Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00771 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 June 1779 Pagination: 4 p. ; 22.6 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Laments at length that he can not be with his wife and family (both Lucy and their infant daughter, Julia, are extremely sick). Has reason to believe the British have traveled down the river (the Hudson). Remarks that Continental posts near New Windsor are fortified well enough to discourage a British attack. Speculates that the British will try to draw Continental troops away from the more well-fortified areas. Reports that his brother, William may have sailed the previous Thursday [for Holland]. Contains some text loss due to a large central hole. Also contains extensive repair.
[draft]
New Windsor 29th June 1779
No 6 -
Good Heavens my Lucy what affliction did your Letter by Bidland inflict upon me. - Julia poor innocent is not in half so much pain as its unhappy mother and to add to her & my distress I am absent, unable to assist her personally to support the fatigues attended on the situation of her babe - To be absent at such a time [text loss] excruciating pain indeed! yes my dearest Love I lament that it is not in my power [struck: to] instantly to fly to share with you all the anxiety of a tender parental affection and to endever to lessen such as [2] will admit of alleviation. I long to see you to be assur'd from your own lips that you are getting better daily. I long to hear the little prattle of my lovely Lucy and to see the expressive countenance of Julia - I [pant] after domestic happiness and most heartily wish the time arriv'd when we shall [strikeout] [inserted: turn] our swords into ploughs[text loss] and pruning hooks
We have reason to beleive that the principal Force of the Enemy have gone down the river, leaving a Garrison of six regiments in the Works which they have erected at [3] Kings Ferry. The posts here are too strong especially when guarded by the Army to admit even of an Attempt much less a storm - probably Sr [illegible] waits for a more favorable opportunity when our Army shall be at a distance and in the meantime intends an operation that may draw us away and harrass us [text loss] long marches
Give my Love to Cousins Eliza and Sally and assure them of my tender affection -
I believe Billey saild last Thursday - God preserve you and grant your sick baby to [4] recover - I have sent you by Doctor Brown some paper but have no quills - The Geese of the neighbourhood must supply them - I am my dear Lucy with the most perfect affection
Your
HKnox
Mrs Knox
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