Regrets that he cannot travel to see his wife right now because of business matters he must attend to in Boston. Discusses business with Mr. [John] Gleason and Mr. [Israel] Thorndike. Hopes to arrive home the day before Thanksgiving.

Writes to his wife about his financial difficulties. Also discusses his plans for travel. Mentions news of the continental war commencing with [Napoleon] Bonaparte at its helm. Reports on several other matters pertaining to business associates and social acquaintances.

Writes to discuss his plans for returning home. Also adds that he is sending Lucy, via Captain [likely Edward] Kelleran, [Dollar sign]1,000, for her to give Mr. [John] Gleason so he can pay the workmen.

Tells his wife he is still in Boston, but is planning his departure and should be home by Saturday, 24 December. Asks her to send four horses, with bridles and saddles, to Mrs. Tuckham's house in Wiscasset, so he can have them when he arrives there on the 23rd. Adds that a Judge Cochran of Canada will be traveling with him, which is why he needs the extra horses. Explains the arrangements he has made with Mr. [Benjamin] Bussey (see GLC02437.07836) and why he has made them. Mentions that he would like to take Lucy and the children with him when he travels next.

Is happy to report that he has completed the business that has brought him to Boston. He has negotiated the financial arrangements between [John] Gleason, General Sullivan, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Healy. Relates the courteous treatment he received and the social engagements he attended.

Informs Knox that Ben, possibly Benjamin Hichborn, and Sam Gardner, will consider Knox's unspecified proposal. Reports that Captain Thomas Vose, who was overseeing affairs on Knox's Maine lands, was in town the previous week. Vose fears that a ship sailing from the St. George River was lost at sea. Adds that Knox's coachman, William, was on board. Notes that the people who live on Knox's land are late in their payments because of Brown's petition, and they will not make any payments as long as the petition's status is uncertain in the [General] Court. Encloses a letter from William Frost (not included). Frost is trying to collect money from Knox, and Jackson plans to wait for Knox's approval before paying him. Briefly describes George Washington's recent visit to Boston: The Presidents visit will make a lasting impression on the minds of the people in this quarter, and I can discover an alteration in the sentiments of a number who were fluctuating & uneasy previous to this event. The President must have arrived with you long before this and I am satisfied you will hear every particular that took place on his introduction to this City. Also writes, Many here are of opinion that an Indian War is inevitable. Some have gone so far as to begin to count on their share of the plunder of South America. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox and Catharine Greene.

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets. Has not seen his brother William for some days, due to William's illness and fatigue. Remarks that if he travels to see Lucy, he will have to leave his brother behind. Reports that General William Howe, who occupies Philadelphia with British troops, has been drawing forage from the meadows near Philadelphia.