Has received the enclosed letters (not present) from the consul, and asks that Knox read them and return them to Maunsell so he can answer them. Asks that Knox also include any of his own letters for the consul. Thanks him for helping Maunsell's servant. Joins with his wife in wishing Knox and his family their best regards.

Only recently found out Knox was in town. Has tried to make arrangements to see him but they keep missing each other. Went twice to 59 Maiden Lane, apparently where Knox was staying, to invite him to dinner. Relates that he gave William Knox a long letter. Writes, sorry I am that your confounded senators & congress are so narrow minded, as to make no provision for their foreign consuls for I hear that they do not I am materialy [sic] interested in your Brother William's fate.

Comments that he has not written to Knox in awhile. Has received a letter in the mail from [Samuel] Breck which he encloses (not present), and declares that he is not writing to a minister, but to my friend General Knox. Hopes Knox will treat his letter as private. Discusses elections for governor and mentions former governor [George] Clinton. Comments on New York political intrigue and the ambition of men. Sends his family's regards to Mrs. Knox and their family. Relates that he is very pleased with the President's choice for the new ambassador to England (his name is not mentioned), and explains why he feels that office is important.

Writes to inform Knox he received a packet from Colonel [Sebastian] Bauman containing Knox's letter to the Consul at Dublin, among other correspondence. Expects mail to arrive from London hourly, and expects news in the papers about key issues of the day, such as the recent capitulation by Tippo to Lord Cornwallis (referring to Tipu Sultan, a leader Cornwallis defeated in India while he was Governor-General there). Also refers to news about Fayette [Lafayette] and the austrians (he had recently been placed in charge of French forces attacking Austria). Sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the amiable & beautiful Mrs. Flucker (perhaps Sarah Lyons Flucker, Lucy Knox's sister-in-law). Adds a short note on the verso regarding New York's governor's election: We are committeeing [sic] it away, about Jay - Clinton & Canvassars - it is believed, that Jay will govern New York State.

Says the August mail just arrived and it had a dispatch from our friend Brett, which he has enclosed (not included). Asks Knox to send it back after he has read it. Wants to know the date of President George Washington's return to Philadelphia from his western tour, as it will determine his date of Maunsell's departure from New York.

Mentions the French Navy has been cruising on the American coast. Discusses the recent discovery by his brother, a man of science, in potato cultures. Informs Knox his brother [William Maunsell] sent a packet that explains the discovery, which he is forwarding to Knox. Requests Knox presents this packet to President George Washington. Comments he would like to hear what the president's opinion was on the matter. See GLC02437.06066 for further information on William Maunsell's letter to John Maunsell explaining his discovery.

Says things have been so uninteresting in the hemisphere that he has remained silent since he left Philadelphia. Wrote to his brother William by the last packet. Told William that, some hopes were entertained, that the consular bill would be taken up this session in Congress, I hope it may, & that consuls may have a stipend granted to them, adequate to their support, & the dignity, as well as liberality of the 13 States. Wants to know about George Hammond. Asks if he will be plenipotentiary or ambassador. Inquires about the arrangements between America and Britain. Mentions that he is sorry that my old Lieut; Sinclair, has been checked by the Wabash Gentry - I hope that his next attempt, will be more successful. Has heard that Major [Thomas] Pinckney is appointed Ambassador to England. Reports I hear much in his favour, of his Amiable disposition, and ability, circumstances that please me much. Is expecting European news any minute and when he receives Brett's letter he will pass on any information. Wants an update on the consular bill and any European news Knox has. Is sending along two books from Mr. Bond that he wants returned after they have amused you.