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Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03137 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 May 1785 Pagination: 3 p. ; 23.2 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Knox's wife expresses her "infinite regret" at his suggestion that they find a house in the country. Notes that Congress should be able to find him a decent place near New York City, where he will be stationed as Secretary at War. Mentions a recent sale, at which Mr. [John?] Hancock bought a dressing table for the "high price of forty one dollars." Discusses family and friends.

Boston May 4th 1785

I have just received my dear Harrys letter of the 28th Ultimo which I read with great pleasure, till I came to the mortifying part of a house out of town. ardently [inserted: as I] wish to be with you, and fond as I am of N York, I shall go with infinite regret if I am doomed to live in [inserted: the] country. the very thought almost makes me shudder. I would suffer any thing that I am able to bear, if you had the same hatred to it that I have; nor is it a new thing. I was brought up in a town, and I perfectly remember when I was [inserted: a] little child feeling the utmost commisseration for persons fated to a country life. the same pleas have grown up with me and I would sooner have a house on Water Street than the Elegant Seat of Lady Anne
As to difference of Rent if any there is, I cannot doubt but Congress will find it [equitable] to find you a house, but having thus disburthened myself, I will try to speak of some other subject-
On Monday the Club met at the French Consuls- where we had a good dinner, and some mirth. this day (Wednesday) I have been at Mr Swans Sale the furniture fetched immense prices [2] the dressing table so much celebrated was purchased by Mr Hancock- at the high price of forty one dollars. common horse hair chairs ten dollars each - suppose we were to sell our yellow ones, as they are so slight they will not bear removing, and purchase others which would answer with any curtains. but of this you can judge by inquiring the prices where you are and my seeing what they would fetch here.
You do not say [inserted: one] word of coming here, at which I am a little surprised, pray do not verify the old adage.
I have been writing two long letters to England by [Lyde], who waits only a wind. I am sorry you did not see them as I think them the two best letters I ever wrote - the one to Mrs Urquhart the other to my sister Mrs Flucker - pray write by the first conveyance to mamma.
[Lillie] and his wife are in Town. I have invited them to pass Tomorrow Evening, this with the [Club] are all that have been here. A mighty good [bull] that is it not.
Our Dear little ones are well, Lucy shall certainly write you by the next post, she wishes to do it now, but I had rather she should have [3] the advantage of day light.
Tell Mrs Ogden that one of the principle pleasures I have in view is in [inserted: the] enjoyment of her society that I retain the most holy remembrance of her more than sisterly kindness but bid her [inserted: not] be jealous if I own that her husband is as great a favorite as herself.
Good night to you my Love. I am going to my lonely Bed lett it not be so long, for life is indeed a blank without you witness my Tears upon this paper
your tenderly affectionate wife
Lucy Knox

your friends here return your remembrance and I beg you will offer my compliments where you think proper, you do not mention Mrs Smith

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Hancock, John, 1737-1797

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