23 November 1805

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes to discuss his plans for returning home. Also adds that he is sending Lucy, via Captain [likely Edward] Kelleran, one thousand dollars, for her to give Mr. [John] Gleason so he can pay the workmen.

GLC02437.07988

8 May 1802

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox discusses family matters while at his estate, Montpelier. Expected Lucy to travel to Montpelier, but she decided not to come because of their daughter Lucy's "indisposition." Describes preparing a "pair of partridges- a fine salmon- and an abundant dish of sweet breads" for her anticipated arrival. Declares, "Our mutual affection is the most valued object of my existence- My children the next." Discusses the upcoming legislative assembly, a recent town meeting, financial matters, etc. Relates that he gave their son Henry "60 thousand feet of boards... as a foundation whereon to…

GLC02437.10344

29 September 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes the "very kind reception from the good Lady of this place" [Martha Washington]. Gives news about their daughter Lucy, who is staying in Philadelphia. Colonel Clement Biddle and his wife will see her each Sunday. Pertinent correspondence will be forwarded to Knox. Requests that Knox write Biddle to thank him. Expresses her desire for a home and rhetorically asks "will the time ever come when we shall have a house of our own and our children about us[?] if not, life is undesirable." Reports difficulties with their son Harry. Mentions a rumored battle fought by General Nathanael…

GLC02437.01199

16 October 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Martha Washington and Nellie Calvert Custis received letters from their husbands letting them know how they are and what is happening in the war. Chastises Henry for not writing. She misses their daughter Lucy, who was living in Philadelphia, but has heard that she is well. Urges him to write back. Knox was then engaged in the siege of Yorktown. The letter is not complete.

GLC02437.01230

1 September 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

In dramatic terms, expresses how much she misses Henry and speculates on the hopelessness of life if one of them should die before the other. Writes, "I have just finished a pretty long letter to our charming daughter [Lucy], hers to me are the most delightful treat I have ever received, save one correspondence still dearer." Notes she is staying with the Ogdens and comments on family matters. Writes, "Congress have proceeded no further in the arrangement of the government a circumstance very alarming to the well affected and highly encouraging to the malcontents in this state they have…

GLC02437.03979

3 August 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written by Brigadier General Knox to his wife Lucy from camp near Dobbs Ferry. References receiving three letters from her, dated 23, 26, and 30 July 1781. Expresses his happiness upon reading them and says "The longer the War lasts the more sick am I of it and sigh for domestic felicity with my Lucy." Remembers that her birthday was yesterday and claims he "petitioned heaven to grant us the happiness of continuing our union." Wants to know how long she will remain at Colonel Duer's. Says if she can get to New Windsor, he might be able to visit her. Tells her that "I cannot explain to your…

GLC02437.01114

12 August 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Lucy the wife of Brigadier General Knox, to her husband. Reports that four posts have come and gone without a letter from him. Says General Benjamin Lincoln also came from his quarters without any remembrances from him. Claims "this is what I am so unused to, that I scarce know how to behave under it., if it has meant to mortify it has answered the purpose admirably." Sent a letter last Thursday by Colonel Lewis and needs his answer to know how to proceed. Hears nothing of the army's movements and says she is "sick with anxiety, oh horrid war, how has thou blasted the fairest…

GLC02437.01129

8 October 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Chastises her husband for not writing. Asks Henry when she will see him and why he has not written. The Continental Army was then involved in the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01214

22 March 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Explains that due to miscommunication with General Sir Henry Clinton, he is being detained in New Jersey. Had set out from Philadelphia toward Elizabeth, New Jersey, to attend a meeting of commissioners, but Clinton sent word to Philadelphia which arrived after he left. Clinton's letter postponed the meeting to 20 April, and when Knox finally received word, he wrote to Clinton to ask that due to "the exceeding inconveniences inflicted," he move the appointment up. Relates that they will now meet in Elizabeth on 28 April, but says this will detain them a week at least. Writes that he…

GLC02437.01372

4 May 1785

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife expresses her "infinite regret" at his suggestion that they find a house in the country. Notes that Congress should be able to find him a decent place near New York City, where he will be stationed as Secretary at War. Mentions a recent sale, at which Mr. [John?] Hancock bought a dressing table for the "high price of forty one dollars." Discusses family and friends.

