Initialed by Knox. References Hays's letter of 4 October (GLC02437.05184). Encloses certificates of safe travel for the ship Jefferson, to be captained by Josiah Roberts (not included here).

Hays writes on behalf of John Coffin Jones. Responds to the letter Knox sent to Jones related to obtaining sea letters for Captain Josiah Roberts. States that since the ship is ready to sail soon, the owners would like the letters forwarded with all speed. Henry Jackson said he was going to contact Knox for help getting a letter from the Spanish ambassador, and Hays notes that the owners will be grateful for Knox's assistance.

Would be happy to help Mr. Hays if he had the power to do so. However, it appears that Mr. Hays's not being a current resident of Rhode Island is a formidable barrier in securing him the appointment. Regardless of this problem, if he would like to submit a letter to the President about the position, Knox will present it to him.

Knox lists sums for which he is accountable to Michael Moses Hays. Knox notes, Mr. Hay is secured for an endorsement by my mills, locks and canals on the St. George River which are worth at least 30000 Dollars. Knox ends with the passage that this memorandum is therefore made, in case of death, that my heirs may not suffer in the cases of the aforementioned notes and payments. In this document, Knox reverses Hays's first two names from Moses Michael to Michael Moses.

As they were so kind as to previously give certificates for safe passage of American ships to Spanish ports, he is emboldened to ask another request of the same nature. Requests permission for the vessel Jefferson, captained by Josiah Roberts, to stop at Spanish ports en route to the northwest coast of America (see GLC02437.05192). Asks for permission only if it is consistent with their duties.

Hays, interested in opening a store selling stationery and books in New Port James, seeks to establish a business relationship with Knox. Asks Knox to occasionally supply him with books. Address mistakenly made out to Daniel Knox.

Secretary of War Knox writes Secretary of State Jefferson apparently in answer to Jefferson's question about the upcoming ceremony to ratify the peace treaty with the Creeks (see GLC02437.04689). Provides information regarding who may attend the ceremony, and asks Jefferson to call on him to discuss the details.