Signature is clipped. Creator indicated in docket. Discusses the arrival of the brig Columbia from Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China). On board the ship, there is property from [Samuel] Shaw to be Improved in Building a Ship... The ship is to be built under the direction of Mr. Peck. Awaits letters from Samuel Ogden before he shall proceed with business regarding the ship's supercargo, Eli Hayden. Encloses Shaw's draft on Ogden, writing I am under the Necessity of giving this Trouble, as so large a Bill will not readily sell.

Discusses business related to the arrival of a brig from China. Mentions Samuel Shaw, Eli Hayden, and Samuel Ogden.

Discusses a financial situation involving Samuel Shaw, his business partner, Thomas Randall, Daniel Parker, Messrs Hoffman, and the ship Massachusetts. Writes, the friendship I bear to Shaw is my only apologie for troubling you with this business & I know his Intrest is very near your heart. his business was in a good train till this unexpected disappointment broke in upon us & set it all afloat.

Informs Knox that he has written to Daniel Parker and encloses the letter so Knox can read it (not present). Concerns financial matters related to obtaining insurance on the ship Massachusetts and involves Samuel Parkman, Daniel Parker, and Messrs Hoffman.

Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year. Comments on difficulties of getting the ordnance over Lake George. Mentions that he has obtained sleds and oxen. He will use the oxen to drag the artillery to Springfield, where he will get new animals to drag them the rest of the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Explains the route and speculates on potential for either progress or hardship. Expects to arrive in Cambridge in 16-17 days. Sends an inventory of the artillery from Ticonderoga and the pieces requested from Colonel Alexander McDougall in New York (not included). Explains arrangements with McDougall and seeks Washington's approval for them (see GLC02437.00220; also GLC02437.00212). Discusses activities in Canada in regard to Colonel Benedict Arnold and British Colonel Allan McLean. Closes by noting that he believes General Richard Montgomery is in possession of Quebec. [Knox was wrong about this.] Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Knox's retained working draft. Docket is written in another hand.

Informs General Washington that 250 men of the 3rd Massachusetts will not be ready to march until the afternoon due to lack of essential articles for their march. Reports that the regiment is without their compliment of field officers and Colonels Michael Jackson and Rose have never joined at the post. Also reports that Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell and Major Pettingal are unwell. See also GLC02437.02203.