Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06176 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 August 1794 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.3 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses leaving for St. George's today. Expects a lot of trouble but hopes to persevere over the difficulties. Speaks of a visit he had with their son (possibly Henry Jackson Knox). Discusses his son's recent behavior and the grief he is causing him. Writes a little note to his wife and each of his children expressing his love and how much he cares for them.
[draft]
Boston Sunday 17 Augt 1794
My dearest love. I shall embark for St George in two hours. I shall have much trouble, but I shall hope by perseverance all difficulties. General Cobb and his son a young Layer of about 22 years will accompany me. Everybody here treat me with as much kindness as possible.
Our son and Mrs Flucker came up upon my sending for them which I did on the night of my arrival (Sunday.) I have had some of the most affecting moments of my life with him. I intended to have seriously talked to him upon his errors. But my soul was too full for utterance, and we kept [2] in each others arms for a long space - He saw my agony and I hope will be more regular in future. General Lincoln with whom I have had a most friendly and free conversation about our son, declares that he believes he has never done a thing that ought to bring a blush in our cheeks - His master writes me that he has never behaved so well in school as for the four months last half - that he is now between hope and despair with respect to the further conduct of our son - Mrs Flucker speaks well of him, so well, that I am apprehensive it arises from her partiality -
I have mentioned Henrys [strikeout] penitential letter to you. It is highly approved by Genl Lincoln and his went pray [send] it so as to meet me upon my return, when must depend upon the conduct if the Pillsburg people.
[3] I have not been able to see many people. but everybody whom I have been with inquires affectionately after you.
That my love may continue to enjoy her health, and spirits in my sincere prayer to him who is able to afford those blessings - [strikeout] To my Lucy, my dear daughter prefer [strikeout] such strong marks of my affection, as my in some degree indicate the inexpressible feelings of a father. To Julia, and all the lesser ones repeat my name and impress my love. and above all receive yourself the genuine and unspeakable love of my heart, a love which [struck: which] increases with years and which shall never die.
H Knox
[docket] Boston August 17th
1794
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