Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry 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 #: GLC02437.00381 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Stamford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1776 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 19.5 x 15.1 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Henry for taking the time to write her "amidst the hurry of public business," referring to the revolutionary war activities in New York. Explains her travel plans, which will bring her to New Haven, Connecticut. Discusses their child's development, including mention of her beginning to talk, and prays that Henry will survive to take care of them. Discusses her reaction to a recent letter from William Knox that included news about her family and explains that she wants to send for her mother (see GLC002437.00368). Seeks a boy recently discharged from the army as a new servant since "the negro is two heavy for the Horse." Has heard that Henry has been "a little rough with" Mrs. Airey and asks how she offended him. Explains that Airey has several of her bedding supplies and also owes her money. Defends herself against Henry's belief that she was coming to New York against his wishes. Mentions corresponding with several people. Discusses her satisfaction with her accommodations and addresses complaints Henry has heard. Inquires about Captain Sebastian Bauman. Mentions a couple of meetings, one with a forty-six year-old woman with infant twins. Comments that she needs to find pasture for two animals when she goes to New Haven.
Stamford July 18th 1776 -
I have just received - my dear Harrys letter of Yesterday - it gives me great pleasure. That amidst the hurry of public business he steals so much time for Me - if I wanted proof of his affection this wou'd be sufficient - but thank heaven - that is not the case - I believe I have missed of but one letter which [struck: is] [inserted: was] that by last thursdays post - it must be gone to N Haven - where I hope to be on Monday next - I wou'd sett out this affternoon if I possibly could - shall rise eairly tomorrow - and go to Fiarfield - there spend the sabbath, and on monday finish my journeying - for the present -
our dear babe bears fatigue surprisingly - she grows more engaging every day - has learned a little language which wou'd please you vastly - oh that you may soon hear it - lett us my only love, offer up our prayers - with fervency to him that made us; and we shall not be rejected - remember my Harry, that the prayer of faith shall save life - and sure I am that you wish to live to make me happy - and to protect your innocent child -
[2] I have a long epistle from our Brother Wm which I have answered by to days post - he gives me a sad account of the state of my poor Mother - My heart achs for her - as I fear she is in great want of ready money - I wish if there [inserted: are] any more flags you would inquire if Urquhart is with the enemy - if he is not, write a line to Hannah and invite her to come to me. This I am sure you will readily do - as she is perhaps distressed - you know what some people are capable of - I will take the best care of your Books -
pray what has become of the boy that was mustered out of the regiment. if he is to be had, I wish you to send him to me - as the negro is two heavy for the Horse - the boy I have is a soldier, is anxious to go back to the army - there is an honest fellow in a house that Mrs [Durvake] lived in who would hire himself for a servant ask Pollard about him - the lady you speak of, has some good qualities - tho no strenth of mind - am sorry to hear from Mr Webb that my Harry was a little rough with her - pray write me what Mrs Airey has done to offend you! She had two pair of my sheets when [3] I came away - if they are not return'd I would ask for them there was a bed bolster & pillows of hers at our house also a small cotton [counterpaire] 1 pr blankets and a course cloth in making change I owed her 10 shillings but sent her daughter three dollars - here - she promised me a recept [struck: whi] which I did not get - Mr Webb thinks you were affraid of finding me there the evening you saw Mrs P- it mortifys me that you think me possessed of so little spirits as to run the risk of a cold look from you - no my love, my reason intirely approves of our conduct - and it grieves me, that I have ever professed what has given you pain - but I [inserted: am] sure you will forget, and forgive when you reflect - that my affection for my dear Harry led me into the error -
I wrote to Aunt Waldo by todays post which you will approve - I have a letter from Mrs Jarvis, there are from twelve to fourteen thousand in the small pox - shall I go take it - I am very sorry, that I removed here, as I missed of Mrs Smith, he said, when at Norwalk, tht he should not return, under ten days, have been well acommodated, since I have been here - with two clean rooms, in the house of a Widow. the complaints that you have heard were few of them mine - [4] I want to know what has become of Capt Beauma family - I am to have a visit this afternoon, from the priest & priestes and thier Daughter - the Squires family, have been already - the Lady is forty six and has twin sons of the age of my Lucy -
Farwell my dear I am
going far from you - dont forget Me and when you think of Me lett the bright side present itself or you will imperceptibly cease to love Me - May I live to see you and to convince you with what sincerity I am yours -
Lucy Knox
Romeo is very nigh as fat as the first one - who has not lost under my care - I have kept
them well but find it two expensive - intend to get pasture for them at New Haven
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.