Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, I am in hopes my business will call me there having never been in that corrupt place... Wonders as to Howe's hesitation, joking that it is impossible Howe would be afraid of our ragamuffin army. Criticizes Howe, noting the first principle of an invader ought to be to destroy the army of his opponents... if his army is not superior in the field he may as well take himself away... Asserts that based on affairs in the north (possibly a reference to the American loss of Ticonderoga in early July), the British campaign in his location may turn from defensive to offensive. Expresses hope that military service will render him admirable, referring to his brother William Knox.

Knox writes, the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me... Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most disagreable [sic] consequences of any thing during the War... Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Arthur St. Clair (American), and Philip Schuyler (American). Refers to a wagon of supplies Lucy sent to him. Wishes his brother William would not join the Army, but would instead remain in Boston, serving as a disinterested friend and protector for Lucy. Expects General William Howe to combine forces with Burgoyne at an unspecified point along the North River (the Hudson). Mentions that Mrs. Greene (Catherine Littlefield Greene, wife of General Nathanael Greene) arrived several days before. Discusses a letter he sent to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, inquiring if Congress intended to appoint Phillippe du Coudray in command of the Continental Artillery. Reports that Congress resolved that Knox's letter was an infringement on the Liberties of the people.

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes ...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life... Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to sell their phaeton. Mentions the loss of Ty [Ticonderoga] and General Arthur St. Clair, a reference to St. Clair's recent retreat in the Battle of Ticonderoga. Speculates whether British General William Howe sails for Philadelphia or Boston. Mentions a letter from Howe to General John Burgoyne that was recently intercepted by Continental forces. Howe informed Burgoyne that the expedition up the North River (the Hudson) has been abandoned in favor of a British operation against Boston. Knox notes, this letter was designed to fall in our hands in order to deceive- we suppose he will be at Philadelphia near as soon as we-

Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited, patriots on the Continent. Reports that British General William Howe might be sailing toward the Chesapeake Bay. Disbelieves the Chesapeake is Howe's target. Asserts instead that Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) or Philadelphia. Discusses Howe's movements and comments on the extremely hot weather. Referring to British General John Burgoyne, writes Mr. Burgoyne will push himself untill he finds a stone wall to break his head against- I hope that will not be too soon untill all parts of the Machine may harmonize which is to work his destruction... Referring to his brother William, writes Master Bill bears the fatigues of the Campaign like a soldier and they are not very few...

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets. Has not seen his brother William for some days, due to William's illness and fatigue. Remarks that if he travels to see Lucy, he will have to leave his brother behind. Reports that General William Howe, who occupies Philadelphia with British troops, has been drawing forage from the meadows near Philadelphia.

Informs Lucy that she has full possession of his heart. Expresses relief that her case of smallpox has improved. Discusses Mr. Bowdoin, possibly a man hired to help Lucy upon the departure of a previous servant or assistant, Mr. Bolling. Discusses the British burning of Danbury, Connecticut, which took place in April 1777. Notes that the loss of stores in Danbury was very amply made up in the store ship lately taken and carried into Dartmouth. Discusses the possible intentions of British General William Howe, and whether he is bound for Philadelphia or the Hudson River.

Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will form a junction with the Northern [sic] Army. Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will always take up the hatchet on the strongest side. Declares that if Howe captures Philadelphia, Albany, and Ticonderoga, it may help the Continental cause: it would Brake up all our dam'd money makers, who are making their Fortunes on the ruin of their Country. Complains of the poor pay for soldiers and officers in the Continental Army. Discusses his regiment. Gives details of an Independence Day celebration held the previous Friday. Reports that a maritime prize landed in Marblehead [Massachusetts] with Jamaican Rum.