Thanks him for his two recent letters relating to Judge [Thomas] McKean (see GLC02437.04285) and to Captain Newman (see GLC02437.04330). Writes that he will not compliment him on his public letter to the judge, but whenever he has heard merchants discuss the letter, they appear to agree with his position. Would be happy to help Captain Newman, because you request it, and because I believe him to be an excellent soldier. However, he does not believe that more military forces will be raised in the near future, but if it should happen that more are raised, he will help the Captain.

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.

Writes to remind Knox of his friend Mr. Samuel Newman. Thinks Knox might know him by reputation from the army, and declares that he is so attached to military life that he awakens to the sounds of Reveille in his head. Asks for Knox's help seeking employment for Newman. Also sends his regards to Mr. [Samuel] Shaw and to thank Shaw for his continued friendship to William's brother Jack. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and their family.

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter, which informed him that he was appointed Collector at Savannah. Thanks Knox for the favorable manner in which, I am informed, you spoke of me to the President of the United States. Will always testify to his own esteem and respect for Knox.

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.

Signed in text. Thanks Maunsell for looking over Mr. Brett's letter for him and also forwards a letter concerning Moses Hazen.