Knox, William (1756-1795) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00410 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 August 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses his introduction to Mr. Livingston and Mr. King and their activities in the area. Comments on a rude letter from his brother, Henry Knox (see GLC02437.00398) and how he should respond. Notes that he will talk to the doctor about Lucy coming to Boston for a smallpox inoculation. Wants to set up a regular correspondence. Gives news about a privateer and confirms earlier news about Lucy's family (see GLC02437.00396). Notes that he will send money and Henry Jackson will soon write. Give compliments from various acquaintances.
[draft]
" … I receiv'd yours of the 25th on Thursday Evening, introducing to my acquaintance Mr. Livingston & Mr. King, I find them very agreeable Gentlemen to whom I have shown & shall continue to show ev[e]ry civility in my power … I receiv'd by the post last evening a letter, the most ill natur'd wrote thing that I have receiv'd from harry since we corresponded, there was no Dear Brother nor [2] I am your affectionate Brother as usual in it, but he Begins by saying, 'There is no news & if there was -' a long line succeeds, then goes on to call Harry Jackson & myself Scoundrels for having omitted writing one post & concludes by saying 'If you don't do better the next post I'll give a -' what does he mean. Don't you think he treats us very ill this is all for not writing the one post since which we have both given him the reasons for our omission. By Jingo I've a great mind to retaliate, I was as Ill humour'd when I receiv'd it as he was when he wrote it perhaps more so, but I have got almost over it, & believe shall write him a pretty long letter after I have finish'd yours, being full in the Faith tha thte next letter I receive will be of a very different kind. I have made it my Business to speak to Doctor Gardinder concerning your coming to Boston to have the Small pox. he says its absolutely impossible for you to thave it in the Town, as there is a very severe Act of the General Assembly, against any persons inoculating after a certain Date, which date expir'd early last month. But he says as there will be Hospitals open out of Town, he will set you if possible some place near one of them where you may be comfortably accommodated, he says as soon as he can acquaint himself of any peace that he thinks will do, he will give you the earliest notice … [3] we have no news except tis said Derbys privateer has carr'd in a couple Jamaica [illegible] some where toward the eastward - Mr. Benja. Davis confirms what I inform'd you of concerning your Family with this addition that sally was married to Mr. Oliver the parson of the Light Horse …"
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