Greene, Catharine Littlefield (1755-1814) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05224 Author/Creator: Greene, Catharine Littlefield (1755-1814) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 November 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.3 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Apologizes for not responding to his last two letters; she did not want to bother him by writing frequently, and was also too saddened to write when she heard of the death of Knox's son Marcus. Sends condolences. Declares her gratefulness to Knox, and wishes him good health, long life, and happiness. Writes, "I purpose coming to Philadelphia As soon as Mr [Alexander] Hamilton thinks proper to report upon My affairs in congress. I have written to him to appoint as Early a day as possible - but he has not answered me - will you be so good as to write me one line to let me know if it can be brought on early as I can stay but a little while from My children who are here attending to their different Masters."
[draft]
New York Novr 5th 1791
My Dear General
I have received two letters from you within Eighteen months and have answered neither, for which I had two reasons - The first was that I made you a promise I would not trouble you with my letters untill you commanded me to write - The second occurred upon the Death of your Dear little angel Marcus. My heart was then too much affected to write - I wish Most sincerely to offer you some condolence - but [2] Alas I know from My own sad experience that on those occasions - little to the purpose can be said -
I hope my Dear Genl you will believe Me Grateful to you, and that I shall ever remain so - I constantly pray 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 child or any thing that is dear to you, and that you May enjoy uninterrupted happiness of every species.
I purpose coming to Philadelphia [3] As soon as Mr Hamilton thinks proper to report upon My affairs in congress[.] I have written to him to appoint as Early a day as possible - but he has not answered me - will you be so good as to write me one line to let me know if it can be brought on early as I can stay but a little while from My children who are here attending to their different Masters
I am as I ever shall be your Most Grateful affectionate and devoted
Cath. Greene
[address leaf]
The Honorable
Major General Knox
Philadelphia
[docket]
from Mrs Greene
5 Nov 1791
recd the 15th Nov
and answered the
17th
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