Dines with Colonel P. R. [possibly Peter R.] Livingston. Chastises Henry for not writing to her by every possible opportunity. Remarks on Henry's birthday the previous day, and her birthday the following Thursday. Plans to depart 27 July for Albany.

Knox writes to his wife from Philipsburgh (present-day Sleepy Hollow, New York). ... I have never found any absence from [Lucy] so truly insupportable as the present. I am alone amidst a croud [sic], and unhappy without my companion. Bemoans the War: ...vile I call it because it is a War upon the affections of humanity. It has deprived us of the right enjoyment of six years, long years of our Life-- a period infinitely too long to be engrossed by other objects than the business of Love. Discusses a recent reconnaissance mission to assess the British force in New York City with optimism, stating that many of the British troops in the vicinity will soon depart for Virginia. Reports that some of the Marquis de Lafayette's troops, led by General Anthony Wayne, had a recent encounter with the British under Lord Cornwallis (Knox is possibly referring to the engagement at Green Spring plantation 6 July 1781). Refers to General Nathanael Greene's May-June 1781 Siege of Ninety-Six, and praises Greene's actions in the south: His conduct has exhibited him a great man, and established his reputation beyond the powers of malice to injure it lastingly. Mentions arranging a place for Lucy to stay at a Dr. [Darbys] house. Possibly discussing slaves or servants, asks, whether you are pleas'd with your [Servant]. I want to know whether I can get Cato, you will exchange him for William... Lacks closing and possibly the address leaf.

Chastises her husband for not writing. Asks Henry when she will see him and why he has not written. The Continental Army was then involved in the siege of Yorktown.

Explains that he was disappointed to not receive a letter from Lucy by the most recent post and wonders if the difficulty of her journey to New Haven, Connecticut, prevented her writing. Reports via his brother, William Knox, that the people inoculated for smallpox in Boston are all recovering well. Discusses the possibility of Lucy being inoculated. Mentions that he sent Lucy an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot. Comments on meetings with acquaintances. Discusses the war and remarks that there has been little activity. He believes the British are awaiting reinforcements.

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes ...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life... Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to sell their phaeton. Mentions the loss of Ty [Ticonderoga] and General Arthur St. Clair, a reference to St. Clair's recent retreat in the Battle of Ticonderoga. Speculates whether British General William Howe sails for Philadelphia or Boston. Mentions a letter from Howe to General John Burgoyne that was recently intercepted by Continental forces. Howe informed Burgoyne that the expedition up the North River (the Hudson) has been abandoned in favor of a British operation against Boston. Knox notes, this letter was designed to fall in our hands in order to deceive- we suppose he will be at Philadelphia near as soon as we-

Comments affectionately about writing to Lucy often. Reports that he goes to Roxbury and Cambridge in the mornings and returns to Watertown in the evenings, offering support to Captain Michael Jackson's company. Plans to visit her soon, but feels he must provide his oppressed Country an essential service. Mentions that General Charles Lee received word that General John Burgoyne wants to have a meeting, but Lee will not comply unless ordered by Congress. Praises the patriot's burning of Browns House on Boston neck. Also praises George Washington, who took over the Continental Army in the Boston area on 3 July, for bringing order to the army. Asks Lucy to keep her spirits up.

Longs to see her, but must be of service to his country. Sends her copies of the addresses made in Congress and directed to generals George Washington and Charles Lee (not included).