Camp 20 miles from Philadelphia 12 Augt I received your letter from Newbury port of the 29th ultimo - It gives me great pleasure that my dear Lucy, went in such agreeable Company and to a place for which I have a peculiar respect - The Gentlemen [inserted: there] with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous, public spirited, patriots on the Continent - and [struck: were] [inserted: when] I do return to my Lucy again I may have some serious thoughts of settling there - I am glad of the happiness which results from the Connection you find with Mrs Smith & family - Mr Howe took his departure from them Capes on the 31st instant nor has been heard off [struck: since] untill 2 days ago an express arriv'd with news of his being off Sinepuxent [county] to the South suppos'd for Cheasapeak Bay - This if true, (which I am much inclind to disbelieve) must be a feint - either the NRiver or Philadelphia must be his object - I should suppose [2] if he pursued his true interest that the [post of N York] to be the immediate design of his attention - but he reasons for himself, and its my opinion that this summer he reasons himself out of America - we were going up to Corryells Ferry [strikeout] supposing the enemy were gone eastward, but we are now stopp'd until we hear further - The season here is infinitely hot - too hot for good Whigs - it almost makes me believe the materiality of - Fire - Tis a Sweet consolation my Love that our two Souls are so firmly rivetted to each other. - Yes I am attach'd to you by all the powers of my mind [strikeout] for life - Mr Burgoyne will push himself untill he finds a stone wall to break his head against - I hope that will not be too soon untill all parts of the Machine may harmonize which is to work his destruction - if the Genius of America Guards her this Campaign, all of the misfortunes which we have felt all be only blessings in disguise. how does Mrs. Jarvis [3] and her Whig Gallant - Give my love to them - Master Bill bears the fatigues of the Campaign like a Soldier, and they are not very few - for we live like soldiers though not to the greatest hardships - But I [illegible] if we do not before the Campaign ends bear, them in the extreme. - Both ships the Tatar and hero are out You do not like the scheme - I am sorry for it - I do if it succeeds if not I shall dislike it - War is nothing - and I can see no reason why [individuals] may not make war as ever on his own account as to assist it on account of the public - I must sincerely and devoutly pray the great Governor of the World to take you into his kind keeping - and am your what truly affectionate Harry Knox Mrs Knox [address leaf] To Mrs Lucy Knox Boston [docket] 12th August