Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00679 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 May 1777 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 23 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Year and day cited, but no month. Month inferred based on content. Recently visited posts in the Highlands (New York) with General Nathanael Greene. Notes that "Mr. Wm. continues yet quiet in his quarters, but we have still reason to think he intends to evacuate the Jersies, tho' our information is not very perfect as I believe he has pretty much the act of keeping his intentions secret." Has not received new information regarding British General John Burgoyne's intentions to travel toward Boston. Hopes for a successful campaign during the upcoming summer. Wonders why he has not recently received letters from her or "Billey," his brother William Knox. Asks about William's intentions to join the service. Also inquires as to an unspecified court measure that may affect Knox's house. Asks about Lucy's sister (possibly Hannah) and her husband, Captain [James] Urquhart. Writes, "altho father mother sisters and brother has forsaken you yet my Love your Harry will ever esteem you ... "
[draft]
Morris-Town 20th 1777.
My much belov'd Lucy
I wrote you from Peekskill by the last post a short Letter expecting to meet the post on my return to this place when I intended to have written you more fully. I went to the posts in the Highlands in Company with General Greene upon public business was gone one week and return'd last evening. - [M/S]r Wm. Continues yet quiet in his quarters but we have still reason to think he intends to evacuate the Jersies, tho our information is not very perfect as I believe he has pretty much the act of keeping his intentions secret. I have heard nothing further about Mr. Burgoynes going to Boston, but from some indirect circumstances it rather appears that they are disapointed as the German recruits they expected and that their Generals in america must operate with what forces they have in [2] America with some additional from Europe - how far this may be true I cannot at present determine, but from the present information it appears that America will have much more reason to hope for a successful Campaign the ensuing summer than she had the last - our forces came in pretty fast and are [disciplining] for the War we are well supplied with arms and Ammunition of all species - these with the blessing of heaven will assist us much, but I am sorry to say it we seem to be increasing most rapidly in impiety. this is a bad omen but I hope we shall mend tho' I see no immediate prospect of it - were it possible my dearest friend I would endevor to acquaint you how much and how earnestly I long for the sweet society of my Love but it is not - the time will arrive my dear Girl when We shall be united not to be seperated - & I very devoutly pray it may not be far off. [3] where's my stocks and other little matters I wrote You about - General Greene desires you would also send him half a dozen as he is much in want of them.
have you yet return'd to Boston and how are you accommodated? Billey I hear has return'd to Boston. but not a word from you or him by the last post - I don't [relish?] this well. is there any pain or trouble to you in writing to me? have you no time for the purpose - why I think my whole Life too small for Your service. I cant endure the thought that it was thro' negligence or disinclination. the Letters must have miscarried. pray don't let me have any more complaints on this head
How stands Billeys inclinations to go into the service and how [far] has he [inserted: illegible] complied with his instructions. the performance of which [illegible] [4] him to enter the service - I wish him to go into the service though [illegible] I see his & my own Lucrative desires crush'd by the measure - you mention'd to me in the last Letter that the Court had pas'd some resolve or act which had embarrass'd You about the house - I wish you had enclos'd it for I wish to know what proofs they intend agt the estates of people in the predicament of [yourself] - have you ever heard any thing more about Your sister Hannah being in New York or your Brothe . Where can Capt. Urquhart be? I think I have heard the regiment was draughted into others and the [see original] sent home - Mrs. U. Continuing in america looks as if she expected her husband - Altho' your parents are on opposites Side from your harry Yet its very strange it should [illegible] them of humanity - not a line - my god what stuff is the human heart made of - altho' father mother sister and brother has forsaken you yet my Love your Harry will ever esteem you the best boon of heaven and [illegible]
Your ever faithful and Loving Husband
H Knox
[docket]
to Mrs Knox
Morristown 1777
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