Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00619 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 30 June 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 31.4 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Opens with, "Did my Harry let the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anniversary of his wedding day..." Reflects upon her happiness when they were first married, and states, "instead of spending our lives together- how far and how long have we been asunder-" Refers to the possible appointment of Phillipe du Coudray at the head of Continental artillery. Notes that Billy, Knox's brother William, wishes to enter the army.
Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by [du Coudray], secured by Silas Deane, the American Minister to France. Washington supported Knox, and Du Coudray was permitted to join the troops under Washington as a volunteer. Coudray drowned in September 1777.
[draft]
Boston June 30th 1777
My Only Love
Did my Harry lett the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anneversary of his wedding day, was he so much engaged in publick business [inserted: perhaps in scenes of horror and distress] as not to spare one sigh for me, tell me dear and tell me truly, did you think of me, did you reflect upon the vast difference in my situation, [struck: now and then] [inserted: at this time & at that] - oh my Love the world did not then [struck: produce] [inserted: afford] a being more happy than myself - but from what cause did that happiness arise - from the dear prospect of spending my life with you - from the pleasing idea that you were wholly mine, from the dear the blessed [struck: idea] [inserted: hope] that in you I should find a [inserted: constant] protector, a [inserted: tender and indulgent] companion, a [struck: tender and indulgent] [inserted: fond and affectionate] friend, to share with me for life, in all my joys, and all my troubles, but oh alass - how great is the reverse - instead of spending our lives together how far and how long have we been asunder - and deprived of you, I am at once deprived of my protector - my companion, and my friend, far from shareing my troubles. you cause them all by exposing your precious life - oh my Harry did you know the distress of my mind - I cannot think you would suffer me to be thus afflicted,
I am not without hopes that the affair of Mr De Coudre may produce happy effects yet [struck: it perhaps is delayed] [inserted: tho so long a delay] [struck: because] [inserted: perhaps] they want your assistance in the present exigence but as soon as that over; they will shew what they are,
Billy is very anxious for the event - he wishes much to go to the army provided you remain there, [2] but not without, we are
Genl H B Knox
Genl Knox
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