Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File B. L. Rej. 304209-55, for Jonathan Pratt, New Hampshire
Page 1

Service:  Col Hazen's Regt
Enlisted in NH

Pratt, Jonathan
Potter, Polly (former widow)

Her second husband was Benj Potter

B.L. Reg 304209-55
B.L. Reg 305980-55
Page 2

Declaration

305989

(Illegible stamp - PENSION OFFICE FEB)
Page 3

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland

On this 10 day of January A.D. one Thousand Eight hundred and Sixty personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Polly Potter aged 71 years, a Resident of Enterprize in the State of Indiana who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is widow of (Benjamin Potter deceased) who was formerly widow of Johnathan Pratt deceased, who was a fifer in the Company command by Capt. Duncan, in Regiment of ___ Commanded by Col. Migs, in the war of the Revolution.  that her husband vollunteered [volunteered] at Bath in the County of Grafton in the State of New Hampshire on or about the 1 day of May 1777, for during the war and continued in actual service till the close of said war and was honorably discharged as the Records will show. he received a written discharge but it has been lost long since.

That she was married to Benjamin Potter on the 17 day of May 1847 who died the 16 day of March AD. 1859.  she further states that she was married (to the soldier) Johnathan Pratt on the 17 day of July AD 1803 in Canada in Malden in Malden Township by one James Colwell a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Polly Lockhart
Page 4

That her first husband Johnathan Pratt died in Switzerland County State of Indiana on the 11 day of May
AD 1814 and that she is now a Widow.

N.B. There is no public or private Record of either of her Marriages or the death of either of her husbands.
That she knows there is no family Record of Either of these marriges or deaths in any case.

she makes this declaration for the purpose of Obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled
under the Acts approved March 3 1855 and May 14 1856, and she further declares that she has not received or applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress except in October 1857. To which this is an amendment

Polly Potter (her mark)

We Silas R Potter & Georg W Potter, Residents of Switzerland County in the State of Indiana upon our oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed and acknowledged by Polly Potter in our presence; and that we believe from the appearances and statements of the applicant, that she is the person she represents herself to be and still is a widow
Page 5

of Benjamin Potter who died on the 16 day of March AD 1859- that we have no Interest in this Case.

Silas R. Potter
George W Potter

I Cynthia A. Crutcher of Henry, State of Indiana State upon my oath that I was at the marriage of
Benjamin Potter & Polly now his Widow. That I know they were married on the 17 day of May AD
1849, and that she is now a widow of Benjamin Potter Deceased on 16 day March 1859

Cynthia A Crutcher

The forgoing Declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year
above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons: That the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and is still a widow; that I believe all her statements to be true for I have ben frequently at her house in the lifetime of Mr. Potter and hearing them talk about those matters and knew them to live as husband and wife and he called her such have been there several times; since his death also when he was on his death bed, and know he is dead and that I have no Interest in this claim.

Samuel Wiley
Notary Public
Page 6

304.209
for widow of Jonathan Pratt
Polly Potters Application
for Bounty Land
War of the Revolution
Act 3rd March 1855
Original

[stamp]
Dec 13 [rest is illegible]
GH, Sumpkin
Present
Page 7

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland ss

On this 18 day of October A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and fifty nine personally Appeared before me Lemuel Miley a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Polly Potter aged 70 years a resident of Enterprize in the state of Indiana who being duly sworn according to Law, declares that she is the widow of Johnathan Pratt deceased who was a private (and arrand boys in the company commanded by Captain --- in --- Regiment of New Hampshire their Malitia [Militia] commanded by General Hazen in the Revolutionary War
That (enlisted/ was crossed out) her said husband enlisted at or was Bath on the connecticut [Connecticut] River in the states of of New Hampshire an in the state of Vermont on or about 1st day of May AD 1777.during the remainder of the year and continued in actual service till the close, and was honorable discharge  he had a written discharge but it misplaced or lost as she never saw it
he was in all the skermishes [skirmishes] almost in the Conneticut [Connecticut] River he was at the Battle of Yorktown & at the taking of Cornwallis with General Laffayate [Lafayette] where he [illegible] Read outs [redoubts].
She further states that she was married to the said Johnithan [Jonathan] Pratt in Waldin in upper Cannada [Canada] on the 11th day of July AD 1803.
Page 8

haz one James Colwell a Justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage was Polly Lockhart that her said husband died Switzerland County in the state of Indiana on the Elventh day of May AD 1814. and that she is now a widow.

She makes this declaratory on the purpos of obtaning the bounty land for which she may be entitled under the acts approved March 13, 1855 to May 14 1856 and she further declares that she has not received or applied for Bounty land under this or any other act of Congress.

Polly Potter (her x)

We Albert C Adams and Jordan Wainscott Residents of Switzerland County in the state of Indiana upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration and houses of Attorney was signed and acknowledge in our presents. by. Polly. Potter and that we believe from the appearence and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and is still a widow
A C Adams
Jordan Wainscott
Page 9

Know All men by these presents that I Polly Potter have appointed and do by these presents  Appoint & constitute Thomas Tompkin of Washington City Dis.C. my true and lawful Attorney for and in my name to prosecute my claim for Bounty land and pension and whatsoever in the promises and take all nesscary steps Lawfully in my name then allowed hereby  confer my all and whatsoever he may legally do in my name or cause to be done in and about the premises.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 18 day of October. AD 1857.

Polly Potter (her x)

Acknowledge and subscribed to before me a Notary Public in and for the County of
Switzerland and state of Indiana this 18 day of October AD 1857.
Lemuel Wiley
Notary Publc
[illegible]
Page 10

State of Indiana}
County of Switzerland} ss  "Vol 27 " - Pg. 208.11

On this 27th Day of April personally appeared before the Common Court of Switzerland county State of Indiana Polly Potter formerly Polly Prate a resident of Enterprize [Enterprise] in the County & State aforesaid aged 72 years who being duly sworn according to law, Doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the "act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February 1853.  granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Benjamin Potter. [illegible] formerly widow of Johnathan Pratt. [illegible] who was a fifer in the Company commanded by Captain Duncan in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Meiss in the war of the Revolution.

