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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01257 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 October 1781 Pagination: 2 p. + addr. + docket Order a Copy

Has heard from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth that Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown had occurred, or would shortly. She has received his letter of 16 October 1781 and is awaiting the next, which Knox wrote on 19 October 1781 (see GLC02437.01231 and GLC02437.01244, respectively). Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Lund Washington, who will provide some news about Knox's young son. She has not heard from their daughter Lucy in Philadelphia. Wants to know when she will see him and indicates that another letter from her will be delivered by Martha Washington. In a post script asks that her bag be placed on George Washington's boat if it has not already been sent to her by her brother-in-law William Knox.

[draft]
Mount Vernon October 23rd 1781 -
My Only Love
After ten thousand anxietys we are at length informed by a letter from Colo Wadsworth, that the capture of Lord Cornwallis had, or shortly would, take place he having offered terms which were rejected - and unconditional submission, without alternative his only hope - if this should prove true and my Harry is Safe how gratful ought I to be to heaven -
I received a line from you by an express dated the 16th inst, wherein you inform me, that you shall dispatch Wm in one or at most two days in consequense of which I am watching for his arrival with impatient eyes.
This will be handed you by Mr Lund Washington who is going to look at the [struck: British] [inserted: French] fleet - he will inform you what a lovly Boy your Son is and that he eats homine like a Virginian - he is a turbulent fellow very unlike his dear [2] Sister who I am very unhappy at not hearing from, - surly you must have received a letter from Biddle agreable to promise -
My Letter by Wm will I [struck: hope] [inserted: trust] inform me when I may hope to see you - and perhaps give me some idea of your determination, relative to the matter you mentioned in philidelphia Mrs Washington has or will deliver you a very low spirited letter from me she will be just in time to dance at your Ball - where I should like to be present
Adieu
Compliments to
Mr Blair Mr Shaw &c the latter of whom I had a sad presentiment would not come off well in this matter
LK -
General Knox

PS
if my bag has not been sent by William ask Major Shaw to have it put on board Mr Washingtons boat

[address leaf]
Genl Knox
favrd by
Mr Washington Camp

[docket]
From Mrs Knox. 23 October
1781.

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805

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