GLC02437.03137

19 May 1785

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife, Lucy, reports that Captain Callahan was unable to hire artisans from England: "the sentiments of the english are so oppos'd to that class of persons coming out that he feared to make the attempt." Has received no recent news of William Knox, Henry's brother who suffered from mental illness. Mentions an unspecified match, possibly referring to William Knox's courtship of Henry Laurens's daughter (William had lapsed into insanity, and the courtship ended on dramatic, negative terms; refer to GLC02437.03082). Fears that William's "malady is too deep for cure." Expresses joy at…

GLC02437.03148

24 August 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lucy writes to her husband: "How shall I thank the partner of my soul for the long affectionate letter I have just received from him, that he amid his numerous avocations should find so much time for me, is flattering indeed- but alas that unlucky summons to the breakfast table but for it who knows where the charming immagination [sic] of my Harry might not have led us." Mentions a recent matter in which Knox's friend, Henry Jackson, invested 10,000 of Knox's notes without his permission. Needless to say, Knox was furious, and Lucy offers her thoughts on the subject: "... you speak rightly…

GLC02437.03976

5 November 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Traveled to Newark with [Euphemia] Ogden and hopes to return with [Catharine?] Greene. Notes that St. John hopes his daughter will return to New York with Knox, but expects Knox will not be able to wait for her. Reports their son, Marcus, "has coughed but once since he left NY..." and Knox's brother William's "face broke yesterday," a reference to William's recent illness accompanied by swelling in the face. Writes, "As for me I have been so long without you that I know not what to think of it and can scarce reallise [sic] you are my husband." Instructs Knox to give their daughter a kiss…

GLC02437.04025

1 November 1793

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Addressed to "My Best and dearest friend." Reports that the day she left Henry, she arrived in New York to a great reception. Says her enjoyment is clouded by her fear Henry will be exposed to the yellow fever. Expresses displeasure at the thought of their continued separation. Reports that "an express arrived here yesterday for Dr. Stevens to attend Colo. Hamilton supposed in the yellow fever." Tells him to remember his promise not to return to Philadelphia. Asks about Augusta (possibly Augusta Dearborn, daughter of Henry Dearborn). "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05956

January 14, 1796

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses her desire to see Knox again and worries about her son.

GLC02437.06595

12 November 1800

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lucy Knox writes to her husband Henry to say he left some provisions behind because he left so suddenly. Lucy could Knox was harried and distressed. She talks of her daughter not feeling well. Lucy does not know when she should expect to hear from Knox again. Lucy says Knox knows her opinion regarding their son Henry.

GLC02437.07483

15 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

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.

GLC02437.09540

1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that she misses him and is quite impatient for him to come home. Discusses their children and mutual friends. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.09933

26 August 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, "The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is or will be the Salvation of America, for refinement of Manners introduces corruption and venality. I grant you that most people are in a degree corrupt..." Compares corruption in "young" and "old" states. Refers to the "wickedry" of the British, noting "I had rather revert to the barbarism of the original nations of this Land, than have any…

GLC02437.10006

3-8 June 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments Henry's absence, noting he has been gone for three months exactly. Relates that their daughter, Lucy, is well and beautiful despite "five pitts of the small pox in her face." Comments on Henry's loss, possibly of clothes, noting that she will attempt to procure more cambric (a cotton fabric) for him. Mentions the sale of Knox's horses. Relates that she wanted to sell them separately, but Knox's brother William did not wish to do so. Remarks, "...you had better make me your future agent- I'll assure you I am quite a woman of business." Begins writing again 4 June. Plans to send…

GLC02437.10452

26 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes "...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life..." Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to…

GLC02437.10453

15 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: "If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world…

GLC02437.10455

29 August 1790

Jeffries, John, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jeffries writes to Knox thanking him for his kindness. Says he fears more for his wife whose "constitution" is particularly vulnerable, which also prevents Jeffries from traveling from Boston. Asks Knox to present a copy of his [aerial] narrative to the President of the United States, George Washington.

GLC02437.04705

13 October 1802

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Kerby

Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Discusses their mutual friend Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Beaumez (Knox's sister-in-law) and the loss of her husband. Mentions Beaumez's sons (Thomas and Francis Flucker) and how he hopes they will be led down the path of honor. Also speaks of a cargo full of lumber which might be of service to the Navy. Docket notes letter as a draft.

GLC02437.07761

1763

Dangerfield, William, fl. 1763

Document

Title: to James Madison re: acknowledging receipt of Mary Willis' property

Receipt, unsigned, from William Dangerfield (just married to Mary Willis, ward of James Madison, Sr.), acknowledging receipt of all her property from James Madison, Sr.,

GLC00099.007