Henry Knox to Lucy Knox Explaining that He Has Not Set Out for Boston to See Her Due to Urgent Public Business, 27 December 1777

Book excerpt: Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets. Has not seen his brother William for some days, due to William's illness and fatigue. Remarks that if he travels to see Lucy, he will have to leave his brother behind. Reports that General William Howe, who occupies Philadelphia with British troops, has been drawing forage from the meadows near Philadelphia.