That her said husband Johnithan Pratt volunteered  at Bath in the County of Grafton, in the State of New Hampshire on or about the 1 day of May AD 1777;
during the war and continued in actual service till the close of said war and was honorably discharged as the records will show  he received a written dischg but it got mislaid or lost so that it has not been seen since his death  that she was married   she further declares that she was married to the said Johnithan Pratt
Page 11

in uper Canada in Malaen in Malaen Township on the 17 day of July AD 1803
That her husband Pratt died on the day of May AD 1814. The County of Switzerland in the state of Indiana.
   That she was not married to him prior to the second day of January Eighteen hundred but at the time above stated.
    That she was married to Benjamin Potter in Greensburg Decator County in the state of Indiana on the 17 day of may AD 1849. That said Benjamin Potter died on the 16th day of March AD 1859.
      That she does not know of any public or private Record of the marriage of her and either of her husbands or of their deaths.
    That she knows there is no family Record of any of the above facts in reference to the marriage or death of Either of her husbands
Polly (her mark) Potter

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in open Court before mee

John J. Hayen
Judge Com. Pleas Court
for this Switzerland County in the 
State of Indiana
Page 12

We Silas N Potter and Harry Litltefield Residents of Switzerland County in the state of Indiana upon our oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed and sworn to by Polly Potter in our presence; and that we know she is a widow more and the widow of Benjamin Potter Deceased  That we know he died on the 16 day of March AD 1859 that we were at his house and saw him die
And we believe from the appearence and statement of the aplecant that she was the Identical widow of Johnithan Pratt 
Silas R. Potter
Harry Littlefield

Sworn to and subscribe on the day and year above written in open court before me
John J. Hayden
Judge Com. Pleas Court for Ohio & Switzerland Counties in the State of Indiana

State of Indiana
Switzerland County 
Oliver Ormsly Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, do hereby certify that John J. Hayden whose name appears above affidavit written in his own proper hand, is sold Judge of Said Court - In Testimony Whereof
Page 13

I ave hereunto Subscribed My Name and affixed the Seal of Said Court at ivay in Said County this 25th day of May AD 1860
Oliver Ormsby
Clerk C.C.P.
By Jrn N Malier C.C.
Page 14

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland }  ss

On this 28 day if April AD one thousand and eight-hundred and sixty personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and state aforesaid  Polly Potter formerly Polly Pratt who being duly sworn according to law declares that she had the following children by Johnithan Pratt on whose account she applies for Pension for his services as fife in the war of the Revolution, Johnithan Pratt born on the 7 day of August 1805
Lewis " born on the 17 day of Sept 1808
Vesta " was born on the 14 day of February 1811  
They all lived to be grown up. and they are all she had by him for he died on the 11 day of May in the County of Switzerland 1814.

That she has no Public private or Family Record of the births of any of their three children.
her
Polly  X  Potter
mark

Hiram L. Richmond 
Charlotte E Scott
Page 15

The foregoing Affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the Day & year above written; and I certify that I know the Affiavit to be a credable person. That she is the person she Represents herself to be that I have no Intrest in this claim.
Lemuell Wiley
Notary Public

Sir,
Mrs. Potter wishes you to adress her at Venay In. to my case
Lemuel Wily
Notary Public
Page 16

State of Indiana county of Switzerland
on this 25 day of may one thousand eight hundred and sixty personally appeared before me a notary
public within and for the county and state afore said Cintha [Cynthia] A Crutcher who being first duly sworn according to Law Declares that she saw Benjamin Potter and Polly Potter form Polly Prate widow of Johneth [Jonathan] married and that they were married in Greensburgh [Greensburg] Benton county state of Indiana

17 day of May 1849
That she is the identical Polly Potter who makes this application for pension

Cynthia A Crutcher

The foregoing applicant was sworn to subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the above applicant to be a credible person and the person she represents herself to be.

Lennard Wiley
notary public
Page 17

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland  ss

On this 28 day of April AD one thousand Eight hundred and sixty personally Appeared before me a Notary Public within & for the County and state aforesaid William Dickason Aged 70 years a Resident of Enterprize in the state of Indiana who being first duly sworn according to law, declares that he was wall acquainted with Johnithan Pratt a officer in Captain Duncans Co. in the war of the Revolution in his lifetime and Polly Potter formerly his wife lives togeather as husband and wife and he reputed as such in community...

That he Pratt died on the 11 day of May 1814 in Switzerland County
That he knows that fact for he saw him die and was at his burying that Polly Potter who makes this Application for Pension was his wife.

That she is now a widow and the widow of Benjamin Potter that he knew them live togeather [together] as husband and wife and he repeated as such in community that Potter died on the 16 day of March 1859 in the County of Switzerland
Page 18

That Johnithan Pratt & Polly his wife had three chilaren viz Johnithan Pratt, Lewis.. Vesta 
he acknowleage them to be his in his lifetime 
That I believe and know these persons spoken of to be the Identical person they are represented to be.  
William Dickason

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland ss
On this 25th day of May one Thousand Eight hundred and Sixty  personally Appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and state aforesaid Natheniel Cotton aged 77. a Resident of Mt Sterling who was first Duly sworn according to Law. Declares that he was well acquainted with Johnethan Pratt a fifer in Captain Duncans Co War of the Revolution in his life time and Polly Potter who was formerly his wife and knew them to live togeather as husband and wife be Reputed as sutth in community
That he died on the 11 day of May 1814 in the County of Switzerland State of Indiana for I was at his burying on the 12 day of May 1814.
That he had some chilaren but don't know how many
Page 19

That Polly Potter who makes this Application for Pension was the Identical wife of Johnathan Pratt n that he Makes his pen his hand trembles so
Nathaniel (his __ mark) Cotton

The foregoing Affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the days and year above written: and I certify that I know the affiants to be Credable Persons that they are the Persons they Represent them seting to be.
That I have no Interest in this Claim
Lemuel Wiley
Notary Public
Page 20

(Left side)
[illegible writing along edge of paper]
Seal -Pension Office June 14, 1861

(Right side)
Additional Amended Declaration
Mrs. Polly Potter
widow of Jonathan Potter
Rev. War.

Lem S. Wiley
Vevary, Ind.

Filed by J.V. Wiles
Washington June 12/ 01
&C
Page 21

State of Arkansas
County of Benton  ss

on this the 16th day of  January A.D. one thousand eight and sixty one personally appeard [appeared] before me an acting justice of the peace within and for the County and state aforesaid Polly Potter - formerly Pratt aged 72 years, a resident now of the County and state afforesaid [aforesaid] who being duley [duly] sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Jonathan Pratt (deceist) [deceased] who was a private (errend [errand] Boy) in Gel Hazen's Ridgement [Regiment] in the war of the Revolution

that hur [her] said husband entered the servis [service] in or near the County of Grafton in the state of New Hampshire on or about the first day of May A.D 1777 and served during the war, as the records will show

he often told me that he was quite a lad when he joind [joined] the army, and that his mother came to the army to quit him off.  his mother went to the General to let him off, he told her, he would let him off if he wished, but if he preferred to go he would be a father to him.  he wanted to go and she concented [consented].

he was in several skermishes [skirmishes] and battels and at the taking of Lord Cornwallis in Verginna [Virginia], and was honerabley [honorably] discharged at the end of the war, and that he left his discharge at his Brothers in the state of Vermont.

