Kerby, Jane Byam (fl. 1793) to Lucy Flucker Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05882 Author/Creator: Kerby, Jane Byam (fl. 1793) Place Written: Antigua Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 April 1793 Pagination: 5 p. ; 25.4 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
This was written to Lucy Knox, the daughter of Lucy and Henry Knox. Expresses gratitude for previous hospitality. Reports on hearing about a fever in New York in a letter from 10 April. Comments on the terrible heat in Antigua. Reminiscences about home. Reports that a Mr. Burke said he dined with Henry Knox at Dr. Shippen's home. Would like an update on the family and on politics. Is including a few bottles of Indian Arrow Root, which is nutritious for the young children. Says her mother is sending a cask of yams. Says "Our Islands, are likely to be one of the Active Scenes, of our unavoidable War with the Barbarians ... [the] French, who are committing dreadful Murders in their Islands, wishing to extirpate their unhappy Countrymen, who won out by the Enormities, wish to be under our peaceful, & permanent Government; we hear that Tobago has surrendered to the British Flag, & are in hourly expectation of a reinforcement of 2000 Men for our Garrison." Mentions hearing of a report of Gouverneur Morris while he was in France. Expresses her horror at the shocking killing of Louis (King Louis XVI). Wants regards sent to Martha Washington and her to be told that "her amiable Condescension, & politeness to us, will be considered what it really is, the natural Influence, of her Affability, & benevolent Appearance, & Character, which interest us sincerely in her happiness."
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