Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.07976 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 October 1805 Pagination: 4 p. : address ; 25 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his wife about his financial difficulties. Also discusses his plans for travel. Mentions news of the "continental war" commencing with [Napoleon] Bonaparte at its helm. Reports on several other matters pertaining to business associates and social acquaintances.
[draft]
Boston friday the 25 Octr 1805
In [anon] 25 days since I left my dearly beloved friend and I would I were to be out this day, but I have no such prospect. Money is to me sensitive plane it shrinks at the touch. The profits of commerce is such that the money is nearly all turned that channel. I have hitherto literally effected nothing although I am not destitute of hope. I have [illegible] the moneyed people here and at Salem an I shall go whither again tomorrow not to return until Monday or tuesday so that my next letter to you will be dated [strikeout] from that place. It will not be less than a week from this day that is on the 1t of Nov that I shall be able to form a definitive judgment of the day of my departure - God knows irksome [inserted: and humiliating] is my present situation
As to anecdotes my dear Love [2] there are but few known to me.
A continental war seems to have taken place again, and I have no doubt Bonaparte will [fill] his standard in six months on the walls of Vienna - England seems to have [dissected] for the present the cloud that impended over her
England not present committing depredations on our commence. The principle they have adopted is, that america being neutral shall not carry on a circuitous trade from any of the belligerents dominions or colonies - That is although we may buy sugars or other articles in the french case or West India colonies, [strikeout] and may consume it within the United States yet we shall not import such articles for the express purpose of exporting them so their enemies [ports] in Europe
Mr Sears has just had a vessel condemned at Halifax - value [illegible] cost 150000 dollars although a part is insured and others suffer greatly - It is probable these outrages may be compromised
Mr & Mrs Rufus Amory intend residing in the Country this Winter -
Mrs Thomas Amory has recovered He also excepting his eyes - All this estate is to be [3] offered for sale immediately. The two houses and Shiloh separately - I think it probable some f the family may become the purchasers
Mrs John [Asthorp] gave a dance last evening - the party not very numerous
The plays go on I have been to three, When Cooper plays he fills the house - the heir at law was played to an house not half filled - and yet by far the best cast and acted of anything this year although cooper was not in it. I have seen Mrs Cooper - better looking than of old - a Lady in all respects although not [illegible] Lady Temple intends it - but she has been sick - is getting better -
I have received four letter from my beloved - and I have under every post but the last which was occasioned by an unfounded opinion of the post master [struck: had] that the mail was changed, Kelleran escaped me strangely - I will endevor to embrace everything by B K who has not yet arrived. Miss Breck left a comb & a pair of shoes for Lucy to whom and all my dear dear children - give my affectionate embrace. Love to Miss Morton. I can no more
Yours ever & ever
H Knox
[address leaf] Mrs General Knox
Montpelier
Thomaston -
[docket] Oct 1805
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