Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00769 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Monroe, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 June 1779 Pagination: 3 p. ; 24.4 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Sends his wishes for her improved health. Reports that the enemy in his area have made no new movements. Relates news of General Benjamin Lincoln's victory against the British in South Carolina (Lincoln engaged the British as they retreated from a siege of Charleston, South Carolina). Declares "God Grant it to be time as it will have a very principal influence in happily terminating the War." Relates that his brother William wrote from Hartford, Connecticut, stating he was able to procure bills of exchange, and expects to sail [for Holland] within three weeks. Sends his love to Lucy's cousins, Eliza and Sally. Asks how their baby daughter Julia is doing.
Written at Smith's Clove, part of the Cheesecocks (sometimes Cheescocks) Patent which became Monroe, New York in the early 19th century. Lincoln engaged the British in the Battle of Stono Ferry 20 June 1779.
[draft]
Smiths Clove 14th June 1779
My dearest Love
I wrote to you a few days ago by an express, which I hope you have received. I have been extremely sollicitous to hear from [struck: from] You but I had not that pleasure untill yesterday when a Gentleman inform'd me that on Tuesday or Wednesday last you went to Baskinridge. It is only for people who have form'd a connection upon such disinterested and [struck: happi] sublime principles as we have done to conceive the happiness which this intelligence gave me: take great care of yourself and I hope Providence will soon restore you to your former excellent state of health. The Enemy are as they were - We cover the [2] Forts in such a manner by our present position that I should not have the least pain [inserted: for them] were Enemy double in number - our expectations are pretty high from number of corroborating circumstances that Genl Lincoln has defeated the British troops in south Carolina - God Grant it to be true as it will have a very principal influence in happily terminating the War -
I Yesterday received a long letter from Billey dated at Hartford - he sends his love to you and his dear little neices - he has been so fortunate as to purchase Bills of Exchange to a very considerable amount at less than eight for one - he expects to sail in less than three Weeks. [3] I am perfectly well - The Pack is at Chester twelve miles from us. The General desires I would stay here - We live in the Marquee -
Give my Love to your [arriv'd] Cousins Eliza and Sally, assure them I Esteem them as your sisters and shall [struck: ev] ever be happy to contribute to their care & felicity.
I long to hear how my dear Julia is? heaven preserve her - kiss her & my angelic Lucy for me and beleive me I will repay you with [inserted: high] interest the first opportunity -
I am my dearest & only Love with the highest, tenderest & sincerest affection
Your
HKnox
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