[draft] Camp Fredericksburg 16th November 1778 My dear Brother I wrote you a few days ago Mr Allen requesting you to furnish Mrs. Sears with some money to purchase certain Articles which Mrs Knox is the most absolute necessity for - I have no doubt you will chearfully comply with the matter when you consider all circumstances[.] We be you would send the min such time that Lucy may receive them by the middle of January[.] There are several officers of Colo Crane furlough'd to that time who will I dare say chearfully bring them - But at any rate you will put them in such a way as we shall certainly get them by the last January[.] Among other Articles [illegible] [illegible] let there be [illegible] best green Tea You know my Attachment to that Article and some raisons - how [2] Stands the Brig Arnold[?] is she in Port or is she to stay in Port all winter - write me about her - In yours of the 5th instant you request my approbationof your being concern'd in a voyage to [illegible] -- You also are on the spot and who I dare say asks the opinion of Colonels Sears and other knowing people will certainly be the best judges - I therefore leave it to you to do as you think proper - But would it not be a [illegible] gone to attend the Vendues which are so frequent and by attentively masking the prices of goods and purchasing only saleable articles and quickly turning the money? However this is only a query I am certain you will do what you think is for the best - I beg you to send for the Things at Marlbro and get them in your possession - The Committee there have nothing to do with them, they are in possession of Colo Cypniam How - Mr Speakman will if you speak to him have them brought to Town with his [3] Things - This is a matter of some consequence and requires your attention - I inclose you a Letter to Mr Saml Winslow - his Sisters Sally and Betsey have written a Letter from New York to Lucy requesting our assistance to get them to Boston - She shall answer the Letter and Afford them every assistance necessary to get them there - But the distressing circumstances will be how they will be able to subsist when there - he can be in no business - The uncle is [illegible] - Their coming out is absolutely necessary as their mother in Law is going to England & they will be left [illegible] without protection - you will deliever the letter & by conversions with them let me know by the best opportunity what can be done for the poor young Ladies - The Enemy have not yet left New York, but still keep up the appearances of it - two fleets have saild one in October and the other the 2d instant both pretty Large - The first we believe were Vessells for Europe with but few soldiers except Invalids and officers going home - The other amounting to above a hundred full of troops[.] could we suppose bound to the West Indies - The last fleet are now getting ready and consist of nearly all the Vessells in New York. They are embarking troops of all kinds foreigners New Levies & British aboard there. when this fleet sails which will be in a few days the point will be determined whether they at present will evacuate or not - I believe our Winter Quarters will be in the Jersies. Some where about Middle-Brook - We depend on Pensylvania and the Southward for flour - The Cartage is so immense and expensive That necessity compels us to [be] as near our supplies as possible - our Cattle can be driven to us - I beg you would not forget the matter of the petition it one day (if we obtain) may be a great affair to us. Adieu Dr Brother HKnox [docket] Genl Knox Fredericksburg 16 Novr. 1778