Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00372 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 July 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.7 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy

Henry is upset that Lucy is taking others advice over his and reiterates his recommendation for her to go to Fairfield or New Haven immediately. Mentions various people going to New Haven who Lucy could meet up with. Discusses the British attack of New York the previous day. Knox lost six men in an accident, which he casts as a learning experience for the others, who will learn "to moderate their fiery courage." After the attack the British ships sailed north to Tappan Bay, near Tarrytown New York. Knox will send Lucy's clothes to New Haven, where he hopes she will go. He reaffirms his love for her. Also notes a rumor that General William Howe was aboard one of the ships that sailed up the Hudson River.

[draft]
New York July 13th 1776
My dear Lucy -
I embrace this opportunity by Mr Eliot, I have the greatest anxiety on the account [struck: which] of you situation. It gives me pain that my Lucy sets so little by her Harrys advice, as to prefer other peoples before it - mine must be disinterested, I can have no other view by your Satisfaction, therefore permit me to beg you to go immediately to Fairfield or New Haven at both which places there are people who will embrace and esteem you, make no delay but go immediately it can make no odds in your hearing from me two or three hours at most. Capt Paschall Smith is going to New Haven with Mrs. Smith for whom he will call at Norwalk Embrace the opportunity and go under his protection Colo Sears's and Colo Brownes Ladies together with Mr Smith wil make an agreeable set - How much I thank Heaven you were not here Yesterday? [inserted: Ships and three tenders of] The enemy about 20 minutes from here weighed anchor and in 25 minutes [wize] before the Town, We had a loud Cannonade but could not stop them though I beleive we damag'd them much they kept over on the Jersey side too far our Batteries, I was so Unfortunate as to lose 6 men by accidents and a number wounded - This affair will be of Service to my people it will teach them to moderate their firey courage which to be [2] sure is very impetuous, [struck: Mr Eliot] The Enemys Vessells are gone unto Topiary Bay about 24. miles [above?] this - I shall send your Cloaths to New Haven by the first opportunity, I think you will go there agreeable to the advice of him Who loves you more than life Kiss my babe in my name & be resign'd to the time When heaven shall bless us with the happening of meeting each other Mr Eliot will inform you [promply] of other particulars - It is Reported that Lord Howe was on board of a Ship that came up Yesterday Afternoon -
I am my Dear Lucy Your
Affectionate
Harry Knox

[address leaf]
Mrs. Knox
at
Norwalk
or
Fairfield
Favor'd by Mr Eliot

[docket]
Gen. to Mrs K
1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources