Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00625 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 July 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.9 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Knox's wife Lucy writes, "... I am resolved nothing shall prevent my coming to you early in September but your positive refusal, in which case, I will try to be as indifferent as I shall then think you are." Reports that Knox's brother William is on his way to join Henry in New Jersey. Worries that Knox will "fall into the usual error of absent lovers- that indifference will take place of that refined affection, which you have entertained for me..." From a family letter, Lucy learned that Thomas Flucker, her father, "enjoys his three hundred a year as Secretary of the province." Asks Henry's opinion on the Battle of Ticonderoga, which took place in early July 1777. Also mentions the capture of The Fox, a British frigate. In a post script, notes that William left her money "free of incumbrances."
[draft]
Boston July 17th 1777 -
My All in Life
Thank you my dear Harry for your kind letter by last evenings post - it gave me great pleasure tho I was much disapointed it did not tell me for certain whether I shall see you here or not, if I do not I am resolved nothing shall prevent my comeing to you easily in September but your positive refusal, in which case, I will try to be as indifferent as I shall then think you are -
Billy set off on Friday last - and will without doubt reach you long before this will, I miss him more than I expected, the Colo is so much engaged with military matters that I do not see him once in a week - and as for Jarviss he is as mad as ever - she fancys that Sr Wm. is coming this way and is very unhappy in consequence of it - poor girl she is near laying inn -
I did not need an inducement to kiss my sweet little girl - but depend upon my executing your comission - for which I shall expect my pay - do you know my Love that you have been absent from me almost five months. I am affraid you will fall into the usual error of absent lovers - that indifference will take place of that refined affection which you have entertained for me - if it should ah me - what shall I do - [2] by a letter from Mrs Tyng to Aunt Waldo we learn that papa enjoys his three hundred a year as Secretary of this province - droll is it not - I will not say a word of Ticonderoga - for fear I should be saucy - nor of the retaking of the fox frigate the former I wish to hear your opinion of - oh that my Harry would return home and earn something for his little Girl - tis true your present pay is a genteel support - but you will not lay any of it by the prospect to me if you stay in the army so very gloomy - but you know what you are about - good by to you my dearest blessing
May heaven continue to protect you prays your
tenderly affectionate wife
LK -
Billy left with me free of incumbrances eaighty Six pounds -
[address leaf]
4
Genl Knox
Head Quarters
Post N Jersey -
[docket 1]
Mrs. Knox July 17
1777
[docket 2]
Mrs to Genl Knox
1777
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