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to Henry Knox
21 July 1781
Bryant, John, 1742-1816
Bryant, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the Springfield Armory, discusses fuzes being made at the armory. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.
GLC02437.01073
to John Bryant
6 January 1784
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox gives orders regarding the receipt and distribution of stores to Bryant, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the Springfield, Massachusetts Armory. The stores will be delivered by Daniel Parker & Co., contractors who provided the army with...
GLC02437.02917
February 24, 1784
Captain Bryant encloses a return of stores at Springfield (not included). Reports on other events at Springfield, including a disagreement over the rights to a house on Captain George Pynchon's land. Reports that when General [Benjamin] Lincoln was...
GLC02437.02965
A return of stores in the laboratory at Springfield
5 May 1781
Lists numbers of cylinders, cartridges, hammers, case shot, and bullet molds, among other items.
GLC02437.10488
14 July 1783
Discusses the furloughs of two soldiers who served under Bryant (refer to GLC02437.10122). The men have to obtain blank discharge forms from army headquarters which must be filled out by Bryant before they can receive their furloughs. Expresses his...
GLC02437.10123
3 July 1789
In a secretarial hand and unsigned, but author is likely Henry Knox. Letter is probably a reply to GLC02437.04255, from Bryant to Knox. Writes that he would be happy to advance Bryant's brother-in-law Mr. Mason the sum Bryant requested, but he...
GLC02437.04269
[Order to pay Captain John Bryant]
28 June 1788
Signed by Knox as Secretary at War. Includes the copied signature of Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth. On verso, Bryant signs a note authorizing that his pay be given to Samuel Henley. Henley signs, noting receipt of the sum.
GLC02437.03915
1 July 1788
Howell, Joseph, 1750-1798
Discusses details of settling the accounts of Colonel [John] Crane and his officers. Indicates that army accounts must be settled before officers can obtain "the lands they are entitled to." Notes that the advances made to those who were supposed...
GLC02437.03920
12 March 1790
Writes to Knox, stating, "when I think of the attention that has been paid to me in my necessitous circumstances and of my situation in life, I cannot but with gratitude think on the author of it that his name may ever be rememberd [sic] in my family...
GLC02437.04545
25 June 1789
Writes to ask if Knox might help his brother, Lieutenant David Mason. Mason is in New York in a desperate situation, and Bryant has no money at present to help him. Asks if Knox might lend Mason fifteen dollars to book passage to Boston or...
GLC02437.04255
9 June 1785
Captain Bryant, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the Springfield Armory, encloses a plan of the buildings belonging to the United States at the Springfield Armory. Discusses construction and repairs taking place there. See GLC02437.08362 for...
GLC02437.03152
7 March 1784
Replies to a letter from Captain Bryant, at Springfield, Massachusetts (refer to GLC02437.2965). Responds to issues Bryant reported: a break-in on the property of Captain Pynchon, and Bryant's lack of pay. Agrees to help Bryant obtain pay, and...
GLC02437.02972
18 April 1781
Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aid-de-camp. States he is sorry to hear that Captain Bryant's company is weak but says "it is out of my power to add to it, except by ordering such men of the artillery to it, who are...
GLC03495
Informs Bryant that he will receive 7000 rations from army contractors to be issued "in such Quantities upon Returns signed by Capt. Joseph Williams." Indicates that General Henry Jackson will protect the stores and that Daniel Parker & Co. (the...
GLC03432.001
13 September 1785
Discusses accounts related to military stores at the Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts, both payments and orders. Says he has not seen [Samuel] Hodgdon and therefore does not know the amount to pay some of the officers. Authorizes Bryant to...
GLC03432.002
Marked as a "Duplicate" (of GLC03432.02). Discusses accounts related to military stores at the Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts, both payments and orders. Says he has not seen [Samuel] Hodgdon and therefore does not know the amount to pay some...
