Says she and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn have completed the affair of the house for 5,500 pounds. Says the transaction pains her, though is sure her father will approve once he knows the circumstances. Is worried, however, that others may see Henry as wronging her father somehow. The letter is not entirely clear, but it appears that they have arranged the sale of Lucy's family house, due to the circumstances brought on by the war. It appears that she is worried others will see this as a selfish move by Henry, though she knows he would part your last biscuit with her father. Hopes to be inoculated against smallpox soon, though she is worried to do it. States that she cannot go into town to purchase the goods he asked for, and reminds him that he will soon have what he needs one his baggage from New Haven reaches him. William wishes to know what to do with their possessions that they have not sold. Informs him that Nathanael Greene's wife has given birth while Green is away, and relates this to her longing for Henry. States that Miss DeBlois is refusing Benedict Arnold's courtship. States that Mr. Jarvis is in debt, wonders why he does not mention Nicholas Eveleigh in his letters, and thanks God for the recovery of our worthy General [George Washington]. Also wishes to hear his opinion on the French involvement and Benjamin Franklin.

Laments Henry's absence, noting he has been gone for three months exactly. Relates that their daughter, Lucy, is well and beautiful despite five pitts of the small pox in her face. Comments on Henry's loss, possibly of clothes, noting that she will attempt to procure more cambric (a cotton fabric) for him. Mentions the sale of Knox's horses. Relates that she wanted to sell them separately, but Knox's brother William did not wish to do so. Remarks, ...you had better make me your future agent- I'll assure you I am quite a woman of business. Begins writing again 4 June. Plans to send Knox madeira, good old spirit, and sugar. Requests that Knox ask General Benedict Arnold what she should do with some things Arnold left with her. Mentions a scarf among the items. Notes that Catharine Greene (General Nathanael Greene's wife) would also like one of the items. Begins writing again 5 June. Criticizes Henry for his cold correspondence. Defends herself, arguing that it is William's responsibility, not hers, to inform Knox of his well-being.

Says that he always writes by the post and wishes she would do the same as it is now conducted with some regularity. Hopes that her inoculation works, and that both she and their daughter not have too many or too few pocks. Wishes Lucy could choose where the pocks go on her face, and hopes the inoculation will not harm either Lucy or the baby's health. Assures her the army is growing. Says that William Knox is now headed for Philadelphia. Believes Lucy's brother is in Augustine. Hears news that Silas Deane is travelling to the Hague and that Prussia, Sweden and Dane desire American ambassadors. Is hopeful about the war saying things look as favorable as possible after an unfortunate campaign.

Hopes Henry is thinking of her. Says that she is being inoculated for smallpox, but that a rash on her arm has slowed the process and led the doctor to give her more mercury. Worries about her health but says their daughter is doing quite well. Lucy's aunt is with her for now, but will soon be leaving to marry an old fellow. Says that she is planning to join him soon in Morristown, commenting that since Mrs. Washington is there she feels she can be there too. Mentions news of troop movements. Hears her brother is in York but hopes he will come home soon. Worries that the war will force Henry to draw his sword upon my own - and only brother. Hears that even Colonel Webb cannot raise men using a bounty. Notes that Mr. Jarvis desires cash. In postscript says she is forwarding a letter to him from the famous Dutchess of Brotenburg, Princess of Frankfurt, and cousin of the queen of Great Britain. Brotenburg probably refers to Brandenburg. Worries that Peter will be forced to do the duty of common soldiers, and upset that William is leaving soon.

Responds to Lucy's most recent letter (see GLC02437.00364), discussing her hasty departure from New York. Henry is upset by her distress. He reiterates that he did not want her in New York before something decisive occurred in the war. In response to her complaint that Nathanael Greene's wife returned to New York, he explains that General Greene did not want her there for the same reasons and had just sent her to Newark and she will later go to either Fairfield or Providence. Comments that if Mrs. Pollard comes to New York, she will distract her husband Jonathan Pollard, Knox's quarter master. Reiterates that he wants to keep her away from the war and describes his conduct as that of the most disinterested friendship cemented by the tenderest love. He emphasizes the gravity of the New York campaign, on which the happiness or misery of Millions may depend. Asks her to give Fairfield another chance, mentions that smallpox is spreading by inoculation in Boston, and reports recent sightings of British ships. After his signature, makes an attempt to raise her spirits with an aphorism about gender: I ever wish'd my Lucy to soar above the Generality of her Sex many of whom to be sure are trifling insignificant animals, dreading what never will come to pass.

The Americans are getting strong while the enemy by all accounts...must be very imbecile. Hopes she is recovering from the smallpox inoculation, and sends his love to her and their daughter.

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's indisposition, noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani. Writes, My evenings cannot possibly be any cause of jealousy - They are stupid indeed... The City is dull enough. Only two tea parties since your absence. Reports that he has not sold to William Duer, and comments on Henry Jackson's dissatisfaction with their current land dealings. Relates, No Indian depredations lately - I hope they have called in their war parties - Our recruits are getting forward. Notes that he does not know whether the Winslows, Lucy's cousins, will accept his offer to buy land from them.