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Address leaf has been cut out. Discusses the management of an estate, possibly his own, noting his satisfaction that William chose Joseph Peirce as agent. Requests William to procure black cloth from the State Store of Massachusetts to make coats for himself and his aide-de-camp, Samuel Shaw. Also requests fabric for waistcoats. Remarks: We are both naked- therefore I pray you cloath us... I mean this on supposition that you get [the cloth] at the same price that the other officers have gotten it... I could not procure these actual articles under a small fortune here and yet they are absolutely necessary. Requests uniform buttons. Reports that the Miss Winslows have not arrived.
Discusses recent trouble with the post, his estate (William handled many business matters in Knox's absence), and a petition. Possibly referring to his own estate, expresses relief that William has chosen Joseph Peirce as an agent. Requests that William send some unspecified things, noting The matter to Mrs. Knox is of so much annoyance That no pains or expense must be spar'd in order to get them here timeously. Mentions the arrival of the Miss Winslows at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Relates that the Winslows will travel to Boston. Refers to the ship the General Arnold. In a post script, reports that George Washington is at Philadelphia. Sends love from his wife and daughter, both named Lucy.
Mentions the loss of a vessel and the General Arnold, a ship. Discusses his distaste for making anything out of the public, or making a profit from public service. Notes that he will consider unspecified proposals previously mentioned by William. Mentions his wife and daughter, both named Lucy.
Explains why he has not written recently, citing a very bad arrangement between me & the post Master. Expresses relief that he and William agree regarding an unspecified matter and a Mr. Hichborne (most sources say Hichborn). Refers to the hoorid fate of the General Arnold. Notes humanity recoils at the Idea of the distress which the poor families must sustain by the loss of their husbands, fathers, or brothers in that tremendous catastrophe (the General Arnold, a ship, crashed on a sandbar outside of Plymouth, Massachusetts in December 1778). Knox had some investment in the ship, noting his relief that savings from the wreck will pay all expenses. Discusses British ships and the high price of goods in Philadelphia. Instructs William to pay Mr. French a sum owed by Knox. Comments on Betsey and Sally Winslow, who are staying in Pluckemin. Remarks, You will see in the papers some... charges against Genl [Benedict] Arnold by the State of Pennsylvania- I shall be exceedingly mistaken if one of them can be proven- he has returned to Philadelphia and will I hope be able to vindicate himself from the aspersion of his enemies.
Agrees with William that commerce is a profitable venture. Quotes Shakespeare: There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken [at] the flood lead[s] on to Fortune... Discusses William's previous proposal, which apparently involves buying goods on credit from a merchant who might travel to America. Contemplates the uncertainty of the venture and the difficulty in obtaining credit, associates, and bills. Remarks that Spain will accede to our Independence, and will give credit to American currency. Instructs William to consider all circumstances and to decide whether a European or West Indian trade would be more profitable. Prefers Holland and West Indian trade to British trade. Mentions his wife Lucy. Inquires as to the outcome of a petition affecting to his estate. Instructs William to give John Jackson flour, Indian corn, or grain. Refers to a dinner William has planned with General [Horatio] Gates.
Explains that his letters may be short, but he still loves his brother. Feels God has favorably turned the tide of our affair. Knows that war is hard, and has prepared himself for losses either public or personal. Hopes to hear from William more often, though admits the mail is difficult. Thinks that Lucy should sell the horses if she winters in Boston. Dated 1776, but written 1777.
Makes financial plans before embarking for Holland on a business venture. Encloses an inventory of the stock on hand, which amounts nearly to as much sterling as it did upon my taking it after returning from the Army ... Informs Knox he has only one outstanding debt, and William cannot locate the person with the account (William was in charge of much of Knox's business while Knox served in the military). Declares, ... we are nearly six hundred pounds... richer than we were when I left the army, which I think it doing tolerably well considering the Capitol we had to begin with ... Intends to send Knox a list of furniture that arrived for him from Marlborough, [Massachusetts]. Reports that his voyage has been delayed until the end of the Penobscot Expedition. Has heard, from Samuel Adams, of a ship leaving immediately for Europe bearing dispatches of Revolutionary affairs in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks Knox for letters of introduction Knox procured for his brother's trip to Europe, including letters from Baron von Steuben. Reports on British movements in the east, including their establishment of little Indian Houses with all kinds of trinkets, as a temptation for the Indians to join them for twenty miles from Penobscot.
Has just returned from Philadelphia. Reports that the Winslows have arrived at Pluckemin. Borrowed five hundred dollars from Mr. French, commissary, who is traveling to Boston. Instructs William to arrange for the repayment of French (William handled business matters of Henry's). Sends love from his wife, Lucy, and remarks that her things have not yet arrived.
Instructions for Gleason to perform a variety of tasks on Knox's estate. Stresses that he will be judging Gleason's expertise and quality as an agent based on how well he follows these instructions. The tasks focus on harvesting and collecting kiln wood over the course of the winter. Mentions Captain [Thomas] Vose.
Discusses business in Europe and his hopes of expanding trade. Mentions the cost of labor in America as compared to that in Europe.