Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Bromfield, Sally (fl. 1777) to Henry Bromfield

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.803.02 Author/Creator: Bromfield, Sally (fl. 1777) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 March 1777 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23.1 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Very informal letter to her brother Henry (who she refers to as Harry in the body of the letter). Says she will not apologize for writing so soon after her last letter and that he will write whenever there is a trifle worth mentioning. Says "I cannot boast much of the figure I make in the gay World." Comments on the wounding of the "brave & Gallant General Arnold." Says it is past three in the morning as she writes. Goes through her circle of acquaintances and describes various parties in a flippant way.

[excerpt]
…[2]…The brave & Gallant General Arnold who has prov'd invincible to almost insurmountable obstacles which lay in his road to Hons & his Duty is at last shot tho' with a chance [dart] I chance I call it as I dare say it was not aim'd being unattended; I know your curiosity is excited to know who has done this job, be patient & I'll you but cant you guess? it is but natural to compare other people by ourselves, I will not allow it is always right but in this instance you will hit it according to… Mrs..Stoughton's notion of things, & before I forget it, Mr, & Mrs…- both join in desiring Love & best wishes may be made acceptable to you from my pen…

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources