says that John Gardner writes under the name of Yankee criticizing the Society of Cincinnati. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

General Jackson is happy to have received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 28 December 1790. Mentions a card party he is attending with a small circle of female friends. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.