Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00387 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 July 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.8 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental Congress from Massachusetts, and asks her to be as civil towards him as her circumstances will allow. Notes that Gerry will tell her about General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston (28 June 1776), South Carolina, and Knox provides some details about the battle. Briefly mentions the unsuccessful attempt of an adjutant general from General William Howe's army to deliver a letter addressed to George Washington Esqr. Etc while under a flag of truce and promised to write about it more fully tomorrow (see GLC02437.00385).
[partial - draft]
I had the pleasure to receive my dear Lucy’s letter by the post last evening. I shall not ever be able to describe the inexpressible happiness I derived from perusing or rather studying it. Religion and virtue dictated every line. Yes my Lucy your Henry wishes to live on your account he wishes to live on account of your babe, and when life shall cease to animate us both here God grant us the enrapturing prospect and absolutely certainty of a glorious eternity. My dear I should think the prospect of eternity incomplete excepting we should spend it together… I write this with a view to sent it by Mr Gerry… He will inform you minutely of our glorious success at Charleston…
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