That her act introducing in her amended declaration that he was a fifer under Capt
Page 22

Duncan and Col. Meigs was owing mainly to fact that the Pension office had Recognized his service as such and as her Recollection  was distinct as to the service, of her husband under General Hazan as related to her frequently by her husband in conversation with her "she naturaly [naturally] infered [inferred] they were the same persons without any intention to deceive; which would be the last thing she would think of or wish to do.

As her husband has been dead forty six years and the servise [service] as performed Eigty [eighty] years ago she cannot warrent [warrant] with distincness [distinctness] the perticulers [particulars] there to nor can she obtain the Record evidence to sustain the claim

She further states that she was married to the said Jonathan Pratt in upper Cannada [Canada] in Malden in Malden Township on the 17th day of July A.D. 1803 by one James Colwell a justice of the peace, and that her name before he said marriage was Polly Lockhart that her said  husband died at Switzerland County State of Indiana on the 12th day of May A.D. 1814

That she was maried [married] to Benjamin Potter New Greensburgh [Greensburg] Decator County state of Indiana on the 17th day of May A.D. 1849. that said Potter died on the 16th day of March 1859 and that she is now a widow
that there is no public or private Record of the above facts that she knows there is no family record.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled under the acts approved March 3 1855 and May 14, 1856,  She further declares that she has not
Page 23

received or applied for bounty land under this or any other act of congress except october 1859 and an amended declaration about May 1860
Polly (x her mark) Potter

we John Steakly and Danniel P. Paschal Residents of Benton County in the state of Arkansas upon our oaths declare that the pregoing declaration was signed and acknowledge by Polly Potter in our presants and we beleave from the appearence and statements of the applicant that she is the Identical person she Represent herself to be and is still a widow.
John Steakly
Daniel P. Paschal

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above witten and I certify that I know the affiant to be credable persons. that the claiment is the person she represents her self to be and is still a widow and that I have no interest in this claim
Savil Gunner  J P

State of Arkansas
County of Benton John R. Woods Clerk of the Circuit Court and Exoficio Clerk of the county court in and for the county of Benton and state of Arkansas do hereby certify that Savil Gunner whose name appears to the aforegoing certificate is and was at the date above written as a duly commissioned and active Justice of the Peace and his signature is genuine and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Steakley and Daniel P Paschal and certify they are citizen of this county and and are Reliable persons
In testimony so here of  I knoe here to set my hand and affixed the seal of office this 21t Januey 1861  
John R Woods  Clerk

[seal affixed but cannot be read]
Page 24

Sir if I am found entitled to county land when my warrant is issued hand it to Samuel V Niles of Washington City D.C. whome I authorize to prosecute and receive the same and send to my order

her mark
polly potter
Page 25

(envelope)

Refd. Rev. Ex.. Oct 28/61

Hon Joseph H. Barnett, 
Comms. Pensions

(seal) Department of the Interior
Oct 26 1861
Pension Office
Page 26

[stamped on envelope]
PENSION OFFICE
JUNE 14 1861
 
[stamped on envelope]
Dec 12 1863 [the rest is illegible]

Hon Jos. H. Barrett
Comms of Pensions
Additional Evidence
Act of 18 [illegible]

[notes all over envelope]
304209
Jonathen Pratt decd  
Ark

 not on [illegible] 
fils Jan 15/

Rev Ep
Dec 10/ 59 [illegible]

Ref Rev. Ex June 20/ 61
Page 27

Jonathan Pratt ded -
Fifer, Colo. Meigs Regt. Connect Line, Revolutionary -
Claim for bounty said by Mrs. Polly Potter formerly widow of Jonathan Pratt, decd under the Act of March 3d 1855

The name of Jonathan Pratt, is not returned on the records in the Connecticut Line among those entittled to, or who have received bounty land from the U. States.

Gen Geo C  Hurling
 County [writing off the page]

[stamped]
PENSION OFFICE 
FEB 28
1860
Page 28

[envelope]
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.

3042089
Polly Potter  Polly Potter
wid of 
Jonathan Pratt  

[signed] Woodly
[stamped] Pension Office June 11 1860
official Bu__
Pensions
Page 29

[envelope - return address]
Sam'l V. Niles
(Late of the General Land Office)
Military, Habal and General Agency
Washington City, D.C.

Hon J. H. Barrett,
Comm. Pensions

Ad Ev - Rev Case bounty land,
Ref to. Mr. Drury
June 4/ 62

Polly Potter widow of Johnathan Pratt decd
Not on Secy [illegible]
June 4/62
Revolution

[stamped]
Office of the Interior
June 3 1862
Pension Office
Page 30

[discolored tape cover part, illegible]

[illegible]
30598...Feby 28/ 60
304. [illegible]
Polly Potter [illegible]
widow of 
Johnathan Pratt
fifer
[illegible]
Rev
Revolutionary
original
No Pen Papers

Thos Lumpton
Present

[stamp on right side, partly illegible]
Department of the Interior
Dec. 12 18_
Pension __
Page 31

No 7508.
Polly Potter, formily wid. of Jonathan Pratt
Switzerland Co. Inda.

[crossed out]
Set. to Lemuel Wiley
Vevay Ind. for 21/60
..S.V. [illegible] June 5 '62

Act Feby 3 - 1853
Page 32

[stamp]
Pension Office
30 May 1860
Page 33

Vevay Ia 
May 25/ 1860

Sir
Inclosed [enclosed] you will find a Certified Copy of My Commision [commission] as a Notary Public, which you can put on file in your office  
There is no Public Record of the Marriage of Benjamin Potter & Polly Potter
 if it is necessary she thinks she can get a Certificate that there is no Record of the fact anything that you may have to communicate to her you can through my care and I will inform her
Yours Truly
Lemuel Wiley
Notary Public
Page 34

[stamped]
Pension Office
Aug 22 1860

[stamped]
Dec 12 1863
Page 35

Vevay Ia. Aug. 16./60

Sir
in July I sent you a Copy of an official Letter to Thomas Lumpkin that will show where you will find the service of Johnithan [Jonathan] Pratt  fifer in the war of the Revolution
Mrs. Potter is very anxious to here
yours Truely
Lemuel Wiley
Notary Pub

Commision [Commissioner] of Pension
Page 36

No. 304,209
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855

November 28th, 1859
Received Feby 28th, 1860

Polly Potter:
Former Widow of Jonathan Pratt:
Private & Errand Boy or Fifer
Capt. Duncan.
N. H. Mil.
Revolutionary War.

