Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03979 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Trenton, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 September 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 32 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
In dramatic terms, expresses how much she misses Henry and speculates on the hopelessness of life if one of them should die before the other. Writes, "I have just finished a pretty long letter to our charming daughter [Lucy], hers to me are the most delightful treat I have ever received, save one correspondence still dearer." Notes she is staying with the Ogdens and comments on family matters. Writes, "Congress have proceeded no further in the arrangement of the government a circumstance very alarming to the well affected and highly encouraging to the malcontents in this state they have already called county meetings, alledging [sic] that the system must be a bad one or the congress would organize it..." Comments on their children's sleeping arrangements: Julia with Lucy, Marcus in a cot by Lucy's bed, and Washington with his nurse in another room.
Sepr 1st 1788
I have received my Harrys Adieu by the last post my heart fails me when I think of the awful distance between [sic] us should fate cut the thread of either life, before our reunion how wretched would the surviver be- when I reflect on the innevitable stroke that must one day fall, I wonder how any object in life has power to interest me - would I could look forward to a future meeting, but there I am aground, pity me for it is my head and not my heart that errs, my perceptions are not equal to answer my inquiring imagination, but I rest assured if my future facultys are similar to those I at present possess, I shall recognise my Harry in whatever state we meet -
I have just finished a pretty long letter to our charming daughter, hers to me are the most delightful treat I have ever received, save one correspondence still dearer -
I am yet at Colonel Ogdens they treat me with their accustomed goodness, but I believe we shall begin to think soon of home - Billy has been to visit Henry he is well and as his uncle says contented - but I fear the poor child was afraid to complain Mrs Moore again [says mum] and of course can pay him no attention.
Congress have proceeded no further in [2] the arrangment of the government a circumstance very alarming to the well affected and highly encouraging to the malcontents in this state they have already called County meetings alledging that the system must be a bad one or the Congress would organise it [Mynheur] V [Prenkel] is certainly recalled
Our little ones are perfectly well they are now all sleeping round me, Julia in [inserted: my] bed Marcus in a small cott by my side, and Washington with his nurse in another-
good night my best beloved forget my many errors, and if I have a shadow of merit magnify it into a reality
your
L Knox
Trenton Sept 1st 88-
[address leaf]
Honble H Knox
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