[draft] Philadelphia 17 Septr 1792 I received on Saturday last my beloved Lucys letter of the 9th instant. I am delighted in your general health, but I am persuaded that ere this you have been safely delivered, what heaven in its mercy grant. As to our son please to observe finally that I regard your happiness as my supreme object of [suspect] and of his absence will militate therewith then leave him - I would perfer the pleasure of his dayly presence were all things equal, but if he can be made a better man and receive an education at a distance my head pronounces its our duty to afford it to him - but to be sure Life is that and we ought not to sacrifice too much to distant and uncertain Justification - On Saturday [2] I was a greatly suprized by the arrival of my brother from Dublin in good health and spirits. His return is a mark of his good sense and judgment - He saw the last act of Congress and he formed his hopes a delusion and therefore he determined to relinquish affection he could not maintain wit propriety - Feeling for him as a father and brother ought to feel, and believing him to be a man of sterling integrity, I shall confide myself bound to [struck: do for] [inserted: assist] him, in the modes where I shall upon mature consideration think left adapted for his good - & to this I flatter myself you will say amen - Mrs [Izard] was yesterday delivered of a fine daughter, all well [3] Mr & Mrs Penn, and Mr Andrew Allen has arrived Mr Hammond is delighted with his eastern tour, But I expected him to dine with me yesterday, with a small party. Everybody who has been to the eastward this summer contrast it most favorably with all parts of the U.S. I have yet concluded a [illegible] D. He is the only obstacle to bright prospect I hope however he will ultimately relinquish My love to my daughter to all our lovely [illegible] not forgetting the little stranger - God almighty bless and soon return you to my arms - Yours affectionately H Knox Mrs Knox [docket] Philadelphia Septr 17th 1792