Explains that his letters may be short, but he still loves his brother. Feels God has favorably turned the tide of our affair. Knows that war is hard, and has prepared himself for losses either public or personal. Hopes to hear from William more often, though admits the mail is difficult. Thinks that Lucy should sell the horses if she winters in Boston. Dated 1776, but written 1777.

Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where about 1200 men were stationed by the British, and the late night march to Princeton. Admits we did not take them by surprise as at Trenton, because the British soldiers were already marching when the Continentals encountered them, whereas in Trenton they had been totally out of order. But still thinks the enemy were as much asstonish'd as if An Army had drop'd perpendicularly upon them, because the British thought the Americans were still coop'd up in Trenton. Describes the initial American victory, largely involving bayonets, in which the British lost nearly 800 men. Lists the American officers lost in the fight. The Americans then decide to pull out of Princeton to stay ahead of the main British forces which are advancing. Washington had hoped to move on to New Brunswick and strike again, but the men were too tired. If they had had 1,000 fresh men they could have moved on to New Brunswick and struck one of the most Brilliant strokes in all History. Knox writes that instead the Americans would have to settle for the fact that they drove the British away from Philadelphia and almost out of West Jersey. Mentions a few other minor skirmishes, and feels the Americans are doing well. Paraphrasing Shakespeare's Julius Caesar he says There is a tide in the affairs of men which if taken at the ford leads on to victory. Thanks God for what he sees as a positive turning of the tide and hopes this same feeling will so prevail on the hearts of the people as to induce them to be a people chosen of Heaven...never to dispair of the Commonwealth. Feels that New England and her hardy sons have a key role to play in this struggle. Despite his happiness Knox knows that the State of War is uncertain. Victorious to day defeated tomorrow. States that the Americans shall try to make another stroke or two upon them. Closes by expressing his love for her and his desire to see her.

Indicates that he received William's letter from his wife Lucy, who just arrived in New York with their newborn child. Anticipates New York as principal seat of war and worries about his family being in harms way. Mentions that George Washington has gone to meet with the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to discuss the current campaign. Welcomes the news that General Horatio Gates has been promoted to major general and been placed in charge of the defense of Boston. Mentions a heavy loss inflicted by a schooner from the West Indies two days earlier. Promises to write more frequently and councils William to move out of Boston should the British attempt to retake it.

Relates to Henry what he has heard regarding the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey (13 April 1777). Notes that he knows General Washington & yourself was not in the Battle but intended being at bound Brook the next day. Discusses raising a sum of money and business matters, possibly related to his joining the army and to the bookstore he managed in Boston in Henry's absence. Also mentions Henry's share in the Newbury Privateer as demanded by Colonel Jackson (possibly Henry Jackson). Still awaits Henry's reply regarding his intentions to join the army.

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only person hanged for the conspiracy. Discusses General William Howe's position at Sandy Hook with 130 ships and his ability to strike the city in about three hours. They are expecting an attack any time and Henry speculates that if Howe comes up like a man and brings his ships too before our Batteries, there must be the finest sight...that ever was seen. Discusses the Continental Army's preparedness, mentioning that he has 1200 men and that the inhospitable sentiment in New York has bolstered their determination. Reports that Lucy, General Greens lady [Catherine Green], and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard have gone to Fairfield, Connecticut. Discusses the invasion of Canada, indicating that the Continental Army has been forced back and hopes to make a stand at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Asks William to inform Captain Ebenezer Stevens wife that he loves her. Also asks him to show this letter to Mr. Jackson, possible Henry Jackson, and to tell him that he spoke with George Washington about ordering arms. Hopes to inform William of the campaign's commencement in his next letter. Offers salutations to friends and family in Boston from himself and Lucy Knox and reminds William to take care of the business there. Mentions that twenty two men and four officers were taken from a ship called the Greyhound. The expected attack did not occur until 12 July 1776.

Reassures his brother of his affection for him. Has received a trunk for Henry from Jonathan Ingersol, and will write him. Informs Knox that he will try to obtain silk stockings for him and that George Washington's coat has been charged to his account by Mr. Austin. Has written to Squire Phillips and given the letter to Gideon Hubbard to deliver. Has not yet written Mr. Garey. Mr. P. Palmer and Reverend Isaac Mansfield paid their accounts. Paid Doctor Dix ten dollars he feels he did not owe him, but did so to protect Henry from slander. If Mr. Harrod calls, shall refer him to Knox's letter. Has heard that two more French ships arrived. Hopes to follow Henry's example and become a good horseman. Wishes to know where the rest of Henry's effects are, information about the store's lease, what he should buy before joining the army, and how he should go about joining. In a postscript mentions he has procured the silk stockings and discusses the sale of various personal items.

Thanks William for money he recently sent. Reports that Lucy Knox and their children have gone up the Hudson River on a visit. Discusses his hopes for an end to the Revolutionary War, writing I sincerely pray God that the War may be ended this campaign that public and private felicity may be again restored. Discusses British movement in the South, noting, Our affairs to the Southward have an agreeable aspect and convince us although the Enemy may establish posts, they cannot conquer the Country. Criticizes what he calls vile water-gruel governments which have taken place in most of the States... Praises Massachusetts, stating The same tone, sentiment, & exertion, pervading all the States would indisputably render this the last Campaign. Reports that the British recently sent ships up the Hudson River to sabotage Continental communication but were unsuccessful. Promises to write as often as possible, though the post follows a circuitous route. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (present-day Sleepy Hollow).