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Thanks her for her letter. Discusses Lucy's dislike of Mrs. Nathanael Greene. Longs to see his wife.
Thanks William for his recent letter. Discusses Lucy Knox's hasty evacuation from New York when British ships were spotted in the Hudson and the unhappiness it caused both Lucy and himself (also see GLC024327.00364). Lucy is distressed but Henry feels he is not at liberty to attend her as my country calls. Explains that his apprehension was disguised by scolding Lucy for not leaving sooner. Comments that Mrs. Nathanael Greene and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard went with Lucy, and describes Mrs. Pollard as an unfit companion because of her Melancholy dumpish disposition. If Lucy is unhappy in Fairfield, Connecticut, he will ask William to take her to Boston, since they are expecting active fighting in New York. The British attacked the following day.
Distressed, Lucy discusses the circumstances under which she left New York and argues she was undeserving of Henry's censure. She stayed in New York longer than expected in order to have a more affectionate parting. When she desired to go to Fairfield, Connecticut, she received a message from Mr. Burr (possibly Aaron Burr), indicating that he could not obtain a house or furniture for her there, as Henry had requested. Is dissatisfied that Henry writes frequently in your letters to remind me of my incapacity of judging for myself. Also writes that Henry ignored, or never read, her request to obtain a physician because their baby has colic and to obtain volatile drops and have them delivered by Mrs. Jonathan Pollard. Expresses jealousy of Nathanael Greene's wife, who spent ten days with Greene. Has heard Henry keeps an open house. Discusses financial matters and Knox's papers. Reports that she will remain in Stamford until Mrs. Pollard returns. Gives some instructions on sending clothes and forwarding letters. Asks that the items be given to Mrs. Pollard, along with a trunk with correspondence from the days when no evil was sufficient to part us with an aching heart and eyes drowned with tears. Urges Henry to write more in a note at the end.
Responds to Lucy's most recent letter (see GLC02437.00364), discussing her hasty departure from New York. Henry is upset by her distress. He reiterates that he did not want her in New York before something decisive occurred in the war. In response to her complaint that Nathanael Greene's wife returned to New York, he explains that General Greene did not want her there for the same reasons and had just sent her to Newark and she will later go to either Fairfield or Providence. Comments that if Mrs. Pollard comes to New York, she will distract her husband Jonathan Pollard, Knox's quarter master. Reiterates that he wants to keep her away from the war and describes his conduct as that of the most disinterested friendship cemented by the tenderest love. He emphasizes the gravity of the New York campaign, on which the happiness or misery of Millions may depend. Asks her to give Fairfield another chance, mentions that smallpox is spreading by inoculation in Boston, and reports recent sightings of British ships. After his signature, makes an attempt to raise her spirits with an aphorism about gender: I ever wish'd my Lucy to soar above the Generality of her Sex many of whom to be sure are trifling insignificant animals, dreading what never will come to pass.
Explains that he wrote her at Fairfield, Connecticut to check on her well being and tell her how much he values her, to tell her that the British had landed at Staten Island but had not attacked New York yet, and that he believes when they do, the Americans will be able to beat them back. He also asked her to send money after taking what she needed and to ask where to send her trunks. Reports that General Nathanael Greene, Jonathan Pollard, and Mrs. [Herey] are all well an in good spirits, information that Lucy could pass on to spouses and loved ones in Connecticut. Asks if Lucy took the fifty dollars Colonel David Mason gave Henry.
Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Mrs. Jonathan Pollard, who will bring other supplies with her. Apologizes for taking a harsh tone with Lucy in letters written earlier in the month. Expresses his desire for frequent communication with her. Criticizes Mrs. Jonathan Pollard for worrying about things that are out of her control. Showing his religious beliefs, Knox thinks such an unhappy person has not drank of the streams of virtue and piety. Knox believes that unforeseen misfortunes in life and war should be weathered with Fortitude and patience. Reaffirms his love for Lucy.
Responds to a letter from Lucy in which she remonstrated Henry over their recent separation in which she left New York and went to Connecticut. Henry is both grieved an angry because Lucy blames Henry for her inconveniences even though it is in her power instantly to remedy them. Moreover, if she does not like it there, it is within her power to go elsewhere. Warns her against anyone contradicting his advice. Urges her to use her own good sense and see that there can be no essential difference as you have a carriage and Horses, between coming [to New York] from New Haven or Fairfield than from Stamford. Mentions that Burr (possibly Aaron Burr) has told him Fairfield is crowded and lacks provisions. Claims New Haven has good accommodations good Company & good provisions and mentions some officers that plan to go there. Reiterates that New York would be a bad place for Lucy because it would cause Henry too much worry. Strongly urges her to go to New Haven. Restates that their separation makes him miserable. Reports little activity since the British sailed up the Hudson on 12 July 1776 except the disappointing news that the ships were not damaged by the artillery fire. Remarks that This Summer will be the most important that America ever saw. Describes an attempt by General William Howe to have a letter delivered seeking a truce, which was rejected because it was addressed to Mr. Washington instead of General Washington. In a reference to the Declaration of Independence, the messenger claimed the letter was of a civil matter, not a military one. Relays news from William Knox in Boston concerning smallpox and the activities of several members of Lucy's family.
Indicates that military activities in New York are disrupting the mail. Thanks her for the kindness of her last letter. Reports little activities since the retreat in the Battle of Long Island. Criticizes the promotions that have been made because the army needs men capable of great Ideas & who are acquainted with military matters. Fears George Washington is bearing too great a load of leadership. Indicates that General Nathanael Greene is recovering from illness. Hopes General Charles Lee arrives soon. Discusses treatment of prisoners, the honor of war, and his desire to not make war like Savages. Reinforcements are coming from the South. Expresses optimism and compares the Americans to the Romans. Shows sympathy for Lucy's difficult circumstances. Mentions his attempt to gain a business interest in a privateer. Hopes their baby's health has improved.
Indicates that he is sending an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, to her as she requested and he earlier mentioned (see GLC02437.00383 and GLC02437.00385). Heard that Lucy fell down some stairs and was worried. Remarks that the British have not acted and are possibly awaiting reinforcements. Mentions that the smallpox going around lacked virulence and he wished she had received it (in order to be inoculated). In response to Lucy's question, indicates that Mrs. Airey did not offend him, but did engage in duplicitous conduct, which he hates.
Laments that Lucy had to abruptly leave New York, although it was for her safety. They believed the British would attack but they landed on Staten Island instead, where they were received with a hearty welcome by its rascally Tory inhabitants. Mentions that the people in New Jersey were assembling their militia (see GLC02437.00357). Favorably assesses their artillery preparations for battle. Asks Lucy to send his trunk back, which has his papers and money in it, and asks where to send her clothes. Pressing business prevents him from writing more. Gives love to their baby.