Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00602 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 May 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32.3 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Laments her lonely situation, noting that a recent visitor brought her news of Henry, but no letter from him. Envies the wives of generals able to travel with their husbands: "happy Mrs. Washington happy Mrs Gates in short I do not recollect an instance like my own- Mrs. Greens you will say is similar, but it is not Mrs G and myself were not cast in one mould." Wishes to visit Henry (at that time in Morristown, New Jersey) declaring "Boston is called a place of danger." Discusses the health of their children.
[draft]
My ever dear Harry
Indulge me my only friend in venting my sighs and unburdening my heart to you - after setting some hours alone giveing vent to tears and heart felt grief - a young man came in, who said he left you, but last Thursday - my heart leaped for joy from the dear hope that a kind letter from you - of so short a date - would divert the train of my gloomy ideas - but this was a pleasure - too great for me to enjoy - four days only said I, where are my letters - I have none - you have none - is he sick - and are you come for me - no he was well he desired me to tell you so - but busy - I could not help it my Harry I answered him by bursting into tears - nor are my present feelings, unlike the agony of distress I felt at parting - happy Mrs Washinton happy Mrs Gates in short I do not recollect an instance like my own - Mrs Greenes you will say is similar, but it is not Mrs G and myself were not cast in one mould if I lose this Summer the only season when I can go from home with convenience I never may expect to be with you again out of the last ten [strikeout?] months, we have [inserted: not] spent six weeks together - Boston is called a place of danger nor do I know the place that is not save [struck: in the] under the wing of general Washington - if you will suffer me to come to you when Billy does - I can dispose of every article I have to great advantage - Mr Jarviss would come into the house - and I (even if I could not be much with you) should be happy - in the reflection that you were willing to gratify [struck: me] even against your own opinion - at any rate, I insist on being answered seriously - and if (which god forbid) [2] you will not make me happy give me so substantial reasons, why you refuse me. [strikeout] I shall impatiently wait your answer - do not be rash - remember that I have no friends here - that the complaints of last Summer were not mine for I solomnly declare I was pleased with the inconveniencys - of which that very foolish woman complained - nor would you ever have known from me that I wanted even the luxuries of life - but in this you may believe me - I would compound to taste nothing, but bread and water, half my time - might I but live within twenty miles of you - [ ? ] [inserted: it] romantic but a serious truth -
Billy is much better - he has applied the external remedies - as his disorder proves to be a scotch one - Lucy is well - she is a lovely Child - I have parted with her maid which has attached her more to me. I will bring her to see you - can you deny yourself that pleasure - no sure you will not -
in which pleasing hope I will compose
myself to sleep - do you ever dream of
me my Harry - if never before do tonight
LK -
Boston May 26th 1777 -
General Knox
[address leaf]
1/8 Way - 4
To
Brigadier General Knox
Post Morris Town
[docket]
Mrs Knox 22 May 1777.
Answered
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