Thanks Knox for his help in negotiating Russell's affairs with the House of Livingston. Received a letter from John R. Livingston in which Livingston expresses concern for Russell's misfortunes. Livingston is powerless to do anything for or against his interests, as Livingston's agent, Andrew Stockholm, is in charge of the concerns of the company. Describes his legal dispute with the Livingston company. Asks Knox to provide him with updates regarding the status of Congress's bill about the Judiciary. Hopes that mutual friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln may help him receive an appointment as an officer of the court. Also asks Knox for a recommendation in his application for the Office of Marshal.

Asks Knox to help him settle a problem with Mr. Livingston [his first name is not provided], apparently a legal or financial settlement. Describes recent correspondence with Livingston. Writes, If I should fall through Livingston's cruelty, I hope the curses of Heaven will follow him through life, as being one of the most ungrateful of men, for no other man would have run the risk which I did for him in the hour of his distress. See GLC02437.04253 for a related document.

Thanks Knox for informing him that Mr. Livingston was away in the country, and for advising him that a personal interview would do better than a letter in handling their mutual business. Also thanks him for his offer of delivering the letter upon Livingston's return. Thanks Knox for his friendship, and provides some information on the business he has with Livingston, which apparently consists of Russell owing Livingston money.

Discusses his disappointment with apparently not receiving a government position, but knows that Knox did everything in his power to help. Would prefer, if possible, to be appointed in the Revenue department. Comments on the appointment of General [Benjamin] Lincoln and of Mr. Lovell. Mentions the severely hot weather they have recently experienced in Boston, and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the rest of the family.

Writes that he has not composed a letter to Knox for awhile in order not to interrupt the business of his office, and also, in order not to be a burden. Discusses his poor financial prospects and wishes for a government appointment. Asks Knox about his prospects for receiving a position, now and in the future. He and his wife send their respects to Mrs. Knox. Date taken from docket.

Reports that Cousin Isaac (likely Isaac Winslow) has departed for Georges River (possibly St. George River in Maine, near the Waldo patent lands). Writes, General [Benjamin] Lincoln appointment as one of the Commissioners to Treat with the Southern Indians has given great Satisfaction to the people in this quarter, particularly to his friends who are exceedingly gratified in the confidence placed in him by the President. Continues to emphasize his interest in the position of Collector of the Port of Boston, but also discusses the position of Marshall and the duties and salary associated with it. Discusses the recent anonymous publication of a poem which is universally despised by all parties & descriptions of men, and provides his suspicions on who the author may be. Mentions his positive response to the bill for the War Department.

Mentions the illness of Lucy Knox, related to the recent passing of one of the Knox children. Discusses the recent bill describing the salaries of the various executive departments. Mentions General [Benjamin] Lincoln's recent appointment and his leading troops to negotiate with the Creek Indians in Georgia. Comments on his own prospects for receiving an appointment in the Revenue office or as Marshall. Also mentions the arrival of a French ship in the Boston area, as well as a bill from Captain [Thomas] Vose, Knox's agent in the Waldo patent.