Apologizes for responding so late to Adams' letter of 11 November 1775 (see GLC002437.00208). Discusses military books and the difficulty of obtaining them in America, and recommends books useful to different departments in the army. Comments on the importance of the war and the cause of American freedom with vehement support: Such Opportunities as the present do no[t] turn up often in the course of human events--the happiness or misery of a great proportion of the human race is at stake. This was Knox's retained working draft; the sent copy (now in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society) is dated May 16th.

Later copy. Responds to a request from Adams and comments on the character and abilities of several officers, although he directs Adams to a list of officers rather than composing one himself. Discusses the difficulties of inducing good men to serve. Suggest the establishment of military academies. Discusses the problems of the Continental Army with reference to the activities in New York. Praises George Washington and Nathanael Greene. Believes the Battle of Long Island was their one chance to win in New York. Discusses the fortification of Harlem Heights.

Later copy. Responds to Adams' (see GLC02437.00416) and discusses the urgent need to obtain copper from mines in New Jersey in order to cast canons. Joins Adams in lamenting the lack of officers from Massachusetts in the Continental Army, but also considers there to be a dearth of qualified candidates. Discusses recruiting and training good officers' rely not only on gentlemen but also on local talent. Suggests Colonel John Glover for possible promotion. Discusses raising an army and re-enlistment at length. Warns Adams that a bounty of [Dollar sign]25-[Dollar sign]36 or 100-150 acres of land is necessary to recruit and hold soldiers at next enlistment. Focuses on the associated expenses and recommends pay increases. Discusses the impending British attack on New York, anticipating it will come through Long Island and predicting victory for the Americans. Believes a direct attack on Manhattan would be ruinous to the British forces.

Responds to Knox's letter (see GLC02437.00403) to tell him that he did not meet with the founder making the cannons Knox wrote about, but another member of the Continental Congress did. Reports that the congress is also making efforts to mine copper in New Jersey. Discusses the possibility of sending Knox some information about five ships, probably seized vessels. Agrees that Massachusetts should supply the army with more officers, since they supply so many soldiers. Adams continues to discuss the need to promote Massachusetts officers and raises additional artillery concerns in a letter to Henry Knox, dated 25 August 1776 (GLC02437.00424).

Indicates that he received William's letter from his wife Lucy, who just arrived in New York with their newborn child. Anticipates New York as principal seat of war and worries about his family being in harms way. Mentions that George Washington has gone to meet with the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to discuss the current campaign. Welcomes the news that General Horatio Gates has been promoted to major general and been placed in charge of the defense of Boston. Mentions a heavy loss inflicted by a schooner from the West Indies two days earlier. Promises to write more frequently and councils William to move out of Boston should the British attempt to retake it.