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An invitation from General Greene and his wife to dinner.
Thanks her for her letter. Discusses Lucy's dislike of Mrs. Nathanael Greene. Longs to see his wife.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is or will be the Salvation of America, for refinement of Manners introduces corruption and venality. I grant you that most people are in a degree corrupt... Compares corruption in young and old states. Refers to the wickedry of the British, noting I had rather revert to the barbarism of the original nations of this Land, than have any further connection with [the British]... Comments on the recent illness of General Nathanael Greene. Mentions the appointment of [Thomas] Henley as aide-de-camp for General William Heath. Relates that there have been skirmishes on Long Island, and the British have approached Continental works. Writes, If I had planned any thing for six months, it would have been to get the enemy in the very spot where they now are- our advanced parties and theirs have had a considerable number of skirmishes in which our troops did not find these heroes invincible having beat them back several times... Notes that the Prince of Hesse (referring to Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel) will gain much in pay from Hessian soldiers killed during the battle, and discusses rates paid by Great Britain for Hessian soldiers. Relates that General Israel Putnam commands Continental troops on Long Island, with several other generals.
Indicates that he found an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, for Lucy (see Lucy's request for one in GLC02437.00383) and has purchased three years of his labor. Mentions that Captain Sebastian Bauman's family have gone into the Jersies and asks why she inquired about them. Comments on Lucy's loyalist family. Tells the story of a formal visit of adjutant general of General William Howe's army in which he attempted to deliver a letter addressed to George Washington Esqr. The envoy failed for the same reason as an earlier attempt to deliver a letter to negotiate a truce: because it refused to expressly acknowledge George Washington as a general (see GLC02437.00375 and GLC02437.00378). The messenger also claimed that he came with powers to pardon and it was retorted that he came to the wrong place because the Americans had not offended. Knox praises how Washington dealt with the situation and remarks that Colonel Israel Putnam was awe struck by it. Relays news of General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston, South Carolina. Discusses the possibility of Lucy and their baby daughter going to Boston to contract the weak strain of smallpox circulating there in order to be inoculated, as was suggested by William Knox (see GLC02437.00382).
Thanks her for writing and remarks that Religion and virtue dictated every line of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental Congress from Massachusetts, and asks her to be as civil towards him as her circumstances will allow. Notes that Gerry will tell her about General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston (28 June 1776), South Carolina, and Knox provides some details about the battle. Briefly mentions the unsuccessful attempt of an adjutant general from General William Howe's army to deliver a letter addressed to George Washington Esqr. Etc while under a flag of truce and promised to write about it more fully tomorrow (see GLC02437.00385).