Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00599 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 May 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.3 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses their recent exchange, noting that he had not received some of her letters due to the postman's mistake. Expresses how much he misses her, emphasizing that nothing but an obligation to his country could separate them. Mentions the threat posed by General John Burgoyne, stating that Lucy, in Boston, should "get a House in the Country as a Retreat." Can not assure Lucy regarding a possible visit due to the danger of the roads and the uncertainty of his location. In closing, notes "I shall always make it a rule to write you by the post, and expect the same from you."
[draft]
Morris Town May 22 1777.
My dearest Lucy
I wrote you two days ago by Capt Speakman but hearing of [struck: Cap] a Mr Checkleys going to Boston I write a few Lines by him.
When I last wrote you I had not received your Letters by the post owing to the Post mans mistake at Fish Kills as I was there when he arrivd from the eastward, I thank you my dearest for them, and feel most sensibly your distress when your own little baby broke out with the small pox in what is call'd the natural way - indeed I wonder at your fortitude in standing it. - I hope 'ere this that heaven has oblig'd you with her perfect recovery. - your confinement is so very disagreeable that I shall be happy to hear you have again gotten to Boston
My Lucy laments her Harrys [illegible] and he too feels unhappy in the extreme that Providence has so order'd it.
The same [2] kind providence which has order'd we should be asunder will bring us to gether again, [struck: This my] my desire is to live and dye with you - and as I have often written to you no prospect of Riches no prospect of honor no pecuniary motives whatever Could have induced me to be absent from you - Nothing but the calls of a Country much injur'd and much distressd & to whom I am inseperably connected by moral and natural tye could have call'd [text loss] from the arms and Company of her who is so inexpressibly interwoven with my
heart -
We hear nothing further that confirms the account I sometime ago wrote you about [inserted: Genl] Burgoyne, how to advise you I know not But think you had better get a House in the Country as a Retreat. I wish Billey to sell but five more things, and he had better send the sum the remainder well pack'd and send em to Springfield which is & must be very secure - You will remember one qualification in a house that it must be on the post road perhaps [3] if the War should be carried on in New England I may have permission to come there but of this I cannot certainly say. I can give my Love no encouragement about coming to me at present as it is very uncertain where we shall be. the roads will be bad & perhaps dangerous - but that is not all I shall have the doble anxiety of not being able to see or be with you and fear [text loss] safety - I shall expect some Letters from you by the post on Saturday. I shall always make it a rule to write You by the post, and expect the same from you - I shall remove my quarters to the Lines in a day or two - Adieu
My Dearest earthly Love
HKnox
Give my Love to Harry and Billey
[address leaf]
Mrs. Lucy Knox
Boston
favor'd by Mr. Checkley -
[docket 1]
Gen to Mrs Knox
May 1777 -
Morristown
[docket 2]
22nd May
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