Discusses business endeavors. Considers the imminent conclusion of the war in Europe and the immense success of [Napoleon] Bonaparte, and how these factors may affect land prices and other areas key to his finances. Also mentions his hopes that Captain [Edward or Benjamin] Kelleran will arrive shortly. Wishes he was at home with Lucy, and sends his love to the children.

Writes to report that Captain [Edward or Benjamin] Kelleran has not yet arrived with his vessel, and he is concerned, as the vessel has workmen, money, and letters of Knox's on board. Instructs Gleason to keep the woodcutters at work.

Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why his letter of 5 December 1775 was so short (see GLC02437.00215). Comments on the weather and the lack of snow, which impeded his plans to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions that his brother William Knox is now at Lake George preparing the sleds for the transport. Describes his travels. Comments favorably of the city of New York in comparison to Boston, but criticizes the people's pride, conceit, profaneness, and Toryism. Mentions the low population and poverty of the area between New York City and Albany. Favorably assesses Albany, New York and speculates that, because of its access to the western territories, it will one day be if not the Capital yet nearly to it of America. Criticizes treatment of American prisoners of war by the British, citing Richard Prescott's abuse of Ethan Allen. Prescott was captured by the Americans on 17 November 1775, and Knox remarks that he and other prisoners were being sent from Albany to Pennsylvania. Comments on letters between generals George Washington and William Howe in which Washington vows to treat Prescott as Allen was treated. Comments on his impression of the British prisoners.

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.

Writes, In short my Lucy no man on earth seperated [sic] from All that he holds Dear on earth has ever suffer'd more than I have suffer'd in being absent from you whom I hold dearer than every other object... Defends his love for her, because in one moment of inadventure you have written which will long be the source of unhappiness to me. Expects to be able to set out for Congress when the army goes into winter quarters, and intends to be in Boston (Lucy's location) in one month. Notes that The situation of our army on account of Cloathing is such as to render a Winters Campaign impossible without we have a mind to put an end to the War by starving all the soldiers. Explains the situation of Catharine Littlefield Greene, wife of General Nathanael Greene, who was able to follow her husband during his campaign. Relates that General Greene was only able to see his wife for three days. After his visit, because of several factors preventing her travel, Mrs. Greene stayed at the home of an acquaintance who refused money for her stay. Suggests ...the delicacy of Lucy's mind would be much wounded by being in such a situation... Nonetheless, hopes she can be present during his next campaign. In a note written in the margin of page four, mentions Harry, possibly General Henry Jackson.

Loves her and thinks of her constantly. Thinks America will soon rise and Britain fall. Sees the recent arrival of arms as a positive sign from above. Feels the war has lost all virtue. If not for her he think he would not have the will to live. Decides to sell his horses to help William Knox raise money. Thinks Colonel Jackson can help with this, feels they are worth one hundred pounds, and hopes to sell them to a jockey named Cook.

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.