States that the army has been forced to flee, and the Americans are currently making a stand on the side of the Delaware toward Philadelphia. Hopes to soon face the enemy again. Expresses his love for her, and continues to advise her to travel to Boston with his brother. Composed at Trenton Ferry. In three days the Americans will cross the Delaware as they continue to dodge the British, only to recross on Christmas Day in order to launch a surprise attack on the British.

Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th instant against the enemy. Describes how before the attack, they were forced to retire to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware and that preservation of Philadelphia was a matter exceedingly precarious - The Force of the enemy three or four times as large as ours. Notes that Hessian troops, German mercenaries, were defending Trenton. Describes British movements and troop strength, the difficulty in crossing the Delaware, the harsh weather they were forced to march through. Tells of the American surprise attack, the confusion of the enemy, the details of the American victory. Writes, 2500 or three thousand pass'd the River on Christmass night with allmost infinite difficulty, with eighteen feild peice, floating Ice in the River made the labour almost incredible however perseverance accomplished what at first seem'd impossible... Counts 1,200 prisoners and about 30 killed. Thinks that great advantage may be taken from the victory, and praises American troops. Hopes to chase tyranny from this country devoted to Liberty. Informs Lucy that he has been publicly praised by George Washington, the mention of which would make him blush in front of anyone other than her. Closes by saying he hopes to see her soon.

Writes, In short my Lucy no man on earth seperated [sic] from All that he holds Dear on earth has ever suffer'd more than I have suffer'd in being absent from you whom I hold dearer than every other object... Defends his love for her, because in one moment of inadventure you have written which will long be the source of unhappiness to me. Expects to be able to set out for Congress when the army goes into winter quarters, and intends to be in Boston (Lucy's location) in one month. Notes that The situation of our army on account of Cloathing is such as to render a Winters Campaign impossible without we have a mind to put an end to the War by starving all the soldiers. Explains the situation of Catharine Littlefield Greene, wife of General Nathanael Greene, who was able to follow her husband during his campaign. Relates that General Greene was only able to see his wife for three days. After his visit, because of several factors preventing her travel, Mrs. Greene stayed at the home of an acquaintance who refused money for her stay. Suggests ...the delicacy of Lucy's mind would be much wounded by being in such a situation... Nonetheless, hopes she can be present during his next campaign. In a note written in the margin of page four, mentions Harry, possibly General Henry Jackson.

Indicates that military activities in New York are disrupting the mail. Thanks her for the kindness of her last letter. Reports little activities since the retreat in the Battle of Long Island. Criticizes the promotions that have been made because the army needs men capable of great Ideas & who are acquainted with military matters. Fears George Washington is bearing too great a load of leadership. Indicates that General Nathanael Greene is recovering from illness. Hopes General Charles Lee arrives soon. Discusses treatment of prisoners, the honor of war, and his desire to not make war like Savages. Reinforcements are coming from the South. Expresses optimism and compares the Americans to the Romans. Shows sympathy for Lucy's difficult circumstances. Mentions his attempt to gain a business interest in a privateer. Hopes their baby's health has improved.

Praises his wife. Discusses the war, claiming it will reveal cowardice treachery ingratitude. His is optimistic about the Continental Army's position in New York. He is in good spirits. Denounces the Continental Congress for not funding the army properly, arguing that a few minor defeats will benefit the revolution by forcing them to alter their administration of the war. He wants there to be a standing army. Argues that the militia spreads panic. Looks forward to conjugal bliss with Lucy at the end of the war.

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.

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.