Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00384 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.8 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy
Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Mrs. Jonathan Pollard, who will bring other supplies with her. Apologizes for taking a harsh tone with Lucy in letters written earlier in the month. Expresses his desire for frequent communication with her. Criticizes Mrs. Jonathan Pollard for worrying about things that are out of her control. Showing his religious beliefs, Knox thinks such an unhappy person has not "drank of the streams of virtue and piety." Knox believes that unforeseen misfortunes in life and war should be weathered with "Fortitude and patience." Reaffirms his love for Lucy.
[draft]
New York July 18 one oClock 1776
my dearest Lucy
I send you by Mrs. Pollard who will as She says go this afternoon 1 pound Tea, 3 pairs Cotton Stockings and sundry medicines with a written paper for the baby - I am griev'd and vex'd whenever I reflect [struck: upon] that I even wrote severely to my Lucy or even the appearance of it - we are one - one soul, one heart and one mind animates us both, - I can't account for your not writing to me by the post there is something very extraordinary in it - don't neglect it again - I most assuredly shall write you every post except in cases of the most pressing hurry Mrs P. has been to see me this morning she appears to be unhappy and to have the constant seeds of it within herself - a fly perching upon her nose will make her miserable - how unlike A Christian - I can never think a person has drank of the Streams of virtue and piety when it does not extend it self to help resignation. taking providence to be the disposer as I verily believe he is of all events good and bad, the repining at those things that we can't mind is impiety and Folly - a person being Reduc'd from affluence to poverty by an unforeseen stroke which was not in their power to ward off, being suddenly depriv'd of the use of a Limb, or their freind hurried out of the world by a rapid stroke and circumstances which perhaps would be an alleviation [struck: of Gent] of a person should be even absorb'd in Grief - but how much better how much more Christian like to hear even such misfortunes as these with Fortitude and patience - but to [2] fret fidget & pout at little trifles as I've seen some people do is childesh & silly - this is for Mrs P Were I to open my heart to you my dearest friend and inform you of all its love its inquietude its care and Sollicitude on your account I am certain you would love me exceedingly - I lay down & rise up with my lovely wife in my mind - dear delicate Girl - what troubles and difficulties She meets with on her Journey, but Providence will smile on her & make her ample Compensation by & bye - I've wrote You a long letter by the post to day which I hope you will Receive I likewise send you by Mrs Pollard Your small pocket Book
God bless and preserve you my
Dear dear Lucy
I hope this will find you at N Haven
[address leaf]
Mrs. Knox
at
________
________
________
Favor'd by Mrs. Pollard.
[docket]
July 1776
Genl to Mrs Knox
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