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Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to William Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10005 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: New Haven, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 August 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 33 x 24.6 cm. Order a Copy

Knox writes to her brother-in-law: "we are now upon the eve of something decisive- the enemy have landed a number of men some say six thousand upon long island- we have a report to day- that- they have been ambushed and greatly weakened- but so far is certain- that a skirmish has happened upon the island that a reinforcement from the main body have gone over..." Reports that General John Sullivan has replaced Nathanael Greene as commander of troops on Long Island, noting that Greene is dangerously ill. Mentions a violent storm that occurred over New York City, killing five men, four of whom were officers. Her baby, Lucy, is doing well. Hopes Lucy will have a chance to grow up surrounded by family.

[Draft]
N Haven August 23d
Dear William -
Your intelegence of a vessel going to england - gave me great pleasure - I shall certainly write to my Father and forward the letter to you in a day or two at farthest - we are now upon the eve of something decisive - the enemy have landed a number of men some say six thousand upon long island - we have a report to day that they have been [struck: ambush] ambushed and greatly weakened - but so far is certain - that a skirmish has happened upon the island - that a reinforcement from the main body have gone over and tis thought the consequence will be a general battle - to say what I feel woud require a language far more expressive than ours
may Heaven defend your brother - General Greene is dangerously ill - General Sullivan now commands at long island - I believe they are both good men - but the former was much depended upon - it appears like a frown of providence - but you know we are short sighted beings - the terrable storm of thunder at New York can be no news to you - five men were killed - four of whom were officers - and a number wounded how horrid it must have been - it struck thirteen times I am told in the city - my Harry was then preserved and why not now we will hope the best - we will hope that day will come when we shall live together a happy family and our little Lucy will grow up among us - A blessing to us all - if it should I think we shall and ought to be good - Much we shall have to be thankful for: - I wrote you a few days since by a Mr Andrews - I want to know whether the letter reached you as the man is a stranger to me - I must shorten this as I have a letter to write to York - My love to Mrs Jarvis - Compliments to Mr Parry &c - I am in haste - your very sincere friend -
Lucy Knox

[2] You should call upon Mrs Johannes and tell her Mrs Ballard is well - it will be a good introduction to the young ladies - we lodge together at a Mr Balsfords in New Haven - Lucy is well -
[docket]
Letter from Mrs Knox
Augt: 23.d 1776 -

Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1776-1854
Sullivan, John, 1740-1795
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

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