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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 #: GLC02437.05602 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 September 1792 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.1 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses his health and family matters. Talks about gaining weight, stating "I have increased since your departure, owing perhaps to two causes ... more food and less exercise." Mentions that the President (George Washington) has invited him to Mount Vernon. Discusses financial matters and worries about his wife's health.

[draft]
Philadelphia 6th September 1792
I have received my beloved Lucys letter of the 30th of Augt. Genl Jackson is mistaken as to my being as fat as in the war. I am not - but I have increased since your departure, owning perhaps to two causes to wit more food and less exercise. I have been afraid of riding or walking in the sun, or early in the morning lest I should have brought on the cursed fever - and from the same cause I have eaten breakfast, and drank porter. You appear to entertain the most erroneous opinion possible relative to Lands - It may be right to sell so far as to put one out of debts - but more [2] while it is upon the rise - I shall have again to go to New York. perhaps next week the President has invited me to Mount Vernon but that is out of the question -
A furlough for the table or any such thing while I remain a slave would be madness.
I have written you so fully relatively to Henry that I must leave the decision to your good sense - I must not to make you voluntarily inference - but the taking him away of the school before as you have described will not before his happiness, nor mine [3] Neither Mr Smith or Mr N will sell any land for me - at least they may not be at present -
My anxiety will continue until I shall hear that you are safely brought a bed - Where there is anxiety here is misery - I am therefore unhappy at your absence being sensible enough of its inconveniences God knows -
I pray him to affords you all the consolations and happiness to which human and virtuous are instilled.
My love to Lucy Mrs Flucker and all the rest of my beloved
Yours affectionately
H Knox
[docket] Philadelphia
Septr 6 1792

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

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