Regarding Knox's queries about land purchases, Smith declares that he was supposed to present [William] Duer's propositions the previous July, but they have not yet made their appearance. If his health permits, he plans to leave on a trip on Sunday, and he doubt[s] much whether he [Duer] will be able to arrang [sic] it within that time. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Has received Knox's recent letter, and is happy to assure him that the deranged state of affairs in this city does not affect him or interfere with my proposed excursion. Adds that his views, of course, are not military. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Writes that he has yet to set sail due to poor weather. Comments that he has never been an ambitious man, but that the President [Washington] and his Minister of State (referring to Thomas Jefferson) have convinced him to take on a position with the government. Does not specify the position, but explains why he believes the President thought he had the honesty and strength of character to take on the job. Asks Knox to protect his brother and possibly provide him with a job.

Discusses the total destruction of his father's property that took place during the war (possibly the Revolutionary War). Notes the entire family looks to him for support. Comments he is determined to bear the pressure & the flight like a man. Mentions his brother, Colonel John Smith, will be leaving for Europe on Wednesday. Asks Knox to send his brother's commission, which he was entitled to before his resignation from the service, to them. Notes the commission will be used as a passport and voucher of his brother's citizenship. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

As a committee, Smith, Hill, Shepherd and Lenox enclose to Knox a copy of our proposals for the contract (not present). All four members signed the letter.

Stamped as free above address. Explains that he met Captain [Thomas] Randall at the Post Office, where they made arrangements for sending monies owed by Knox to Smith (see GLC02437.05231). Also discusses the purchase of lands in Maine (related to the Waldo patent), and mentions a misunderstanding between himself and [William] Duer.