GLC03432.003
20 November 1785
Discusses administrative matters relating to Captain Bryant's pay. Notes he forwarded a certificate related to Bryant's failure to receive his commutation and says it is now out of Knox's hands. Comments he did not forward Bryant's certificate of...
GLC03432.004
February 8, 1786
Discusses the need to capture "the villains who broke open the public store at Springfield" Writes, "In all cases of the kind the most vigorous search ought to be made to find out the culprits and to bring them to condign punishment..." Notes he...
GLC03432.005
8 March 1786
Discusses accounts and a transfer of munitions related to the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Also discusses Captain Bryant's pay, indicating that "forty dollars per month is all that will be allowed by the public." Written from the War...
GLC03432.006
18 March 1786
Mentions the transfer of munitions from the Salisbury furnace to the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts, and his expectation that the operation is complete. Asks Captain Bryant to be "very exact" in his accounting (in both weight and number) of...
GLC03432.007
5 April 1786
Reiterates his request for a "perfectly accurate" return for the shot and shells sent from the Salisbury furnace to the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Advises Captain Bryant to "be explicit in your orders" when requesting payment "or they...
GLC03432.008
[Receipt of $500 payment from Captain John Bryant]
16 September 1786
Records the receipt of the bills drawn by the Treasury Board on the first of August last "on William Imlay, Esq. Commissioner of Continental Loan Office State of Connecticut" on behalf of Knox and remitted to John Bryant. Possibly related to the...
GLC03432.009
7 March 1787
Orders Captain Bryant to immediately send him "a return of every article taken by General Shepard [from the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts]...noting particularly the state they were in at the time they were taken, and at the time they were...
GLC03432.010
5 June 1787
Discusses payments related to the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Instructs Bryant to provide Jeremiah Wadsworth with a receipt of payment and to make two duplicates of the receipt. Also sends a list (not included) of items from the armory at...
GLC03432.011
14 July 1787
Orders Captain Bryant to arrange for a cooper to repair powder casks and to have Mr. Smith purchase the hoops for the repairs of the powder casks. Warns Bryant to be "extremely careful that no accident happens with the powder" and to remember the...
GLC03432.012
[Order for Captain John Bryant to deliver four pounders to Captain Joseph Savage]
August 25, 1944
Orders Bryant, as the "public Store-keeper, at Springfield...to deliver two four pounders...with proper implements" for the use of Savage's company. Written from the War Office. With an autograph note signed by Savage on the bottom noting the...
GLC03432.013
25 August 1787
Discusses Captain Bryant's pay for 1786. Lists the amounts and dates previously paid to Bryant and notes he will send the remaining $130.00 owed to Bryant. Written from the War Office.
GLC03432.014
19 April 1788
Discusses obtaining "warrants from the treasury on Connecticut for various objects" and Captain Bryant's pay. Says he put the warrants in Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth's hands. Wadsworth has been instructed to inform Knox once he receives payment...
GLC03432.015
19 May 1788
Notes the receipt of a letter from Captain Bryant regarding his pay and indicates that he will consult with "them" and "attempt to obtain a warrant for its payment." Written from the War Office.
GLC03432.016
February 4, 1789
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Notes the receipt of a return related to military stores. Indicates that Secretary of War Henry Knox did not answer himself because he is "confined to his bed." Henry Knox has rheumatism (see GLC03432.019). Written from the War Office.
GLC03432.017
February 25, 1789
Writes he has enclosed an order (not included) on Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth's for six months pay owed to Captain Bryant for his service in 1787. Hopes Bryant will receive his pay for 1788 in a few months. He will write more about his...
GLC03432.018
17 March 1790
Discusses settling accounts related to Captain Bryant's pay for 1786. Mentions two incidences where he could not obtain a credit from the treasurer. Written from the War Office.
GLC03432.019
28 May 1790
Notes his receipt of "a return of Ordnance and Stores for the month of April." Discusses his receipt of a letter from a Mr. Cranch, who he supposes "is now completing the business in his line at Springfield, after which he will go to West Point...
