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, 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 #: GLC02437.00593 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Peekskill, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 May 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.2 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Reports that he is in Peekskill with General [Nathanael] Greene. Asks Lucy why she did not write to him in the last post, declaring, "I write you by every opportunity and expect the same from her who is far dearer to me than life..." Asks about her recovery, possibly referring to her recent bout with smallpox.

[draft]
Peekskill 17th May 1777
My dear Lucy.
I departed from Morris Town [struck: and] last monday morning and arriv'd here the same evening, in Company with General Greene.
I was at Fish Kill when the post came in from Boston and was mortified beyond Discription in not having a Line from you or any other friend at Boston - what in the name of Love is the reason - I write you by every opportunity and expect the same from her who is far dearer to me than Life especially at a time when my anxiety is so great upon the account of your recovery - I write you this because I expect I shall miss the post in going to Morris Town - for which place I shall set out to morrow - if I meet the post I will write you more fully if not I shall seek Capt Speakman [2] by whom I shall write - love me my Dear Girl equal to my wish or with the same pure love I herewith I love you and we shall be eternally happy
I am Most Affectionately
Your H Knox

[address leaf]
3.[?]
Mrs Lucy Knox
Boston
By post

[docket]
Peekskill
17th May -
1777.
[in another hand]
Letters from Genl.
Knox to Mrs. Knox

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources