[draft] Camp near Whitemarsh 3 December 1777 I yesterday wrote the best belov'd of my heart by Colo [Rejoicer] - and inform'd you that I had recieved your two Letters of the 13th and 20th Novr. I gave my dearest Love my sentiments with that freedom I ever wish to preserve with so dear a connection. I was half sorry after I had sent the Letter least it might give her pain - I consider that I ought to bear with her little feebleness, when they are contracted with those qualifications and loveleness which have captivated and which still hold my heart - I have [strikeout] observ'd with pleasure since our union that our Love increas'd for each other every hour, each moment gave to each other such proofs of sincere affection that could not but endear the connection. I am exceedingly unhappy to hear the least hint from You that my Love should have in the least diminish'd, an assertion so tottaly different from reality, that it pains me much - believe me thou best belov'd of my Soul, were it possible to transport me back to that situation in which I was before [2] our union, & I could know half the amiable lovely and enchanting disposition [strikeout] my now dearest wife with permission to wedd her without a single friend or fortune but herself - and the whole world contracted in the opposite scale on condition of not doing it - I should spurn the offer - and embrace her who I hold much dearer than life - but does my Lucy really want a proof of my Affection is there nothing in this world that will satisfy her but deserting the cause in which I am engag'd and render'd my self eternally infamous and all my connections by resigning at a time my Country may stand in need of my little assistance - God Forbid - I attribute her feelings by no means to such a cause - I believe she is chagrin'd and unhappy to have lost her Father mother sisters and brother, [struck: and to] in this [struck: Cause] contest, and her husband [well knows] she has made such capital sacrifices at too great a distance for to support her under [this] consideration of such great [afflictions] believe me my only and dearest Love (if your affection is not diminished) what a thought! that my Life shall be spent: to make you happy [3] This matter I have often assur'd you, but alass [strikeout] have not always so happy as to have it believed. I shall have the happiness to be with You in about one month - this is my expectation and wish but some matters may turn up which will render the time longer - and yet my Love for you remain as ardent as ever - I not only long to see you but Your sweet babe which by every account is a sweet [struck: youth] child - God protect [text loss] and its mother. - I write you [text loss] for two reasons. The 1st that a [illegible] - the next that if we had your dislike you say to hear of the [den] of War From your Harry Whose letters instead of relating such horrid stuff ought to be fill'd with expressing them. Adieu My dearest and only Love - continue to believe me your truly Affectionate HKnox I do not write to my friend Harry as we expect him here every hour - [address leaf] To Mrs. Lucy Knox Boston Post