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.

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possibly Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British plunder all before them. Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A note on the verso states It is absurd to suppose a man of Mr. Howe's character gone into winter Qtrs already.

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only person hanged for the conspiracy. Discusses General William Howe's position at Sandy Hook with 130 ships and his ability to strike the city in about three hours. They are expecting an attack any time and Henry speculates that if Howe comes up like a man and brings his ships too before our Batteries, there must be the finest sight...that ever was seen. Discusses the Continental Army's preparedness, mentioning that he has 1200 men and that the inhospitable sentiment in New York has bolstered their determination. Reports that Lucy, General Greens lady [Catherine Green], and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard have gone to Fairfield, Connecticut. Discusses the invasion of Canada, indicating that the Continental Army has been forced back and hopes to make a stand at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Asks William to inform Captain Ebenezer Stevens wife that he loves her. Also asks him to show this letter to Mr. Jackson, possible Henry Jackson, and to tell him that he spoke with George Washington about ordering arms. Hopes to inform William of the campaign's commencement in his next letter. Offers salutations to friends and family in Boston from himself and Lucy Knox and reminds William to take care of the business there. Mentions that twenty two men and four officers were taken from a ship called the Greyhound. The expected attack did not occur until 12 July 1776.

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.

Mentions that he wrote to Henry Jackson about the British ships that sailed up the Hudson on 12 July 1776 and their engagement with artillery. Describes an attempt by General William Howe to have a letter delivered seeking a truce, which was rejected because it was addressed to Mr. Washington instead of General Washington. In a reference to the Declaration of Independence, the messenger claimed the letter was of a civil matter, not a military one. He expects the message to be brought again, which it was. Asks William to give the wife of Thomas Seward twenty dollars and to inform her that Seward had gone on a mission north of New York City. Seward was a captain lieutenant in Knox's artillery regiment.