Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00511 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Trenton, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 January 1777 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.8 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Longs to be with her, and hopes that he will have a chance at the end of winter. The men are fighting on past their enlistment dates and have "high spirits but want Rum and clothing." Informs her that he has been made Brigadier General over all artillery, which was "unsolicited on my part, tho' I cannot say unexpected." Says that people are too lavish in their praise of him, and that he possesses nothing more than industry and love of country. "War my Lucy is not a humane trade," and says the attack on Trenton damaged the residents there. Dated 1776, but written 1777.
Trenton Jany 2 1776
My dearest Lucy -
I embrace the opportunity by Mr Furness of renewing those protestations of my affection for you those Sweet sensations of reciprocal Love which exalts embelishes and renders life delightful - Beleive my Love that it's you [struck: who chears my heart] the prospect of enjoying happy social hours with you that chears my heart under every fatigue, I most devoutly pray God that the time may soon arrive - I expect in the Course of the Winter to be with you either at Boston or NHaven for a few days - My business will call me to Hartford & then I shall fly to thee - We are collecting our force at this place & shall give Battle to the enemy very soon - our people have exerted great fortitude & staid beyond the time of their inlistment in high Spirits but want Rum & cloathing - [strikeout] will [inserted: it] it give you satisfaction or pleasure in being inform'd that the Continental Congress have created me a Genl Officer - a Brigadier with the entire Command of the Artillery - if so I shall be happy - it was unsolicited on My part tho' I cannot say unexpected - people are more lavish in their praises of my poor endevors than they deserve [2] all the merit I can claim is Industry - I wish to render my devoted Country every service in my power & the only alloy I have in my little exertions is that it seperates me from thee the dear object of all my earthly happiness - Give my Love to my worthy Brother Im sorry that business presses so much upon me that I cant write to him
May heaven give us a speedy & happy Meeting - the Attack of Trenton was a most horrid scene to the poor Inhabitants - War my Lucy is not a humane trade & the man who follows as such will [text loss] with his proper de merits in another Wor[text loss]
Adieu my Love Adieu
HKnox
Mrs Knox
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