Explains delays in transporting the artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts caused by the lack of snow on the ground and ice on the Hudson River. He realizes the importance of the transport and explains plans for moving forward. Also mentions that he has sent another list of the artillery being moved (not included). Knox's retained draft.

Gives General Lee additional specifics on the artillery ordered from New York City and being sent to Cambridge, Massachusetts, which George Washington has already written Lee about. He sent a list of items sent by the Second Provincial Congress or Committee of Safety in New York (not included). Explains plans for their transport. Notes that even though Knox has retrieved artillery pieces from Fort Ticonderoga, the pieces from New York are badly needed. Knox also discusses his efforts to obtain artillery from New York City in GLC02437.00212, GLC02437.00220, and GLC02437.00222.

Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why his letter of 5 December 1775 was so short (see GLC02437.00215). Comments on the weather and the lack of snow, which impeded his plans to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions that his brother William Knox is now at Lake George preparing the sleds for the transport. Describes his travels. Comments favorably of the city of New York in comparison to Boston, but criticizes the people's pride, conceit, profaneness, and Toryism. Mentions the low population and poverty of the area between New York City and Albany. Favorably assesses Albany, New York and speculates that, because of its access to the western territories, it will one day be if not the Capital yet nearly to it of America. Criticizes treatment of American prisoners of war by the British, citing Richard Prescott's abuse of Ethan Allen. Prescott was captured by the Americans on 17 November 1775, and Knox remarks that he and other prisoners were being sent from Albany to Pennsylvania. Comments on letters between generals George Washington and William Howe in which Washington vows to treat Prescott as Allen was treated. Comments on his impression of the British prisoners.

Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year. Comments on difficulties of getting the ordnance over Lake George. Mentions that he has obtained sleds and oxen. He will use the oxen to drag the artillery to Springfield, where he will get new animals to drag them the rest of the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Explains the route and speculates on potential for either progress or hardship. Expects to arrive in Cambridge in 16-17 days. Sends an inventory of the artillery from Ticonderoga and the pieces requested from Colonel Alexander McDougall in New York (not included). Explains arrangements with McDougall and seeks Washington's approval for them (see GLC02437.00220; also GLC02437.00212). Discusses activities in Canada in regard to Colonel Benedict Arnold and British Colonel Allan McLean. Closes by noting that he believes General Richard Montgomery is in possession of Quebec. [Knox was wrong about this.] Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Knox's retained working draft. Docket is written in another hand.

Discusses working with General Philip Schuyler to arrange to have artillery seized from the British earlier in the year forwarded from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Describes the garrison at Ticonderoga as weak and the Conveyance from the fort to the landing so indifferent & the passage across the lake so precarious that I am afraid it will be ten days at least before I can get them on this side the lake. Mentions potential problems with the sledding. Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Knox's retained working draft. Docket is written in Knox's hand.

Relays an order from George Washington to have two or three cannons mounted on carriages and prepared to be moved. Washington would also like to see Knox at Headquarters. Cary was an aide to Washington.