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.

Bliss, John, 1787-1854 to Moody Bedel

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.721.01 Author/Creator: Bliss, John, 1787-1854 Place Written: Haverhill, New Hampshire Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 24, 1812 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; Height: 24.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy

Lieutenant Bliss reports to Colonel Bedel on enlistment, including activities regarding recruiting a minor and obtaining the release of a soldier from jail who was being held for a debt. On the topic of the laws that permit such imprisonment, he is "somewhat loquacious" because of his "opinion that Legislative aid is necessary, not only for the salvation of our 'little band,' but for the protection of the citizens of New Hampshire." Letter written during the War of 1812.

Bliss, John, 1787-1854
Bedel, Moody, 1764-1841

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources