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.

Bryant, John (1742-1816) to John Armstrong

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03432.115 Author/Creator: Bryant, John (1742-1816) Place Written: Springfield, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript letter Date: November 1813 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Captain Bryant writes to Secretary of War Armstrong after being informed by the new superintendent that he will be dismissed from his position as Master of Ordinance and Assistant Military Storekeeper at the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Notes that his usefulness has been reduced "by the infirmities of age," but in hopes of retaining his post, he recounts his service during the Revolution, which included losing his right arm at Fort Constitution in Fort Lee, New Jersey in 1776 and a long period as Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the armory. Docketed by Bryant's son as being a copy of his father's letter. Armstrong declined his request (see GLC03432.116).

Bryant, John, 1742-1816
Armstrong, John, Jr., 1758-1843

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