Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Marked copy on the docket Details General [Benjamin] Lincoln's deployment with 4,000 men to deal with Shays and his supporters. Writes that Lincoln will begin at Worcester, trying to protect the Court, and then make several more stops around the state. If the insurgents do not choose to oppose him in his parties, he will proceed to search for them individually. Is pleased to hear that both he and Robert Morris have been chosen to attend the Philadelphia convention: I ardently wish for many reasons that the States would unanimously send delegates to it, but the various opinions respecting it will prevent. I most exceedingly wish Massachusetts and the eastern states would be at it, but they appear to think it an irregular step and inadequate to our critical situation - will you muster up all your arguments in favor of it, and forward them to me? I will not make a bad use of them. Is unsure when Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth will arrive, but knows there have been delays in his travels. Also reports that recruitment of troops has been going pretty well, but we exceedingly want the clothing, and every thing rests on the proposed contracts. Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by Robert Pemberton, his post-war aide.

Later copy. Writes to update Morris on the status of the fight against the Massachusetts insurgents. First, mentions that Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth is unavoidably detained for a few days. Then, outlines the actions of Generals [William] Shepard and [Benjamin] Lincoln in Massachusetts, mentioning that Lincoln is planning to take his troops to Hampshire next.

Writes that he is fully impressed with how busy Lincoln is (Lincoln was preparing to lead a regiment to face off against the Shays insurgents), but hopes that he would not mind giving him news of the battles in Massachusetts when possible. Writes, I do not request to know any thing which if divulged by miscarriage of letters would be in the least injurious - Any communications which shall be made shall be retained with me unless you should please to order otherwise. I trust to your friendship to excuse my request, wishing you every success. Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by Robert Pemberton, his post-war aide.

Writes that the insurgents are most cursedly frightened, & wish themselves to the devil. Some of the insurgents went to see the Governor to ask that the troops not be deployed to stop the upcoming siege on the General Court; they promised the insurgents would not stop the court from sitting. They were too late, however, and the troops set off to march as planned. Provides some detail about where they were quartered and where they traveled. Explains that the troops are to track down the leaders of the insurgents if they do not stand and fight. Declares that it is more like the year 75 than any thing I have seen since. Sends the compliments of General [Benjamin] Lincoln, who has set off with a very respectable command. Says he is very distressed by Knox's statement that Jackson and his officers should not become involved in the fight against the insurgents without orders from Knox or Congress. Several of his officers have already joined Lincoln's expedition and it is too late to recall them, but he suspects there will not be any actual fighting. Docketing notes that letter is a copy.

Thanks him for his last letter, and asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present) to Mrs. Swan and send the Swans his compliments. Discusses the fight against the insurgents: General [John] Brooks marched yesterday to support General [Benjamin] Lincoln against Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his supporters. Mentions that Rufus Putnam will be coming to help Lincoln as well. Will meet with the Governor that evening and if he is finished in time to send off a letter, he will provide Knox with any news. Provides him information on the status of the force fighting the insurgents. Adds some information about recruitment efforts.

Marked copy. Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses Lincoln's success at stopping Shays' Rebellion and dispersing the insurgents. Mentions how the rapid defeat of the insurgents will affect orders previously given to Colonel [David] Humphreys and Colonel [Henry] Jackson to move their regiments to Springfield, Massachusetts. Says he has been keeping General Washington and Congress abreast of Lincoln's actions. Comments on the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and expresses his firm support of it. Believes the objections voiced by many are not well-founded. Hopes that Massachusetts agrees to send delegates to the convention and that they select Lincoln, Mr. [Rufus] King and Mr. [Stephen] Higginson to be among them.

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to civil justice or pursue them root and branch out of the state. Includes the names of the men in Boston, including Governor [James] Bowdoin, who have contributed large sums of money to support this endeavor. Mentions the recruitment of soldiers. Discusses the possible appointment of a Mr. Lee as a cadet, and what steps would be necessary for that to occur. Mentions that Knox's brother William is acquainted with Mr. Lee. Also discusses the appointment of officers and artillerymen, as well as the acquisition of uniforms and supplies. Sends his love to Lucy Knox and their children.