Discusses the furloughs of two soldiers who served under Bryant (refer to GLC02437.10122). The men have to obtain blank discharge forms from army headquarters which must be filled out by Bryant before they can receive their furloughs. Expresses his opinion that Bryant should come to West Point to settle the accounts of the poor fellows (and Bryant's own account) with the army paymaster. Notes that the troops at West Point have received pay for four months of 1783. Instructs Bryant to keep the men serving under him mustered up to the present time.

Knox, Commander of West Point, directs his letter to Trumbull or Humphreys. Discusses information pertaining to the two men who deliver this letter (Knox does not include these soldiers' names). The men were sent to the Springfield [Massachusetts] Laboratory to serve under Captain Lieutenant John Bryant. Knox requests blank discharge forms to be sent to Captain Bryant. Knox will in turn urge Bryant to settle the men's' accounts with the paymaster. See GLC02437.10123 for a related document.

Informs Secretary of War Knox that he has sent a return of military stores for July 1787 and discusses work and repairs being done at the armory.

In a secretarial hand and unsigned, but author is likely Henry Knox. Letter is probably a reply to GLC02437.04255, from Bryant to Knox. Writes that he would be happy to advance Bryant's brother-in-law Mr. Mason the sum Bryant requested, but he thinks it will not be necessary, as such provision has been recently made for him as will relieve his present necessities.

Writes he has enclosed an order (not included) on Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth's for six months pay owed to Captain Bryant for his service in 1787. Hopes Bryant will receive his pay for 1788 in a few months. He will write more about his difficulties settling Bryant's account when he goes abroad. Indicates he was confined to his house for the past month with rheumatism. Written from the War Office.

Informs Secretary of War Knox that he has sent a return of military stores for October 1787. Explains a discrepancy in the return for gun powder in detail.

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aid-de-camp. States he is sorry to hear that Captain Bryant's company is weak but says it is out of my power to add to it, except by ordering such men of the artillery to it, who are unable to do field duty. Approves of Bryant sending samples of fuzes, rockets and tubes of Bryant's making. Asks Bryant to inform Colonel David Mason that Knox applied to Colonel Timothy Pickering for an order on the quarter master in Springfield. Bryant was a member of Colonel Mason's corps of Artillery artificers stationed at Springfield. Public Service written on address leaf with no signature.