William Ledyard 1750-1781 Revolutionary War officer in command of Fort Griswold which protected the vital port of New London. On Sep. 7 1781 the fort was assaulted by 800 British troops who had arrived by sea. Ledyard and his 157 poorly armed militiamen held the fort for an hour. Finally, Ledyard surrendered his sword and British Maj. Bromfield, angered by his loss of 200 men, plunged the sword into Ledyard killing him and later massacring Ledyard's men. Exceeding rare war date A.D.S. Wm. Ledyard', about four lines on the verso of an order 1p. oblong 8vo., [Hartford], Dec.1, 1779 instructing that Ledyard be paid 600 pounds. On the verso, Ledyard acknowledges receipt of the funds. Fine condition.