Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00211 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1775 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 30.6 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes affectionately, asking about Lucy's journey from Worcester. Discusses his own journey to New York City on his way to Fort Ticonderoga, where George Washington had ordered him to travel to in order to bring back to Cambridge the British artillery captured there in the Spring of 1775. He met his brother on the road, a meeting he describes and dubs "truly farcical." Comments on business opportunities. Reports the easy victory by which American forces captured Montreal on 13 November 1775. mentioning the British retreat, the construction of an American battery, and the interception of a British letter concerning military intelligence. Optimistic throughout, Knox comments: "In all probability our people are in possession of all Canada--something for the first Campaign." Indicates that he will leave for Ticonderoga the following day and that he has been extremely busy in New York. Closes with loving sentiments and sends his respects to various friends.
[draft]
New York Monday Novr. 27 1775
My greatest happiness!
Blessed be the name of him who first instituted the art of writing by which we can at a distance converse familiarly with those we most tenderly love - my mind at this moment has very grateful sensations towards him - how does my dear, dear, Lucy? how did she get down from Worcester? how did she bear the fatigues of her Journey? her Harry was & is all anxious for her safety. keep up your spirits my Lucy, preserve your health by every means in your power for the sake of the youth who values you above [struck: every] [inserted: all] earthly blessings - I arriv'd at this city on Saturday morning after a Journey not very fatiguing considering its Length - the weather was cool but not so as to force me to put on my great Coat once the whole way - [struck: we go every day] we rode forty miles Generally except one [inserted: day] only 26 - & the next to make up for it we rode fifty six miles - I was so fortu[inserted: n]ate as to overtake at Brookfield twenty miles from home two very agreeable Young Gentlemen belonging to Philadelphia whose Company I had the pleasure of [to] this place - I met my brother about eighty miles from this on his way home - our meeting was truly farcical - He spoke first I told him I did not know him - what lad is it who has the impudence to accost me so famililarly? I dont know you? - who is it? my being in Company with strangers & thus putting him to open shame wrought so powerfully in his breast join'd with a consiousness of his having done wrong that it rais'd such a Whirlwind of passion [2] in him that it was with the utmost difficulty I could prevent him putting himself to death with a [illegible] which he drew nor would He sheath it untill I promis'd him forgiveness - He is now well reconcil'd & [will conduce] to make my Journey agreable - I could get no horse for him so was oblig'd to take Mr Bayless - how he will like it I cant tell - I shall write him an apologetical Letter upon it - the business I came upon here will not [struck: ill] succeed [inserted: very well] owing to a number of circumstances not proper to mention - & yet I think It will succed so far as to make worth my while to have come here -
Heaven my dear Girl prospers the americans our troops no sooner got over on the side of the river on which montreal (which was on the 13th inst) but the city (void of troops which had fled the day before) propos'd terms of surrender & our troops actually took possession the same day - Carelton with Brigr Preston were in the Vessells which sail'd from Montreal the day before - together with a vast quantity of powder & military stores - our people had erected a battery at the mouth of the river [Sorrell] which would intercept them - God grant it may - at Montreal they intercepted a Letter from Quebec which says "the Yankeys are now at point Levi about to cross over to this city" - from Levi to Quebec the distance from Boston to Charlestown or rather more - In all probability our people are in possession of all Canada - something for the first Campaign - I shall leave this place to morrow morning for Ticonderoga & shall make every possible dispatch to return to my lovely Girl - I miss'd the post otherways my Lucy would have receivd a Letter from me upon the road - I shall embrace every opportunity [3] of writing to you - how much pleasure it would give me to receive a Letter written by you! but I shall not be at any place two days together except Ticon - & my love will hardly have an opportunity of writing to me there (Give my love to my [inserted: dear] friend Harry & tell him I have the most lively sence of his kindness) - I should have have written to him but that I have not had a moment to spare since Ive been in this city present my Respects to Mr Pelham Mrs Pelham & Miss Gerrik & the Young Gentlemen & Ladees - Adieu My dear - May the kindly beneficent parent of the universe sheild & protect you - may the God of Light & Love give us a speedy & happy meeting pray for me & be assur'd of the most perfect Love & attacthment of your ever Affectionate
Husband HKnox -
Mrs Knox
[address leaf]
3-8 To
Mrs. Knox
in
Newton
near
Cambridge
[docket]
Genl to Mrs Knox
Novr 27th 1775.
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