(Old Jackets Inside)

Rejected [along the side]
Page 37

has Recd = Act 3d - March '55

304.209 = 305.989 - 2 cases

Polly Potter, formly wid of 
Jonathan Pratt
Ind.

Let. S. V. whiles
December 14. '63

[illegible] Rev. case 1853
[illegible] B. Land
Page 38

(left side)
Act Mar 34 189-5989 Nov 28 59

Polly Potter former wid of Jonathan Pratt Ded
Private & errand Boy

Capt.
Genl Hazen
N. H. Mil.
Wed. -Yes- 1853

Let: not found Mar. 21/ 60 -
L Filey  Mar. 27/ 60 N. Ha.
Revo. War
[war of 1812 crossed out]

Let: to L. Wiley. Augt 27/ 60 
Niles  Oct. 29. '61
not found 
Thomas Lumpkin Esq.  Present

(right side)
Hon. Lumpkin.  Dec. 23d/ 59.  not found

[stamp illegible except for date]
Dec 12 1862

Want, nam of Capt & Col.

Sir papers filed in Pension claim
act 3d Feb 1853
Page 39

This Bounty Land claim was flat-filed Oct. 19. 1939
MM NP
Page 40

Re Examined (crossed out)
Bounty Land Claim
No. 304209
Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office
Dec 9 1859

The name of [blank] is not found on the Roll of Captain [blank] Company of [blank] Militia, on file in this office.
In order to make a further search, additional information is necessary.\
Please give name of Capt. or Col,
A J. Mince
Auditor.

Commissioner of Pensions
Department of the Interior
Examined by I Anne,
Page 41

(left side, stamp)

Department of the Interior
Dev. 12, 18 [illegible
Pension Office

(right side stamp)

Pension Office
Feb 25
1860

305989
Page 42

Washington DC
24th Feb 1860

Geo C. Whiting, Esq
Commr of Pensions

Sir
I enclose herewith Certain papers in behalf of Mrs. Polly Potter, of  Inda. former widow of Jonathan Pratt for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 3rd March 1855.
If the service can be found then she is entitled to a pension.
I have [illegble] nor he has very Reply
Th. Lumpkin
Page 43

(Left side - stamp
from Pension Office Ded. 13 18-

(Center)
S G Dodge asked me to look at this case.
GEW NR

Will look into this case myself
[illegible]
Capt 1860
(B.)

(right side)
M.H.W

4 Vol 28/ page 496
Page 44

Pension Office
March 21st 1860

Sir
The additional evidence forwarded by you in support of the bounty land claim of Mrs. Polly Potter former widow of Jonathan Pratt dec;;
Act 55, has been nod & filed with her application No. 304.209, but was erroneously briefed as an original application under No. 305.989 -

This evidence has been furnished in answer to my letter to you of Dec. 23/59 but wholly fails to meet the requirement of that letter. It furnished no proof that the claimant's husband was the Jonathan Pratt, who was a fifer in Capt. Duncan's Regt. in the war of the Revolution; and the amended declaration varies in several particulars from the original.

The points to be proved are that Jonathan Pratt serv. for some definite period in the Revolution - in some particular capacity, was not a deserter or dishonorably
Page 45

discharge, and that she is now a widow & was the widow of the soldier. - The claimant refers to a record as showing proof of some of these facts, & it will, therefore, be necessary to state where that record is to be found, or to furnish it.

It is necessary, not only that the best evidence she can admit of must be furnished, but that it be legal & not hearsay evidence.

very respectfully
No Whiting
Commissioner.

Thomas Lumpkin Esq
Present
Page 46

Lemuel Wiley
June 21./
Page 47

Pension Office
June 21st, 1860

Sir:
The papers in the case of Mrs. Polly Potter, formerly widow of Jonathan Pratt decd, for a pension have been received, and registered as her application under Act of Feby 3d 1853.

It is necessary that the service of Jonathon Pratt, her former husband, in the Revolution, & her identity as his widow be established by satisfactory proof. There are noth of Coll. Meiggs Regt. in this office, but the name of Jonathan Pratt is not formed in any capacity.
Lemuel Wiley, Esq
Vevay Inda.
Page 48

( 2 stamps)

Department of the Interior
Dec 12 [illegible[
Pension Office

Pension Office
June 14 
1861
Page 49

Washington City,
June 12th, 1861

Hon Jos H. Barrett
Commr of Pensions

Sir:
I file herewith an amended declaration of Mrs. Polly Potterf, widow of Jonathan Pratt, of Hazen's Regiment Revolutionary War, [illegible] county under the Act of March 3/ [illegible].

The original declaration of Mrs. Potter from Indiana, was filed in your office in October 1859, & has been suspended, [illegible] to seeming conflicted statements. [illegible] your particular attention to this case, and a thorough examination of all who possess and confidently believed that the Justice of her claim will be established and who claimd issued in her favor.

It should be possib in normal
Page 50

in the examination of this case, that the claimant is Seventy two years old, and an ignorant person, & that her husband Jonathan Pratt, has been decd Forty seven years! As a consequence, it is almost impossible for the clamant to recollect with distinctness of the details touching the service of her husband, which statement was made to her nearly a half century ago!

Owning to the lapse of time, & the fact that her second husband did not die until 1859, her mind was not drawn until there is [illegible subject of her first husbands service, and in her first declaration she gived her impression in declaration to it, & in her second, alleges that her husband was a fifer in Capt Duncans Co., Col Meigs Regt, which information appeared to have been commissiond - called to her [illegible] the Pension Office Dec 23d 1889!

The dis[illegible] is fully explained, I think, and as the Records filed in your office then the services of Jonathan Pratt, as a Soldier for the War "Hazens Regt,' and those
Page 51

Mrs. Potter is his widow, Justice demands that her claim should be satisfied without beginning further proof, which is impossible for her at this late date to obtain.

