Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to William Knox

Knox signs with his initials. References receiving several letters from William since 7 April. Has no excuses for why he has not written more often. Says this letter will not be long because there is a ship in port that is just about to leave for Liverpool and this note needs to be on it. Says they are all well and situated comfortably near the city at Bush Hill, Vice President John Adams's house. Adams was away at Braintree, Massachusetts, so the house was available. Reports he is going into a good house in Philadelphia in the autumn. Is surprised that William is living "in a strange Country without a Guinea." Says he has not paid Shaw and Randall, but he will. Will not draw upon Webber. Tells him not to worry, "If you cannot sell the lands ... why you must not starve." Says that "Mr. Morris has sold the lands which he bought of Gorham and Phelps." Makes references to 120,000 acres around Lake Ontario called the "Yenesee Lands." Has heard that Gouverneur Morris has neglected the St. Lawrence Lands. Relates that the consular bill was put before the Senate on the last day of the session. Says it will be taken up again next session. Says that Thomas Jefferson has been absent, but he will communicate with him on the subject. Says George Washington has been absent or in the Southern states since 23 March. Has returned in good health to Mount Vernon though. Washington will be back in Philadelphia next month. Says his wife is expecting a baby on 25 July. Tells him to keep his spirits up and to keep writing even though he is a bad correspondent. Claims "We have a force of about 3000 men going against the Indians." Says that unless "they make peace" they will need to be "punished."