Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00282 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: April 1776 Pagination: 3p.+addr. 22.5 cm. x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses her love for Henry and attempts to make him feel guilty for being away from home and family, particularly his infant daughter. Thanks him for his three recent letters (see GLC02437.00273, GLC02437.00275, GLC02437.00276) but wonders why the letter he promised from New York has not arrived. Mentions that their daughter Lucy was christened at Trinity Church. Comments on her alarm at hearing that the British have taken George's Island in Boston Harbor. Knox was then moving southward toward New York, planning coastal defenses against the British navy for Rhode Island and Connecticut in the process.
[draft]
I should long before this have indulged myself in the pleasure of writing to him who is allways in my thoughts whose image is deeply imprinted on my heart - and whom I love too much for my peace - but the fear that the language of a tender wife might appear ridiculous to an impartial reader (should it miscarry) has restraind me -
Is my Harry well - is he happy - no, that cannot be - when he reflects how wretched he has left me. I doubt not - but the plea of his little girl, as he used fondly to call me - must sometimes draw a thought from him tho surrounded with gaiety and scenes of high life - the remembrance of his tender infant must also greatly affect him - when he considers it at [2] so great a distance from its Father its natural gaurdian - in a place exposed to an enraged enemy - and almost defenceless - [struck: where is nature where is love.]
Your three kind letters from Newport Norwich & New London came safe to hand - I thank you for your attention in writing so often - but impatiently expect the letter from New York - for which place Mrs Greene and Mrs Morgan sett out on Sunday next - they fully expected me to have gone with them what is the reason I am not as happy as they [sure?] I love as well - and am as well beloved - as I shall write again this week I will only add that our babe was christend last sunday at trinity Church - that Mr [Furman?] Mrs Bowes Mrs [Faeriss?] were the [spousers?] pray for us both my dear Harry - be asured that whether present or absent you are and ever will be dear [3] to our faithfull and affectionate Wife
Lucy Knox
we have been greatly alarmed today by the enemy taking possession of Georges Island where they have errected a fort or battery - what will become of me & my child - should they come to the town - where we have Mr Weddeburne but [text loss]one -
[address leaf]
[struck: Camb] Boston/Way/ - 3 " 8
1/8
To -
Collo: Knox
New York
Favor'd by
}
[illegible]
[docket]
Mrs to Gen K
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