Oweing to the age of the applicant, I respectfully ask prompt action [illegible] her application.
With Respect,
Your old" Sert
Lemel Wiles
Atty.
Page 52

(two stamps)

Department of the Interior
Oct 26 1861 
Pension Office

Department of the Interior
Dec 12 1863
Pension Office
Page 53

Washington City,
October 25th, 1861

Hon Joseph H. Barrett,
Commr. Pensions.

Sir:
On the 12th of June last, I filed additional evidence in the bounty land application of Polly Potter, "widow of Jonathan Pratt, deceased, referred to in the letter from your office bearing date Dec. 23rd, 1859, and Aug. 27th, 1860, and will be very much obliged if you will cause the same to be examined, and the case disposed of at your earliest convenience.
With respect,
yr Obdt Sert [Your Obedient Servant]
Lemuel Miles
Atty
Page 54

(Several stamps)

 Dec. 31, 1861 [illegible]


Department of the Interior
June 3 1862
Pension Office
Page 55

Washington City
June 2nd, 1862

Hon J. H. Barrett,
Commr. Pensions


Sir:

I enclose herewith additional evidence in the case of Polly Potter, widow of Jonathan Pratt, decd, for land bounty "Act of March 3rd, 1855". As the attorney, I filed the application on the 12th of June, 1861, and will be very much obliged if you will act upon the case at your earliest convenience.

Very respectfully,
Lemuel Miles
Atty.
Page 56

S. V. Niles
June 4 '62
Page 57

Pension Office.
June 5th 1862.

Sir:
The affidavit of Mrs. Polly Potter of Indiana for pension and bounty land as the widow of Jonathan Pratt an alleged soldier in the war of the revolution has been examined and filed.

Mrs. Potter has heretofore made several declarations both for pension & bounty land, but none have been supported by any proof that was al all sufficient to establish her husband's service, or her marriage to him.

The first alleged that he served in Col. Hazen's Regiment and entered the service from the town of Bath in the state of New Hampshire. In other declarations she asserted that the service was performed under Col. Meigs, who commanded a Regiment from the State of Connecticut. But the only proof that has been produced to sustain her assertion is the testimony of two witnesses one aged sixty and the other seventy seven, in the year 1860, who testify that
Page 58

they knew Jon "Jonathan Pratt [and he/crossed out] who was a Fifer in Captain Duncan's Company in the war of the revolution, in his life time and that he & claimant lived together as husband & wife." This is all the testimony offered of service or marriage, and It is wholly insufficient to establish either with any degree of certainty. These witnesses could have had no personal knowledge of the service of Jonathan Pratt, nor is it supposed that they intended so to swear, though the language used is capable of such a construction.  It is possible that her former husband was the soldier [of that name/crossed out] whose name is borne upon the rolls of Col. Hazen's Regiment as a Fifer, but there is not the slightest proof offered to connect him with that individual.

She cannot recieve the benefit of that service without proof of identity that shall be satisfactory. The records of the town of Bath New Hampshire and the rolls in the office of the Secretary of the State of New
Page 59

Hampshire may indicate that the soldier was from the same town as her husband and the only one of the name from that town who was in service.

Unless more direct proof of service or identity and of the marriage is offered, the claim could not be admitted without an entire disregard  of the regulations.

[ the rest is crossed out and mostly illegible]
evidence

Samuel V. Nites ESV
[illegible]
Page 60

(stamp)

Dec 12 1868
Pension Office
Page 61

Department of the Interior
Washingtion D. C.   Dec. 11th 1863

Sir:
Therewith return you the papers which accompanied your report of yesterday, in the case of Mrs. Polly Potter, claiming a pension under the 2nd section of the Act of 3rd February 1853, on account of services alleged to have been rendered by her former husband, Jonathan Pratt, in the War of the Revolution.

The testimoney taken before, and certified by Samuel Wiley, as Notary Public, is inadmissable, he being, at the same time, the attorny for the prosecution of the claim. Independent of this objection, the Department concurs with you in the opinion that the par[illegible] testimoney there taken and offered is not conclusiv as to the fact of marriage the identity of claimant's deceased husband with the record of service in Hazen's regiment.

The claim of Mrs. Potter, therefore, stands suspended for more satisfactory proof.
I am yr, Very respectfully,
Your Obt Servant
W. T. Otto
Assistant Secretary

Hon. Joseph H Parrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 62

Samuel V. Niles
Nov 4, 1863

(Stamped) Dec 12 1863

Making inquiry in relation to the claim of Polly Parker widow of Jonathan Pratt.

Respectfully referred to the Comm of Pensions

[illegible name] 
Act of 1863
Dept Mt
Nov 6/ 63

[illegible stamp]
Dorry  [illegible name]
Page 63

Washington D.C.
November 4th 1863

Roy I P. Usher.
Secretary of the Interior
Sir:

More than Eight months ago, I filed in your dept an appeal from the decision of the Court of Pension, in the Revolutionary claim of Polly Potter, Widow of Jonathan Pratt, Private Hazens Regt, Act of February 3rd 1853, and will be very much obliged if you will inform me what action has been taken therein.
I have the honor to be
Your Obt Servt.
Saml. Niles
Atty.
Page 64

[Stamp] Dec 12 1 [illegible]
Page 65

Polly Potter for widow of Jonathan Pratt, Claim to Bounty land Act 55, No 304 209 

-Memo
She alledges that Jonathan Pratt "was a private & errand boy in ____ company, commanded by Genl Hazen, N. H. Militia, Revolution; enlisted at Bath or Connecticut river, N.H. May 1779, & continued on actual service to the end of war.
See Decl. No. 304.209.

The examiner attached a letter to the agent requiring proof that clmt; husband was the fifer whos name is found in Capt. Duncan's Co. , Col. Meig's letter marked (A) copy of )

The examiner erred in staring that Jonathan Pratt was found in Capt. Duncan's Co. Corl Meig's regt., but this name does appear as Fifer, Capt Duncan's Co Col Hazen's Regt, in June 1779.

An Amended Declaration was furnished, making claim upon service in Col. Meig's Regt., & upon other service not [illegible] in 1st application - Parrole testimony
Page 66

accompanies Decd, identifying husband of client, as a Fifer in the Revolution. But these papers having been prepared under acts communicated by the office, & which was found to be erroneous, no attention was paid to it & a letter
written, of which is enclosed marked B.
Page 67

Samuel Wiley Esq 
August 27 1860
Nevey Ind.

Sir
Upon the reception of Mrs. Potters amended declaration for county land, accompanied by                       additional evidence a letter was addressed to Thomas Lumpkin Esq an attorney of this city who filed the papers.

