Horton, Jotham (b. 1749) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00512 Author/Creator: Horton, Jotham (b. 1749) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 January 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 29.5 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy
States that he and two other officers have smallpox, and asks if Knox can forward them "hard money" for "the Common Necessaries." Letter is dated 1776, but should be dated 1777. On the second page of the letteer is an unsigned Lucy Knox autograph letter to Henry Knox. In the draft she expresses her displeasure with Knox for not seeing him more often, but also her love for him.
[draft]
New York Jany 3d 1776
Hond Sir,
having an Opportunity of writing by Major Willis - we Improve it to acquaint you of our Situation, three of us are at this Present Ill with the Smallpox, & not having any Friend to supply us with hard money, without which it is Impossible to procure the Common Necessaries, which we stand in need of; If it is in your Power we should esteem it as a great favour if you would send some hard money in to us, by the first opportunity that offers
We Remain your most huml Servt
Jotham Horton in behalf
of the Rest of the Officers
of the Regt of Artillery
[a draft of a Lucy Knox letter to Henry Knox]
[2] I am sick at heart low spirited and almost indifferent whether I live or die had I no friends I suppose I should not take it so hard but when I reflect that I have a [illegible] father and a mother - sisters and Brother, and yet am this poor neglected thing I cannot bear it. do [illegible] I love you. I underwent almost every distress for the sake of being yours - and you forsake me - my poor dear father I must never see again - when I reflect upon his excessive tenderness for me when a child - upon the thousand times he has helped me and prayed god to make me the comfort of his age - I am half distressed and yet believe me dear Harry I cheerfully [remain] this best of partners and would do it again and again to live to be with you - but this you refuse me. I have been confined to my room almost a week have been alone most time and have given myself up to the Horror of my situation.
[address leaf]
To
Henry Knox Esqr
Commander of the
Continental Artillery
New Jersey
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