Discusses the deficiency of supplies in the ordnance. Comments on the amount of horses necessary for the wagons in the field. Also discusses the supplies necessary for the ordnance, including cannon, howitzers, and ammunition, and the amount of artificers at Springfield who could help build and repair these supplies.

Written to General Benjamin Lincoln as Secretary at War. Calculations and notes regarding necessary ordnance and ammunition for the siege of New York. Discusses strategy relating to placement of cannon and batteries.

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to inform him of the recent acquisition of ordnance from the enemy, obtained with the help of France. Explains that the articles obtained are in bad repair but are in high demand, so recommends a Mr. Byers, who is at present under engagements to the United States, to be employed to make as many mortars and howitzers as necessary from the materials. Knox will submit an estimate as to how many they might need.

Writes in response to Lincoln's letter of 20 August. Declares, I am sorry Mr. [Robert] Morris cannot pay for any shells for the French [8?] inch howitzers, as they without shells much be useless after all the time and money which has been expended making new cartridges for them. Has asked General George Washington his opinion on employing German prisoners as armorers at Newburgh in exchange for their freedom (see GLC02437.01589), and Washington feels this is a good idea, so Knox asks Lincoln to make the appropriate arrangements. Also comments that he has received recent Congressional resolves about restructuring the department of military stores, and he will soon forward a list of those who he feels might not be most qualified to continue in service of the department.

Explains his recommendations and opinions on key issues regarding the ensuing campaign in and around New York. Relates that upon asking General George Washington when to be prepared to march his troops, General Washington claimed to be out of touch with the status of preparations, but as soon as he decided, he would let Knox know. Knox relates that this makes him uneasy, as it makes planning the ordnance and stores far more difficult. Describes recent experiments on howitzers of French and of English origin, and explains that they require different shell sizes (see GLC02437.01411), and recommends Captain [William] Stevens and Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch for the job. Recommends reproofing all the shells in Pennsylvania and Maryland because of previous accidents. Describes the recent acquisition by General Washington of cannon from the state of Virginia (see GLC02437.01394). Encloses a list of stores requested for West Point and the field, as well as one prepared by General [William] Irvine for Fort Pitt. Emphasizes the necessity of building the required number of carriages, wagons, tumbrils, and cartridges, and of obtaining the requested number of horses. Also mentions Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon.

Written from the War Office. In response to Knox's letter of 31 July (see GLC02437.01510), advises Knox to settle the matter of which shells and shots each metalworker in their employ, Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch and a Mr. Whiting, should cast. Writes, All the cartridge boxes made have been sent on the last contract has not been paid, we cannot obtain another without money I do not know when Mr. Morris can supply it, I will not forget to urge him. Finally, agrees with Knox that they should use armourers for repairing and rebuilding arms, but he cannot engage people to work without some prospect of their receiving a compensation, should it be attempted we would not long avail ourselves - the present disorder must be submitted to.

Written from the War Office. Has enclosed a resolve (possibly GLC02437.01501) regarding the Department of Commissary of Military Stores, and shall be much obliged by your opinion what will be necessary in the department of field commissary of military stores, and what are the alterations you wish. Comments that he finds there is a Deputy Commissary of Military Stores retained at West Point, and is not sure why. Believes that there are very few stores there that do not belong to the Garrison, and contends that the Office of Artillery at the post should care for them. Requests Knox's sentiments on these subjects. The body of the letter is written in the hand of William Jackson, Lincoln's assistant.