February 3, 1970

DiChristina, Richard J., 1949-2016

Autograph letter

Title: to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He mentions that they moved 3000 meters but that it went fast because he was thinking of walking to her. Richard also mentions letters he is expecting to get from his mother in a few days, and that there is some plan to hopefully get him home early in just a few months. Richard mentions what he ate for dinner saying "I have truck loaf in a can and peahes in a can and peanut Butter and Blackberry Jam in a can Darling and one vanilla cream Bar and all the food was made in 1966 and we eat it all."

GLC09626.19

February 4, 1970

DiChristina, Richard J., 1949-2016

Autograph letter

Title: to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He writes that he wishes he could send a long letter but is running out of paper and asks Joyce to put in some when next she writes. They should be going into a fire base soon and he can't wait because everyone's going crazy out there. He also mentions what they are having for lunch, "for lunch I have Boned turkey again and Peanut Butter and Jam again and Peaches again boy I can wait until I come home to you and you make me dinner."

GLC09626.20

February 5, 1970

DiChristina, Richard J., 1949-2016

Autograph letter

Title: to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He asks her for a number of food items including Hostess donuts, cinnamon rolls, cinnamon bread, a variety pack of cereal, sliced bread and mounds bars. He says his platoon is still out in the field even though all of the 3rd platoon went in. They are heading up a mountain and should be in a landing zone the next morning.

GLC09626.21

February 7, 1970

DiChristina, Richard J., 1949-2016

Autograph letter

Title: to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He says that they are on the mountain and it looks like they won't be going in for 3 or 4 days, but while they sit around the guys are making things up. One thing was, "The grunts have windows, the lifers have wifes, They sit Each day and play with our lifes, Making Mistakes that cost us our men going out the Next Day and Doing it again and when its all over They'll make it a story turning all the senseless Deaths into Glory. This is what we live for, This is why we Die." The second is, "you have never lived until you've nearly died for those…

GLC09626.22

16 December 1943

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated December 16, 1943. Leonard writes that he received a lot of Christmas cards in the past few days. He advises the two of them to rest, as they are getting sick a lot. He has a sore throat himself, and will go to a doctor if it gets worse. He's astounded at the amount of people who have the flu. Some fellow sailors are getting "eat fever," which is similar to a bad cold. Some sailors went AWOL (absent without leave) as they became sick when they were on leave and couldn't get back in time. Robert…

GLC09611.182

19 December 1943

Zell, Edward B., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Eddie Zell to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 19, 1943. Eddie has been busy at work due to the Christmas rush. He mentions that "Penn" beat Catholic High, 68 to 16. He comments that Leonard has bad luck with girlfriends, but one will "break down and marry you." He comments on the weather, writing that one day is freezing, and the next day is warm. He says Bobby and he split after a fight on Sunday. He saw Nancy Greenwald and Janet Hall and they both asked about Leonard. He inquired about school and how hard Leonard has to study. Bob Nye and Charlie Pollack were both home…

GLC09611.184

21 December 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 21, 1943. Susan writes that she just got back from the doctors. She had to take a bus, and the driver didn’t stop until 14th street so she had to walk back to the drugstore on 15th street. She had to take the bus as Raymond was at work. She is receiving "cold injections" and was at the doctor for the second dose. She received two letters from Leonard. She was happy to speak with him on the phone, and wishes they could do so more often. She mentioned that Joyce called to get his address. They also got a Christmas card…

GLC09611.186

23 December 1943

Erickson, Dottie, fl. 1924-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dottie to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 23, 1943. Dottie mentions she had a busy week. She also asks if Leonard has heard from Ray, she thinks it would be nice if they were able to get together when he was on leave. She mentions Terry got engaged to Ray on Wednesday. The ring is a small but beautiful solitaire diamond. She defends herself in case that something in the letter seems mean, she is in a bad mood as "the boys" at the house tease her. She inquires if many people by Leonard have the flu, her brother is recovering, and she might be coming down with it as well.…

GLC09611.189

4 January 1944

Roberts, Natalie, fl. 1943-1944

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Natalie Roberts to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 4, 1944. Natilie apologizes for not writing sooner she has been working nights at the bank since Christmas. She inquires what Leonard did on New Year's, and mentions that she heard he was home for Christmas Day. She wonders if he will have another leave after his training is done. She mentions that Bernice got married over Christmas and that it is still weird to hear people call her Mrs. Theil. She updates Leonard on a few friends; Wayne Stouffer has been writing to Mrs. Stouffer a lot; Kennith H. Moyer is aboard a ship…

GLC09611.201

6 January 1944

Stouffer, E.M., Mrs., fl. 1943-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Mrs. Stouffer to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated January 6, 1944. Mrs. Stouffer was glad to hear from Leonard. She was afraid he had left without getting his new address. She received a Christmas card from Wayne with a leather pin. She reports that Bernice is going to travel to Chicago to see her husband Bruce Theil before he leaves. She mentions that Olga McEnany got married. She has not heard from Moyer in a while and hopes that he is okay. She sent Wayne five pounds of candy that he can't get in Ireland and hopes it gets there okay.

