Responds to a letter from Lucy in which she remonstrated Henry over their recent separation in which she left New York and went to Connecticut. Henry is both grieved an angry because Lucy blames Henry for her inconveniences even though it is in her power instantly to remedy them. Moreover, if she does not like it there, it is within her power to go elsewhere. Warns her against anyone contradicting his advice. Urges her to use her own good sense and see that there can be no essential difference as you have a carriage and Horses, between coming [to New York] from New Haven or Fairfield than from Stamford. Mentions that Burr (possibly Aaron Burr) has told him Fairfield is crowded and lacks provisions. Claims New Haven has good accommodations good Company & good provisions and mentions some officers that plan to go there. Reiterates that New York would be a bad place for Lucy because it would cause Henry too much worry. Strongly urges her to go to New Haven. Restates that their separation makes him miserable. Reports little activity since the British sailed up the Hudson on 12 July 1776 except the disappointing news that the ships were not damaged by the artillery fire. Remarks that This Summer will be the most important that America ever saw. Describes an attempt by General William Howe to have a letter delivered seeking a truce, which was rejected because it was addressed to Mr. Washington instead of General Washington. In a reference to the Declaration of Independence, the messenger claimed the letter was of a civil matter, not a military one. Relays news from William Knox in Boston concerning smallpox and the activities of several members of Lucy's family.

Explains that he was disappointed to not receive a letter from Lucy by the most recent post and wonders if the difficulty of her journey to New Haven, Connecticut, prevented her writing. Reports via his brother, William Knox, that the people inoculated for smallpox in Boston are all recovering well. Discusses the possibility of Lucy being inoculated. Mentions that he sent Lucy an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot. Comments on meetings with acquaintances. Discusses the war and remarks that there has been little activity. He believes the British are awaiting reinforcements.

Distressed, Lucy discusses the circumstances under which she left New York and argues she was undeserving of Henry's censure. She stayed in New York longer than expected in order to have a more affectionate parting. When she desired to go to Fairfield, Connecticut, she received a message from Mr. Burr (possibly Aaron Burr), indicating that he could not obtain a house or furniture for her there, as Henry had requested. Is dissatisfied that Henry writes frequently in your letters to remind me of my incapacity of judging for myself. Also writes that Henry ignored, or never read, her request to obtain a physician because their baby has colic and to obtain volatile drops and have them delivered by Mrs. Jonathan Pollard. Expresses jealousy of Nathanael Greene's wife, who spent ten days with Greene. Has heard Henry keeps an open house. Discusses financial matters and Knox's papers. Reports that she will remain in Stamford until Mrs. Pollard returns. Gives some instructions on sending clothes and forwarding letters. Asks that the items be given to Mrs. Pollard, along with a trunk with correspondence from the days when no evil was sufficient to part us with an aching heart and eyes drowned with tears. Urges Henry to write more in a note at the end.

Henry is upset that Lucy is taking others' advice over his and reiterates his recommendation for her to go to Fairfield or New Haven immediately. Mentions various people going to New Haven who Lucy could meet up with. Discusses the British attack of New York the previous day. Knox lost six men in an accident, which he casts as a learning experience for the others, who will learn to moderate their fiery courage. After the attack the British ships sailed north to Tappan Bay, near Tarrytown New York. Knox will send Lucy's clothes to New Haven, where he hopes she will go. He reaffirms his love for her. Also notes a rumor that General William Howe was aboard one of the ships that sailed up the Hudson River.

Thanks Henry for taking the time to write her amidst the hurry of public business, referring to the revolutionary war activities in New York. Explains her travel plans, which will bring her to New Haven, Connecticut. Discusses their child's development, including mention of her beginning to talk, and prays that Henry will survive to take care of them. Discusses her reaction to a recent letter from William Knox that included news about her family and explains that she wants to send for her mother (see GLC002437.00368). Seeks a boy recently discharged from the army as a new servant since the negro is two heavy for the Horse. Has heard that Henry has been a little rough with Mrs. Airey and asks how she offended him. Explains that Airey has several of her bedding supplies and also owes her money. Defends herself against Henry's belief that she was coming to New York against his wishes. Mentions corresponding with several people. Discusses her satisfaction with her accommodations and addresses complaints Henry has heard. Inquires about Captain Sebastian Bauman. Mentions a couple of meetings, one with a forty-six year-old woman with infant twins. Comments that she needs to find pasture for two animals when she goes to New Haven.

Tells Lucy she was right not to return to New York because it is unsafe. Henry would be too worried if she were in danger. Discusses a Mrs. G[reene], who shocked her husband by coming to the city. Remarks that the peace of this Town & of the safety of the ladies is upon the most precarious tenor imaginable. Explains that the British are close and could strike any time, giving the Continentals only ten minutes to prepare, and Lucy only ten minutes to escape if she were with Henry. It would be even more dangerous because Lucy has a new baby and the road conditions would be unknown. Explains that the British have 10,000 men on Staten Island and are getting reinforcements. Discusses the importance of defending New York, stating that The eyes of all America are upon us and posterity will bless or curse us. Comments skeptically on having their dear little pledge at Fairfield. Informs her that the ladies are telling dismal stories of [Lucy's] living. Tells Lucy not to take advice from Palfrey's wife, who is also in Fairfield, Connecticut, because, in part, she wants to see her husband and he wants to see her because she is a woman. Informs Lucy that an artillery party destroyed a British ship, after which the British burned the remains. Comments on shooting at ships. In a note at the end, comments that he does not like Mr. A., and he believes Packard cheated Lucy in his market accounts.

Thanks William for his recent letter. Discusses Lucy Knox's hasty evacuation from New York when British ships were spotted in the Hudson and the unhappiness it caused both Lucy and himself (also see GLC024327.00364). Lucy is distressed but Henry feels he is not at liberty to attend her as my country calls. Explains that his apprehension was disguised by scolding Lucy for not leaving sooner. Comments that Mrs. Nathanael Greene and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard went with Lucy, and describes Mrs. Pollard as an unfit companion because of her Melancholy dumpish disposition. If Lucy is unhappy in Fairfield, Connecticut, he will ask William to take her to Boston, since they are expecting active fighting in New York. The British attacked the following day.