Mentions that on his return from China, he saw Captain Thomas Randall. Randall had protested against John Searle & Co., a merchant in Madeira, who shipped bad wine on the ship Jay. Notes that the owners of the Washington Indiaman also have a case pending against the House of Searle & Co. Asks for a copy of Randall's protest, which Randall previously sent to Knox, for use as evidence in the case against Searle.

Informs Johnson that Lieutenant [Matthew] Ernest, commanding officers at Fort Pitt, is trustworthy and capable of sending Johnson news from that vicinity. Says he will write to Ernest the following Monday, and any correspondence from Johnson can be transmitted at that time.

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.

Relates information concerning an incident with Daniel Parker. Notes that Mr. Holker has forwarded an account of the affair which Shaw hopes will clear the incident up. Writes to Knox describing his illness noting he has been sick in bed for five days with blind boils. Says that after almost infinite pain the boils have finally broke and he is again comfortable. Praises the abilities of Dr. William Eustis, who has been looking after him. Wishes Knox and his family a happy new year.

Received his last letter, which excites in me the most grateful sensations. Did not know of any person who had a superior Claim upon Government office in the region than he did. Thought that all Congressional appointments would be made independently of the previous appointments given by state governments, before the new federal government had come into existence. Adds that Mr. [George] Thatcher (he spells it Thacher), the Congressional representative for his region, has corresponded with several merchants to find candidates for the import and export offices. Seems to suggest that local politicians and local merchants are in such good acquaintance that appointments might be handed out based on favoritism. Further, Winslow has resided only briefly in Portland, and has no mercantile concerns as such, so fears he will be deemed unsuitable. Discusses his prospects and hopes that Knox might be able to help him receive an appointment.

Returns warrants that Knox requested (refer to GLC02437.04422). Sends news that his family is recovering from influenza. Discusses the Marquis de Lafayette and the French Revolution: Our friend the Marquis is indeed in a perilous situation, but he is in great spirits & I hope will succeed. Tho I fear they are [aiming] at more liberty than is consistent with good Government, I do not think France can for a great many years to come be governed by a very free Liberal system - but they were before wretched enough & it was time to make an experiment they could loose nothing but their Heads (the common people) & they could spare them well enough. if nobody had told them they were wretched I think they would not soon have found it out.