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.

Johnson, Richard W. (1827-1897) to J. B. Fry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02456.13 Author/Creator: Johnson, Richard W. (1827-1897) Place Written: Hd Qrs Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 5, 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 19.7 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 27.3 x 17.7 cm Order a Copy

Informs Fry, "I am very much in want of a Commissary for my Brigade. Understanding that my former Commissary, Capt. Palmer, has returned, I would respectfully request that he be ordered to my Brigade. I have no officer in the Brigade who can perform the duties of Commissary, hence my request." Endorsed by Brigadier General Alexander McDowell McCook. One bust engraving of Johnson included as collateral.

James Barnet Fry served as assistant adjutant general, and was chief of staff under General Irvin McDowell during the First Battle of Bull Run. He later became Provost Marshal General.

Johnson, Richard W., 1827-1897
Fry, James Barnet, 1827-1894
McCook, Alexander McDowell, 1831-1903

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