Celebrates Knox's very surprizing deliverance from the hands of the Enemy. Criticizes the Scandalous Flight of the Connecticut Militia, at the Battle of Long Island. Says that General Washington himself has wrote to our [Council] & cast most severe reflections on their conduct. In response to Henry's letter from 19 September (see GLC02437.00447), he acknowledges that Henry's work and health have limited his writing and notes that he has obtained the epaulets Henry wanted but has not gotten the blue cloth yet.

Congratulates his brother on his escape from New York. Notes that many in Boston are much pleas'd with the retreat. Tells the version of events in New York he has heard but eagerly awaits details from Henry. Notes hearing that Benedict Arnold returned safely to Fort Ticonderoga, after hearing earlier that he had lost his fleet. Discusses extending civilities to Doctor Samuel Stringer, who had done the same when William and Henry were in Albany and Fort George obtaining artillery pieces for the siege of Boston, on his visit to Boston. Mentions business and privateering activities.

Discusses a British ship that was captured near an American fort at Nantasket, Massachusetts. The vessel had come from Ireland to support General William Howe's army and had mistakenly thought the British were still in Boston. Tells a detailed story about how the Committee of Correspondence and Safety ordered every man between sixteen and sixty to gather with full military accoutrements and drafted thirty-two of them to join the invasion of Canada. Many men ran away but the draft was eventually made by offering larger bounties. The debacle caused some to call for the removal of John Brown, the chairman of the Committee. Also discusses the activities of his company, commanded by Henry Jackson, at the event. Notes that there is no other news, business has been slow, and that the town has been made exceedingly dull with the smallpox.

Discusses corresponding with his brother. Describes the artillery department in the Continental Army as one of the busiest, and the reason he cannot write as frequently as would prefer to. Gives his analysis and opinions of recent events, commenting on British activities and George Washington's leadership, the poor quality of officers the Continental Army, the failures of the Continental Congress, and the needs of the army. Believes that the Battle of Long Island was their one chance to win New York. Comments on the morale-boosting effects of the small victory at the Battle of Harlem Heights. Gives instructions to pay Major John Crane and a message for Henry Jackson. Written at Harlem Heights in New York (16 September 1776.).

Complains that Henry has not written to him recently and explains how he has received information from Lucy Knox and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard. Claims that they do not have many good sources for the news in Boston. Indicates that a British ship called the Mifford is seizing any vessel that comes near it in the bay. Mentions plans to mobilize troops from Connecticut. Notes that Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams were being sent by Congress to meet with William Howe, a peace conference that later proved unsuccessful. Mentions reports of a battle on Lake Champlain. Business has improved in Boston. Notes that it is his twentieth birthday.

Reiterates his message from a 24 June 1776 letter (see GLC02437.00345) that Mr. Jackson will show William his letter, possibly referring to Henry Jackson who wrote to Knox with military news on 17 June 1776 (see GLC02437.00343). Also relays a report that General William Howe is on his way to New York with British forces. Knox indicates that they are prepared and states that it will be their own fault if they do not give the British a reception that does honor to America. Discusses personal finances and mentions that Lucy Knox will write to William.

Written at Fredericksburg. Comments, You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement. I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to evacuate the Continent. Also mentions the escape of General John Sullivan's forces in Rhode Island (Sullivan's forces avoided being captured by the British). Refers to an unspecified petition brought before the House of Representatives. Mentions that Lucy, his wife, is recovering from a recent illness.