A rule of this office requires the recognition of only one agent of the same claim of at the same time and Mrs. Potter is requested to name same person as her attorney with whom the correspondence is to be directed. 
The letter which was addressed to Thomas Lumpkin Esq under the date of 23rd Dec 1859, copy of which you enclosed sometime since has led the claimant into several errors that have considerably complicated and embarrassed her case. 
1st there is no captain Duncan in Col Meigs Regt as that letter informed you but there is an officer of that name in another regt. which was commanded by an officer whose name was referenced to in her original declaration. 
2nd the same letter has again misled her in supposing that the rolls of Capt Duncan bearing the name of Jonathan Pratt gave the length of service performed by him but this is a mistake, the rolls only show his name as fifer and the date in which he entered service, his discharge or the date of it does not appear. 
As her amended declaration was evidently made out to correspond with the information communicated by letter of Dec 23rd last which was erroneous, the office has determined to disregard this declaration and to treat her case as is stands upon her first declaration and to require additional proof of the following facts
Vi that her husband was a fifer with a
over
Page 68


satisfactory explanation why she in the first place claimed upon service as "private & errand boy" & now claims also as fifer - the length of service actually rendered by him in the several capacities in which he served & that she is the widow of that very man.
This proof must be in the form of affidavits of at least two witnesses, duly certified by a Justice of the Peace, and authenticated by a proper officer under an official oath.
Geo C Whitney
Comr

Copy.
[Stamp] Dec 12 1803 [illegible]
48.
Page 69

[Stamp] Dec 12 [illegible]
Page 70

December 23d 1859
Thomas Sumpkin Esqr
Present
Sir
I have carefully examined the bounty land claim of Polly Potter as the widow formerly
of Jonathan Pratt.
Proof of service is required unless her husband was the soldier who served as a fifer under Captain Duncan and Col Meigs. If he was
the soldier who was under Duncan, evidence
will be required identifying him as such
The claimants marriage must be established as well as the death of both of her husbands.
Very Respy
Page 71

Polly Potter, vis Pratt
Request to letter
June 21 - 1860
(A)
[Stamp] Dec 12 [illegible]

Lemuel Wiley
N P
Vevay Ia

[Stamp] Pension Office JUL 11 1860
Page 72

Pension Office
December 2nd.1859.
Sir
I have carefully examined the Bounty land claim of Polly Potter as the Widow of Johnathan Pratt.
Proof of service is required unless her husband
was the soldier who served as a fifer under Captain Duncan & Col Meigs, if he was the soldier who was under Duncan Evidence will be required identifying him as such
the Claimants Marriage must be established, as well as the death of both of her husbands
Yours Respectfully
Mo. C. Whiting
Commisinor
Tho. Sumpkin Esq
Present.

Vol. 27th. P. 208.
Sir The

Copy of a
The above is a true letter now in my posession Received officially by Mr. Sumpkin that he forwarded to me.
I now state some of Circumstances and
Incidents that Mr. Potter told me in his life time that he heard Mr Pratt say in his life time, that he enlisted as a fifer boy, and to so [illegible] he
told Gen. Hazen that he was not
Page 73

old enough nor able to do any thing else that he was at the storming the Redoubts that he was in several skirmishes besides many hard battles at Monmouth 28 june 1778, at Cow pens, Yorkstown there was an awful distrust in solders.

Will you please have another examination in vol 27 op 208. I think she has identified herself as the widow of johnathan pratt in the same manner all claims for pension or bounty land is made where there public record there marriage from the statements of the widow and the neighbors who knew Pratt in his life time that he was the identified person who served in the war of the revolution.
The old lady says she dont want to trouble you anymore than she can help but will be very thankful for all you do in the process. 
yours respectfully
samuel wiley
notary public

commisons of pensions
washington city
206
Page 74

Z55 to 80
[Stamp] Dec 12 [illegible]
[Stamp] Feb 5 1860 Pension Office
Page 75

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland ss ⎬
On this 10 day January A D one thousand eight hundred and sixty personally Appeared
Before me a Notary within and for the County and State aforesaid Silas R. Potter and George W. Potter, Residents in the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana upon our oaths state that we were well acquainted with
Benjamin Potter in his life time and knew him and Polly his widow who makes this declaration to live to geather as husband and wife and know him acknowledge her as such. were at his death and funeral
that he died on the 16 day of March AD 1859
that she is still a widow
that we believe from the appear and  statements the makes that she was formerly
the widow of Johnathan Pratt
Silas R. Potter
George W Potter
State of Indiana
County of Switzerland ss
On this 10 day of January A D one thous Eight hundred and sixty personally appeared before
Page 76

me a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid William Dickson age 70 years a resident of Enterprize in the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares upon Oath that he was well acquainted with Johnathan Pratt a fifer in the war of the Revolution in his life time and knew Polly Potter formerly his widow  to live together as husband and wife and be Reputed as such. That her husband Johnathan Pratt, died on the 11 day May 1874 That he was at the burying of said Pratt.

That he knew Benjamin Potter & Polly his wife formerly Pratt to live together as husband and wife and be reputed as auch in her lifetime as such

That Benjamin Potter her late husband died the 16 day of March 1859.

That she is still a widow the one who makes this declarations for Pensions. That from her appearance and statements I believe, and am satisfied she is the person she represents herself to be That he knows she was the widow of Johnathan Pratt
Page 77

and that she is now the widow of Benjamin Potter deceased
William Tillison

the foregoing Affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me
on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that I have no interest in this Case
Samuel Wiley
Notary Public
Page 78

Pension Office
March 21. 1860

Thomas Sumpkins Esq
Present
Sir
The additional evidence forwarded by you in support of the Bounty land claim
of Mrs Polly Potter former widow of Jonathan Pratt decd act of 1836 has been received and filed with her application No 304. 209 but was erroneously briefed
as an original application under No 305989 this evidence has been furnished in answer to my letter to you of December 23, 1859 but wholly fail to meet the requirements of that letter.

It furnish no proof that the claimants husband as the Jonathan Pratt, who was fifer in Capt Duncans Regt in the war of the revolution, and the amended declaration varies in several particulars from the original

The points to be proved that Jonathan Pratt served for some definite period in the revolution in some particular capacity, was not a deserter or dishonorably discharged and that she is now a widow and was the widow of the soldier

The claimant refers to a record as showing proof of some of these facts, and it will therefore be necessary to state where that record is to be found or to furnish it. It is necessary not only that the best evidence the case admits of must be furnished
but that it be legal and not heresay evidence
Very Respy
Page 79

[stamps]
ENTERED
DEC 1 1860
PENSION OFFICE

PENSION OFFICE
10 MAY 1860
Page 80

Office of Secretary of State
Indianapolis Ind May 13 1860
I certify that the annexed Commission
is a true and correct copy of Samuel Wiley's
Commission as Notary Public within and 
for Switzerland County and State aforesaid
as appears from the records of
this office
1
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the
seal of State of Indiana on this 15th day of May AD 1860
Cyrus L Dunham
Secretary of State
By D Heffren Deputy
Page 81

ASHBEL P. WILLARD,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF INDIANA.

