Our Collection

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.

Thatcher, Lucy Flucker Knox (1776-1854) to Charles Davies

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09898 Author/Creator: Thatcher, Lucy Flucker Knox (1776-1854) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: circa 1804-1854 Pagination: 1 p. ; 26.2 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Letter is possibly a copy. Relays an anecdote she heard about her father, titled "Anecdote of [George] Washington." "Washington always kept this useful & scientific officer near his own person; he not only honored him with confidence, but with brotherly affection. After the defeat of Gales' army at Camden, General [Nathaniel] Green was offered the arduous command of the Southern department. The Lucker General, with his usual modesty replied, '[Henry] Knox is the man for that difficult undertaking; all obstacles vanish before him; his resources are infinite.' 'True replied Washington, & therefore I cannot part with him.'" Lucy Knox's life span (beginning with her marriage date) was used as a circa date.

Thatcher, Lucy Flucker Knox, 1776-1854
Davies, Charles, 1798-1876

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources