Comments that after a pleasant trip, though a little bit zig-zag by way of Booneton and Mount Hope, he has arrived near Fishkill, New York at the lodgings of Lord Stirling. Discusses various friends he has visited, including Mr. Mitchell, the Quartermaster. Comments that he will soon go to Boston where he will be able to receive and execute your commands. Sends regards to Knox and Mrs. Knox from Stirling as well as from himself.

Relates that he has confirmed the loss of ships Knox invested in by speaking both to McGee and Col. Sears (see GLC02437.01306). Comments that Col. Sears would like him to invest in another ship McGee will be sailing, upon returning from transporting flour to Havana; adds, If you do, I wish most heartily that Fortune may be in a better humor, and by prospering the next voyage, make you ample amends for last disappointments. Declares that he wrote a letter to Knox's brother and gave it to the Marquis Lafayette who was waiting to set sail from Boston. Writes, Nothing has been done, or is yet doing, respecting the pay of our troops for the last year. Promises to attend to the settlement of your concerns with the Committee, as soon as they take up the issue. Discusses various problems supplying soldiers and horses with provisions. Sends regards to Mrs. Knox, hopes she is in good health, and hopes they are both rejoicing in another tender pledge of your mutual affection, the birth of their new baby. Also wishes them an enjoyable season in Philadelphia.

Thanks Knox for everything has done for him and writes, While I feel the full force of the most lively gratitude for your friendship towards me, it pains me to know that the too tender concern you take in everything which regards your poor Shaw cannot but interrupt that happiness you deserve ever to enjoy, and which with my whole soul I wish you. On this account, it aggravates my present unhappiness to inform you, that nothing could be done in the way we wished - and that I must get my ship ready and proceed, with my present means alone, as fast as possible to Batavia and China. Adds that the season is too far advanced to consider another route and he does not want to disappoint his creditors and patrons in Canton. States that he gives Knox the power of attorney over his and Thomas Randall's property in the ship, the Jay.

Informs Knox that he will be sailing for China again in January. He would be happy to execute commissions for Knox in China. States that your wandering friend intends after this voyage to stay at home - States that his wife sends her regards to Lucy Knox and the family. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Writes that he is leaving the ship Columbia, which is making the trip back to the United States, and mentions that [m]y affairs require my being at Canton this evening, which prevents me from going down the river to meet the new comers - Noted as written in Wampo, 17 miles from Canton.

Writes to discuss business endeavors with Knox. Declares that as he has not had a response from Mr. [possibly Robert] Morris in four weeks, he has changed his plans. Instead of remaining in Boston and trying to sell Mr. Morris's teas, which he is holding at 12 per cent higher than the market price, he has asked his brother-in-law, Mr. Parkman, to manage his business affairs and will come to New York to visit Knox and his wife. Has written to Mr. Morris to this effect, and will take passage to New York in four or five days on a ship called Godfrey from Rhode Island. He also wants to hasten his trip because of the arrival of his friend Mr. [Thomas] Randall in Baltimore (see GLC02437.03176). Also adds a note for Mr. [perhaps Samuel] Ogden, explaining that a merchant in Boston has agreed to buy Mr. Ogden's iron.

Updates Knox on what has been happening in the Massachusetts Legislature and mentions the issue of soldier's pay. Continues with the majority of the letter, describing the events of the suicide of a young gentleman.