Knox writes to Doctor Cochran, Director General of the Medical Department of the Continental Army. Reports that in the absence of Doctor Burnet (on leave), West Point is in need of medical personnel. Writes, The men begin to be taken sick, especially those in tents I shall have places warm and comfortable to put the sick into, but there is not the least article of hospital stores. Asks for Cochran to send medical stores under a person of his own appointment (who would presumably remain at West Point after delivering the stores).

Knox, commander at West Point, writes to General Lincoln. Mentions a recent application by Continental Army officers to the State of Massachusetts regarding half pay. Knox reports the decision has been postponed, mainly because of Osgood (Samuel Osgood, Massachusetts's delegate to Continental Congress). Regarding the officers, writes, something must be done to relieve their present distress, which is intolerable- and they must have a full confidence concerning the execution of the half pay whether in its present form, or in some other that may be more agreable...

Writes that a friend of William's [name illegible but might be Mr. Samuel Hodgdon] will be travelling to France and will see William, so Knox felt he had to take the opportunity to write. Thanks William for his last several letters. Comments that he thinks William's motives are just for remaining in Europe until peace is achieved. Mentions the recent defeat of Comte de Grasse, and also relates that General George Washington has appointed him Commandant of West Point. Reports that he and his family resided in Philadelphia until they moved to the North River. Writes, All my little family have been much afflicted with sickness, and mentions that Mrs. Knox and Mary were ill with intermittent fevers but have recovered. Lucy was declining rapidly so they brought her to the North River for the pure air, and it has helped aid her recovery. Marcus has been suffering from a [dysentery?] a consequence of [getting] teeth. He fears that William will never have the pleasure to see him. A few days, perhaps a few hours may decide his fate.

Discusses problems with the issuance of provisions at West Point. Knox's retained draft.

Written from Baskenridge, likely present-day Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Comments that he expected to be at West Point by now, but was delayed at Elizabeth Town. Plans to be in West Point by 15 May at the latest. Asks that Crane save as much timber and iron as possible for their military stores, as upon these two articles depend our most important work. Requests that he send to Knox in Philadelphia a list of articles needed for the laboratory at West Point, and Knox will order them.

Writes, We have at West Point, one Bigelow belonging to the 7th Massachusetts regt. a limeburner, a man of eminent consequence to the public service at that place. I have requested to his Excellency the Commander in Chief [General George Washington] to retain him in his present occupation untill we can provide another person equally good in his profession. His Excellency has [consented?] and I write you this note to give you the information.

Knox, Commander at West Point, transmits a weekly return of troops to Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Discusses illness among soldiers in the West Point vicinity: The troops having been uncommonly sickly for this place, and a malignant putrid fever being among their disorders, I have fixed upon the barrack at Constitution Island as an hospital... Discharged and furloughed some patients from the hospital at New Windsor, under the care of surgeon William Eustis. Reports, We have had cold unpleasant weather since commencement of the present month... [the troops] have only the remains of the thin under cloathes which they purchased in the spring. Regarding the uncertain date of discharge of troops following the recent signing of the Treaty of Paris (3 September 1783), Knox remarks, The officers in general are exceedingly anxious to have some final arrangements made... It is apparent from the foul, illiberal Spirit manifested by many parts of Connecticut, that their hands are outstretched against their officers. I mention these matters not with which to accelerate arrangements which might in some measure depend upon the British evacuating New York, but merely to share the anxiety of the officers... I am apprehensive that the preparations which have been made at this post to celebrate peace have been made in vain...