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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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00389 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1776 Pagination: 2 p.: address : docket ; 19.3 x 15.7 cm. Order a Copy

Indicates that he is sending an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, to her as she requested and he earlier mentioned (see GLC02437.00383 and GLC02437.00385). Heard that Lucy fell down some stairs and was worried. Remarks that the British have not acted and are possibly awaiting reinforcements. Mentions that the smallpox going around lacked virulence and he wished she had received it (in order to be inoculated). In response to Lucy's question, indicates that Mrs. Airey did not offend him, but did engage in duplicitious conduct, which he hates.

[draft]
NYork 3 oClock Tuesday July 23 1776.
My Dear Lucy
I send you by Mr. Enoch Brown a Servant boy nam'd Thomas Eliot whose Indentures I inclose to you, I have given him a Hat Coat wainscot and Breeches and Stockings all in care, and a pair Shoes, I hope he will behave well and honestly, he appears to be a decent behav'd lad - I shall send him on the little Horse and if Mrs. Greens servant returns it will be best to send him on the Horse, if he does not come send the Horse by the post - I wrote to you on Sunday and Monday - I was very much alarm'd yesterday by General Greens telling me that you had fallen down Stairs at Fairfield & hurt yourself - I hope he was only attempting to [ ? ] me, God grant it may be nothing else, I wish to hear from [2] you. I have given the boy 3 dollars to bear his Expences & if that will not do I wish you to enquire of Mr Brown how much more he cost them - the enemy has not acted lately I can't guess their meaning It must be waiting a reinforcement - [struck: two] one Ship one Barg and a Sloop came in today -
The small pox becomes so General in N. England that I most devoutly wish my Lucy [had?] Recd it - I shall write to my hearts best affection by Thursdays post if no opportunity presents before - has Mrs. Pollard join'd you yet? you ask'd whether Mrs Airy had offended me - no my love - only a duplicity of Conduct which you know I hate
Adieu for the present
My dear Dear Lucy
heaven bless your
dear babe H Knox

[address leaf]
Mrs Knox
at
Fairfield
or
New Haven

[docket]
July 1776
Gen to Mrs K

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

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