Greene, Catharine Littlefield (1755-1814) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03406 Author/Creator: Greene, Catharine Littlefield (1755-1814) Place Written: East Greenwich, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 January 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.9 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes a heartfelt letter in reply to Knox's condolence letter on the death of her husband, General Nathanael Greene (see GLC02437.03333). Declares that thinking of the letter he wrote "draws fresh streams of Blood from My heart," but thanks him for his kindness. Wishes him a long and happy life and hopes that his "sensibility May never more be wounded by the loss of a friend." Sends her regards to Mrs. Lucy Knox and the children. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature. The note on the address leaf appears to be in the hand of , and initialed by, Jeremiah Wadsworth. (See the signed postscript of GLC02437.03409 for comparison.)
[draft]
Est Greenwich Jany 7th 1787
My Dear General
What suitable returns shall I Make; for your Most kind letter to tell you only that I have received it I have found quite easy; - but to answer it according to my feelings I have too often unsuccessfully tried to attempt it - at this Moment to think of the subject of your letter draws fresh streams of Blood from My heart - but to write or speak upon it rends it in pieces and distresses my head - I therefore only say to you That I am sensible of your goodness I am grateful and affectionate - that I pray with the most ardent sincerity that your valuable life may be prolonged beyond the common date of humanity - that your sensibility May never more be wounded by the loss of a friend - and that you May enjoy uninterrupted happiness of every Speceis [sic]. [2] the only Happiness that I can now enjoy is to to [sic] know that you and my other friends are happy - Tell me then My Dear friend that you are so - as often as you can and be assured you will alleviate the Miseries of a heart that can never be far from wretched -
Present Me Most Affectionately to Mrs Knox and the dear children - and believe me to be your obedient Humble servant
Catharine Greene
[address leaf]
Free
Honble
Major General Knox
New York -
[note beneath address leaf]
Hartford Jan 14
forwarded by your
[JW]
[docket]
East Greenwich 7 Jany. 87
Mrs Catherine Greene
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