Gives Ruddock orders regarding stores and cannon being transported from Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island to New Windsor, New York. Instructs that all stores and cannon coming in must be sent to West Point. Post script and docket appear to be written by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

Knox informs Ruddock, Commissary of Military Stores at Fishkill, that Matthew Manchester will deliver stores and mortars to Ruddock. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (present-day Sleepy Hollow).

Orders Price to inspect stores arriving from Rhode Island. Also gives Price orders regarding ordnance and stores arriving from Springfield, Massachusetts. Mentions Captain Seward and John Ruddock.

Argues against Congress's decision to discontinue the post at Fishkill, commanded by John Ruddock, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores. Its proximity to West Point and to army in the field, as well as the armory located on site, renders the post indispensable to Knox. Also expresses opposition to moving the stores from Fishkill to West Point. With Respect to the dismission of Mr Ruddock, I can have nothing to say, but that it is a disagreeable service indeed where a man after six years faithful services, without the imputation of an official crime that I know shall be dismis'd, with almost his whole pay due for four years, and that at a time when there are not... more officers of his station than are wanted. Knox's working draft.

Directs the letter to Colonel Crane, in charge of the ordnance and stores forwarded from Boston, Massachusetts to Claverack, New York. Provides instructions for shipping the powder and other stores. Orders that the stores must be sent from Claverack to West Point.

Relays orders from the Commander in Chief George Washington to make a reduction of the troops and respective departments. Orders Ruddock to deliver all the military stores in his possession to Captain William Price and consider himself and any conductors under him no longer in service than it is absolutely necessary for this purpose.