Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00437 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 September 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 33.3 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Praises his wife. Discusses the war, claiming it will reveal "cowardice treachery ingratitude." His is optimistic about the Continental Army's position in New York. He is in good spirits. Denounces the Continental Congress for not funding the army properly, arguing that a few minor defeats will benefit the revolution by forcing them to alter their administration of the war. He wants there to be a standing army. Argues that the militia spreads panic. Looks forward to "conjugal bliss" with Lucy at the end of the war.
[draft]
N York Sept 5 1776.
My dearest hope
I received your enchanting Letter with all the raptures of a young passionate Lover The seniments of my Lucy are charming & her Harry blesses the moment which gave him such a rich Treasure - Yes my Love he is pleasd to see You put Events upon so noble a footing as the dispensation of divine providence. my Lucy has the right kind of fortitude dont fail to exercise it - You will see in the course of the this war cowardice treachery Ingratitude with every other vice which stains the human heart; dont be supriz'd for such there were of old - and a continuation of human events is nearly a recapituation of [inserted: the] past - Our Situation is by no means disagreable. The enemy must have suffer'd so much that they are not very much inclin'd to make any desperate pushes - For my own part I never was in better Spirits in my Life when seperated from you than at present - I know we have made false Steps and I know we must make great exertions to regain what we have lost But the British people are on so precarious a footing that one hearty Drubbing woud ruin them entirely. We want great men [2] men who when fortune frowns will not be dismay'd God will I trust in time give us these men - the Congress will ruin every thing by their stupid parsimony and they begin to see it - It is as I always said Misfortune that must rain us to the Character of a Great people. two or three smart tho not total defeats would be of great service to us - I now put it upon this footing that one or two drubbings will be of service to us - and one severe defeat to the enemy ruin - We must have a standing army - the Militia get sick or think themselves so & run home, this must be check'd with death & whereever they go they spread a panic - I am in raptures with your sentiments & feel every thing that my Dearest Lucy feels for me - but exercize patience I hope I should be the ease of heaven - This much let the event be as it may I am with the help of God Determin'd to do my Duty I anticipate the pleasing prospect when War shall cease and I wish my Lucy shall [set down] in all the happiness of conjugal happiness Mr Livingston gave the pleasing intelligence that our dear babe was better
I am my Lucy with
the most Ardent Affection
yours entirely
HKnox
To write by the post will be fruitless as it is remov'd 25 miles from this
[address leaf]
Post paid
To
Mrs Lucy Knox
N Haven -
Henry Knox Esqr
Colonel of the regt of artillery
New York
[docket 1]
Genl to Mrs K
Sept/76
[docket 2]
Septr 1776
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