Later copy. Letter reads, Although I do not conceive the office of Collector to the Port of Boston adequate to the merits of my friend, yet as it is the best thing that can be offered at present, I sincerely congratulate you on the appointment.

Received General Lincoln's recent letter. Writes that Mr. Lowells character has been placed before the President but he does not know whether a personal application would be worthwhile; believes it would depend on Mr. Lowell's opinion. Adds that the House of Representatives will look at the federal bill tomorrow, which means that the President will not be ready to sign it until 10 August at least, so Mr. Lowell has time to decide. Also discusses a new bill for the collection of revenue.

Reports that Cousin Isaac (likely Isaac Winslow) has departed for Georges River (possibly St. George River in Maine, near the Waldo patent lands). Writes, General [Benjamin] Lincoln appointment as one of the Commissioners to Treat with the Southern Indians has given great Satisfaction to the people in this quarter, particularly to his friends who are exceedingly gratified in the confidence placed in him by the President. Continues to emphasize his interest in the position of Collector of the Port of Boston, but also discusses the position of Marshall and the duties and salary associated with it. Discusses the recent anonymous publication of a poem which is universally despised by all parties & descriptions of men, and provides his suspicions on who the author may be. Mentions his positive response to the bill for the War Department.

Discusses his disappointment with apparently not receiving a government position, but knows that Knox did everything in his power to help. Would prefer, if possible, to be appointed in the Revenue department. Comments on the appointment of General [Benjamin] Lincoln and of Mr. Lovell. Mentions the severely hot weather they have recently experienced in Boston, and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the rest of the family.

Unsigned. Writes that he feels for Lincoln's situation, but is persuaded that your expectations from the new state of things will be disappointed. (See GLC02437.04226, in which Lincoln asks Knox for help finding a job with the new government.).

Writes that he wrote to the President to discuss the possibility of working for the new government. Explains a dramatic property loss he experienced while fighting in the war. Declares that he did not approach Knox on the subject because he felt that Knox was too close a friend and he could ask Knox to use his influence to give Lincoln preference for employment. Adds that he feels sure that Knox will always support him and aid him if he can. Marked private on the address leaf.

Later copy. Expresses disappointment that General Lincoln will not be ready to sail as soon as Knox anticipated. Adds that commissioners are waiting for them at Halifax, Nova Scotia. About the urgent voyage, writes We ought to determine upon the nature and quantity of things to be presented to the [Penobscot] Indians- and make application for them. We shall appear ridiculous enough in their eyes to ask them for their land and not give them any thing to prepare their minds to acquiesce in so modest a request. Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.