Signed, HK. Discusses his interest in training the militia and asks Lincoln for his opinion on the subject. Writes [t]ell me Sincerely your own opinion, my dear Friend, is the project of the Militia herewith enclosed an utopian plan? If I am not acting under a delusion, as sure as we exist as a republic we must have a strong institution of the sort, or we shall have a standing army which I should exceedingly dislike - For I am [sincerely] impressed with the opinion that under the influences of a standg army the Gloss of Our republic would pass away like snow before a summer Sun. Docketed in Knox's hand.

Writes a response to Knox's proposed plan for regulating the militia and gives his opinion that it has great merit and if cordially embraced it would make ours the strongest militia in the world. But believes the people of Massachusetts will not adopt the plan. The expence, pay of officers, no pay of men, the burden on Masters, calling the youth indiscriminately, disfranchised for a time in certain cases, officers excluded from actual service, subjection to a draught, for a service of three years &c &c will be magnified here and dam the bill. Thinks it is a bad time to bring this up to the General Court.

Encloses (not included) his report on the subject of a republican national militia. Discusses his thoughts concerning a republican national militia... Believes republic governments are the sort of governments that will be more productive of happiness and an enlargement of the mind than other forms [of] government, But that they cannot be [effectively] secured [against] the machinations of the interested and ambitious unless the people will sacrifice some [portion] of [ease], and establish strong institutions... Solicits Hancock's help saying he does not know the fate of the report but believes if it meets Hancock's and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approbation it will take deep root... Mentions Mrs. Knox just gave birth to another son. Date taken from docket. Knox's working draft. Docketed in Knox's hand.

Later copy. Knox gives advice to General Lincoln, Southern Department Commander: My ignorance of the Country makes me an inadequate judge of your situation, but the numbers you mention you have to oppose the Enemy is most certainly a very serious matter. This it is to hoped will ultimately be remedied but the mean time will probably be very disagreeable. Advises Lincoln to exercise patience. Relates that the right wing of the Continental Army is in New Jersey, while the left wing and part of the second line are east of the Hudson River. Remarks, The Enemy by shipping off so great a quantity of troops have not enough left to disturb our repose much this winter. We are enjoying ease at your expense. I feel a kind of shame in participating of any entertainment at a time when any part of my friends are in a disagreeable situation.

Later copy. Discusses the exchange of prisoners and that it is still in progress and also mentions the petition of the New England officers for better wages and other benefits. Informs General Lincoln of Cornwallis' movements in the South, mainly through Georgia and South Carolina.

Reports that he forwarded a letter from Lincoln to John Jacob Faesch. Discusses the Constitution, noting that no state has thus far rejected it except for Rhode Island. Writes, Thank Heaven America has a proposition for a government which in case of a storm would shield the principle of liberty... from the rude attacks of anarchy and tyranny. Relates that eight states have adopted the Constitution, and there is reason to believe Virginia will also choose in favor of ratification. Comments on Anti-Federalists in New York and the likelihood that New York will adopt the Constitution. Notes The real disposition of New Hampshire seems to be concealed regarding ratification. Congratulates Lincoln on being elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.

Writes to Lincoln, the Secretary of War, to ask his opinion on various subjects surrounding artillery stores for future campaigns. Various topics include shells being cast for French howitzers by Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch, preparation of shot and shells by Mr. Byers, and transportation of cartridge boxes from Philadelphia to the New York state posts. Also mentions directions from General George Washington to have stores from the post in Burlington, New Jersey moved to New Windsor, New York, and the amount of repairable arms in Albany, Fishkill and West Point. Discusses the urgent need for hiring armorers to repair weaponry: There is no one abuse or thing in the Army that demands a more prompt remedy than the repair of Arms.