Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09540 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Bucks County, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 December 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32.8 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Misses his wife, and addresses her anxieties in his absence. Writes, "No prospect of ambition or Interest could possibly keep me from you. nothing but a most sacred attachment to the much injured rights of my Country." Comments that the British capture of General Charles Lee is a severe blow to American forces. Hopes the British presence at Newport, Rhode Island will require his service in New England. Addresses the letter to Lucy in New Haven or, if she is not there, Boston.
[Draft]
Bucks County about 10 miles above Trenton & 30 miles from Philadelphia Decr 15 1776
My dearest Love
In an inexpressivibly great mortification to me to be obilg'd to write to you at so great a distance from you. I feel most keanly for your anxieties on my account the Reports you hear must be so vague and uncertain as to give you vast uneasiness all these anxieties & uncertainties I mot devoutly wish to do away the time will arrive my Lucy when your Harry shall again be happy in the society of his Lucy, God hasten the happy period
[No] prospect of ambition, or Interest could possibly keep me from you. nothing but a most sacred attachment to the much injured rights of my Country. - these bear down everything & makes me sacrifice the enjoyment of all present happiness to this fix'd principle - I trust this principle will support & comfort me in hour of Death & be no bar to my [2] eternal happiness - The precarious mode of conveyance to you renders it improper to write to you on public matters - This must seem rather cloudy in clearing up but Oh. One dire stroke the loss of General Lee who was taken prisoner a few days since - this is a severe blow - but providences orders all things for the better America must & will rise Triumphant [textloss] great happiness must & will in reserve for the virtuous part of America - Everything goes on right all things will work for good - I wish the enemys being at Newport might bring me to New England But I doubt of this, kiss my dear Little babe ten thousand times for me - may that Being who delights in virtue bless you & forget not him whom whole soul is devoted to your happiness - Give my love to Harry Jackson my brother & son in hopes this may find you in Boston Adieu my [Lila]
H Knox
[address leaf] Mrs Lucy Knox
at New Haven
if not there to be forwarded to Boston by Colo Sheldon
[docket] H Knox to wife Dec/ 76
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