Replies to a previous letter and asks Sears and Smith to hold onto some items that his brother William had sent him via the firm. Discusses the British evacuating New York. Says New York will probably be evacuated by 20 October but not much earlier. Sends them both his and his family's compliments.

States that they will keep the trunks of merchandise with them until they see Knox again. Mr. Sears will leave for New York as soon as the British evacuate so he may enter the City soon after Civil government is established there... Apologizes for having trouble selling the wares that William Knox, Henry Knox's brother, had entrusted to them.

Says that he received William's account of plundered stock from British troops [the British had left many supplies in Boston when they evacuated in March 1776]. Discusses notes that must be paid that pertain to personal business. Asks William to send him money to buy a carriage, so that Lucy Knox can leave New York quickly if there is danger. Also asks him to send uniform buttons mentioned in a previous letter (see GLC02437.00275). Wants William to keep him informed on what is done with the confiscated Tory estates. Requests a copy of Edes and Gill's Monday newspaper.

Forwards a letter from William Knox and expresses the wish to see him in New York. Also asks Henry Knox if he could give information when the British are to [leave] the City [New York] ... Sears & Smith refers to the merchant company owned by partners Isaac Smith and his son-in-law, Paschal N. Smith.

Discusses matters of business William is tending to in Boston, including a debt and a petition. Writes, The Enemy have not yet evacuated Philadelphia but we are in hourly expectation of that event. The whole army is under marching orders as soon as they leave the City. Expects the British to assemble their force at New York City. Reports that Lucy and the baby are both well, referring to his wife, and possibly to their two-year-old daughter, also named Lucy. Relates that he has seen Harry, possibly Colonel Henry Jackson.

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possibly Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British plunder all before them. Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A note on the verso states It is absurd to suppose a man of Mr. Howe's character gone into winter Qtrs already.

Explains that he has been extremely busy and has not been able to write. Notes that those Rascally Hessians took his baggage with most of things and asks that some cloth be sent to him. Written from Mount Washington (now Washington Heights) in New York.