Discusses their recent exchange, noting that he had not received some of her letters due to the postman's mistake. Expresses how much he misses her, emphasizing that nothing but an obligation to his country could separate them. Mentions the threat posed by General John Burgoyne, stating that Lucy, in Boston, should get a House in the Country as a Retreat. He says he cannot be sure of visiting Lucy due to the danger of the roads and the uncertainty of his location. In closing, notes I shall always make it a rule to write you by the post, and expect the same from you.

States that his other recent letter, probably GLC02437.00514, is not full of sentiment because its contents is of public importance and she might wish to show the letter to others. Says that, while there love is public, the full expressions of it need not be put in a letter that may be seen by strangers. Here he expressed the love for her that he did not in the previous letter. Hopes to be with her soon, and hopes for more letters. In a postscript advises her to sell the horses if she is in Boston, and in a note on the address leaf asks her to forward a letter for him. Dated 1776, but written 1777.

Expresses his love for her. Thinks Crane will soon have success in recruiting men. Feels America trifles too much with the high matters in which she is engag'd - an infinity of happiness or misery depends upon the success or non-success of the present Contest. Is pleased with recent victories in New Jersey, but worries that prolonged British occupation of the state has cost the revolutionaries some supporters. Says a party of ours attacked a party of 70 Tory wretches to Humanity and took 5 prisoners. There are more of them across the Passaic River, opposite Newark. Expects General Howe will next try to take Philadelphia by bringing forces from both land and sea. Accuses the British of terrorizing women and children but feels America owes every part of her past and present distress to her self and her sons and daughters who are not committed to this war. Expresses disgust for those who use marriage as an excuse not to serve and says I would annihilate such fellows or transport them to the country that I hope one day to conquer.

Expresses his love for her and his sadness at being forced to part again. Mentions his travel plans as well. After months apart the couple was finally able to see each other when Washington sent Knox to Boston to recruit men and examine artillery production. But Knox could only stay a few days before he had to rush on to the next stop on his trip.

Expresses his love for her as a follow up to a letter from the previous day. Writes, ... is there nothing in this world that would satisfy [Lucy] but deserting the camp in which I am engag'd and render my self eternally infamous ... by resigning at the time my Country may stand in need of my little assistance- God forbid. Feels sympathy for her loneliness, mentioning the absence of her family (as Loyalists, they had moved to England). Hopes to see her in about a month. Mentions that he has not written to Harry, Henry Jackson, because he is expected to soon arrive at Whitemarsh.

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.

Arrived last evening after a long trip. The roads past Hartford were so bad that the Slay and much of the baggage had to be abandoned. Has heard a report that at Spanktown, modern day Rahway, our people killed and wounded five hundred of the British during a foraging raid. Expresses his anguish over parting with her. Warns her that smallpox is spreading near her, and suggests you and your little image get inoculated. Warns her not to drink or stay too near fire afterward. Asks her to take care of some business affairs, saying this is making you quite a woman of business. Also mentions that he is now numbering his letters to her.