11 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from Elizabethtown, present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Had expected to leave for Philadelphia today but the commissioners for the enemy have not agreed on their propositions yet. Is unsure whether they will and hopes to find out today; finds the business tedious. Hopes to be able to leave in four days, and explains that because of the delay, he may only be able to stay in Philadelphia with her and their children for a week.

GLC02437.01384

15 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Was happy to receive her last letter, though sounded as if she was in some distress; hopes the distress was simply that she missed him: "This implication I hope however is the consequence of an ardent affection. I am mortified that I have been so long absent from you, but I now think that we shall be able to get away from here tomorrow." Believes that they may stop "one day at Morris perhaps to make our report to the General and in two days afterwards be in Philadelphia." Sends love to the children and to the Biddle family, with whom Lucy and their children are staying.

GLC02437.01391

8 August 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes to his wife that since his last letter, which marked his arrival, he has been "diligently preparing for our jaunt." His travel party will consist of himself, his brother William Knox, the younger Mr. Isaac Winslow, and General Henry Jackson. They will set off Thursday (does not specify a destination). Remarks that all of their friends are being very kind, and at present he is at Mr. [Samuel] Breck's, while William is at Ingersoll's. Declares he will write again Thursday. Sends blessings to Lucy and the children.

GLC02437.03290

6 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Secretary of War Knox writes to his wife Lucy "respecting our affairs in England." Knox is likely referring to some disappointing business between Thomas Longman and Hannah Harwood. Knox reassures Lucy that she should not worry as he does "not feel much distress from it."

GLC02437.04902

27 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Mentions he will be detained until tomorrow or the next day. Does not expect to get home until Saturday, but will do his best to get there by Friday. Says their boys are in high spirits and that Harry is gratified by his new long coat, "which is of an excellent blue cloth breeches of the same and tow half wais[t]coats." Marcus says he is impatient to be home. States he longs to see her and the little ones. Lucy is at Bush Hill outside of Philadelphia. Free frank signed by Henry Knox.

GLC02437.05086

27 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he was exceedingly happy to receive her letter. Is happy to hear she was in good health, and thrilled to hear they will be able to shorten their absence from each other. Discusses arrangements for travel to and from New York, with Henry Jackson. Writes that he longs to embrace "the little stranger" and their other children. Advises her on whether to bring one of their sons along with her on the trip. Encloses some bank notes for her to use on her journey. Docketed on page one.

GLC02437.05433

14 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he expects she will receive this letter when she arrives in Boston. Discusses her travels and visits with friends, as well as the weather. Remarks at length that he is concerned about the safety of her and the children en route to Boston, and wishes he could hear from her hourly. Declares if he could, he would protect her from every possible ill. Mentions that he is lonely in his house, and hopes Lucy will remember him tenderly. Sends his love to the children, his sister-in-law Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker and her children, as well as to his friend Harry [Henry Jackson].

GLC02437.05464

23 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he is happy to inform Lucy that he has recovered from his illness. Will be shipping to Boston several items she and Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker and the children requested. Address leaf bears the scarce franking signature of Knox.

GLC02437.05476

28 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Was happy to have received Lucy's recent letters. Hopes she will settle in and forget the inconveniences of traveling. Talks about their loving relationship. Discusses the education of their children, particularly regarding their son Henry. Suggests that Lucy visit Andover to investigate schooling for him there. He writes, "In order to this the education of our children is all important. Upon a cool revision of this subject I am [persuaded] we have entertained an erroneous conduct. We have not considered the immense force and value of application and habits formed therefrom."…

GLC02437.05481

7 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he is still in Philadelphia but hopes to leave soon. Adds that his public business is suffering. Describes an agreement he settled on with William Duer in which he forgives Duer's debts on their land purchases in Maine, in exchange for Duer providing him with certain securities (see GLC02437.05492 for the agreement). Apologizes for the shortness of his letter but promises to write again soon.

GLC02437.05493

8 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from "Elizabeth Town," Elizabeth, New Jersey. Writes to tell Mrs. Knox that he has successfully completed his business in New York and is on his way back to Philadelphia. Will write her a longer letter when he arrives in Philadelphia. Received her letter from 3 June.

