Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00565 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 April 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.1 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy
Says she and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn have completed "the affair of the house" for 5,500 pounds. Says the transaction pains her, though is sure her father will approve once he knows the circumstances. Is worried, however, that others may see Henry as wronging her father somehow. The letter is not entirely clear, but it appears that they have arranged the sale of Lucy's family house, due to the circumstances brought on by the war. It appears that she is worried others will see this as a selfish move by Henry, though she knows he would "part your last biscuit" with her father. Hopes to be inoculated against smallpox soon, though she is worried to do it. States that she cannot go into town to purchase the goods he asked for, and reminds him that he will soon have what he needs one his baggage from New Haven reaches him. William wishes to know what to do with their possessions that they have not sold. Informs him that Nathanael Greene's wife has given birth while Green is away, and relates this to her longing for Henry. States that Miss DeBlois is refusing Benedict Arnold's courtship. States that Mr. Jarvis is in debt, wonders why he does not mention Nicholas Eveleigh in his letters, and thanks God for the "recovery of our worthy General [George Washington]." Also wishes to hear his opinion on the French involvement and Benjamin Franklin.
Elizabeth DeBlois was the daughter of a prominent loyalist, and a friend of Lucy Knox.
[draft]
N 5[ ? ]
My Ever Dear Harry
Boston April 3rd 1777
I wrote you yesterday by Capt Speakman, acknoledgeing the receipt of your third wellcome letter and as I am fully convinced of your fondness for my scribbling, shall not neglect to give Captain Treat a line also, - the affair of the house is compleated. I sent for Mr Hickborn and finished it in half an hours - the demand is for the modest Sum of five thousand and fifty pounds - he said it would be [struck: write] [inserted: right] to put the regulated advance upon the goods - which Billy made amount, to the above Sum - the present attachment is only upon the house - but should execution be granted - it will be extended to the Georges estate at least - this affair gives me pain (not that Papa will disaprove of it for he must certainly think it a wise step when he knows the circumstances) but for fear that it should be misconstrued on your part - who I know - would part your last biscuit with him -
I hope to take the Small Pox in a few days at one or other of the hospitals. I mentioned to you - in my letter of yesterday - I am very anxious to have it immediately - on many accounts - in the first place, it is my Harrys request - in the second - the season is growing worse - and third - the number of persons who have it here, make it dangerous for me to move abroad. You will I a m sure be very anxious for me - at such a distance - and knowing my great dread of it - but alass - my love that will give you but a faint idea of what I feel for you -
You desire me to procure for you a number of articles - which it is a pity you had not taken out of [strikeout] Austins store. cambrick - I have but dimity - I fear [2] I shall not be able to get in the town - you are not in actual want of it - as you have a number of these matters at N Haven - which shall be sent you with all possible expedition - and I will get more if I can -
Billy is delighted with his last letter from you - he has been very fortunate in raising the sum you required of him - is impatient to know your mind, as to the very few articles, that will remain - I think it [inserted: will] be wise to send them to the country - I am very sorry to hear General Greene and you are parted - he has doubtless heard of the birth of his little Daughter - and that Mrs Greene is well - or nearly so - poor little woman to have experienced the greatest of earthly miserys twice in his absence - heaven preserve me from such an evil - the greatest distresses of human nature - are in a great measure to be aleviated - by the soothing tenderness of those we love - I have had frequent returns of that pain with which I am often afflicted - since you left me - and he who made my heart - alone can tell how much I have lamented your absence - but I will not complain - I shall live, I trust, to see better days -
Miss Deblois has positively refused to listen to the Genl which with his other mortification will come very hard upon him - Mr Jarvis has got himself some thousand pounds in dept already. I wish you may not get into a scrape about it, Treat Payne tells him you had no right to employ him - they had like to have boxed yesterday in consequence of it - is not these French Arms are a very great affair for us - it appears so to me - do you credit the article in the York paper - under the parishend - concerning Dr Franklin - [3] I wonder you mention nothing of Eveleigh - I heard he got to camp before you - God be praised for the recovery of our worthy General - what a blow threatned us in his death is there any one that could have filled his place - I fear not
Good Night My Love - may your gaurdian angel keep viligant watch that no evil befal you - tho at four hundred [inserted: miles distance] may you dream of your Lucy - and be asured - that she loves you - and only you - God Almighty help you -
L.K.
if there is is a post what can be the reason you do not write by it
L.K
[address leaf]
General Knox
with the Army in
by favor of Captain Treat
N Jersey -
[docket]
Mrs. Knox No 5
April 3. 1777
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