Discusses a financial matter involving [William] Duer, [possibly Joseph] Peirce, [Richard] Platt, and Henry Jackson. Encloses a letter (not present) from the Marquis de Lafayette to St. John (possibly Hector St. John de Cr?vecoeur). The letter was passed to St. John by George Washington and was accompanied by other papers discussing affairs of the Society of the Cincinnati (William does not include the other papers mentioned). Discusses financial transactions he apparently conducted on Knox's behalf, including payment of a reward for capturing a deserter from Lieutenant Kersey's troops (see GLC02437.03960). Transmits news of the Constitution and projected location of Congress: Congress have undone yesterday all they had heretofore done with respect the Ordinance, and nothing today has been transacted on the business so that where they will next meet is uncertain. North Carolina has rejected the Constitution by a great Majority.

Reports that the future location of Congress is still open to final decision, as the resolve to situate the seat of government at Baltimore was not final. Discusses military matters related to [John] Stagg's departure for West Point (see GLC02437.03955 for related information on these issues). Stagg will travel there tomorrow with money and receipts to transact business. Encloses a letter from Knox's wife, Lucy (not present).

William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision. Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah Harmar; business with William Duer; Jeremiah Wadsworth's departure for Hartford, etc. Discusses news from Europe. Mentions ...the [British] prohibition of the wheat from this Country on account of the Hessian Fly. Notes that one of Henry's cows is missing and Caesar, possibly a slave or servant, has been searching for her.

Knox signs with his initials. References receiving several letters from William since 7 April. Has no excuses for why he has not written more often. Says this letter will not be long because there is a ship in port that is just about to leave for Liverpool and this note needs to be on it. Says they are all well and situated comfortably near the city at Bush Hill, Vice President John Adams's house. Adams was away at Braintree, Massachusetts, so the house was available. Reports he is going into a good house in Philadelphia in the autumn. Is surprised that William is living in a strange Country without a Guinea. Says he has not paid Shaw and Randall, but he will. Will not draw upon Webber. Tells him not to worry, If you cannot sell the lands ... why you must not starve. Says that Mr. Morris has sold the lands which he bought of Gorham and Phelps. Makes references to 120,000 acres around Lake Ontario called the Yenesee Lands. Has heard that Gouverneur Morris has neglected the St. Lawrence Lands. Relates that the consular bill was put before the Senate on the last day of the session. Says it will be taken up again next session. Says that Thomas Jefferson has been absent, but he will communicate with him on the subject. Says George Washington has been absent or in the Southern states since 23 March. Has returned in good health to Mount Vernon though. Washington will be back in Philadelphia next month. Says his wife is expecting a baby on 25 July. Tells him to keep his spirits up and to keep writing even though he is a bad correspondent. Claims We have a force of about 3000 men going against the Indians. Says that unless they make peace they will need to be punished.

Notes that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will escort Lucy Knox from Trenton, New Jersey, where she is visiting friends, to New York. Mentions The Alliance, a ship owned by Robert Morris. Was informed by [Alexander] Hamilton at dinner the previous evening that an unspecified business matter related to Henry Knox has not yet been addressed in Congress. Comments on a board appointed by Congress to settle accounts connected with the United States. The board consists of William Irvine, Abraham Baldwin, and Nicholas Gilman. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Discusses his desire to maintain correspondence with William but has had difficulty keeping up with the sailing schedule for ships headed to William's location. Comments on the recently concluded session of Congress. Relates that Mrs. Knox, Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker, and all the children, have recently departed to Boston to pass the summer there. Mentions his land-purchasing project and his business associates, including Mr. [Alexander] Macomb, Mr. [Royal] Flint, and General [Henry] Jackson. Provides a variety of family and business news.