May 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a very detailed letter to her husband in Morristown, New Jersey during the American Revolution. Discusses the arrival in Boston of General Charles Tronson du Coudray, a French military engineer "who stiles himself Commander in Chief of the Continental Artillery" (Knox's current position) and claimed the appointment was from Silas Deane. Discusses the illness of Henry's brother William ("Billy") and her "fear we shall lose him, or at least that the humour in the blood has taken such deep root, as to embitter his future days." Also comments on various items she sent to Knox.…

GLC05895

10 March 1797

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter

Title: to [Life ?] Wilson

Asks Wilson to purchase several building items, such as boards, and gives other directions as well.

GLC02437.06928

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

23 October 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has heard from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth that Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown had occurred, or would shortly. She has received his letter of 16 October 1781 and is awaiting the next, which Knox wrote on 19 October 1781 (see GLC02437.01231 and GLC02437.01244, respectively). Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Lund Washington, who will provide some news about Knox's young son. She has not heard from their daughter Lucy in Philadelphia. Wants to know when she will see him and indicates that another letter from her will be delivered by Martha Washington. In a post script…

GLC02437.01257

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

18 August 1791

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says his letter of Monday morning did not come to hand until Tuesday evening. Laments that they must remain where they are a few days. Mentions that their son George Washington Knox was "violently ill" on Sunday night. Sent for Dr. Belvile "who wished not to prescribe unless he could see the effect of what he administered, this is the cause of my stay." Did not mention it in her letter of yesterday because she did not want to cause Henry anxiety. It seems that George Washington Knox has worms and that it will take them another week to travel. Offers him options on how they could all…

GLC02437.05126

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

10 April 1782

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received letter from Knox, which to her "unspeakable mortification" relates that he will be away from her for several days longer. Apologizes for not writing frequently, but explains that she constantly expected his return. Also mentions that other events and causes have prevented her from writing but says she will explain further in person. Writes, "I have received a long letter from our brother Wm [William Knox] and one from Mr. Williams both of which I should have forwarded could I have imagined you would have staid so long, William was well and in good spirits." Relates that their…

GLC02437.01383

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

12 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to her husband, who is in Boston. Misses their daughter (likely Lucy). Relates news of the Ogden family. Notes that Mrs. Green (possibly Catharine Littlefield Greene) hopes Knox will visit her on his return to New York. Remarks, "Our little ones have not the measles yet, altho it is all around us."

GLC02437.03995

14 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains that Henry has stayed away later than he had originally planned. Discusses her busy social schedule and numerous invitations, noting "Since the arrival of Mrs. Ogden I have passed my time as agreably as possible seperated [sic] from you." Understands that his business in Boston, settling with creditors, may extend until the end of the month (it is possible Henry was settling the matter of Henry Jackson's unauthorized sale of 10,000 dollars of Knox's notes). Remarks that her sister sent her a Queensware china set.

GLC02437.03998

24 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses her desire for his return, articulating how much she misses him. Expects him to be accompanied by their daughter (possible Lucy): "... my heart beats with the fond idea of shortly embracing the dearest objects of my love the best of husbands and the most amiable of daughters-" Notes that Mr. [Robert] Morris is in town. Comments on other acquaintances, including the Ogdens.

GLC02437.04012

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

20 September 1790

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Lucy Knox arrived in New York and now has the chance to write her daughter Lucy who is staying in Boston with the Brecks. The mother Lucy writes about fashion and advises her daughter Lucy how to behave. She reminds her daughter to attend to her studies and make them a priority.

GLC02437.04731

5 October 1793

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions their son Henry Jackson Knox is probably already in Boston. Says all are well, except Lucy who was left in Newark with the Ogden's. Says Mr. Breck has hired three rooms in Newark because he has no hope of getting to Philadelphia in the coming months. Reports that she does not believe Congress will sit in Philadelphia, in reference to the yellow fever outbreak. Mentions the deaths of people they know, including the mother and sister of Benjamin Rush and [Major David] Franks. Rush also said that Mr. Blodget and Mr. Clymer were ill. Heard that on average 130 people have died in the…

GLC02437.05953

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

2 September 1795

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to bring some things back from Boston for her, among other various topics.

GLC02437.06509

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

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

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