Reports that on Friday evening, he received an express from William Duer from New York that only took 45 hours to arrive. The letter said Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche will be leaving New York by 18 September with 20 of her people to proceed immediately to Maine. The 20 people are to remain there to prepare their establishment, while she returns to New York to finish the necessary arrangements and conclude the bargain. Before receiving this express, he had engaged a Hingham packet, which he was supposed to pay [Dollar sign]3.50 a day, plus associated costs. The ship has been waiting to leave with 25 days rations since 15 September. Jackson is preparing the ship by having bunks constructed and making straw sacks for bedding. Reports that it is too late in the season to make an establishment that will give them a good impression of the climate and situation, but he will put the best face on every appearance - and no exertions of mine shall be wanting to promote the interest of the association. Stresses that Knox must keep in mind that Jackson must make something out of this concern, that will place me where, and in a situation that you will wish to see me in. Reports the committee [for the sale of lands] has engaged surveyors to run lines through their recent purchases. Believes they should hire someone to go with the surveyors to report back to them.

Initialed by Knox. Reports that Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche have made a provisional agreement with William Duer and himself for some of the lands at the Province of maine. States they want to see the land and asks that Jackson go with them. Wants Jackson to find them passage and make the necessary arrangements. Says that Duer or Benjamin Walker will help with funds. Wants Jackson to introduce de la Val and de la Roche to their friends as respectable Characters. Docketed by Knox.

Says he wrote to Duer earlier about the provisional articles for the French colony on the land they have purchased in Maine. Believes that Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche were supposed to have seen the property yesterday, but believes they were kept by the recent bad weather. Had written to Henry Jackson earlier and asked him to assist them in any way. Says if they are expecting to establish their colony this winter they need to move without delay. Asked Jackson to procure another million acres, even if it costs 15 cents per acre. Does not think any time should be wasted getting the land. Asks Duer what he thinks. Notes Judge Tudor offered 12 cents per acre for another half million acres. Believes the offer is made for William Constable. Does not think the committee will sell it to him though. Mentions he has been sick lately, which is why he has not copied the agreement of transfer. Will be done in a day or two.

Describes the purchasing of land in Maine. Mentions Henry Jackson, Royal Flint, William Duer, Mr. de la Roche and Madame de Leval. Includes accounts and costs. Date added later in pencil.

Relates that events beyond his control kept him from sending the deed as he promised earlier. Now encloses the deed of assignment from Henry Jackson and Royal Flint to Henry Knox and William Duer to pay for the Maine lands recently purchased. Notes that the deed is dated 25 July 1791. Would like Walker to acknowledge its receipt. Asks if Madame de la Val has gone to Maine, and if so, when and with whom.

Declares that it is essential that he conclude an agreement with the Committee on the Legislature regarding townships in the Waldo patent lands. Discusses potential prices for the purchase of the lands in Maine, as well as ways to negotiate the purchases.

Discusses the land deals concerning Madame de Leval and Mr. de la Roche. Defends his actions of supplying deeds to Leval and Roche by quoting directions he was given by both Knox and Duer. Quotes Duer wrote him, General Knox who is with me has agree'd to give to Madame Leval & Mr. De La Roche deeds for that part of Trenton & No.8... and another quote from Knox stating I most earnestly desire you to arrange Madame Leval's situation in Trenton...quit them for it would be bad to be entangled with them in any law suits. Further discusses in detail specific instructions given to him regarding these contracts, actions he has taken thus far, and where the contracts stand at this point. Expresses relief that Duer and [Royal] Flint have relinquished their shares and are now completely unconnected in the purchases.