Our Collection

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, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry 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 #: GLC02437.00575 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 April 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 22.6 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy

Expresses her love for him. Says she was recently inoculated, just as William Knox left town. Expects more letters from him. Sends him "stocks" and plans to send more along with a waistcoat. Mentions that she wrote the letter "with a pen of my own making." Daughter Lucy "has learned several words."

[draft]
April 16th 77
My dear dear Harry -
I had like to have wrote husband - and how you would have laughed - but laugh or not, be asured it is my greatest pleasure - and my greatest pride to call you by that endearing name - and I think upon the hour that made you such as that - when heaven bestowed upon me the greatest of earthly blessings. I am sensible that I have not been duly grateful to the author of all good and perhaps that is the reason why you are so cruelly torn from me - I wish my Harry knew how dear he is to me - but it is a subject that I cannot write upon - my heart over flows at my eyes - you are a sad boy to give me so much pain -
the packet which I send you was intended by Colo Lee - and my part of it wrote last sunday - I was innoculated on monday morning - as I expected - I wish [2] Billy could have staid till I was well again - but how much more do I wish for his brother - I expect a letter to night by the post which I hope will raise my spirits - do not neglect to give me that satisfaction as often as possible - there is a Letter to Sam Pitts - dated April 1st signed H Knox - I cannot suppose it came from my Harry Knox - as his last to me was March the 31st -
I send three stocks by Mr Shaw - shall send as many more in a few days - with a very handsome waistcoat if the price is not too high - I have not heard it yet - I send Miss Hoffmans shoes - there are some pretty Callicoes to be opened to morrow where I hope to get something which will make her a pretty frock - [struck: God bless]
God bless you my love - think of me &
pray for me
Your ever affectionate
L Knox
Lucy sends you a kiss she }
has learned several words, }
[strikeout] very plain
[address leaf]
General Knox
by favor}
Major Shaw} Morristown

[Written vertically on page 1: I wrote this letter with a pen of my own making.]

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

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources