Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Lucy Knox

GLC02437.10453

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GLC#
GLC02437.10453-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
26 July 1777
Author/Creator
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Title
to Lucy Knox
Place Written
New Jersey
Pagination
4 p. : Height: 38.4 cm, Width: 24.1 cm
Primary time period
American Revolution, 1763-1783
Sub-Era
The War for Independence

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes "...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life..." Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to sell their phaeton. Mentions the loss of Ty [Ticonderoga] and General Arthur St. Clair, a reference to St. Clair's recent retreat in the Battle of Ticonderoga. Speculates whether British General William Howe sails for Philadelphia or Boston. Mentions a letter from Howe to General John Burgoyne that was recently intercepted by Continental forces. Howe informed Burgoyne that the expedition up the North River (the Hudson) has been abandoned in favor of a British operation against Boston. Knox notes, "this letter was designed to fall in our hands in order to deceive- we suppose he will be at Philadelphia near as soon as we-"

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