Thanks Lord Stirling for the wagons and buildings he sent for use in the public service. Does not expect to require any more supplies from Albany, and says that the materials which have already arrived are in excellent order. Believes that muskets and other military stores might remain in Albany over the winter, but if Lord Stirling thinks otherwise, he will arrange to have them sent to West Point via Captain [Thomas] Seward. Describes a new negotiation between England and America which has begun under the auspices of Lord Shelbourne with an agent from England named Mr. Fitzherbert. Reports that It is said the American Independence is conceded by England in is utmost latitude. Also discusses the fate of the army's troops after the war, and mentions Secretary of War Benjamin Lincoln. Adds that Mrs. Knox sends her congratulations to Lord Stirling's daughter, Kitty [Catharine], on the birth of her son.

Mentions that he has received stores which were sent by Captain Leonard's company, including a brass mortar. Also discusses the prospects for the peace treaty currently in negotiations, as well as the way it is being considered in the newspapers.

Writes to disclose the cargo on Captain [Garrit] Rykeman's sloop. Ship carries the boards from a long building which was of no use but to harbour allmost all the Bell dames [pssibly camp followers] in this department; provides measurements of the boards and hopes Knox can put them to better use. Ship also carries two prisoners of war, which we cannot prudently exchange, indeed the Enemy have no claim on them, and we dare not discharge them, they will do very well to carry- stone & mortar to the new magazines. He would like to know when Knox will be ready to receive the military stores, that they might go at the Same time with Capt. [possibly Thomas] Seward's camp. Sends respects to Mrs. Knox and reports that his daughter has Just presented us with a fine Boy. Lastly adds that John Swans, a deserter from Colonel [perhaps Rufus] Putnam's regiment, is also on board the sloop.

Reports the arrival of part of a [bldg.] sent by Alexander. Discusses recent orders and troop movements in New York. Mentions ordering troops to Albany to take down a laboratory and to check on wagons in the vicinity. Mentions the recent death of his infant son, writing The misery inflicted upon us poor mortals appears frequently to be too great to be borne, and yet we wade on, if not contented, yet unwilling to have a period put to our troubles and the shadows we call pleasures. Notes that Mrs. Knox sends her regards to William Duer and Lady Kitty Duer (Catharine Alexander, Stirling's daughter and wife of William Duer).

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Writes, I have directed a company under Capt. Lt. [Isaac] Guion from Col. [John] Lamb's regiment to relieve yours now Stationed in the Northern department. You will therefore obtain permission from Maj. Gen. [William Alexander] Lord Stirling to collect your men and repair to this post as soon as possible. You must carefully examine all the waggons and other carriages which were taken from General [John] Burgoyne in 1777, and such of them as are fit for Service must be brought here in their present state - the remainder you must burn and bring all the iron belonging to them with you to this place. You must inform his Lordship of this order.

Orders Sargent to accompany Earl Stirling (also known as Lord Stirling, or William Alexander) to ports on the Hudson River and to report back on the artillery there. Sargent was a captain lieutenant in Knox's artillery regiment.

Discusses various topics of the day, including his own illness, the execution of a soldier for desertion and the trial of another for forgery, the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, and his movements with the military over the last several months. Mentions that Generals William Heath and Alexander McDougall have had a misunderstanding, and a court is being convened to try McDougall, with William Alexander, Lord Stirling, as President and Jackson himself as a member of the court; lists the other members of the court on page eight. Also asks when the soldiers will be paid. Written from New Boston, which may be located in present-day Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Docketed in Knox's hand on page one. Missing the last pages.