Lyman, Cornelius (b. 1758) to John Bryant
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03432.084 Author/Creator: Lyman, Cornelius (b. 1758) Place Written: Erie, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 August 1798 Pagination: 4 p. ; 31.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
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 death. Filled with poignant and melancholy sentiments: "My hopes & future prospect are blasted I have lost a kind and tender mother a pleasant & agreeable companion and as a domestic wife exceeded but by few - poor little James is now sitting and playing by me...the sight of him brings to mind what has lately passed and what will pass on all the human race." Bryant was related to the late Sarah Mason through his second-wife, Hannah Mason. Written from Presque Isle, which is now Erie, Pennsylvania.
Cornelius Lyman, brother of general and congressman William Lyman, was an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Captain John Bryant was the Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts.
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