GLC03432.020
21 September 1790
Reports on his inspection of the military stores under Captain Bryant's charge at the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts and expresses his approval. Lists items still in need of inspection. Provides instructions for making sure the "four pounders...
GLC03432.021
24 March 1791
Notes his receipt of "the return of Ordnance and military Stores for February." Indicates he sent $240 for Captain Bryant's pay for 1789 and $480 for 1790. Instructs Bryant to maintain the revenues from the sale of damaged ordnance stores "as a...
GLC03432.022
9 April 1791
Directs Captain Bryant to immediately send 152 muskets and bayonets to Chauncy Whittlesey in Middletown, Connecticut. Written from the War Department.
GLC03432.023
18 June 1792
Directs Captain Bryant to "furnish Capt. Flunt, with arms for his recruits: and that you will transport to Middletown, Connecticut, addressed to Captain John Pratt, - Fifty - stand of arms - Let them all be of the 'Charleville' Stamp." Written from...
GLC03432.024
27 September 1791
Notes his receipt of the returns for ordnance and military stores for August 1791. Directs Captain Bryant to send 100 suits of clothing to Chauncy Whittlesey in Middletown, Connecticut, who will, in turn, forward them to New York. Written from the...
GLC03432.025
2 May 1792
Tells Captain Bryant that he has directed Joseph Howell, the paymaster for the War Department, to send Bryant $1,000 for Captain Thomas Hunt. With an autograph note signed from Howell indicating "the above sum is enclosed in the letter to Capt...
GLC03432.026
2 July 1793
Instructs Captain Bryant to have the furnace and boring mill prepared for casting cannons, which were ordered from Mr. Byers. Also lists the weights of some cannons and mortars to be given to Byers along with some old metal. Written from the War...
GLC03432.027
24 July 1794
Indicates that he is sending monies for the incidental expenses of the ordnance department and Captain Bryant's pay. Asks Bryant to send him a voucher for disbursement estimates and advises him to "expedite the mounting of the Artillery, and...
GLC03432.028
28 July 1794
Marked as a duplicate. Asks Captain Bryant to send Samuel Hodgdon in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, twenty five cannons with carriages. Instructs him to send them to Chauncy Whittlesey in Middletown, Connecticut, who would forward them to New York....
GLC03432.029
29 August 1797
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Acknowledges the receipt of 1,463 24-pound cannon balls from the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts, shipped via the sloop "Platform" under Captain Ingraham, for the use of the "United States frigate at this port" (the USS Constitution). Part of...
GLC03432.030
11 June 1798
Asks Captain Bryant to ready 20 tons of cannon and one ton of musket powder for transport. The ordnance was needed "for the use of the Frigate Constitution." Also asks Bryant to inform him what cannon or grape shot he has at the armory in...
GLC03432.031
[Receipt for cannon balls from Captain John Bryant]
5 August 1797
Ingraham, John, fl. 1797
Records the receipt of ordnance from the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts "for the frigate building in Boston for the United States" (the USS Constitution), which Captain Ingraham promised to deliver to Henry Jackson.
GLC03432.032
26 September 1795
Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829
Colonel Pickering, Secretary of War, informs Captain Bryant that he has directed $1,200 be remitted to Bryant. Written from the War Office. Free frank signed by Timothy Pickering.
GLC03432.033
26 July 1782
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
General Lincoln sends Captain Bryant a congressional resolution (not included) "relative to the department of military stores." Asks Bryant to fire the commissary of general stores and his clerk at the armory in Springfield and to take over the...
GLC03432.034
29 August 1782
General Lincoln discusses selling certain items from the armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. Comments on the operations of mechanical and chemical stores. Notes that he has put Captain Hawes in charge of the artificers and that he desires Captain...
