Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) to Henry Knox

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00565 Author/Creator: Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 April 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.1 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy

Says she and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn have completed "the affair of the house" for 5,500 pounds. Says the transaction pains her, though is sure her father will approve once he knows the circumstances. Is worried, however, that others may see Henry as wronging her father somehow. The letter is not entirely clear, but it appears that they have arranged the sale of Lucy's family house, due to the circumstances brought on by the war. It appears that she is worried others will see this as a selfish move by Henry, though she knows he would "part your last biscuit" with her father. Hopes to be inoculated against smallpox soon, though she is worried to do it. States that she cannot go into town to purchase the goods he asked for, and reminds him that he will soon have what he needs one his baggage from New Haven reaches him. William wishes to know what to do with their possessions that they have not sold. Informs him that Nathanael Greene's wife has given birth while Green is away, and relates this to her longing for Henry. States that Miss DeBlois is refusing Benedict Arnold's courtship. States that Mr. Jarvis is in debt, wonders why he does not mention Nicholas Eveleigh in his letters, and thanks God for the "recovery of our worthy General [George Washington]." Also wishes to hear his opinion on the French involvement and Benjamin Franklin.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
DeBlois, Elizabeth, 1761-1843
Eveleigh, Nicholas, 1748-1791
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
Flucker, Thomas, 1719-1783
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Greene, Catharine Littlefield, 1755-1814
Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources