Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes, I love you too much to trouble you with a long tale of my disappointments. Randall has not yet arrived, nor do I know any thing of him since the 5 March at Madeira. Advantages which I had reserved for him I am under the necessity of transfering to the Washington, on board of which ship I take passage, and hope to see you in New York soon after you get this letter. My credit here is good. God bless you and your amiable family. If heaven means to perfect me 'through much suffering' (I think that is the phrase in the good book) I may consider myself high up on the list of its favorites. Continue to love me-as I am sure you do. Asks him to tell Joe Hoffman that he delivered Hoffman's letter to Mr. Delanoe, and says that he has paid every attention to Mr McCall and think him a very good young man.

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.

Asks Knox to deliver a forwarded letter to George Washington in respects to him renewing his present position as Consul to China. Also asks about extending his duties further eastward. Writes that he is feeling much better though still a little tender, from his late illness (see GLC02437.04453 for more details on Shaw's illness).

Unsigned. Writes that he received Shaw's letters and enclosures, and was delighted and satisfied to hear of his health and the prospect of advancing his interests. Has no hope that Shaw will receive the letter, but addresses it to him on the bare possibility he will receive it, hoping that if he does not, our dear friend Randall may for whom it is equally intended. Focuses primarily on business matters. Discusses the sale of merchandise Shaw arranged for Knox before he left for China, and describes a transfer of this merchandise from Samuel Ogden because Ogden went out of town. Also mentions the new government and new Constitution of the United States, and declares that when he returns to the country, he will likely find George Washington to be President and John Adams to be Vice President. Provides some information on their family and friends, and also discusses ships traveling to China from Boston. In the hand of William Knox.

Thanks Knox for his favor of the 16th [of January] and for his communications respecting Messieurs Pintards proposals. Informs Knox, due to the advanced season it would be impossible for him to deviate from the direct and speediest route to China and therefore he could not avail himself of their proposal. Discusses business affairs with associates. Encloses a letter (not included) from Samuel Newman, whom Shaw wishes to have a military appointment. The letter is dated 1790, but based on the content and letters exchanged regarding the same issues it is likely it was 1791.

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.