Provides sympathy for the melancholy cause of your brothers detention. Does not explain the cause of the detention.

Thanks for Lear's condolence letter concerning a death in Knox's family. We both felt it perhaps too Sensibly, but more particularly the tender Mother whose former wounds are opened afresh on this unexpected event . . . grief almost too much for human nature. Knox lost an infant son and a 9-year-old son in 1790. Attached to GLC 2794.016. Docketed on address leaf.

Location of writing listed as Shillelah. Asks him to forward an enclosed letter (not present) to his brother Jack, in order to save his brother postage and ensure the letter's safe arrival. Describes his brother's unhappy career as a soldier of fortune, as well as a leg injury with which he is afflicted. Asks about the possibility of Knox securing him a job he would more easily be able to accomplish despite his disability.

Informs a bereaved wife of her husband's death on the James River on 20 September 1781 from a stomach ailment. Discusses the circumstances of his death and burial, offers condolence, and mentions who will gather and transport his belongings. The deceased officer was Captain Lt. Baxter Howe (1748-1781) of Lamb's Artillery Regiment. The Continental Army was then engaged in the siege of Yorktown. See also GLC02437.01362.

Written and signed in a secretarial hand for General Knox by his aide-de-camp Major Samuel Shaw. References Heath's letter of 7 August. Says with respect to John Shaw he can only extend his furlough as only the commander in chief can offer a discharge (see GLC02437.02360). Says that is impossible now as Washington is on a visit to Congress. Second page is a copy of another letter in the hand of Samuel Shaw (he accidently signed the letter and then crossed out his signature). This letter refers to John Shaw's poor health and need for a longer furlough. Says it was extended until next April.

Note of receipt of Henry Knox for two notes of [dollar sign] 2,500 each.

Continental general, chief of artillery and 1st Secretary of War. Instructions, New Windsor, 13 June 1782, to James Hall regarding his assignment to test the shot and shells at Salisbury Furnace. Also included are instructions to the officers asked to assist Hall at various stages of his journey; letter, War Department, 1780, to the Governor of New Jersey regarding payment of pensions to war invalids, widows and orphans; note, War Department, Sept. 27, 1791, to Monsieur de la Forist, vice consule general of France, New York, regarding shipment of arms; letter, April 13, 1802, from Mrs. Henry Knox to her daughter Mrs. Thatcher, discussing family matters.