Knox signs with his initials. Knows that Duer understands the modification of our purchase in Massachusetts yet I confess I wish we could make some definitive arrangement, to enable us to pay for a considerable portion of it that we might be freed from anxiety on that head. Believes that their land is superior to any other purchase that has been or can be made in the United States, or perhaps in any other part of the world. States that it would better if they could add another million or two [acres], even if they have to pay 15 cents for it. They could then connect their various purchases and defy all interference from other purchasers. Has been collecting materials describing the province of Maine and he will send them shortly. Apologizes for not sending these items sooner, but his recent sickness and the death of his son Marcus prevented him from doing so. Will not rely on the french [visit] (possibly a reference to the settlement of Madame de la Val) to help them make payments on the land and is anxious for a plan to secure funding. Was hoping something would have come out of Duer's communications with two friends (Caznove, possibly Theophile Cazenove, and Colonel William S. Smith). Wants to know if he will be in Philadelphia to help choose directors for the national bank. Praises the fertility of [Duer's] genius and the solidity of [his] judgement.

Knows that Duer is a bad correspondent so I have not suffered myself to be hurt by your silence. Congratulates him on their shared accomplishments in Massachusetts, a reference to their purchase of two million acres of land in the District of Maine. Reports that Royal Flint will be in New York on 15 July and that Duer can examine the relevant documents and maps then. Proposes that he will be in New York by 16 July. Tells him to use his sensible mind to handle any changes that need to be made to the business. Has written Duer repeatedly about preparing provisions for the frontier. Warns that he needs to come through or his reputation will suffer. Writes, Please to inform Lady Kitty that Mrs Knox on the 8th instant presented me with ... another child ... her tenth - This little stranger is a daughter, and the most lovely we have been blessed with. Says Lucy is as well as could be wished.

Writes, Mr. Samuel Ogden transmitted by the post yesterday to the Massachusetts [committee] a full [renumeration] of my claim on the eastern lands... Says this will make things easier for Henry Jackson. Discusses the details of two drafts for [dollar sign] 5,000. Has given them to Captain Randall and hopes Duer will accept them. Tells Duer that his son William has been injured in a fall.

Agreement of Knox and Duer to purchase lands in the District of Maine from the state of Massachusetts. Written in Duer's hand. The major stipulations include: an equal stake in the investment for both parties, a desire to pay only 12 cents per acre in no less than five annual installments, that only Knox and Duer are directors of this purchase with William Constable being given the option to join them during a six-month period after the purchase, and that Henry Jackson and Royal Flint are to serve as agents for the purchase. Goes on to provide stipulations that subordinate parties will have to abide by if they invest in this purchase. Duer's own signature is at the bottom of page 5, along with his copied signatures of Henry Knox, Henry Jackson, and John Lane.

Says Duer must have received Henry Jackson's letter of 12 June. Writes, I flatter myself you have sent Mr. Flint or some other person in his stead. I am desirous we should secure the whole quantity of 4 Millions as I am concerned it is now or never. Says different names for land companies must be used to complete the sale. Hopes for a price of 7 or 8 cents per acre.

Knox reports that Samuel Ogden decided to take the obligation for [dollar sign] 3,000 in preference to the 50,000 acres of land. Asks Duer to draw up a joint note for both of them to sign. Adds that if Duer thinks it proper, Mr. Constable should also sign the note. Relates that by the last post, he received the deed from Henry Jackson, and he will have it copied and sent to Colonel Walker on Monday. Wants to know if he has any plans or prospects relative to a sale.