Cornell, on the Congressional Board of War, writes, It is with regret that we receive the information of the uncertain doubtfull and perplexd situation of the Army in point of force to undertake any capital Object. At the same time we assure you it- shall not draw our Attention from causing the necessary preparations to be made. Asks him to make proper Allowance for our want of Money... Plans to keep stores ready to be forwarded if requested by Knox.

Discusses arrangements made with General Ezekiel Cornell (a member of the Board) regarding the transportation of cannon and stores from Pennsylvania (to the Hudson River near West Point). Notes that William Price and Captain Mitchell will handle additional stores that are to be forwarded to the area.

General Cornell, on the Board of War and Ordnance, encloses a list of articles ordered to New Windsor, New York (list not included). Reports that George Washington informed the Board in a letter that none of the heavy stores are to be sent from Philadelphia until further notice. Awaits further direction as to when the heavy stores should be sent. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

Cornell writes on behalf of the Board of War. Informs Knox of the status of several supply orders, including spirits, paper, and linseed oil. Notes that [Samuel] Hodgdon, Commissary General of Military Stores, has a fair prospect of being furnished with some money... Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide, From the Board of War 3d July 1781.

Informs the Board that George Washington has directed him to delay the transport of cannon and powder to New Windsor and Kings Ferry, New York, until [8] August. Small stores are to be sent to New Windsor as soon as possible. Writes, The Army are in great distress for drums & fifes... Contains a note written on page three, written by Knox's aide Samuel Shaw, in which Knox requests sheepskins. Also docketed by Shaw. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (near present-day Tarrytown).

Reports, The uncertainty of obtaining a force adeq[uate] to the capital object in contemplation induced His Excellency the Commander in Chief to direct me to write to your honorable board on the 10th instant to suspend the transportat[ion] of the cannon and stores before requested... Relates that the states expected to furnish large numbers of men have not specified the numbers they will be able to supply. Asks the Board to hold the cannon and stores until the situation can be more surely assessed. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (present-day Sleepy Hollow).

Signed E. Cornell, on the Congressional Board of War, discusses General Nathanael Greene: Notwithstanding fortune sometimes frowns on our friend Greene I am happy to see by a late resolution of Congress that his conduct meets the approbation of that Honl Body... (Greene was Commander of the Southern Department). Agrees with Knox, that the present force is insufficient to take on a large military operation. Jokes with Knox about the Board's failure to respond to letters. Also notes that three armed men robbed a mail carrier near Wilmington, Delaware: I have good reason to believe they gained little Inteligence of consequence perhaps imprudent things from individuals. I think I see some Gentlemen uneasy already.