Secretary of War Knox informs the president of his arrival in Philadelphia, and also for permission to join Washington in Carlisle, Pennsylvania until the painful task upon which you are, shall be settled. The painful task was the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion by government troops, headed by Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Virginia Governor Henry Lee. Knox's retained draft.

Writes, Your exertions in my department during my absence will never be obliterated. I regret my long stay. If things shall be so serious as to require the President [George Washington] to go forward (referring to the Whiskey Rebellion), I hope I may be indulged in joining him. I have not seen Mr [John?] Jays disputes.

Later copy, No. 19 Copied from & compared with the Original Feb'y 8th 1854. Marked private. Mentions a letter from Mr. Bradford concerning Colonel Neville and Major Lenox (possibly referring to David Bradford, Presley Neville and Marshal Lenox). Discusses an insurrection (the Whiskey Rebellion), and instructs Knox to pursue an unspecified plan.

Orders Hodgdon, the Superintendent of Military Stores of the United States Army, to deliver clothing and arrange for a coach. Indicates that President George Washington's waggon will be ready in the morning. Washington was going to western Pennsylvania to command the army in the Whiskey Rebellion. Written from the War Department.

Knox's retained draft, riddled with struck text and insertions. Acknowledges receipt of applications Washington sent for admission into the Society of the Cincinnati. Comments on the Constitution at great length: In the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut, the great object of organizing the new Constitution has engrossed the attention of the people. Notes that Rhode Island's paper money system and tender laws are sufficiently characteristick of their pursuits. Refers to the Constitution, the new government, and Federalism in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia and New Jersey. Declares, Mr. John Adams will probably have the plurality of views for vice President- from his principles of government as well his professions of regard to the character universally decided on for the President- he will probably be one of the best characters for the office of vice president. Notes that his three youngest children have had the measles. In a post script, reports that Major Haskell, who is on his way to Europe, hopes to obtain a certificate of service from Washington.

Relates the concerns of the President, George Washington, regarding the present hostile state of Europe, and the consequences it may have for the United States. Writes, It is acknowledged by all who reflect upon the course of human events that a just regard for its own preservation and security, is the primary duty of every independent nation. Believes that the United States is in a good position to defend itself should the need arise. States that though the President does not have legal authority to direct measures of defense, he feels that the respective states should do what they can to repair the decaying seaports and coastal defenses that have not been used since the late war. Also advises that the patriotism of individuals needs to be aroused, to produce an arrangement on the existence of which the preservation of their lives property and liberties might eventually depend. Date added later in pencil. Docketed, To be considered.