[draft] No. 4. Morris -Town 31st March 1777. I received the happiness of yours of the 18th instant for which my Love receive my sincere affection. Language fails when I attempt to decribe the exalted pleasure which a Letter written by your hand gives me - and tis a pleasure that cannot [cloy] - from this fear I beleive my Lucy omitted to my great mortification to write me by the post - pray dont neglect to write by the post for that is the time [struck: that] [inserted: to which] I make up my mind to receive Letters from you -Yes my dearest self I always think upon you and if business should for a moment interrupt the thoughts the instant its over you return to my fond heart again - I feel for you and weep for you. The time my dearest will arrive when you and I shall be united not more to be seperated in this Life not that to come - I am much oblg'd to you for your [nerves] [strikeout] - The enemy and we are laying on our oars - What think you of a french War - what think you of the Call [2] of providence to America in bringing in so many arms ammunition &c - notwithstanding the Case of our very milignant enemies, for my own part I bow with Gratitude to that high power who putteth down and seteth up - America under his smiles will win, but ah! my Lucy the fall of empires [struck: which Attends time, Collects] Which when full of vice crush by their own weight [illegible] to destruction must attend America - Virtue long since seems to have taken her fight from this Ball - no Stability here nothing worthy for our Souls to attach themselves to here indeed my Lucy were it not for you at my periods of Contemplation I should be sick and devoutly long to take my departure to that land from whose bourn no traveller 'evr returnd - and yet I have not been the sport of Fortune or met with any unusual misfortunes - but this earth does not upon a narrow examination appear to be fit for an [illegible] Residence of an immortal Spirit - Give my Love to Billy and tell him I have received his affectionate Letter and that far from opposing his happiness I will do every thing [3] in my power to contribute to it - my Horses at Worcester I think will be the source of great expence I have therefore determin'd to dispose of them - Let Billy Consult Colo Jackson about the mode of selling them - I think Cook the Horse Jockey might make the most of them, they are beautiful creatures and Cook 80 Lawful and with expences I suppose a £100 - I should not like to lose any thing by them, and beleive they would readily sell in Boston for £100 - or £120 - This will help Billey to make up the sum - kiss my babe and bless it and by him who protects the innocent to bless it - and for your sake I sincerely wish my interest in the high Court above was such that I could unblushingly speake my prayers for your Welfare and happiness - I am my dearest Blessing wholly totally and invariably Your Most Affectionate Harry Knox Mrs. Knox [address leaf] Mrs. Lucy Knox Boston [docket] Morris Town 21st March 1777.