Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00614 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 June 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
Lucy writes a love letter to her husband: "Is it possible, is there a dawn of hope, may I expect to be again blessed with him who forms a part of my very soul, whose presence I esteem the greatest good that this world can afford." Dreads that General "De Coudier" will accept an artillery appointment (a reference to du Coudray). Refers to Lucy, their daughter, who is unwell. Mentions a wagon she sent to Knox with "Maderia" (Madeira wine), sugar, green tea, chocolate, pepper, brandy sweet meats, "a very elegant black silk coat lined with white," breeches, and other items.
Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by a Frenchman named [Philippe Tronson du Coudray], secured by Silas Deane, the American Minister to France. Washington supported Knox, and Du Coudray was permitted to join the troops under Washington as a volunteer. Coudray drowned in September 1777.
[draft]
Boston June 19th 1777 -
Dearest, best of men,
[ strikeout] Is it possible, is there a dawn of hope, may I expect to be again blessed with him who formes a part of my very soul, whose presence I esteem the greatest good that this world can afford Yes it is possible, my Harry says it is - and I am happy - but should he yet disapoint me - should he stoop to be told he is unequal, to his command and must take a partener - how mortified and wretched should I be - but I speak of an absolute impossibility - my dear Harry has too great a Soul - yet I have another dread should General De Coudier accept of a command foreign to the Artillery my fall would be like phaetons - my love would perhaps remain as he is and poor I must still want a protector a friend a husband -
Our little darling gives me many an anxious hour being subject to short breathing upon taking the least cold - she is now unwell - but Dr Gardiner tells me it is owing wholy to her breeding teeth - pray to heaven to spare her to us - she is a lovely desirable child - and I trust will one day make our hearts glad. I wrote you some time since that she went alone - she speaks but few words but those very plain - Billy is gone to Salem, he will I expect be back before the post goes out, if not be satisfied from me that he is almost well - I thought at one time we should lose him but now - by the help of a milk diet - I think him quite out of danger I meant to have wrote you a very long letter but my old pain in my stomach prevents - in the dear hope that oer three weeks I shall call you mine I comit you to the care of heaven -
yours wholy yours
L.K
Your wagon set off on Sunday last with a cask of excellent Maderia one of port and one of Lisbon - a barrel of spirit - three loafs of sugar three pounds of best green tea, one dozen of chocolate, a box of coffee - three pounds of pepper - and a case of very fine brandy sweet meats - a very elegant black Silk coat lined with white - two pair of neat breeches, six stocks, three pocket handkerchiefs, a black ditto - three pounds of powder, in a bag - a lieut Proctor who has the care of the wagon is to receive at Springfield the other matters which blundering Mason has keept all this time - but I hope to see them all again soon - many of the articles are not to be had here [struck: again] for any price - therefore I wish my Harry to order them back, should he come himself - which believe me would give me more pleasure than his being created a prince - my present state of suspence has almost deprived me of reason - you will I am sure release me from it as soon as possible - but be sure you do not disapoint me - if you do after raiseing my hopes to such an [struck: un] height - I shall be more unhappy than I have ever been yet -
[address leaf 1]
Genl Knox
Head quarters
pr post - New Jersey -
[address leaf 2]
3/4 4
To
Brigadier Gen.l Knox
At
Head Quarters
[docket]
Mrs Knox 19th June
1777 -
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