Writes, The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by an army. The requisition has been laid before the house & I suppose will pass without trouble, tho' I confess I know little about it- for a moment, I steped [sic] into the Gallery yesterday & heard a member say something about the Troops having only clothing & provisions, that the Western lands were an object worthy the attention of the soldiers, whom he supposed would think themselves well paid by going at the public expense to a country where each of them might furnish himself with a quantity of excellent land. I did not stay to hear any thing further on the Subject. I suppose they will raise their quota, & as to any thing more - Congress will take care, at least, it is their business to do it. Also mentions that the insurgents seem pitiful, though he has heard that Shay [Daniel Shays] is recruiting men in the country. Finally, relates the details of a recent meeting with the Governor.

Writes to introduce Governor Bowdoin to Major [William] North, who is currently Inspector of Troops. Says that North wishes to be included in the line of troops being raised. Comments that he is a citizen of Massachusetts by birth and residence and that he is an honorable and worthy officer.

In response to Major North's letter (see GLC02437.03368), Knox writes that he agrees that [John Francis] Hamtramck's ideas show him to be a good officer. Adds, I am persuaded his solicitude for a proper discipline, will be highly approved by all military men. Mentions that he has written to the Board of Treasury on the subject of pay, and hopes that the letter may have the desired effect.

Discusses Congress's decision to reduce the troops and states, I feel most sensibly for the situation of the officers. In relation to North's resignation as Inspector General, states that he did not forward it on and that if North desires, he can probably resume the duties of that post (see GLC02437.03528 and .03495). Comments that Colonel Hull wrote to him about the issue with North's relative rank but believes it is something the state must decide.

Writes that he will receive by this post the act of Congress authorizing an additional 700 troops in the Ohio frontier, where the troops there are suffering attacks from local Indians. Reports that Congress has called for the states to pay into the treasury by June of the following year, but that they need money more quickly than that if they want to support the troops already in service and augment the force as well. Hopes that the wealthier men in Boston will agree to help support the government and that they can work out a measure in which they will be confident of security, and a speedy reimbursement.