[Lett] [received [undecipherable] 1796] To The Honble William Lyman Esq^r. Philadelphia [D. p. 1796 Rec. Mar] Sir Springfield Feb^o 28 1796 I recived your favor of the [undecipherable] of [undecipherable]. I am sorry that you are put to so much trouble in collecting my affairs. I had in- cluded my Commission for first Lieu^t but Thomas [undecipherable] in 1776 alters my appointment for a Captain Lieu^t in 1777. I was ordered to raise a company to work in the Laboratory at Spring- field, by General [undecipherable] I have no doubt but if I could have had a fresh commission if [undecipherable] applied for Albert [undecipherable] I Dared not trouble my self much about it, as I did not much expect to be call'd into the field. if it is necessary for me to have a certificate [undecipherable] that I served the end of the War [undecipherable] Superintendent of Ordnance can certify that, for I have and been out of the United States since in May 1777 I believe there would not been so [undecipherable] difficulty about it if I had applied for [undecipherable] [undecipherable] left the service. either Lyman [undecipherable] [undecipherable] she was well a few days since. my self [undecipherable] enjoy better as I hope you [undecipherable] yours I am Sir &c. [undecipherable] your Obedient Servant John [undecipherable: probable reading Bryant] [H Lyman Hon W Lyman Esq.]