Affectionately laments their separation. Mentions that Generals George Washington and Charles Lee inquired about her. Comments on an encounter with navy prisoners. Discusses the regulars making a fine prize of 2000 sheep and 150 heads of cattle on Fishers Island, off Connecticut. Thinks he will see her Monday. The American Army got into a skirmish with British forces nearby at Plumb Island the day after this letter was written, the first reported clash between regulars in the Continental Army and the redcoats. Letter is dated Thursday morning 9 August 1775 but Thursday was actually 10 August 1775.

Writes that he curses the man who first brought on this war only because it separates me from my Love. Mentions that he has received instructions from George Washington to inspect and fortify the local harbor in order to make it safe for Continental troops and the American navy (see GLC02437.00274). Comments on his meeting with Admiral Esek Hopkins and his son, John B. Hopkins, who was recently injured in a naval engagement with the British ship Glasgow. Gives a favorable impression of both, comparing Esek to the Dutch Admiral Van Tromp and proclaiming that John will become a formidable figure in American History. He longs to see his wife and will judge the propriety of sending for her when he reaches New York. Knox was then moving southward toward New York, planning coastal defenses against the British navy for Rhode Island and Connecticut in the process.

Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why his letter of 5 December 1775 was so short (see GLC02437.00215). Comments on the weather and the lack of snow, which impeded his plans to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions that his brother William Knox is now at Lake George preparing the sleds for the transport. Describes his travels. Comments favorably of the city of New York in comparison to Boston, but criticizes the people's pride, conceit, profaneness, and Toryism. Mentions the low population and poverty of the area between New York City and Albany. Favorably assesses Albany, New York and speculates that, because of its access to the western territories, it will one day be if not the Capital yet nearly to it of America. Criticizes treatment of American prisoners of war by the British, citing Richard Prescott's abuse of Ethan Allen. Prescott was captured by the Americans on 17 November 1775, and Knox remarks that he and other prisoners were being sent from Albany to Pennsylvania. Comments on letters between generals George Washington and William Howe in which Washington vows to treat Prescott as Allen was treated. Comments on his impression of the British prisoners.

Laments her lonely situation, noting that a recent visitor brought her news of Henry, but no letter from him. Envies the wives of generals able to travel with their husbands: happy Mrs. Washington happy Mrs. Gates in short I do not recollect an instance like my own- Mrs. Greens you will say is similar, but it is not Mrs. G and myself were not cast in one mould. Wishes to visit Henry (at that time in Morristown, New Jersey) declaring Boston is called a place of danger. Discusses the health of their children.

Longs to see his wife and plans to in three weeks. Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Reports that both his and William Knox's health has been good. Quips about his rotund figure. Discusses the Bravery of America and a growing awareness of it among the British prisoners he has seen: Enemies who would not before this allow the Americans a Spark of Military virtue. Blesses America and Lucy. Links God watching over Americans to God watching over Lucy in particular. Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. A penciled note on the verso dated 12 March 1861 identifies the prisoners Knox mentions as from military engagements at St. Johns and Montreal.

Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness for the present in order to secure it more effectually. Writes that the British have arrived near Fort Lee, and expects they will attack it soon. Reports that the Continental Congress has not taken care of his artillery unit. Hopes to see her in four weeks, assuming the British move to winter quarters. Expects that his brother will be with her shortly.

Expresses thanks for their ability to communicate while separated and is looking forward to their future together. Philosophically expresses hopes that reason and religion will someday dictate man's actions. Writes that he will make a very family man when peace shall again bless this...Country. Discusses their own troops strength and activities. Also comments on the Hessians and the British, and writes passionately about being wronged by and separating from the British. Comments on Lucy's account with a man named Peter. Reassures her that his health has improved. Comments on her new an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot. Advises her not to get a smallpox inoculation because of the hot weather. Comments on their baby's health.