Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited, patriots on the Continent. Reports that British General William Howe might be sailing toward the Chesapeake Bay. Disbelieves the Chesapeake is Howe's target. Asserts instead that Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) or Philadelphia. Discusses Howe's movements and comments on the extremely hot weather. Referring to British General John Burgoyne, writes Mr. Burgoyne will push himself untill he finds a stone wall to break his head against- I hope that will not be too soon untill all parts of the Machine may harmonize which is to work his destruction... Referring to his brother William, writes Master Bill bears the fatigues of the Campaign like a soldier and they are not very few...

Knox writes, the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me... Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most disagreable [sic] consequences of any thing during the War... Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Arthur St. Clair (American), and Philip Schuyler (American). Refers to a wagon of supplies Lucy sent to him. Wishes his brother William would not join the Army, but would instead remain in Boston, serving as a disinterested friend and protector for Lucy. Expects General William Howe to combine forces with Burgoyne at an unspecified point along the North River (the Hudson). Mentions that Mrs. Greene (Catherine Littlefield Greene, wife of General Nathanael Greene) arrived several days before. Discusses a letter he sent to John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, inquiring if Congress intended to appoint Phillippe du Coudray in command of the Continental Artillery. Reports that Congress resolved that Knox's letter was an infringement on the Liberties of the people.

Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, I am in hopes my business will call me there having never been in that corrupt place... Wonders as to Howe's hesitation, joking that it is impossible Howe would be afraid of our ragamuffin army. Criticizes Howe, noting the first principle of an invader ought to be to destroy the army of his opponents... if his army is not superior in the field he may as well take himself away... Asserts that based on affairs in the north (possibly a reference to the American loss of Ticonderoga in early July), the British campaign in his location may turn from defensive to offensive. Expresses hope that military service will render him admirable, referring to his brother William Knox.

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes ...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life... Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to sell their phaeton. Mentions the loss of Ty [Ticonderoga] and General Arthur St. Clair, a reference to St. Clair's recent retreat in the Battle of Ticonderoga. Speculates whether British General William Howe sails for Philadelphia or Boston. Mentions a letter from Howe to General John Burgoyne that was recently intercepted by Continental forces. Howe informed Burgoyne that the expedition up the North River (the Hudson) has been abandoned in favor of a British operation against Boston. Knox notes, this letter was designed to fall in our hands in order to deceive- we suppose he will be at Philadelphia near as soon as we-

Reports, The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be their great object, and however appearances may have been against it- I could never account why it was not done- Thank God our force there is pretty respectable, and if they can hold out only till we get there... our forces will all be put in motion that way. Emphasizes that General George Washington could not have acted otherwise, for had he not moved to Philadelphia, the British would have taken the city. Predicts Howe's force is smaller than previously imagined based on the British General's hasty departure. Apologizes for the brevity of this letter.

Discusses her poor health, explains why she did not write for three posts, and laments their separation. Seeks verification of a rumor that General William Howe met the same fate as General John Burgoyne. Letter dated below signature as 6 November. Year inferred from content.

Reports that in a previous letter to Lucy, he gave an account of the Battle of Brandywine. Relates that his army came in sight of the enemy, when a pouring rain ruined their cartridges. Describes how his army followed the British from across the Schuylkill River, and the British eluded them, intending to enter Philadelphia: They have declin'd to combat our army and have taken possession of the prize for which we both contended. Reports that American Generals [Anthony] Wayne and [William] Smallwood were attacked on 20 September (later known as the Battle of Paoli or the Paoli Massacre). Comments on the American soldiers' lack of shelter and supplies, which they endured with the perseverance and patience of Good Soldiers. Of losing Philadelphia, writes, I consider the loss of Philadelphia as only temporary to be recovered when expedient... Notes that the British will need to start shipping to and from Philadelphia in order to maintain their hold on the city. Reports that his brother William endures the hardships of this campaign surprisingly well.