Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Lucy Flucker Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01000 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: Sleepy Hollow, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: July 26, 1781 Pagination: 6 p. : Height: 30 cm, Width: 19.1 cm Order a Copy
Knox writes to his wife from Philipsburgh (present-day Sleepy Hollow, New York). "... I have never found any absence from [Lucy] so truly insupportable as the present. I am alone amidst a croud [sic], and unhappy without my companion." He bemoans the War: "...vile I call it because it is a War upon the affections of humanity. It has deprived us of the right enjoyment of six years, long years of our Life-- a period infinitely too long to be engrossed by other objects than the business of Love." Discusses a recent reconnaissance mission to assess the British force in New York City with optimism, stating that many of the British troops in the vicinity will soon depart for Virginia. Reports that some of the Marquis de Lafayette's troops, led by General Anthony Wayne, had a recent encounter with the British under Lord Cornwallis (Knox is possibly referring to the engagement at Green Spring plantation on July 6, 1781). Refers to General Nathanael Greene's May-June 1781 Siege of Ninety-Six, and praises Greene's actions in the south: "His conduct has exhibited him a great man, and established his reputation beyond the powers of malice to injure it lastingly." Mentions arranging a place for Lucy to stay at a Dr. [Darbys] house. Possibly discussing enslaved people or servants, asks, "whether you are pleas'd with your [Servant]. I want to know whether I can get Cato, you will exchange him for William..." The letter lacks closing and possibly the address leaf. The letter is incomplete.
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