Writes of his recent visit to Philadelphia to discuss with Robert Morris a loan that Morris and Wadsworth were planning to make to Congress. Relates the terms he worked out with Morris on Wadsworth's behalf (see GLC02437.03330, in which Wadsworth gives Knox permission to work out the terms of the loan for him with Morris).

Writes to Colonel Wadsworth regarding a loan Wadsworth and Robert Morris are arranging with Congress. Declares that Mr. [possibly Rufus] King will have explained everything, hopefully to Wadsworth's satisfaction. Wadsworth will receive a letter from the Board of Treasury and the terms of the proposed contracts. Knox has already showed the information to Mr. Morris, and he will be getting a letter as well. If Morris agrees to the terms, it will be absolutely necessary for you to repair to Philadelphia, in order to make your private arrangements with each other. Hopes he is able to make the trip without much difficulty. Refer to GLC02437.03357 for a related document.

Writes that he cannot remain any longer in New York. Mr. Morris.s [sic] departure without finishing any thing has made it impossible for me to complete the business I came on. You may conclude the business with Mr. Rob Morris and consider me bound to perform as fully as if present my selfe (referring to the sum of money Wadsworth and Morris are planning to loan to Congress; see GLC02437.03323). Adds that he does not know anything about Mr. Morris's opinions on the concerns of a Mr. Russel, but hopes that Knox will also attend to that issue.

Writes that the Board of Treasury will write by the next post to comment on the proposed contracts. Declares that he sincerely hopes that nothing may occur to prevent the completion of this business, in a manner advantageous to the public and satisfactory to you and Mr Wadsworth. (Refers to a loan Morris and Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth are attempting to grant to Congress; see GLC02437.03330.).

Writes that he received Knox's letter along with the letter from the Board of Treasury. Has written them back, and also written to Mr. [Robert] Morris to tell him he will come to New York to complete the paperwork if Mr. Morris approves of the terms. Is not fully reconciled to the business because it is a lot of money, but will agree to work with Mr. Morris if he approves (referring to a loan and contracts he and Morris are negotiating with Congress).

Describes a series of meeting in October - November 1786 involving Knox, Robert Morris, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Gouverneur Morris, and Samuel Osgood to develop Knox's proposal to loan money to Congress to clothe, feed, pay and house the troops. Congress had recently passed a resolve that each state should donate money into Congress' treasury, and that Congress could take out private loans against this incoming treasury money. Docket, in Knox's hand, reads: Minutes respecting an attempt to obtain Mr R Morris & Mr J Wadsworth to enter into contracts for supporting the troops directed to be raised by the resolve of Congress of the 20th Octr 1786. Two of the enclosures cited in this letter were copies of GLC02437.03323 and GLC02437.03330.

Writes that two days prior he sailed to New Haven to see Mr. Gouverneur Morris, and returned last night. Also met with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, to discuss business (a plan Wadsworth was working on with Robert Morris to loan money to Congress - see GLC02437.003314 and .03318). Writes, He appears to think [well] of the efficacy of the proposed plans, and will I am persuaded engage in it on proper principles. Could not convince Wadsworth to return with him to New York, since Wadsworth is a member of the Legislature and needed to remain in town. Will come to New York within the next few days, and has asked Knox to request that Mr. Gouverneur Morris will meet with Wadsworth at that time. Is extremely anxious to make sure that the meeting happens, as all other arrangements [strikeout] are suspended in the mean time.