To all who shall see these Presents, Greeting:

Know Ye, That in the name and by the authority of the State of Indiana, I do hereby appoint and commission Lemuel Wiley a NOTARY PUBLIC, within and for the County of Switzerland and State of Indiana, for the term of four years from the date herof.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused to be affixed the Seal of the State, at the City of Indianapolis, this 7th day of April A.D. 1860 the 44th year of the State, and of the Independence of the United States, the 84th.

BY THE GOVERNOR, 
Ashbel P. Willard

C L Dunham Secretary of State

SEE OVER
Page 82

OATH (blank form)

State of Indiana
_____ County  Sct.

I do Solemnly Swear, That I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Indiana, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of Notary Public for ______ County, according to the best of my skill and ability.
So help me God.

____________________-
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this
_________day of _________A.D. 18___

Clerk of ____________________Circuit Court.
Page 83

(blank form)

NOTARIAL BOND
Know all Men by these Presents, That we ____
and State of Indiana, are held and firmly bound unto the State of Indiana, in the penal sum of One Thousand Dollars, the payment of which well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, firmly by these presents.
Witness, Our hands and seals, this _____day of _____18____

The condition of the above obligation is as follows, to-wit:
Witness, The above bound_______ ______ has been appointed by the Governor of the State of Indiana, a Notary Public in and for _____County in said State.  Now, if the said _____ _____ shall truly and faithfully perform and discharge the duties of said office of Notary Public, in all things, according to law, then the above obligation to be null and void: otherwise to remain in full force and virtue in law.

Accepted and approved by me _____ day of _____18___
_____Clerk of _____Circuit Court
State of Indiana, _____County, ss.
Personally appeared before me, _____ _____ on the _____ day of _____18____, who, being duly sworn says: "I will support the Constitution of the United States, and of the State of Indiana, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of Notary Public to the best of my skill and ability."
Signed______
Subscribed and sworn to the ____day of ____ 18___
_____Clerk of the _____Circuit Cort
I ____ Clerk of the _______Circuit Court of ______a Notary Public in and of the said County and the same is endorsed on his Commission.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this ____day of ____18____

_____Clerk

( No seals affixed)
Page 84

[left fold stamp]
DEPATMENT
OF THE 
INTERIOR
July 8 1863
PENSION OFFICE

[right fold stamp and notation]
INTERIOR
Dec [ILLEGIBLE]
PENSION [ILLEGIBLE]

Same V Niles, atty.
April 29th 1863.

R
Appeals from the decision of the Comm of Pensions in the case of Polly Potter widow of Jonathan Pratt a soldier in the Revolutionary War, for bounty money and pension
______________________________________
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner Pension for report. 

Dept Int:} |  [signature illegible]
May 2 1863} | Chief Clk. 


[stamped]
May 1 186[8]
INTERIOR
[line faded illegible]
Attorney in this case. 
[faded initials illegible]
W Whiting
Page 85

Washington D.C. April 29th 1863

Hon. J. P. Usher
Secretary of the Interior
Sir
As the atty of Polly Potter of Rossburg Decatur Co Ind, widow of Jonathan Pratt. Who is an applicant for pension and bounty land for the services of her late husband as a soldier in Hazens Regt Revolutionary War and whose claim has seen rejected by the hon commissioners of pensions on account of her failure to present the testimony of witnesses cognizant of the facts as to the services of her husband and of her marriage, i have the honor to appeal from that decision on the ground that the requirement is unjust and that is impossible for at this late day to procure such proof and secondly that as the evidence submitted clearly proves the fact of service and her identity as the widow,
Page 86

of jonathan pratt whose service is clearly established by the record evidence filed in the department, her claim should be allowed.
The evidence submitted by her is the best that can be adduced at this late day to establish her claim and i believe that after full examination of the same it will prove satisfactory to you.
My client was married to Jonathan Pratt on or about the 17th day of July 1803, sixty years ago and who died in 1814 nearly fifty years ago in Switzerland township Indiana.
She was married to her second husband Benjamin Potter of Greensburg Decatur Co. Ind May 17th 1849 and who died on the 16th day of March 1859.
It will be for me in
Page 87

mind that from the date of her first husbands death in 1814 to the date of her second marriage in 1849 there was no law in force granting pensions to the widows of revolutionary soldiers whose marriage was subsequent to the year 1800; consequently, no attention was even paid by her to the fact of her first husbands services for the purpose of obtaining any consideration from the government.
The first act passed granting pensions to this class of widows was passed on the 3rd of feb 1803 whilst she was under [?] and it was only after the death of her husband six years after the passage of the law that her attention was called to the provisions of the act and application made by her for the decision due in right by her husbands service and who had died nearly a half century previous and
Page 88

gauge of possibility that she could recollect all the detailed circumstances relating to his service owing to the lapse of time.
During her marriage with Jonathan Pratt there where no circumstances connected with his revolutionary services that could particularly impress her mind. 
He was not entitled to a pension and after his death she had no claim and as consequence no attention was paid to the subject other than that he was a revolutionary war soldier and served in Hazens Regt during the war. 
When she made her declaration after second husbands death, she was upwards of seventy five years of age or more and the discrepancies or irregularities stated are to be attributed to that fact and the ignorance
Page 89

of the party preparing her declaration.
It is shown from the papers in the case that she was regarded as the wife of Jonathan Pratt with whom she lived by the people of Indiana and that her husbands reputation was that of a revolutionary soldier.
She positively swears to Hazens Regt and served for during the war. While the records in the department prove the fact that a Jonathan Pratt did serve in that Regt and by referring to the list of revolutionary officers and soldiers who have acquired a right to land and who have no applied therefore
See Pub Doc 57 1st session 28th congress page 52 the name of Jonathan Pratt is found attached to Hazens Regt for services during the war. Thus
Page 90

