Account of monies received and expended for General Henry Knox by Samuel Shaw. Includes payments for sundry items such as cloth, food, coffee, etc., household expenses, and services rendered. On page 3, Paid Cato Bradish at 4 payments per recd on account of his wages as a servant to Mrs Knox. Many other mentions of giving Cato money to pay for goods or for his wages. In January 1781, lists travel expenses paid such as ferryage, horses, passage in a sloop, etc. Notes a payment of [dollar sign] 500 made to Mr. Ellison for money borrowed to pay Cato Beals when he was discharged from the army. Payments made to Colonel Timothy Pickering, Richard Frothingham, Lord Stirling, among others. The last page lists accounts Knox must charge the United States for extra services. In June 1780, expences of a journey from camp to Pennsylvania, by order of the Commander in Chief..., and in January 1781 expence for a journey to the four New England States & back to camp...

Comments that he hoped he would receive news that Knox had gotten the promotion he deserved, but was disappointed to find that Congress had decided not to consider it at present. Comments, However disagreeable it would be for an officer in your station to quit the army, especially at a juncture so promising as the present, yet I am to well persuaded of your inflexibility in a resolution taken upon the clearest grounds, that I look on your resignation as a certain consequence, Should they refuse or unnecessarily delay to comply with the reasonable expectations of yourself and friends. Adds that he knows Knox's desire to fight for his country is great, but that Knox would never do anything to injure his own personal honor. Extends congratulations regarding the birth of his son: children are a treasure which will support a person under every kind of adversity, and even compensate him for the ingratitude of his country.

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.

Was informed by General Benjamin Lincoln that Knox's promotion has not yet gone through, though he and the rest of Knox's friends agree that it should, and are in support of the resolution Knox has taken in case of a refusal on the part of Congress to comply with it. If Knox is promoted and needs a new aide, Shaw describes a young man, Samuel Newman, from the Boston area who he believes would be a good choice: He is sensible, brave, and good natured, in short, my dear sir, I think he is a gentleman who would suit you very well, and were I to be consulted in the choice of a fellow laborer, he is one to whom I would give the preference. Adds that this man will accept a lieutenancy in Crane's regiment until such time as he may be promoted to aide, and suggests Knox recommend this man to other officers if Knox does not have a vacancy. Also refers to news of a speech by the King of Great Britain to Parliament, and Parliament's response; believes there is not much in the speech to suggest their plans for the ensuing years, and that speeches like this have generally been calculated rather to amuse than to instruct the nation. Hopes that their own forces will be ready regardless of any steps Britain may take.