Writes that a friend of William's [name illegible but might be Mr. Samuel Hodgdon] will be travelling to France and will see William, so Knox felt he had to take the opportunity to write. Thanks William for his last several letters. Comments that he thinks William's motives are just for remaining in Europe until peace is achieved. Mentions the recent defeat of Comte de Grasse, and also relates that General George Washington has appointed him Commandant of West Point. Reports that he and his family resided in Philadelphia until they moved to the North River. Writes, All my little family have been much afflicted with sickness, and mentions that Mrs. Knox and Mary were ill with intermittent fevers but have recovered. Lucy was declining rapidly so they brought her to the North River for the pure air, and it has helped aid her recovery. Marcus has been suffering from a [dysentery?] a consequence of [getting] teeth. He fears that William will never have the pleasure to see him. A few days, perhaps a few hours may decide his fate.

Discusses his recent fever, treatment, and recovery. Comments on his duties and the upcoming conflict in New York, in sometimes florid prose. Discusses news from Ticonderoga concerning the attempted siege of Canada, and notes the arrival of a French fleet. Seeks assistance in obtaining buttons, possibly for his regiment's uniforms.

Written at camp near Dobbs Ferry by Brigadier General Knox to his brother William Knox. References William's letter of 25 July 1781. Says he wrote last week and hopes he has received the letter as the post office has been unreliable. It seems that someone in Lucy Knox's family is dying, but Henry says he will not tell her because she will be afflicted by it beyond moderation. Says her family in England will want to know of this information, and wants to be informed when a Mrs. Winslow will sail for Plymouth, so he can write to Lucy's sisters and mother. Says the destruction of paper money will damage the cause. Says the stoppage [of paper money] will create a distress here[.] I am pretty certain it will be temporary. I shall consider it as the dawn of returning honesty and industry. Says they have enough troops to defend themselves, but not to undertake an offensive campaign. References Major General Nathanael Greene's siege at Ninety Six in South Carolina. Says Greene could not storm the position, but that the siege forced the enemy to abandon the position and retire to Charleston. Claims that Twice General Greene has fought General Actions [at Guilford Courthouse and Hobkirk Hill] was defeated completely and yet reaped all the consequences of victory. Says the British probably have control of Plymouth, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. Says the American and French armies are in the most perfect harmony.