Williams says the information on military movements he is enclosing (not included) was given to him by General Wood who received it from a Mr. [Crous]. The Virginia Attorney General has letters that back up Crous's information. Says that Crous came to Richmond on business with the governor and appears to be an intelligent man.

Encloses a letter from his brother Bradford, who is much alarmed at the appearance of a rival candidate in the person of [a] mutual friend Harry Jackson. Expresses no wish to sway Knox's opinion, but does ask for his Opinion of the requisite Qualities of the two Candidates ... conclude that [he] will ... Support the pretensions of the man [he has]... esteemed. Goes on to discuss Patrick Henry and his resignation from the Virginia government since there is every reason to believe this State will no longer oppose the assumption of their debt, but quietly acquiesce in the funding system. The great popular Leader Henry wished to raise a clamour against the Federal Government and he struck at the assumption but Seeing that he would involve himself in absurdity to continue this opposition, without providing funds to pay the Interest of the State Debt & Seeing that this would strike at the root of his popularity he has wisely retired ... Stain on the address leaf where the letter was sealed and stamped R H ION May 10. Watermarked C Taylor and with a hunting horn inside a crest with G R underneath. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Writes to send an extract of a letter from Kentucky, which is on the other side of this letter (not included - the reverse of this letter is blank). Adds, I leave this letter to its fate, & from the frequent passing of people from these fountains of salubrity I hope it will soon arrive at some place where there is a post office. Is on his way home and hopes to see Knox in early October. Postscript claims the letter is genuine as he read it himself. The extract referred to is likely GLC02437.05135.

Writes to thank Knox for his replies to his recent letters. Mentions that he and his wife are happy to announce they will be permanent Citizens[s] of these States, and hopes to be close enough to Knox to renew their friendship. Thanks him for his attention to the recommendations he submitted to Knox for federal employment of several individuals, and knows Knox will select people based on merit. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox.

Williams writes Knox about his son Henry Jackson Knox and hopes that his son intends to return to his ship. Williams comments on the changes in the administration which I think forebodes a settlement of some sort or other with France. Williams says it is assumed that Adams will lose the next election. Talks about a meeting of Federalists who want to run Pinckney and Adams equally, which Adams will see as abandonment. He wishes rather to take the chance of being second to Jeff than to P. Relates a letter James McHenry sent to him saying that he wished Williams to have a post in the Secretary of State's department. Williams accepted and began the work, only to be told by President [John] Adams that he was appointing someone else.