Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03148 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 May 1785 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.2 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Knox's wife, Lucy, reports that Captain Callahan was unable to hire artisans from England: "the sentiments of the english are so oppos'd to that class of persons coming out that he feared to make the attempt." Has received no recent news of William Knox, Henry's brother who suffered from mental illness. Mentions an unspecified match, possibly referring to William Knox's courtship of Henry Laurens's daughter (William had lapsed into insanity, and the courtship ended on dramatic, negative terms; refer to GLC02437.03082). Fears that William's "malady is too deep for cure." Expresses joy at the safe arrival of Samuel Shaw, who recently returned from Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China). Hopes Knox, Secretary at War, will hire Shaw as an assistant.
Boston May 19th 85
I had determined to write no more to you my Love from the dear hope that we should shortly meet but the present oppty is so good that I cannot reject my inclination. Callahan has at length arrived and brought no artisans, he says the sentiments of the english are so oppos'd to that class of persons coming out that [inserted: he] feared to make the attempt. this may or may not be true Mr Tracy and Mr Jackson are also come. they have brought you no letters nor is their knoledge [sic] of our Brother much better than his first Confinement. they arrived at Newbury from Cork were in town this morning but made a very short stay. Mr Tracy informed Genl Jackson that we had been in an error as to the cause of our misfortune - that the match would have been very pleasing to the family but that he never proposed it from which I fear that the malady is too deep for cure. but then we bear it as we ought - [2] Now for our dear friend Shaw. to say that I am rejoiced at his safe arrival is not sufficiently expressive of the pleasure it gives me I have a very sincere attachment to him and am thankful that the almighty has spared him, to supply the place of our lost Brothers but as young boys woes Cluster rare are solitary woes the loss of his [Maria] and of his father are not all, that poor Shaw has to support, Dr Crocker his brother in law, has failed, and [inserted: it] is said all Shaws Certificates were in his hands [inserted: may] god of his mercy enable [inserted: him] to bear these repeated shocks. but do not mention this but as it [inserted: is] possible he may be secure Sam Jarviss Crockers principle Creditor is my informer By Friday week it is possible I may see my Harry. pleasing idea. would to heaven we could be ever together and that we might prise [sic] the blessing as we ought. May Heaven protect and bless you is the prayer of your unalterably affectionate wife
L Knox
PS
I hope you will bring our friend Shaw with you and that you will have him with you in the office he is the very very person
[docket]
From Mrs Knox 19 May
1785
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