Philadelphia 4 Septr 1781 I wrote you my dear brother from Kings Ferry about a week past, & informed you some movements were about take place but it was improper for me to specify what they were. one object is now developed and known to be Lord Cornwallis. our measures are such that if the respective parts harmonize, we hope to do something handsome and we extend our views pretty far south. This manoeuvere, though much thought of by me, deranges my little family and creates a distress known only to domesticated minds. The General & Mrs Washington, prefers Mrs Knox to take a trip to Virginia and she seems inclined [2] to accept of the offer for several reasons - Our little daughter at any rate will be left in this Town at a eminent boarding school - Master Hal, will be the companion of his mama,) who is six months in her fourth pregnancy - In hopes of the arrival of the Amsterdam) the other Vesell and for reasons which you can easily imagine, I have been constrained again to draw upon you for purchase about 100 dollars, and I have put it at ten days sight - The money belongs to a Mr Somebody at Salem, and is here in the hands of Mr Hodgdon who can find no opportunity to send it. I shall set off tomorrow from this place and Lucy who if she goes to the southward will also set off for her destination in a few days afterwards - She is in now [3] in this City, and if she does not go as before suppos'd will probably remain here. Give my love to all friends I am your most Affectionate Brother HKnox MrWm Knox [address] Mr William Knox Merchant Boston Post [docket] From Brigadier Gell Knox Phil.a Sep.r 4.th 1781