Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 to Henry Knox

Reports that on Friday evening, he received an express from William Duer from New York that only took 45 hours to arrive. The letter said Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche will be leaving New York by 18 September with 20 of her people to proceed immediately to Maine. The 20 people are to remain there to prepare their establishment, while she returns to New York to finish the necessary arrangements and conclude the bargain. Before receiving this express, he had engaged a Hingham packet, which he was supposed to pay $3.50 a day, plus associated costs. The ship has been waiting to leave with 25 days rations since 15 September. Jackson is preparing the ship by having bunks constructed and making straw sacks for bedding. Reports that it is too late in the season to make an establishment that will give them a good impression of the climate and situation, but he "will put the best face on every appearance - and no exertions of mine shall be wanting to promote the interest of the association." Stresses that Knox must keep in mind that Jackson "must make something out of this concern, that will place me where, and in a situation that you will wish to see me in." Reports the committee [for the sale of lands] has engaged surveyors to run lines through their recent purchases. Believes they should hire someone to go with the surveyors to report back to them.