Henry Knox To Lucy Knox Asking Her To Take Care Of General St Clairs Daughter 25 May 1777 PDF Download

Notes that she is recovering from a four day illness. Describes her daily life in detail as requested by Henry. Rises at eight a.m., has breakfast for an hour, then reads, writes, or works until her solitary dinner at 2 p.m. Misses Henry intensely, noting that even the company of their daughter, Lucy, reminds her of his absence. Describes her afternoon rides in her chaise, and her visits to several friends. Mentions the loss of her immediate family, who as Loyalists fled from Boston. Expresses her wish to be with Henry. Refers to the Hero, a ship, which will soon sail for France. Discusses the loss of Ticonderoga (July 1777), mentioning Generals Arthur St. Clair, Phillip Schuyler, and Horatio Gates. Asks if Mrs. Greene (Catherine Littlefield Greene, Nathanael Greene's wife) is with Henry. Also asks if Henry's brother William will remain with Knox or if he will receive a commission. Discusses how men's fortunes have shifted due to economic change wrought by war. Also writes, ...I hope you will not consider yourself as commander in chief of your own house- but be convinced tho not in the affair of Mr. Coudre that there is such a thing as equal command (Coudre refers to the recent threat of the appointment Phillippe du Coudray to the head of artillery). Asks for square dollars so she can buy linen. Worries that Henry's long absence will lead him to forget her.