[draft] Boston June 19th 1777 - Dearest, best of men, [ strikeout] Is it possible, is there a dawn of hope, may I expect to be again blessed with him who formes a part of my very soul, whose presence I esteem the greatest good that this world can afford Yes it is possible, my Harry says it is - and I am happy - but should he yet disapoint me - should he stoop to be told he is unequal, to his command and must take a partener - how mortified and wretched should I be - but I speak of an absolute impossibility - my dear Harry has too great a Soul - yet I have another dread should General De Coudier accept of a command foreign to the Artillery my fall would be like phaetons - my love would perhaps remain as he is and poor I must still want a protector a friend a husband - Our little darling gives me many an anxious hour being subject to short breathing upon taking the least cold - she is now unwell - but Dr Gardiner tells me it is owing wholy to her breeding teeth - pray to heaven to spare her to us - she is a lovely desirable child - and I trust will one day make our hearts glad. I wrote you some time since that she went alone - she speaks but few words but those very plain - Billy is gone to Salem, he will I expect be back before the post goes out, if not be satisfied from me that he is almost well - I thought at one time we should lose him but now - by the help of a milk diet - I think him quite out of danger I meant to have wrote you a very long letter but my old pain in my stomach prevents - in the dear hope that oer three weeks I shall call you mine I comit you to the care of heaven - yours wholy yours L.K Your wagon set off on Sunday last with a cask of excellent Maderia one of port and one of Lisbon - a barrel of spirit - three loafs of sugar three pounds of best green tea, one dozen of chocolate, a box of coffee - three pounds of pepper - and a case of very fine brandy sweet meats - a very elegant black Silk coat lined with white - two pair of neat breeches, six stocks, three pocket handkerchiefs, a black ditto - three pounds of powder, in a bag - a lieut Proctor who has the care of the wagon is to receive at Springfield the other matters which blundering Mason has keept all this time - but I hope to see them all again soon - many of the articles are not to be had here [struck: again] for any price - therefore I wish my Harry to order them back, should he come himself - which believe me would give me more pleasure than his being created a prince - my present state of suspence has almost deprived me of reason - you will I am sure release me from it as soon as possible - but be sure you do not disapoint me - if you do after raiseing my hopes to such an [struck: un] height - I shall be more unhappy than I have ever been yet - [address leaf 1] Genl Knox Head quarters pr post - New Jersey - [address leaf 2] 3/4 4 To Brigadier Gen.l Knox At Head Quarters [docket] Mrs Knox 19th June 1777 -