Notes the very kind reception from the good Lady of this place [Martha Washington]. Gives news about their daughter Lucy, who is staying in Philadelphia. Colonel Clement Biddle and his wife will see her each Sunday. Pertinent correspondence will be forwarded to Knox. Requests that Knox write to Biddle to thank him. Expresses her desire for a home and rhetorically asks will the time ever come when we shall have a house of our own and our children about us[?] if not, life is undesirable. Reports difficulties with their son Harry. Mentions a rumored battle fought by General Nathanael Greene. The Continental Army began to invest the British works for the siege of Yorktown the day before.

Responds to his wife's letter dated 29 September 1781 (GLC02437.01199). Discusses investing Yorktown and General Cornwallis' evacuation of his outer works the day before writing this letter. Discusses the Continental Army's prospects to impress our haughty foe with a respect for the combined arms, (of the American and French forces). Asks his wife to give his compliments to Martha Washington.

Has heard from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth that Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown had occurred, or would shortly. She has received his letter of 16 October 1781 and is awaiting the next, which Knox wrote on 19 October 1781 (see GLC02437.01231 and GLC02437.01244, respectively). Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Lund Washington, who will provide some news about Knox's young son. She has not heard from their daughter Lucy in Philadelphia. Wants to know when she will see him and indicates that another letter from her will be delivered by Martha Washington. In a postscript asks that her bag be placed on George Washington's boat if it has not already been sent to her by her brother-in-law William Knox.

Announces that a glorious moment for America has arrived, Lord Cornwallis has surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown. Discusses how General Washington refused Cornwallis' request that Britons and Germans be sent back to their countries prior to his surrender, instead giving the British Army the same terms that the Americans received upon their surrender at Charleston in 1780. Washington has ordered Knox to headquarters immediately. Clement Biddle has written Knox to tell him his daughter Lucy is well. Tells his wife he will send her his most recent letter from his brother William Knox, who is tending their financial affairs. Looks forward to seeing her in November. Communicates message from William regarding Lucy's connections in England. Knox has informed George Washington and John Parke Custis of William's trip to Europe. Reports that Martha Washington and Eleanor Calvert Custis are in Williamsburg, Virginia. (See also GLC02437.01231 and GLC02437.01257.).

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's indisposition, noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani. Writes, My evenings cannot possibly be any cause of jealousy - They are stupid indeed... The City is dull enough. Only two tea parties since your absence. Reports that he has not sold to William Duer, and comments on Henry Jackson's dissatisfaction with their current land dealings. Relates, No Indian depredations lately - I hope they have called in their war parties - Our recruits are getting forward. Notes that he does not know whether the Winslows, Lucy's cousins, will accept his offer to buy land from them.

Writes that Martha Washington and Nellie Calvert Custis received letters from their husbands letting them know how they are and what is happening in the war, while she is clearly unworthy of being written to. She misses their daughter Lucy, who was living in Philadelphia, but has heard that she is well. Urges him to write back. Knox was then engaged in the siege of Yorktown. The letter is not complete.

Was happy to receive her last letter, though sounded as if she was in some distress; hopes the distress was simply that she missed him: This implication I hope however is the consequence of an ardent affection. I am mortified that I have been so long absent from you, but I now think that we shall be able to get away from here tomorrow. Believes that they may stop one day at Morris perhaps to make our report to the General and in two days afterwards be in Philadelphia. Sends love to the children and to the Biddle family, with whom Lucy and their children are staying.