Informs Captain [Thomas] Vose this letter is being delivered to him by a workman, Henry Simpson, who has been contracted to build Henry Knox's house. Describes Mr. Simpson as being well educated in his field and one of the best bricklayers in this town. Explains Simpson is contacting him to insure that the grounds are properly laid out for the foundation of Knox's house, consulting on what type of material to use, and to ensure the material is delivered by the time Mr. Simpson returns with his workmen. Requests Captain Vose gives his aid and assistance to Mr. Simpson to ensure a timely construction. Discusses the arrival of Mr. Denton and his work crew upon the return of Captain Robinson, says the house should be completed by this fall. Noted as a copy.

Reports Mr. Robinson, Mr. [Ebenezer] Dunton, Mr. [Henry] Simpson, and several laborers have set sail for St. George's [House]. Informs Knox he sent Mr. [Thomas] Vose a new ox cart and Mr. Vose expects the workmen to keep two teams in constant employ. Provides information on salaries paid for the construction of Knox's house. Also, mentions invoices totaling [Dollar sign]400 for materials. Warns Knox his house will cost twice the amount of what he expects. Relays a story about the construction of a theater costing twice the estimated amount. Discusses the performance of Henry Jackson Knox, the son of Henry Knox. Notes they should purchase Henry Jackson Knox a flute.

Updates Knox on the construction of Knox's house. Reports on the return of Captain Robinson from St. George's [House] (possibly part of the Waldo patent lands) and on Mr. Henry Simpson', the mason, consultation with Captain [Thomas] Vose regarding the materials to be used on Knox's house. Informs Knox in approximately two weeks Mr. Simpson, Mr. Denton, and Mr. Robinson, along with several gangs of workmen, will head to St. George's House and begin construction. Mentions he told Mr. Simpson both he and Mr. Vose will be of assistance to him. Notes the pillars on the house will be round. Clarifies where the placement of the basement should be and the type of material to use on the basement.

Writes his mason regarding the construction of his house (his future estate, Montpelier, in Maine). Requests Mr. [Henry] Simpson to provide General [Henry] Jackson with an estimate of the supplies that will be needed. Reminds him he wants a well built house, but also desires it to be plain and not made of expensive carvings or ornaments. Informs Mr. Simpson he will not be present during the beginning of construction and is relying on his expertise and reputation. Allows for him to choose which workmen to hire but insists all agreements are made in writing. Gives detailed instructions on the size and style of each room, including the windows and doors. This includes the foundation of the house, the cellar, basement, flooring, parlor, chamber story, oval room, and various other rooms. Discusses moving the house further north and reminds him to show this letter to Captain [Thomas] Vose and to listen to Vose's instructions.

A copy of the letter Jackson wrote to Vose that was sent to Knox. Tells Vose that Knox is anxious to get the house built and is relying on his hard work. Wants to know the number of Masons; that will be necessary to build the cellar walls. Wants Vose to collect stone for the cellar, as well as timber. Tells Vose to write when he is ready for carpenters and they will be sent. Says that Vose is to write to him to request any materials he cannot procure locally. Reports the prices for bricks and boards in Boston. Wants to know the wage and cost for rations per day for journeymen, carpenters, and Masons; in his area.

Instructs Vose to purchase supplies and laborers, for the construction of Henry Knox's house (Montpelier), from suppliers who are indebted to Knox. Tells Vose to pay the suppliers one quarter in cash and deduct the other three quarters from their debt with Knox. Mentions he sent Vose the stone and iron work for the chimney of Knox's house. Noted as a copy.

Informs Knox he will deliver Captain [Thomas] Vose and Mr. Ebenezer Dunton their letters once he copies them. Cautions Knox on how large and costly his house will be. Writes the house will be much larger than a Country meeting house and with all the economy & attention probably it will cost more money than you have an Idea of or ought to be expended on a house in that country - besides which, the frequent alterations you have made and are daily making are attend'd [sic] with very great expense & will increase the bills... Explains the inside of the house is almost complete and they are waiting for the frame of the house to be set. Asks him to put aside his last minute changes. Mentions he does not believe Knox realizes the actual cost of his house and asks what he believes it is. Notes if Knox is correct, the house will have twenty four fire places, and all your rooms pretty large - I doubt whether either of the College's at Cambridge has more - if so many - it's a very large house that has ten or twelve, and but few such to be found in this Town, or even on the Continent - Requests he writes him back with further instructions.