Discusses communications he received from French diplomats and encourages Henry Jackson to come to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plans to pay a portion of the money he owes to Jackson and refers to potential discounts. Asks Jackson to complete a business transaction regarding the St. George's House (possibly referring to the Waldo patent lands). Transmitted a final plan in his last letter.

Asks Knox about his upcoming visit to New York. Discusses his poor financial situation, particularly that he is having difficulty paying off debts. Updates Knox on their joint business ventures. Mentions their project to have Madame de Leval organize a French settlement in some of their lands in Maine. Writes, Madame Laval sail'd on Friday for Frenchmans Bay. She appeared very much displeased with the general management of the business, and at one time was on the point of returning to New York... she kept constantly in view her fears with respect to our obtaining a Title of the lands from the government, and her mind would never be easy until we had made the first payment. Discusses his own possible travels to New York or Philadelphia. Touches on a bill recently presented by [David] Cobb.

Informs Knox one of his principal Masons;, Mr. [Henry] Simpson, is interested in buying some land in St. George, Maine. Discusses a gentleman who will be visiting Knox to discuss a township.

Informs Knox that Ben, possibly Benjamin Hichborn, and Sam Gardner, will consider Knox's unspecified proposal. Reports that Captain Thomas Vose, who was overseeing affairs on Knox's Maine lands, was in town the previous week. Vose fears that a ship sailing from the St. George River was lost at sea. Adds that Knox's coachman, William, was on board. Notes that the people who live on Knox's land are late in their payments because of Brown's petition, and they will not make any payments as long as the petition's status is uncertain in the [General] Court. Encloses a letter from William Frost (not included). Frost is trying to collect money from Knox, and Jackson plans to wait for Knox's approval before paying him. Briefly describes George Washington's recent visit to Boston: The Presidents visit will make a lasting impression on the minds of the people in this quarter, and I can discover an alteration in the sentiments of a number who were fluctuating & uneasy previous to this event. The President must have arrived with you long before this and I am satisfied you will hear every particular that took place on his introduction to this City. Also writes, Many here are of opinion that an Indian War is inevitable. Some have gone so far as to begin to count on their share of the plunder of South America. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox and Catharine Greene.

Encloses a copy of a letter from Mr. [Royal] Flint (not present) regarding their business propositions (relating to land purchases in Maine, which they have been working on). Writes that he had been very nervous about it but now feels he can proceed, with their support. Received a bill of monies owed to him, which will help him pay his debts. Comments on their land project, and mentions paperwork being sent to the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands to work out the terms of the purchase. Would like Knox's input and advice on the most recent acquisition. Discusses the upcoming visit of Mrs. Knox and the children to Jackson's house, and asks if Knox could send him some bed and table linens.

Jackson tells Knox that Knox's statement and the hundred dollar bill enclosed came safe to hand. Jackson will be at Portland with Col. Hichborn January 1, 1800. Jackson demands that Knox be punctual in meeting them and says that nothing but death could prevent them from going to Portland. In a post script Jackson notes that he has just received a letter from Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox. Jackson tells Knox, The Secretary of Navy order'd him onboard the Constitution.