Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05528 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 July 1792 Pagination: 12 p. ; 22.6 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani. Writes, "My evenings cannot possibly be any cause of jealousy - They are stupid indeed... The City is dull enough. Only two tea parties since your absence." Reports that he has not sold to William Duer, and comments on Henry Jackson's dissatisfaction with their current land dealings. Relates, "No Indian depredations lately - I hope they have called in their war parties - Our recruits are getting forward." Notes that he does not know whether the Winslows, Lucy's cousins, will accept his offer to buy land from them.
[draft] [partial]
Philadelphia 8 July 1792
I had [inserted: yesterday] the happiness, my dearest of the human race, to receive your letter of the 5th instant...
I am delighted at the description you give of Henrys situation. It is such an one [sic] in most respects in which I desire he should continue. I hope he is contented. as in all probability we shall relinquish the ungracious situation in which we are, and attend more minutely to the one thing necessary on this earth. he might be left at least this winter - unless Mr Lear [2] who is going eastward with Mrs Lear, should succeed in engaging a proper character to keep a school, for a few [inserted: boys] - this plan however has considerable objections, one of which is the enhanced expense -
I am also pleased that you are satisfied with the civilities of your situation. Because I believe it will be considered by us as prudent to take post there at least for a season …
[3] Mr Hichborn has not gone upon any business for Mr Morris.
I am sorry for Mrs Adam's indisposition or the rather the [sic] continuance of it. The report here is that they have ordered [struck: their] furniture to be shipped for Boston and that the Vice President intends to return here without his family.
News -
1 The President and Mrs Washington [inserted: and the children] will set out on Wednesday next for Mount Vernon, not to return until [inserted: 15th of] October -
2 Mrs Morris is gone to [S] Ogdens New House at Trenton with her daughters [4]
3d. Mrs Smith is given over by her Phisician [sic] in Charleston and Mr Izard is wretched - It would appear that Mrs Izard is awaiting the catastrophe before she decides whether to lye-in at Charleston or return here…
6 Although I have not been at Genl Stewarts, yet I have seen Mrs Stewart and made your peace…
[5] 8 Mrs Ben Chews fine girl is dangerously ill of a disorder in her bowels similar to the disorder of our children - I have endevered [sic] to persuade Shippen to direct that they take the girl in [ship] board and sail for New York or Boston - but he is indecided…
10 The Count Andreani has gone to Europe 20 days ago.
[6] 10 My evenings cannot possibly be any cause of jealousy - They are stupid indeed - If I dine out which is pretty often I drink tea when I dine come home read the evening paper and about [strikeout] nine go to a solitary and [strikeout] a painful bed - painful from the reflection that the companion of my soul is at a distance - and that I am deprived of the blessed solace of her arms -
11. The City is dull enough. Only two tea parties since your absence - One at Mrs [Keans] who has removed to her old house, and the other yesterday at the Woodlands - Numerous and splendid - The house all open and [7] and a glorious one it is. [struck: Mr I] I came away at eight oClock but some of [the] company did not return to Town until one and two oClock.
Mr Izard and myself are inseperable by day when I am at leisure. Our post chaise and his two horses afford us an opportunity of riding when we chuse [sic]…
[8] You seem to [be] [under] a mistake - I have not sold to Duer - I have only agreed to sell provided [inserted: he] will make the payments he mentions… Genl Jackson seems greatly discontented with his [9] proportion - I am sorry for it, and I shall endever [sic] to make him easy by some sacrifice if in my power - although he has a prospect of the proportion he has been promised.
If we have not obtained as much as we expected, yet it was prudent to cut clear of the wreck - and for my part I shall be satisfied if I realize what the conditional agreement seems to hold one -
I transmitted you post notes for 200 dollars last Monday. I pray you not to be tardy in requesting money - but oeconomy is the word - make genl Jackson give you the accounts -
No Indian [10] depredations lately - I hope they have called in their war parties - Our recruits are getting forward…
I know not whether the Winslows will take my offer - But I know it is more than any other person can give them [11] and [struck: they] if they do not take it, they as well as we, shall be the worse for it. The claims upon the estate generally such as the ten proprietors &c must be adjusted before the estate is divided. Were not this to be the case, our part would be liable for any deficiencies of the other heirs. This consideration has induced me to offer so high [strikeout] a sum. You will think it high, because it is more than your father gave your Uncle for a much greater quantity…[12] The [inserted: old] wine shall be drawn off at your request…
I propose to send with Major Shaw a pipe or two - we then shall have a stock of old and excellent wine… you see that I wish to make a provision for our comfortable old age.
Yours entirely
HKnox
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