GLC03432.035
7 September 1780
Hodgdon, Samuel, 1745-1824
Informs Bryant as a consequence of a resolve of Congress that Colonel Mason is excused from duty. Says it is Congress's wish to place Bryant in charge of the Laboratory with the pay equal to that of a Captain's pay at other branches employed at the...
GLC03432.036
26 November 1782
Notifies Bryant he has not received any returns for the stores under Bryant's control. Informs Bryant a standing order from the Secretary at War (Benjamin Lincoln) requires all persons in charge of any stores to send monthly returns. Orders Bryant...
GLC03432.037
February 16, 1784
Writes to Bryant that he has been informed by a letter from "Benj Huntingdon" [possibly referring to Benjamin Huntington], addressed to the Superintendent of Finance (Robert Morris), that there are a number of military stores "lying without regard in...
GLC03432.038
21 June 1784
Tells Bryant he has been informed that two "hogshead of Cartouch" and two "tons Cannon Ball" have been deposited in Danbury, Connecticut. Instructs Bryant to move the "cartouch" to Springfield and put it in the deposit of Bryant's immediate...
GLC03432.039
31 July 1784
Says he received Bryant's return today and was disappointed to hear about a breach made upon the stores. States it is obvious that is was the discharged guards who committed the robbery and that Bryant's inquiries should focus on those guards....
GLC03432.040
11 August 1784
Encloses (not included) an invoice of stores that are to immediately be sold. Also includes (not included) the conditions of the sale and an advertisement. Asks for an account on the amount of twine Bryant has available. Provides Bryant with...
GLC03432.041
21 August 1784
Marked as a copy on the docket. Encloses a receipt (not included) for the return of stores he received from Hartford, Middletown, and New Haven, Connecticut. Asks for information about the availability of other stores and provides further...
GLC03432.042
[Receipt of stores from Captain John Bryant]
29 September 1784
Includes items such as sulphur, iron, steel, breeching hooks, twine, damaged twine, damaged muskets, etc.
GLC03432.043
30 September 1784
Writes Bryant from Grave Tavern with instructions on a possible upcoming sale of supplies. Discusses pricing and other details related to supplies.
GLC03432.044
6 October 1784
Writes Bryant he has informed Mr. [Henry] Knox to bring the account of sales and the securities. Requests Bryant assists Knox.
GLC03432.045
26 October 1784
Provides instructions to Bryant regarding what stores should be sold. Notes the sale of the brass cahorns [possibly referring to a coehorn] were sold by mistake and the person who was responsible for it should be held accountable. Says he will only...
GLC03432.046
1 November 1784
Writes Bryant that Mr. Sheldon has informed him that there are still "loads" of stores remaining. Asks Bryant to sell any stores he can and to use the money towards the completion of the other buildings. Comments he is considering allowing Mr...
GLC03432.047
10 November 1784
Asks for a payroll of the men under Bryant who have not been paid and to note their pay masters and which corps they belonged to. Notes that Bryant's pay needs to be stated in an account and the sums received credited. Says the iron and stores can...
GLC03432.048
15 December 1784
Discusses receipts he sent to Bryant regarding the number of stores sold at Springfield, Massachusetts.
GLC03432.049
16 April 1785
Notes he received the receipt for Bryant's last return. Mentions that General [Henry] Knox has yet to arrive but is expected any time. Says he will notify Bryant of any new regulations and for him to continue assisting Mr. Byers.
GLC03432.050
11 May 1785
Informs Bryant he received the securities that were forwarded to him. Notes he is unclear who to credit the account to. Says he will balance the accounts and charge any differences to Bryant's account. If that is not acceptable Bryant is to inform...
GLC03432.051
8 August 1785
Notes he received Bryant's enclosures from Captain Byers and will immediately attend to the inquiries that were noted. Discusses Bryant's accounts and pay. Says General [Henry] Knox will be in Philadelphia at the end of the month at which time...
