Breck, Anna (fl. 1803-1804) to Lucy [incomplete]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09445 Author/Creator: Breck, Anna (fl. 1803-1804) Place Written: Spring Hill Type: Autograph letter Date: circa 22 June 1803-1804 Pagination: 8 p. ; 23 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Breck writes to her friend Lucy, likely Lucy Flucker Knox, daughter of Henry Knox. Discusses the marriage of Lucy's brother (possibly Henry Jackson Knox, who married in May 1803). Mentions the engagements of other friends, noting, "...all my friends are taking leave of the single state and I shall soon be quite a solitary member of it-" Continues writing 24 June. Expresses boredom regarding life in the country and living with her parents. Daydreams of distant lands and travel to exotic locales. Mentions memories of Boston, promising not to go to Boston without traveling to Maine to visit Lucy. Discusses the financial affairs and reputation of a "Mr. C," possibly Mr. Codman, at length. Offers her opinions on various romances among mutual acquaintances, noting "few Men have the same portion of Sensibility as Women- exceptions I of course allow & I think you have been so fortunate as to meet one of them-" Seems to be giving Lucy advice on courtship, stating "I am indeed my Lucy tired of being prudent... not do I wish unnecessarily to throw any shade over your prospects but were it only that they do not seem quite clear I should think t'were better not to strengthen that attachment which it is only possibly from present appearances may not result as your hopes may point out... I am perhaps too apt for the present enjoyment of things to view them in their plainest attire..." Continues writing 6 July on final page. Based on letter content, date is estimated as 1803-1804. Possibly written from Spring Hill, Massachusetts.
Anna Breck is likely Hannah Breck, daughter of statesman Samuel Breck (1747-1809), and sister to Samuel Breck (1771-1862), a congressman from Pennsylvania. She was a lifelong friend of Lucy Flucker Knox, daughter of Henry Knox. Breck would later marry James Lloyd (1769-1831), a senator from Massachusetts. Breck is referred to as Anna or Hannah in various sources.
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