Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00199 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Watertown, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1775 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.8 x 18 cm. Order a Copy
Comments affectionately about writing to Lucy often. Reports that he goes to Roxbury and Cambridge in the mornings and returns to Watertown in the evenings, offering support to Captain Michael Jackson's company. Plans to visit her soon, but feels he must provide his "oppressed Country an essential service." Mentions that General Charles Lee received word that General John Burgoyne wants to have a meeting, but Lee will not comply unless ordered by Congress. Praises the patriot's burning of "Browns House on Boston neck." Also praises George Washington, who took over the Continental Army in the Boston area on 3 July, for bringing order to the army. Asks Lucy to keep her spirits up.
Watertown July 11 - Monday 75
My dear Lucy -
I most heartily thank you for your two kind Letters of last Tuesday & Wednesday which I recd on Saturday. I have written to the dear Idol of my heart every day that I have been from her except yesterday when no opportunity offered indeed I write at present without having any carriage for it in view - I go to Roxbury & Cambridge in the morning and Return here every evening for the sake of Mr. Jacksons company - we are here in a very decent private house [strikeout] Mr. [Cookes] near the bridge - I shall endever [struck: my dearest] to set off for my dear girl to morrow in the afternoon if possible - if not on Wednesday afternoon and reach home on Thursday - believe me My dear nothing in the world should detain me from you but absolute [struck: ness] necessity - did I [struck: noth] not [inserted: think] I was doing my oppress'd Country an [strikeout] essential service I should have come home to my lovely girl before this - General Lee Yesterday had a trumpeter come out of Boston to him with a Letter from Genl Burgoine - and among other things desiring an interview with him. - General [2] will not grant that except the Congress should order him & then not without witnesses - You heard I suppose by our neighbor Curtis that our people burnt Browns Houses on Boston Neck - except the stone - it was a Brave action & well perform'd - the regulars were in such a trepidation in Boston [inserted: &] on the lines that I perfectly believe 750 men would at that time taken the full possession of the town - the new Generals are of infinite service In the army - they have to reduce order almost from a perfect Chaos & think they are in a fair way of doing it - our [struck: army] [inserted: troops] still "affect to hold the army besieged" & will effectively continue to do so - I have order'd a man to put me up half a barrell of beef - keep up your spirits my dearest Girl & take care of your health for the sake of him who Loves you much dearer than life [struck: May] [inserted: that] the God of Grace [inserted: may] keep you in his special protection is the earnest prayer of yours
Harry Knox -
[address leaf]
Mrs Knox
at
Worcester
[docket]
Genl Knox
July 1775
[docket]
Gen to Mrs K
1775
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