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Original War of 1812 manuscript clothing order written in New York on June 28, 1813, and signed by Lieutenant James Ryan, an officer in the United States Regular Army’s Rifle Regiment.
In this handwritten authorization, Ryan directs “Mr. Edwards” to release clothing to the bearer, identified in an interlineation as Richard Johnson, apparently accompanied by the words “& Son.” The document offers an uncommon glimpse into the everyday logistical side of the War of 1812: the storage, authorization, and distribution of soldiers’ clothing.
“N. York, June ye 28, 1813
To Mr. Edwards
Sir, you will please to let the Bearer,
Richard Johnson & Son,
have his Cloaths, and this shall be
your order. By so doing you will much
oblige your
Humble Servant,
James Ryan
Lieut.”
The reverse is addressed:
“To Mr. Edwards”
LIEUTENANT JAMES RYAN
James Ryan served as an officer in the U.S. Regular Army during the War of 1812. Army officer rolls place him in the United States Rifle Regiment and record his appointment as a first lieutenant on November 30, 1812.
The Rifle Regiment was a specialized Regular Army formation whose soldiers were equipped and trained to operate as riflemen and light infantry. Elements of the regiment participated in operations along the northern frontier during the War of 1812.
Ryan signed this order approximately seven months after receiving his first-lieutenant’s commission. His surviving service entry reportedly concludes on October 6, 1814. The wording beneath his signature appears consistent with “Lieut.,” matching his documented rank in June 1813.
Although the order concerns military clothing, Ryan should not be described definitively as the regiment’s quartermaster without additional documentation. Published officer lists identify another officer as regimental quartermaster. Ryan may have issued this authorization as a company officer or while performing detached administrative duties.
MR. EDWARDS
Mr. Edwards was evidently the custodian of the clothing covered by the order. He may have been a military storekeeper, tailor, contractor, depot employee, or civilian supply agent operating in New York.
The phrase “this shall be your order” indicates that Edwards required written authorization before releasing the clothing. His exact position is not stated in the manuscript and remains open to further research.
RICHARD JOHNSON
Richard Johnson is identified as the bearer authorized to collect the clothing. He may have been an enlisted soldier, military employee, or authorized civilian agent associated with Ryan’s command.
The interlineated identification appears to read “Richard Johnson & Son.” This could refer to Johnson and his son, two authorized recipients, or possibly a business-style designation. The order subsequently uses the singular wording “his Cloaths,” leaving the exact meaning somewhat uncertain.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Dated during the active War of 1812, this document illustrates the routine supply system that supported the United States Army. Clothing shortages, transportation difficulties, and inconsistent supply arrangements were persistent problems for American forces. Short orders such as this allowed officers to authorize the release of uniforms and personal clothing from military depots, contractors, tailors, and local custodians.
The document combines several desirable collecting subjects:
• War of 1812
• United States Regular Army
• U.S. Rifle Regiment
• Identified Army officer’s signature
• Military uniforms and clothing
• Quartermaster and supply history
• New York wartime activity
• Early American manuscript ephemera
Original manuscript document with expected age toning, scattered stains and foxing, old fold lines, ink offset and general handling wear. There is irregular paper loss along the left edge and wear along the lower edge, with smaller edge losses elsewhere. The principal text, date, New York location, recipient’s name, and James Ryan signature remain legible.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
A scarce original War of 1812-era military clothing authorization signed by an identifiable officer of the United States Rifle Regiment.
