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Fears for new government now that war is over. Sir Guy Carleton has received orders to evacuate New York City. Praises his virtues while claiming that "Committees in America usurp the authority of the United States." Concerns over the country's future considering the current state of "Anarchy & rebellions"

With Breck letter of Jan. 15, 1782

Asks for Breck's help in learning mercantile trade, does not want to spend his days in idleness once he retires to private life. Laments that his education as a youth was cut short, but he still thinks that it is "probable that...I may be able to take charge of property, and enter the theatre of commerce."

With Breck letter of Jan. 15, 1782

The veteran, "late a sargeant of the first New York Regiment," sells land to Edward Cumpston of Albany.

Petition of Benjamin Day Junior to become a subject of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by naturalization “or in any other way.” States that Day had resided in the state previously before leaving “as an adventurer” to the Mississippi River with his family in 1776. Day’s family resided in Mississippi “until the year of 1782, when the Savages becoming troublesome.” Day’s family had some trouble returning to Massachusetts, but now desire to become subjects again.

Details his service record throughout the conflict and his experiences as prisoner of war under the Americans. He was imprisoned on three occasions and left Yorktown for New York a day before Compt de Grasse's fleet trapped Cornwallis. Concludes with orders delivered on June 4, 1784, implying that the document was written after that date.

Will examine records of the privateer brig Holker to provide an "Idea of the mode in which the Transactions respecting her were carried on." Provides a brief account of how the prizes were handled and funds distributed proportionally, including those sent to the West Indies. References Blair McClenachan's account in particular. N.B. Mr. Holker may be John Holker (1745-1822). See the Clements Library's John Holker Papers.

Loyalist claims and backlash against them in England.

[In French] Regarding making a copy of a painting of the Siege of York in Virginia which had been presented to the King. Ordered Mr. Blarenberghe to do so, as well as the English garrison leaving the town and laying down their arms. Blarenberghe is busy with travel and painting sieges and battles for the King.

Letter from the Maryland Auditor General to the Philadelphia Comptroller General. Seeking information about two men who had deserted the Maryland Line in 1780 and 1781: Timothy McMahon and John Knox. The two men were found to have joined the Pennsylvania Troops in South Carolina. Richmond is attempting to determine what payments have been made to the men in order to finalize their settlements. N.B.: A crossed-out “Paid” annotation in the lower left corner suggests that when Nicholson picked up the letter, the postmaster realized it should have been sent free of charge and the mistake was corrected.

Concerning Steuben's hopes and fears for his future livelihood following the war. Dismay at the slowness with which his troops were paid. On the back side are expectations for the expenses that will be paid for and compensation he will receive from Congress, as well as a request for "permission for 18 months to settle my affairs in Europe." Contingent on how these how these payments are handle, he will continue his duties as Inspector General and "take upon myself the organization and disciplining of the militia." [In French]