GLC03432.052
January 16, 1786
Noted as a copy. Forwards (not included) a statement of Bryant's accounts with the public that were deficient. Asks Bryant to examine the accounts, attest to their accuracy, and annex the vouchers.
GLC03432.053
January 21, 1786
Asks Bryant to ascertain (by a certificate) the accounts that were forwarded to Bryant. Provides instructions on the information that should be included.
GLC03432.054
January 31, 1786
Discusses accounts he has sent and received from Bryant. Notes he has attested to the balance owned to Bryant.
GLC03432.055
17 July 1786
Writes Bryant he will do everything in his power to obtain Bryant's money when he returns to Boston. Hodgdon will then adjust and close Bryant's accounts.
GLC03432.056
12 August 1794
Informs Bryant that in addition to the stores ordered from Bryant's post by the Secretary of War (Henry Knox) he is also to "speedily" forward Hodgdon 500 port fires.
GLC03432.057
11 September 1794
Notes he received the cannon, carriages, and port fires and believes them a good acquisition. Requests Bryant send the 495 pistols that were absent in this return. Probably related to supplies for the army raised to suppress the Wiskey Rebellion.
GLC03432.058
13 November 1794
Writes to Bryant he has informed Mr. Ames that he is to repair the vacant buildings on the hill for his dwelling. Requests Bryant assists with finding employment for Mr. Ames's men and to note any articles that he delivers to Ames.
GLC03432.059
9 January 1795
Discusses the progress on the armory Mr. Ames is establishing (see GLC03432.059). Asks Bryant to continue assisting Mr. Ames with the armory. Any cleaning and repairs to muskets are to be completed first followed by constructing muskets of the...
GLC03432.060
18 June 1795
Writes Bryant that he has spoken with the Secretary of War (Timothy Pickering) regarding howitzers and that they believe it is "necessary." Instructs Bryant to complete the carriages and to suspend all other operations until he receives further...
GLC03432.061
30 July 1795
Asks Bryant for further details on the type, number, and weight of various supplies and weapons listed on Bryant's return. Instructs Bryant to be more accurate and "perfect" in his returns.
GLC03432.062
18 August 1795
Reminds Bryant that all the returns need to list is what have been received and delivered since the last return. This will save Bryant trouble in the future. Informs Bryant he cannot receive a credit for the ducks until Hodgdon receives a voucher...
GLC03432.063
8 October 1795
Updates Bryant on Augusts' return he received from Bryant. Informs Bryant that he did not receive any receipts for the stores noted as expended, therefore Bryant will not be credited for those. Notes that Mr. Ames should have given Bryant a receipt...
GLC03432.064
9 January 1796
Encloses (not included) a minute of the inaccuracies on Bryant's return that must be accounted for. Reminds Bryant again to provide more details on his returns and to remember to list all alterations. Says that full returns are unnecessary, Bryant...
GLC03432.065
15 April 1796
Requests Bryant sends 40 of his best French Arms with cartouch boxes and gun [worms] to Captain Edward Miller's recruits in Connecticut. Notes to take triplicate receipts upon delivery.
GLC03432.066
29 November 1796
Requests a return (and the receipts) for every species of public stores under Bryant's care from the first of January. Says once the information is received Bryant's books will be closed. From that point on Bryant will only need to note...
GLC03432.067
17 April 1797
Informs Bryant that he received his letter and return. Inquires why the powder barrels have not been paid for.
GLC03432.068
25 July 1797
Requests Bryant ships 1,463 24-pound cannon balls to Henry Jackson in Boston, Massachusetts, the agent "for the Frigate building there for the United States" (USS Constitution). Bryant is to take triplicate receipts.
GLC03432.069
24 March 1798
Asks Bryant for the weight on various bars of lead. Also asks for the number of muskets received by Mr. Ames.
GLC03432.070
3 May 1798
Instructs Bryant to send weapons and supplies to Melancton Smith in New York. Includes cannon, howitzers, carriages, and various other items.
