Continues the discussion about raising money from his last letter, GLC02437.00555. Still believes that he will soon have raised the necessary funds, and will then be free to join the army. Hopes to receive the quills, wax, etc. that day. A French General has arrived and met with General Heath, and more French ships are expected. The General is most likely Phillipe Charles Jean Baptiste Tronson du Coudray.

Mentions his plan to enter the Service once he raises a certain sum, which he is confident he will have soon. He has bought two hundred pounds worth of quills, paper, and similar articles from Newbury, and thinks they will be easy to turn a profit on since they are scarce in Boston. William and Lucy Knox had reopened the bookshop that Henry had operated before the war, and tried to sell these items there. States that he ran into Joshua Wentworth of Portsmouth, who informed him of the arrival of a French vessel carrying a large cargo of arms for the Continental Army. French officers were also on board, and another French ship with more weapons was expected soon. Mentions the capture of British supply ships. Many of these same events are mentioned in GLC02437.00558. Discusses pistols and horses belonging to Henry. Closes by saying that he is confident he can raise the necessary money, and wishes to discuss what to do next.

Writes to Henry, his brother. Discusses unfounded accusations that he, William, [stole?] a pair of pistols from Edmund Randolph. Writes, Now to come to the matter which ingrosses all my tho'ts, that of entring the army... Discusses raising funds pertaining to a previous verbal agreement he made with Henry. Refers to business ventures (including investment in a privateer), a recent sale, and the Newbury Privateer. Appears to harbor intentions of joining Henry (then in Morristown, New Jersey).

Comments on his recent sickness, noting that by riding out often, eating no animal food, & by drinking nothing of a spiritous kind... I have been sensibly losing flesh to a great degree. Complains of the high prices charged for books he is procuring (William was in charge of Henry Knox's bookstore). Has had difficulty procuring saddle cloths for Henry. As in letters from 3 June and 27 May, William awaits approval to join Henry. William has raised enough money to cover his expenses, and hopes to travel to Henry's location in Morristown, New Jersey, with Colonel Crane (possibly John Crane). Writes, Harry I know you think some times that that Brother Bill of yours is a selfish fellow & that he thinks more about his own pleasure & consults his own fancy in preference to your interest, but I solemnly declare if I know any thing of my own Heart that had your interest been wholly mine I should have left this place long e'er... In the margin of page three, informs Henry that his daughter, Lucy, can walk the length of a room.

Reassures his brother of his affection for him. Has received a trunk for Henry from Jonathan Ingersol, and will write him. Informs Knox that he will try to obtain silk stockings for him and that George Washington's coat has been charged to his account by Mr. Austin. Has written to Squire Phillips and given the letter to Gideon Hubbard to deliver. Has not yet written Mr. Garey. Mr. P. Palmer and Reverend Isaac Mansfield paid their accounts. Paid Doctor Dix ten dollars he feels he did not owe him, but did so to protect Henry from slander. If Mr. Harrod calls, shall refer him to Knox's letter. Has heard that two more French ships arrived. Hopes to follow Henry's example and become a good horseman. Wishes to know where the rest of Henry's effects are, information about the store's lease, what he should buy before joining the army, and how he should go about joining. In a postscript mentions he has procured the silk stockings and discusses the sale of various personal items.

Relates to Henry what he has heard regarding the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey (13 April 1777). Notes that he knows General Washington & yourself was not in the Battle but intended being at bound Brook the next day. Discusses raising a sum of money and business matters, possibly related to his joining the army and to the bookstore he managed in Boston in Henry's absence. Also mentions Henry's share in the Newbury Privateer as demanded by Colonel Jackson (possibly Henry Jackson). Still awaits Henry's reply regarding his intentions to join the army.

Says that he received William's account of plundered stock from British troops [the British had left many supplies in Boston when they evacuated in March 1776]. Discusses notes that must be paid that pertain to personal business. Asks William to send him money to buy a carriage, so that Lucy Knox can leave New York quickly if there is danger. Also asks him to send uniform buttons mentioned in a previous letter (see GLC02437.00275). Wants William to keep him informed on what is done with the confiscated Tory estates. Requests a copy of Edes and Gill's Monday newspaper.