Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy 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 #: GLC02437.00485 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: White Plains, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 November 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which will force Knox to follow, and be further from his wife. Notes that the New York campaign might be considered a loss for the Americans. Analyzes the current situation in New York. Comments that General George Washington set out for New Jersey. Mentions that General Horatio Gates drove Sir Guy Carleton back to Canada, which Knox believes will affect General William Howe's operations. Mentions that James Lovell had been released by the British (also see GLC02437.00413). Comments that "Young Hardy Peirce has his head shot off by an accident." Indicates that when the Continental Army goes to winter quarters, he will go to Philadelphia to attend to his affairs.
[draft]
Camp near White Plains Novr 10 1776
Dear Lucy
This makes the 4th Letter which I've written to you within the six days past - had I time and opportunity I should not let slip one day of writing the sentiments of my heart to her whom my Soul Loves - so sweet is the intercourse & correspondence of tenderly connected friends - and yet I have repeatedly written to you to go farther from me - this is doing the greatest violence to my inclinations but it appears to Me that you will find it both convenient & necessary - The enemy have to be sure manoevred us into a scheme of sending part of our Forces to the Jersies under a supposition that they intend if possible to extend their conquests that way - whether it be their real intentions or only a feint time must discover - I regret it only as it puts me farther from you for as to myself as I am at school endevering to learn the great Act of war it is immaterial [2] to me whether the war be carried on in this place or that - not that I've the least objection to a good warm fire and blanket - This Campaign I think [struck: if we] may be term'd a loosing Campaign not that I think the enemy have gain'd infinite advantages over us - It has been a Tragic Comedy of errors on both sides - The enemy now are encamp'd near to Dobb's Ferry about 4 or 6 miles from this - nothwithstanding the fatigue & various hard[fares] of this Campaign more much more may have been learnt in it than in twenty such as that at Cambridge - General Washington set off this day for the Jersies to take the Command of that part of that army & General Lee Commands here - I shall [inserted: follow his excellency in a day or two] I shall write to Billey to come for you by this post - and I hope you will think with me that it is best for you to winter in Boston - It will be nearly as easy for me to come to you at Boston as it will to N Haven - General Carelton dislik'd the attacking Genl Gates & has retreated back to Canada - I am well pleas'd with it as I think it will have no small influence on Genl [3] Howes opperations - apropos Mr Lovell is at last liberated but has not yet come into this Camp - if he should pass thro' N Haven altho it might be a good opportunity for you to go to Boston yet I had much rather you should wait for my brother to Come for you upon the account I think it would be more delicate & accord more with our Ideas of propriety - I have very grateful sensations of Mr Isaacs Civilities to you & hope it one day may be in my power to reccompence him - pray tell him I feel anxious for his Recovery Give my Compliments to Mrs Isaacs & inform her that Capt. [Perrot] is well [inserted: stationed at Fort Washington] - Young Hardy Peirce had his head shot off by an accident when [text loss] at the enemys ships on 5th Novr As soon as Mr Howe will permit us to go to winter quarters I shall be obligd to go to Philadelphia on some affairs relative to my department [struck: but] Wherever I go or whatever I do my thoughts are upon my Love & my lovely Infant - May that divine Being who hast & is able to carry us thro vast difficulties preserve you both
Adieu
My Dearest Life
HKnox
[address leaf]
2
Mrs. Lucy Knox
New Haven.
[Knox abbreviation symbol for: "by"?] post
[docket]
HKnox to Wife
Nov/76
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.