GLC03432.071
6 June 1798
Requests Captain Bryant send additional cannons [for Melancton Smith] to Philadelphia and discusses possible transportation routes. Stamped "free" on address leaf. Free frank signature of James McHenry (Secretary of War).
GLC03432.072
26 June 1798
Requests Captain Bryant sends 500 stand of arms to Archibald Crary in Springfield, Massachusetts and discusses possible transportation routes.
GLC03432.073
7 July 1798
Requests Captain Bryant immediately sends 50 Barrels of powder to Stephen Higginson, merchant, regiment in Boston, Massachusetts. The powder is for the "Navy and the vessell will be waiting to receive it." (The vessel was probably the USS...
GLC03432.074
10 August 1798
Discusses the repairs that Hodgdon would like Bryant to complete on various items.
GLC03432.075
12 October 1798
Acknowledges that he has received Bryant's letters. Instructs Bryant that if he has not already done so, to send a receipt to Colonel Williams for a six pounder and a carriage that was shipped. Discusses Bryant's continuance at the post, says he...
GLC03432.076
24 April 1797
Hagner, Peter, 1772-1850
Hagner, a clerk in the accountant's office of the War Department, writes to inform Captain Bryant that he will receive the $120 compensation he requested in his letter. Written from the "Accountants' Office."
GLC03432.077
7 August 1798
Hagner, a clerk in the accountant's office of the War Department, writes to inform Captain Bryant that he is sending him his salary from April - June 1798 "and sundry Vouchers for expenditures in the ordnance department." Written from the...
GLC03432.078
to Joseph Williams
January 23, 1799
Shepard, William, 1737-1817
Shepard, a Massachusetts congressman, responds to a letter from Williams, a lawyer in Springfield, Massachusetts, to defend the integrity of Captain John Bryant (against an unspecified accusation or question regarding his character). Writes Bryant...
GLC03432.079
March 30, 1785
Babcock, Elisha, 1753-1821
Sends money related to accounts for military stores in Springfield, Massachusetts.
GLC03432.080
16 December 1793
Lyman, William, 1775-1811
Lyman, a Massachusetts congressman, discusses Captain Bryant's granting power of attorney to Mr. Emery and the delay in the business he wanted transacted due to the closure of public offices because of "the late raging Epidemic." Free frank signed...
GLC03432.081
7 January 1795
Lyman, a Massachusetts congressman, discusses a liquidation that will relieve Captain Bryant from "further trouble in the affair." Also notes the resignation of Secretary of War Henry Knox and the appointment of Timothy Pickering. Letter is...
GLC03432.082
29-30 July 1798
Lyman, Cornelius, 1758-?
Lyman informs Captain Bryant that "my Dear Wife and your Sister," Sarah Mason, had died. Gives the details of Sarah's illness and death. She was pregnant and died of a fever not long after giving birth to a son that lived only a short time....
GLC03432.083
19 August 1798
In the month after his wife's death, Lyman writes details about seeing and interacting with his young son, James. Discusses traveling to Pennsylvania with his late wife, their plans, and her sickness. Discusses various plans in the wake of her...
GLC03432.084
Memorandum for the Honorable Mr. Lyman
30 April 1794
Requests that Captain John Bryant send him information regarding the pay and service of enlisted artillerymen and artificers. The Lyman referred to was the Massachusetts congressman William Lyman. Written from the "Accountants Office."
GLC03432.088
23 September 1794
The Paymaster General of the Army indicates that he has sent (not included) "some remarks on your Accounts for payment made in part to Joseph Frost for timber, which cannot pass to your Credit untill his account is paid in full & transmitted to me."...
GLC03432.089
24 October 1794
The Paymaster General of the Army notes his receipt of vouchers from Captain Bryant. Notes that Nathaniel Gorham has been directed to remit $2000 to Bryant for the "expenses of the ordnance department." Written from the "Accountants Office."
GLC03432.090
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