Addressed to General Stephens. (Possibly to General Adam Stephen, whose name is often misspelled Stephens.) Discusses Indian policy, stating [t]he affairs of the Cherokee Indians are peculiarly perplexed, and require a stronger arm to put them into a proper train than is proposed the present government ... Mentions a previous treaty with Congress made in 1785. States that he is happy Stephens approves of the new government, and writes it seems the only mean[s] to avoid the horror and miseries of the weakness of our present situation - New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Connecticut - New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware will probably adopt it before the duration of the month of Jany. I hope that Virginia will relish it better than it is reported she does at present. Finishes by stating, A war between France and England seems inevitable and great probability of a general war in Europe.

Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India during the last year. Updates Fleury on the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia and the progress of ratifying the constitution in each state. A convention or representation of all the States excepting Rhode Island met in Philadelphia in the month of May last and after four months deliberation agreed on the Constitution herein enclosed (not present). Goes on to state, This constitution is to be submitted to a convention chosen by the people of each state, and adds that Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have already adopted it. Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire will probably adopt it in a few more weeks. The states most opposed are Virginia, New York and Rhode Island but Knox believes all the states will eventually adopt it. Reports from Europe indicate a war between England and France. Knox says that come when it may he wishes France all possible success. Docket, in the hand of William Knox, notes this as a copy.

Later copy of the original. Informs Ogden of the birth of his son, writes that Mrs. Knox desires her affectionate respects to Mrs. Ogden with an earnest request for her appearance here ... States that [t]he new constitution is the domestic want, and a pretty general war the European apprehension. Loving peace as I do I pray sincerely for the new constitution, believing that it will be the only means to keep the ship steady in the rising storm. Perhaps the broils of Europe and an opinion that we may be hurt amid the clashing of arms may have the affect to induce the people of this country to embrace the thing which will secure them against insult. Docket states Copied for Mr. Willard from the Originals in the Collection of Autographs of Ferdinand J. Dreer Esq. of Philada. Nov. 29 1857.

Discusses the Constitution of the United States. Declares, But a candid examination of [the Constitution], will most probably produce a conviction that it is one of the best models of a republican government ever presented to the sons of men. Comments on different groups' opposition to the Constitution, noting that the southern states will oppose it because they think it will support the commercial interest of the north. Remarks that the Constitution will affect the projects of the paper money... Notes that America is seen with contempt abroad. Of the current government writes, The present ship is unfit to encounter the riding storm, it will not answer even for the smooth surface of peace- it must sink- let us then embark on board the new ship offered by the united [wisdom] of our country. Notes that, every thing depends on Massachusetts to set an example (by adopting the Constitution). Relates that Pennsylvania is the only state whose Legislature is in session, and they will soon set a date for their state ratification convention to be called. Date inferred based on Knox's reference to the unanimous adoption by Congress on Friday of the 28 September 1787 Resolution calling for state conventions to consider the Constitution.

Knox's views on government and how the Articles of Confederation are not effective. Pages 5-8 constitute a redraft of pages 1-4. Sewn binding.

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Thanks him for his letters. Writes, The Zeal of the people of Boston and the lower country in favor of Government is a good sign, and will probably produce the events expected from it. Declares, however, that even if the current insurgency dies down, some measures will be necessary to prevent a repetition of it. Believes that the poor poor federal government is sick almost unto death. Mentions that a convention has been proposed by Virginia and several states with the intention to discuss reforms. Describes his philosophy on the structure of the government. Urges Higginson to encourage the state of Massachusetts to send delegates to the convention. Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by Robert Pemberton, his post-war aide.

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief. Writes I have rec'd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause. Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, Poor Spear hanged himself last night. Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston, Massachusetts. Signatory of the U.S. Constitution.