Lucy F. Knox to Henry Knox Discussing the Arrival in Boston of General Charles Tronson Du Coudray, May 1777

Book excerpt: Writes a very detailed letter to her husband in Morristown, New Jersey during the American Revolution. Discusses the arrival in Boston of General Charles Tronson du Coudray, a French military engineer who stiles himself Commander in Chief of the Continental Artillery (Knox's current position) and claimed the appointment was from Silas Deane. Discusses the illness of Henry's brother William (Billy) and her fear we shall lose him, or at least that the humour in the blood has taken such deep root, as to embitter his future days. Also comments on various items she sent to Knox. Discusses escalating prices of foodstuff: Indeed it is difficult to get the neccessarys of life here at any price. Critically discusses the political situation and mob in Boston - jailing suspected loyalists, the confiscation of property, and a scheduled execution. Comments: the behavior at our town meeting has almost made me a tory. Cites Colonels [Thomas] Crafts, [Paul] Revere and [Isaac] Sears as leaders of the movement. Docket indicates Knox replied on 6 June 1777.