Year and day cited, but no month. Month inferred based on content. Recently visited posts in the Highlands (New York) with General Nathanael Greene. Notes that Mr. Wm. continues yet quiet in his quarters, but we have still reason to think he intends to evacuate the Jersies, tho' our information is not very perfect as I believe he has pretty much the act of keeping his intentions secret. Has not received new information regarding British General John Burgoyne's intentions to travel toward Boston. Hopes for a successful campaign during the upcoming summer. Wonders why he has not recently received letters from her or Billey, his brother William Knox. Asks about William's intentions to join the service. Also inquires as to an unspecified court measure that may affect Knox's house. Asks about Lucy's sister (possibly Hannah) and her husband, Captain [James] Urquhart. Writes, altho father mother sisters and brother has forsaken you yet my Love your Harry will ever esteem you ...

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.

The Americans are getting strong while the enemy by all accounts...must be very imbecile. Hopes she is recovering from the smallpox inoculation, and sends his love to her and their daughter.

Longs to be with her, and hopes that he will have a chance at the end of winter. The men are fighting on past their enlistment dates and have high spirits but want Rum and clothing. Informs her that he has been made Brigadier General over all artillery, which was unsolicited on my part, tho' I cannot say unexpected. Says that people are too lavish in their praise of him, and that he possesses nothing more than industry and love of country. War my Lucy is not a humane trade, and says the attack on Trenton damaged the residents there. Dated 1776, but written 1777.

Written from Artillery Park Camp, 25 miles from Philadelphia. Notes that he would have written more details earlier, but the success of the enterprise depended upon secrecy.... Gives an account of the Battle of Germantown (4 October 1777), in which a fog which was but moderate at first became so thick from the Continental firing of cannon... that it absolutely became impossible to see... Despite the conditions, reports, Our troops are in prodigious spirits at being able to drive nearly the whole collective force of the enemy so far- Relates that his brother, William Knox, behaved with Spirit. Also notes that General [Francis] Nash was injured by a cannon (Nash died from this wound). Forwarded from Hartford, Connecticut 18 October 1777 by Jonathan Trumbull and signed by Trumbull.

Thanks William for money he recently sent. Reports that Lucy Knox and their children have gone up the Hudson River on a visit. Discusses his hopes for an end to the Revolutionary War, writing I sincerely pray God that the War may be ended this campaign that public and private felicity may be again restored. Discusses British movement in the South, noting, Our affairs to the Southward have an agreeable aspect and convince us although the Enemy may establish posts, they cannot conquer the Country. Criticizes what he calls vile water-gruel governments which have taken place in most of the States... Praises Massachusetts, stating The same tone, sentiment, & exertion, pervading all the States would indisputably render this the last Campaign. Reports that the British recently sent ships up the Hudson River to sabotage Continental communication but were unsuccessful. Promises to write as often as possible, though the post follows a circuitous route. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (present-day Sleepy Hollow).

Discusses the attack by Hessian Colonel Count Carl von Donop against a redoubt at Red Bank, the site of Fort Mercer, along the Delaware River below Camden, New Jersey. Notes that Colonel Greene, from Rhode Island, defended the redoubt, and even wounded Count Donop. Also describes the British attack on Fort Mifflin, in Philadelphia. Writes, if the enemy do not get possession of the river they cannot stay in Philadelphia with any ease- their convoys will be liable to be cut off & they blockaded... Reports that Billey, his brother William Knox, is doing well.