Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in ensuring that American battalions are filled with troops. Describes the recent illness and death of Mr. Custis, George Washington's stepson, while he was at camp with Washington as an aide. Mentions that General and Mrs. Washington were present for his last gasp. He is waiting for General and Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to arrive, but Mrs. Knox seems inclined to go to Philadelphia to lye-in, but we cannot determine on the matter untill Mrs. Washington arrives. Asks Biddle to inquire into lodgings in Philadelphia for Mrs. Knox for three months, and stresses his desire to make her comfortable, regardless of price. Mentions Nathanael Greene and Tilghman, possibly Tench Tilghman, George Washington's aide-de-camp. Struck note on the left side of first page.

Notes the very kind reception from the good Lady of this place [Martha Washington]. Gives news about their daughter Lucy, who is staying in Philadelphia. Colonel Clement Biddle and his wife will see her each Sunday. Pertinent correspondence will be forwarded to Knox. Requests that Knox write to Biddle to thank him. Expresses her desire for a home and rhetorically asks will the time ever come when we shall have a house of our own and our children about us[?] if not, life is undesirable. Reports difficulties with their son Harry. Mentions a rumored battle fought by General Nathanael Greene. The Continental Army began to invest the British works for the siege of Yorktown the day before.

Replies to a letter from Biddle. Writes, the news of your misfortunes deeply afflicted me... Does not know precisely what business he will oversee as Secretary at War, but promises that if an opportunity arises, he will appoint Biddle to work in the War Office under his direction.

Knox, Secretary of War, replies to a 10 April letter from Biddle. Discusses furnishing the Pennsylvania quota of troops with rations, noting that he wrote a public letter to Biddle on the same topic (this letter is marked private on the docket). Writes, I wish the business would be worthy of your attention- The treasury are so poor that they cannot make other payments than by warrants. Regrets that he can not assist Biddle more in the matter. Noted as a copy on the docket.

Knox writes a warm letter to Colonel Biddle. I should have done violence to my feelings and Sentiments, my dear Biddle, were I to pass further from you eastward without dropping one line of recognition- The War is over, our acquaintance began in times of distress and was ripened by common danger into sincere friendship. We shall now assume new situations which may separate us widely and perhaps forever. But no distance, and no circumstances but loss of memory will obliterate... the idea of your goodness and sensibility... If at any period it may appear that I can be of service to you or yours, suffer me to embrace the opportunity...

Thanks Biddle for offering to procure him a house in Philadelphia in case Congress moves to that city. Plans to leave in a few days for the eastward, and promises to pay [Captain] Zeigler's account when he returns.