Writes that he has received Ward's letter from last month. Thanks him for the information respecting the military stores. Relates that when he came into office, the stores were under the charge of Mr. [John] Stagg in Providence. Has always intended to move them to Springfield but the want of money has hitherto prevented - I supposed having never heard the contrary that he was faithful and trust worthy. If otherwise I beg you would inform me in confidence and I will request Colonel [likely Jeremiah] Olney or some other person, to take charge of them.

Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received any word on the subject from Governor [James] Bowdoin, but if he does, he will immediately submit it to Congress.

Mentions that on his return from China, he saw Captain Thomas Randall. Randall had protested against John Searle & Co., a merchant in Madeira, who shipped bad wine on the ship Jay. Notes that the owners of the Washington Indiaman also have a case pending against the House of Searle & Co. Asks for a copy of Randall's protest, which Randall previously sent to Knox, for use as evidence in the case against Searle.

Responds to a previous letter by Gorham. Writes a long letter discussing the proposal to use the arms and stores in Springfield, Massachusetts against the Shays' rebels. Declares that he has not received word from the Governor [probably James Bowdoin, of Massachusetts], but if he does, he will submit it immediately to Congress. Asks that Gorham contact the Governor and relate Knox's opinions on the subject to him, and suggests that Knox himself might write a letter to the Governor about it. Adds that Gorham's daughter is conducting herself beautifully, and is beloved by all her acquaintance.

Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points. Writes, Congress came to the determination of raising troops from the necessity of the case, and had the funds necessary to carry their resolutions into effect been at their command, every arrangement depending on the war department would ere now have been at least in a train of execution. But the funds indispensible [sic] for an energetic establishment have been to be provided. [...] I have been steadily of opinion that the public had better suffer all the injuries arising from a want of troops than to raise them without being able to provide for them completely in all respects. under this impression I have made some attempts to influence the rich in support of government, and the ensuing week will determine whether I have been as successful as I have believed. Has not had much success with the monied men of Boston. If Jackson had money, he would encourage him to begin recruitment. Discusses the size and cost of rations, as well as the arms and equipment he ordered for Jackson. Has also asked Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon to send Jackson the equipment destined for New Hampshire; when that state decides to raise troops, Jackson can forward the equipment to them. Needs to pay taxes on his Falmouth lands and is having trouble raising the money, so asks if he may be able to borrow from Jackson; otherwise they might sell the land. Written and signed for Knox in a secretarial hand.

Writes that he has received the documents finalizing the loan Morris and Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth were preparing to give to the Board of Treasury. He is thrilled the plan worked, and believes the public good will be well served. Has received a copy of a letter from the Board asking that Colonel Wadsworth come to New York to finish signing the paperwork as well. Discusses the insurgents associated with Daniel Shays, and explains the claims and issues they are raising. Also mentions several of their acts of rebellion, including several attempts to keep the General Court from sitting in Massachusetts. Signature clipped causing text loss on page three and four.