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Apologizes for not fully answering Knox's last letter, but has been preoccupied with the current business crisis in New York: has been trying to save himself from financial ruin. Relates a conversation with Mr. [Royal] Flint about raising the money needed by General [Henry] Jackson. Urges that they make final arrangements with Madame de Leval and Mr. de la Roche regarding their settlement of lands in Maine. Believes they may not be able to actually settle there until the following year. Finally discusses the poor financial prospects of Mr. [William] Duer, concluding that he does not think it likely he will be able to make a settlement with his creditors. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Explains that he has recently gone bankrupt. Explains that his creditors seized all the assets in his shop and scarce left me the necessities of life. Asks Knox for leniency in regard to the money he owes him.

Writes that a storm prevented him from going to West Point but he intends to visit there before returning to Philadelphia. Although Lincoln is uncertain whether he will be able to travel by water the following morning, he requests to see General Knox at 9 the next morning.

Joy mentions he is desirous to have a description of the land he purchased from Knox. Notes he would like as detailed of a description on the lands as possible. Says he would like the information to be backed by Knox's declaration and would like a copy of his deed. Also expresses his dread about a day of reckoning approaching.

Says he sent several letters to Knox since arriving in Europe. Tells Knox he is leaving Europe sometime in the spring when his affairs are wrapped up. Mentions there are various expectations about the part America will take in the present War, but I am fully persuaded that she will - that she must remain quite neutral. Is surprised to hear the government is quibbling on the terms of the treaty respecting the admission of prizes. Comments he is astonished & mortified to hear that the courts have adopted the President's Proclamation as the law of the land and have prosecuted certain individuals for entering the nation on French privateers. States he is happy the juries have not been cooperating. Says I long to hear that the Indian War is over & that you are out of that cursed office. Expresses great respect for the French and says they are America's only ally. Is afraid that the Anglophile politicians in the government will ruin the nation. Makes reference to a plan to build a canal.

Writes that he wrote to the President to discuss the possibility of working for the new government. Explains a dramatic property loss he experienced while fighting in the war. Declares that he did not approach Knox on the subject because he felt that Knox was too close a friend and he could ask Knox to use his influence to give Lincoln preference for employment. Adds that he feels sure that Knox will always support him and aid him if he can. Marked private on the address leaf.

Asks Knox to transmit the estimate of his department, per George Washington's request. Noted as written at the Head Quarters.

Called on Knox that evening but was told he was indisposed with an illness. Was going to ask for a reference for a young Man who has for some time lived in the Capacity of Servant with you of the Name Philip Louvre. The servant showed up at his residence and offered his services. As Louvre was still technically employed by the Knox family, he is asking for permission to engage the servant as well as a description of his character. Chew wrote from Walnut Street.

Writes first to report on Knox's daughter (in law) Eliza's travels to and from Boston, and correspondence related to her (Eliza married Lucy's son Henry Jackson Knox). Next, discusses President [John] Adams's recent preoccupation with the idea of an American Navy. Adams believes that when he was Vice President under Washington, they discussed the establishment of a Navy; [Thomas] Jefferson and [Henry] Knox supported the idea, but [Alexander] Hamilton and the Attorney General did not. Writes that President Adams would like to know whether Lucy remembers any debates on this subject. Believes that Adams plans to write a history of the Navy, and would like to include Knox's opinions of it. Page 3 contains a brief note from Waterhouse about the receipt of correspondence from Lucy prior to the current letter as well as financial information.