Knox acknowledges receipt of a letter James Bowdoin sent regarding Bowdoin's late father. Knox comments that other demands of a similar nature be a considerable [amount]...have not been attended.

Signed in text as Mr. Bowdoin. Sends his compliments, and asks Knox who will pay the debt owed him by Thomas Flucker's estate (Flucker was Knox's late father-in-law).

Addressed to My dear friend. Writes that he looked at all the newspapers relative to the claim of James Bowdoin on behalf of his late father Wm. Bowdoin but...found nothing among Mr. Flucker's accounts or papers. Encloses a paper in possession of Mr. James Bowdoin, and what I took from the paper delivered me by him what was in Mr. Flucker's handwriting [not present]. Hopes the legal impropriety will influence the commissioners to repeal it entirely. Continues to discuss business.

Asks Knox to dine with him at two o'clock. Year unknown. Noted as written at Beacon Street, which is most likely Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Tells Knox that he has spoken with the ailing Governor [James] Bowdoin respecting the Fish, and we have concluded to put on board the first Vessell bound to Philadelphia. Bowdoin died at 4 o'clock that morning. He had his reason to the last moment. Bowdoin's property left to Mrs. Temple will be put into the hands of the Trustees, and the income only at her command during the life her husband but if she outlives him, it comes into their hands and at her own disposal. Notes he had a visit from Mr. [Sylvanus?] Bourne, but Jackson had no directions from Knox pertaining to their business. Reports Judge [Chief Justice John] Jay is here... He is most respected & esteemed, and is taken every particular notice of - his speech to the Grand Jury was much admired. Says he was appointed foreman on a jury with Judge Jay. Tells of an attempt to raise a Balloon thirty feet distance from the Common. The failed attempt you will observe it was on the 5th of November (Guy Fawkes Day). Asks about an appointment for a friend.

Refers to his last letter (GLC02437.04777) he sent to Knox. Believes by bleeding and a few Salts the destruction in my head is in some measure removed. Informs Knox that he is sending via the Fish Knox's [wall] Paper which is now finished and a most beautiful thing. Mentions he is ready to deal with Sylvanus Bourne regarding their debt issue. The word is that Governor Bowdoin's estate is worth 60,000. Describes in detail how Bowdoin's estate is to be divided. Bowdoin left 400 to the College.

Writes to discuss a recent letter he received via a Dr. Bayley regarding political reforms in Europe.