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.

Requests that Knox intercede with the Commander in Chief, George Washington, to obtain a discharge for a man named Mr. Shaw. References his advanced age and that he had a Captain's commission from the state of Massachusetts. He is therefore, not a proper person to serve as a private soldier.

Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited, patriots on the Continent. Reports that British General William Howe might be sailing toward the Chesapeake Bay. Disbelieves the Chesapeake is Howe's target. Asserts instead that Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) or Philadelphia. Discusses Howe's movements and comments on the extremely hot weather. Referring to British General John Burgoyne, writes Mr. Burgoyne will push himself untill he finds a stone wall to break his head against- I hope that will not be too soon untill all parts of the Machine may harmonize which is to work his destruction... Referring to his brother William, writes Master Bill bears the fatigues of the Campaign like a soldier and they are not very few...

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.

Writes to Webber, a caretaker and friend of Knox's brother William in England, regarding William's illness. Comments that he is very happy to hear William is doing well and that his prospects for recovery are positive. Discusses the likelihood that William will return to the United States, and hopes that he will, as his family will be able to provide a thousand tendernesses to soothe his mind & restore its tranquility. If William recovers, Knox suggests he stay in New York, with Knox and his wife and children; if he returns while still ill, requests that William return to Boston, as Knox has arranged for his care there. Reaffirms his statement in a previous letter that in case my brothers affairs should be so embarrased as to render him unable to pay the expenses of his confinement, Knox will reimburse Webber for any advances he had to make. Encloses a letter to William, as well as a packet to Mrs. Flucker, his mother-in-law, which he hopes Webber can safely deliver to her. Mrs. Knox sends her regards.

Reaffirms his love for his wife. Discusses smallpox and the possibility of Lucy going to Boston to be inoculated. Comments on various daily and domestic activities, like how he typically spends his time, with whom he dines, and what time he goes to bed. Mentions being ill. Discusses the possibility of Lucy returning to him. Mentions that business prevented him from having a meeting with Lord William Howe, whom he believes will soon attack.

Notes he has received Col. [Robert] Troup's and Mr. Lewis's letters. Asks that he contacts and obtains an answer from [William] Duer to Knox's letters. Date previously inferred, written in red. State not listed; however, based on another letter (GLC02437.05639) written by Knox on the same day, he was writing from Philadelphia.