GLC09611.204

4 December 1943

Graeff, Susan Prowell, 1890-1967

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Susan Prowell Graeff to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 4, 1943. Susan writes that she is going to the doctor this evening, but plans to clean the windows in two rooms downstairs. She eventually wants to paint the rooms as well. She expected help from Raymond, but he came home from work with a cold and will go to the doctor in the afternoon. She inquires about what the Wisconsin W.A.V.E.S. that Leonard mentioned does. Raymond thinks she drives a truck. She spoke to Dottie who told her about Ray Walverton. She mentions that Dottie’s mother also visited and has the grippe.…

GLC09611.162

3 December 1943

Runk, Dorothy Kaye, fl. 1942-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Eugene Graeff

One letter from Dorothy K. Runk to Leonard Eugene Graeff dated December 3, 1943. Dotty writes that she was surprised to hear from Leonard. She writes that Robert Winemiller is in Arizona on desert training. Marion is attending school in St Louis, Missouri. If he wants to visit her though he should write first. She heard about the Notre Dame vs Great Lakes football game and would have liked to see it. She reports that she wasn't at "The Toddle" for the first time in years because her date got shipped out. She writes that June has become engaged, and tells Leonard not to worry there are still…

GLC09611.161

26 May 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments her lonely situation, noting that a recent visitor brought her news of Henry, but no letter from him. Envies the wives of generals able to travel with their husbands: "happy Mrs. Washington happy Mrs Gates in short I do not recollect an instance like my own- Mrs. Greens you will say is similar, but it is not Mrs G and myself were not cast in one mould." Wishes to visit Henry (at that time in Morristown, New Jersey) declaring "Boston is called a place of danger." Discusses the health of their children.

GLC02437.00602

13 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most disagreable [sic] consequences of any thing during the War..." Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Arthur St. Clair (American), and Philip Schuyler (American). Refers to a wagon of supplies Lucy sent to him. Wishes his brother William would not join the Army, but would instead remain in Boston, serving as a "disinterested friend and protector"…

GLC02437.00622

19 June 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

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…

GLC02437.00614

21 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Begins with expressions of his love for Lucy, his wife. Describes his devotion to his country, the only thing that keeps him from Lucy. Discusses possible enemy movement and location. Praises his troops. Writes, "With the blessing of Heaven I have great hopes in the cause- of this Campaign that we shall do something clever..." Refers to Silas Deane and the possible appointment of Phillipe du Coudray at the head of Continental artillery: "the Congress ... have resolved that Mr Dean has exceeded his Commission and that they cannot satisfy his treaty with Mr. DeCoudier..."

GLC02437.00616

29 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Knox writes, "Pity it is that lovers so exceedingly attached to each other as we are should be separated by the horrors of War." Discusses Lord Sterling's movement at Amboy (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) and Westfield, New Jersey. Expects the British to attack on the North River (the Hudson).

GLC02437.00618

30 June 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Opens with, "Did my Harry let the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anniversary of his wedding day..." Reflects upon her happiness when they were first married, and states, "instead of spending our lives together- how far and how long have we been asunder-" Refers to the possible appointment of Phillipe du Coudray at the head of Continental artillery. Notes that Billy, Knox's brother William, wishes to enter the army.

GLC02437.00619

17 July 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

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,…

GLC02437.00625

27 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, "I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... " Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets. Has not seen his brother William for "some days," due to William's illness and fatigue…

GLC02437.00675

1 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Reports that the British have landed at Head of Elk, Maryland (present day Elkton), twenty miles from Knox's location. Writes, "...we shall remain here a few days and if they will not come to us we shall go to them... it is suppos'd the enemy intend for Philadelphia if so they will meet with a stout opposition." Relates he is serving on a Court Martial. In closing, writes "my soul is intimately connected with yours."

GLC02437.00646

13 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at "Camp near Schuylkill." Opens with various declarations of how he misses her, including "War nor none of its concomitant Horrors is sufficient to put my Lucy from my mind..." Reports of a recent engagement with the enemy, the Battle of Brandywine (11 September 1777), declaring "...we were oblig'd to retire, after very considerable slaughter of the enemy... if they advance we shall fight them again before they get possession of Philadelphia but of this they will be cautious- my corps did me great honor they behav'd like men..." Encloses an account (not present) he sent to the…

GLC02437.00648

18 September 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Worries that her letters might fall into enemy hands. Reports that she and their daughter, Lucy, are in good health. Beseeches Henry to send for her. Notes that she has forwarded "six or seven letters" to Henry.

GLC02437.00651

7 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Recently received the first letter from Lucy in a month. Writes, "The [authors?] of this War, on the British side receive my maledictions which hardly square with the forgiveness recommended in the Gospel, but yet my dearest Love I cheerfully entertain the hope that we shall sweetly enjoy the Society of each other again and the blessings of it richly enhanc'd by knowing the afflictions of absence." Contains numerous other expressions of his love.

GLC02437.00663

25 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "I am unhappy to the last degree that you should suppose in the least that my affection for you is diminish [sic]- my God knows how much I suffer for your sake how much anxiety I go thro this you may rely upon my dearest Love that I have no other affection on earth..." Hopes to see her sometime during the upcoming winter.

GLC02437.00666