GLC02437.05497

17 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Writes to his wife saying that he did indeed write to her before, but that he later found out his letter was not delivered: "As I staid at Randalls I entrusted it to his black man, and it is now pretty evident he deceived me and did not carry it to the office." Also comments on recent attacks upon him in a newspaper: "I have read the attack in Adams's paper - The writer must be a fellow of diabolical sensation to be sure - It shall not give me pain. I shall put all those sons of darkness and envy under my feet one of these days but, the time has not arrived. The report of the Committee of…

GLC02437.05509

15 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he was recently sick with the fever but has "surmounted the cursed disorder." Discusses his misgivings about whether William Duer will be able to pay the sums stipulated in their agreement. Expresses his dissatisfaction with his present duties and dismay at the situation in France. "Were I to leave this and any part of the public business be neglected I should receive no mercy at the public bar - What a humiliating picture of human nature do the affairs of france exhibit all mad stark mad - ... The spirit of turbulence, envy and malice which are excited in other climes have also…

GLC02437.05539

18 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Tells Lucy that he misses her and really looks forward to her letters every time the mail comes.

GLC02437.05546

23 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Informs Lucy that he will not be able to be with her on a consistent basis for a while due to his current work. Discusses the situation with William Duer and writes that "he is too negligent - He is now busy in writing a political paper signed "Gracchus" in favor of [John] Jays election." Also sends news of friends.

GLC02437.05554

26 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Complains that though the post has arrived, he has not received any letters from his wife. Laments that he was not able to visit her. Mentions the Izard family arriving in a few days. Free frank stamped as "Free" and signed by Henry Knox.

GLC02437.05560

29 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Explains to Lucy that business is delaying his visit to her and the family: "Alone for you myself and the children - I am upon my probation - a single lapse of public duty at this moments, sinks me, never again to rise." Provides an update on financial dealings with William Duer. Describes land deals with Mr. [Samuel] Breck, Samuel Waldo and Samuel Winslow, among others.

GLC02437.05565

19 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Informs Lucy that he is now in New York City and that he has yet to see the people he came to New York to see, with the exception of Henry Jackson. Expresses his wish to finish up the "cursed affair" with the land speculations.

GLC02437.05582

23 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Informs Lucy that he has been unable to make much progress in his attempt to purchase a tract of land. Mentions that he has received a letter from the President. Also touches on family news.

GLC02437.05587

29 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her letter, and tells her that he also received a letter the same day from their daughter Lucy. Asks his wife to tell their daughter that he loves her "with all the strength she could desire and that my love is an abundant source of forgetfulness of a thousand little lapses." Provides a brief summary of how he is passing his days while away on business.

GLC02437.05591

30 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness and relief to hear that the family is doing well and is healthy. Mentions that he is happy to hear that his son, Henry Jackson Knox, is still at Hingham and that he should remain there for the winter. States that he "must go to the Province of main [sic, Maine] the next year or we must be content to be extremely poor - the modifcations of our interest there is of the greatest importance to our future happiness."

GLC02437.05593

5 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Declares that he is anxious about Lucy's health, and is checking "every post ... more and more so until I shall informed of your having been safely delivered." Provides news on acquaintances, and mentions that he has yet to receive confirmation that [William] Duer will agree to sell. This is unfortunate as it will require him to make another trip to New York. Also discusses the weather, and sends his love to the family.

GLC02437.05599

17 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses plans for his son's education and is happy to hear that his brother William, is back from Dublin, Ireland. Writes to Lucy about mutual acquaintances, mentioning that one family just had a baby girl.

GLC02437.05616

20 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing that his wife is doing well and writes that "I shall give you all possible proofs of my affection." Makes plans to see her soon and sends her his brother's love.

GLC02437.05623

23 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks God for having "so kindly brought you [Lucy] the perils of child bearing." Hopes she will have a quick and complete recovery and asks that she "[f]old the dear infant in your arms and bid her welcome with all the energy which my heart at this moment experiences and which is evidenced by the overflowing of my eyes." Discusses plans for Lucy and "her lovely flock" to travel to New York, where he will hopefully be able to meet them. Expresses some anxiety about his son.

GLC02437.05625