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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05557 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 July 1792 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.1 x 20.7 cm. Order a Copy

Apologizes for not being able to visit her due to his job obligations but states that he will as soon as he can. Mentions that "something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty." Discusses the children and future plans. Ends by stating, "The President [George Washington] is buried in solitude at Mount Vernon - I write no more to him than is indispensible in order to prevent trouble."

[draft]
Philadelphia Tuesday 24th July 1792

I am delighted my dear Lucy at your punctuality having just received your favor of the 7th instant
I am really sorry that I have excited the idea of my visiting you, as I find it impracticable to execute it, unless I should cut all the official obligations of my situation. It is unnessary for me to detail them. But something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty - But be assured that the moment I can, without laying up more bitter food for repentance I will set out - Were I only to regard my desires upon this head, and could execute them as quickly as I expect to be able to do [2] do in some future grade of existence - I should not close this sentence before I should embrace you in these arms - But alass I am a poor heavy [mortal] requiring six or seven days to repair to you -
But were my public duty to permit my private interests would prevent I must arrange the business better with Mr - This is all important -
As to the boys continuance perhaps it would be for there interest - Mr Lear is to look out for an excellent Master to take ten only - We must stay here this Winter - Mrs Flucker must stay with us - next year we will make [3] a different arrangement but pray do not suffer her to part with us until then - make this a point - I shall then be able to attend to the lands and perhaps fix a better revenue for her, and her children -
The weather for two days past has been so cold and rainy that I have worn thick clothes -
We had strawberries - but they were transient as last year - done before June expired -
I enclose a letter for Henry from myself, and another from Master Meade - [struck: you]
Mrs [4] Smith has not arrived - The wind has been contrary two days-
Present [me] affectionately to Mrs Flucker Lucy Henry Julia Harriet and Frances and Thomas and all the rest of the children.
I have urged Genl Jackson to come on to me as he writes [most] lamentably
The President is buried in solitude at Mount Vernon - I write no more to him than is indispensible in order to prevent trouble
I am and ever shall be
your devoted and
affectionate Husband
Mrs Knox HKnox
[docket on page 1 in the upper right hand corner]
Philadelphia
July 24th 1789 -

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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