Clarly[sic] establishing the fact of Service, and its duration.
My client has performed as far as it is practicable to all the requirements of the Dept and has established her right to pension agreeably to the spirit of the law and I believe your state of justice will not permit mere technicalities to deprive her of that right. 
I respectfully refer to the written authority and request that all the papers both for pension and bounty land be referred to you. 
Very Respectfully
Samuel Niles ATTY
Page 91

I heard Jonathan pratt say that he was A soldier in the Revolutions War And after we ware Maried he often talded to me About the Battels and sufferings they encountered, he was young when he Enlisted the cause of his Enlisting so young his Father was wounded in the Battle with wias the [illegible] and did with the wound, I do not know how long he was with the Army I do not have how many schrimages he was in till he was taking I horde of I went to yorktown Rergim
he was theare during the seige  I heart him say it was the greatest sight he ever hat seen to see the freanch army coute playing up thear music

the united states playing up thear music
the British playing up thear music
It seemed to be something butifull at first but in A few minits A common alut of then commons in return the the canisters and grape that they commanded by day and night by the conflageation of to british ships set on fire by the shells of the allies and consomed in the night   the next morning october 11th the 
Aleys opened thear second fire
Another british ship was consumed by A shells Washington detached afirst in the morning to addivance to take the [illegible] outs
he was with hi till he conferd then he saw cornados give his sworde to Washington
he stade with him till he was over [illegible]
he's charded when he was taking with his death sickness
he did not last but a few days
he wanted jude cotton to come and write about being in Army
Page 92

[the top paragraph is faded and slightly illegible]
[....] for he allways[sic] did that.  the goverment would [illegible] [illegible] soldiers for ther's land [illegible] [illegible]   Before Juge Coltou come [illegible] [illegible] speaking

The above is her own statement written out by her She now further states he was [illegible] some times.  Went errands and was clerk some times.  At the Close of the war he was sent over several states to gather up all the silver ware they could get when they made a dinner to receive the Ambassadors acknowledge our Independence as a nation.

he was at the Battle of Brandywine September 11, 1777
he was in the siege of Yorktown in [illegible]
October 19, 1781.
[date stamped] 
PENSION OFFICE | FEB 25 | [186 ]

her
Polly X Potter
name

Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 14h day of January 1860

Samuel [illegible]
Notary Public
Page 93

[left fold stamps faded]
Dec 12 1868
______________
DEPARTMENT 
OF THE 
INTERIOR
JUNE 3 18[FADED]
PENSION OFFICE
___________________


[right fold]
Additional evidence
in case of Polly Potter
widow of Jonathan
Pratt.
204209
Revolution

Filed by S. V Niles,
Atty,
Washington City,
June 2, 1862.
Page 94

State of Indiana 
County of Switzerland 

On this 27th day of May AD one thousand Eight hundred and sixty Two personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County & State aforesaid Polly Potter, (formerly Pratt) 74 years of age, a resident of Decatur County, in the State of Indiana, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she now resides in the County and State aforesaid and is loyal to the United States Government. that in July 1860, she went with her son, to the State of Arkansas, to remain an indefinite period, not thinking of any rebellion breaking out. when she found that to be the case she left as soon as she could get away, and came back home to this State.

that she has always been opposed to all invasions of the United States and Especially this
unnatural rebellion of the south.

that she would aid and assist in any lawful way to bring this war to a close that she could do. That her said husband Johathan Pratt fought through the war of the revolution to gain our liberties and she thinks we ought to fight to maintain them.

That her husband was in genral Hazens Regiment till the close of the war.

that her application is on file in the department for Bounty Land.

She files this additional Testimony through Samuel W. Niles of Washington DC to show that she is as loyal citizen and always has been to this Government

Polly Potter (her mark)
Page 95

At the same [time] personally appeared David Demaree, & Charlotte Scott, residents of Decater County & state of Indiana (formerly of Switzerland County) who being duly affirmed declare that the foregoing was signed by Polly Potter in our presence and [illegible] that we know she is the person she represents herself to be and is loyal to this Government and is still a widow.
That we are disinterested witnesses.
David Demaree
Charlotte Scott
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the [affiants] to be [credable] persons; that the [claimant] is the person she represents herself to be and is still a widow and that I have no interest in this claim.
Samuel Wiley
Notary Public
Page 96

Know all men by these presents, that I Polly Potter (formally widow of Jonathan Pratt) have constituted & appointed Samuel V Niles of Washington City D C, my attorney irrevocably with power of [substitution] for me and in my name and stead to prosecute my claim now on file in the department to some result by examining all Declarations [official] letters public and private documents and [dieharges] [illegible] muster rolls for the purpose of [bringing] my claim to county land to a speedy close and to receive the warrant when issued for me in my room and [illegible] here by revoking all like powers of attorney heretofore given [illegible] and [ratifying]  all my said attorney shall leagally & lawfully do in the [previsions] 
In witness I have here unto set my [hand] and seal in presence of this 27 day of May AD 1862.
David Demaree          Polly{her X mark] Potter
Charlotte Scott
State of Indiana County of Switzerland 
Be it known that on this 27 day of May 1862 before the subscriber Personally appeared Polly Potter above named and acknowleaged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year last above mentioned
Samuel Wiley
Notary Public
Page 97

Additional evidence in pension claim of Polly Potter, widow of Jonathan Pratt, dec'd.

Scott
Page 98

State of Indiana
County of Switzerland } [Illegible]
On this 27th day of May AD one thousand and eight-hundred and sixty-two personally appeared before me a notary public within and for the county & state of [ illegible], Polly Potter, (formerly Pratt), aged 74years, a resident of Decater County, in the state of Indiana. Who being duly sworn according to law declares that she now resides in the County & state of [illegible], and that she is Loyal to our government, and would aide and assist in suppressing in a lawful manner, this rebellion, that her application is on file in the pension office for pension for the services of her said husband Johnathan Pratt who served in the war of the revolution in General Hazen's regiment till the close of said war.
Polly [an X with the words, her mark] Potter
we David [Demarree] & Charlotte Scott Residents of Decater county in the state of Indiana up on our [illegible] declare, that the foregoing affidavit has sworn to and [illegible] in our presence , by Polly Potter. and we know she is the person she represents herself to be and still is a widow and loyal, to this Government.
that we are [illegible] witnesses.
David [Demarree]
Charlotte Scott
Page 99

The foregoing affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I Certify that I know the affidavits to be credable persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and is still a widow and is still a widow and that I have no interest in this claim.
Samual Wiley
Notary Public
Page 100

Know all men by this Presents that I Polly Potter (formerly Pratt,) have constituted and appointed Samuel G Niles of Washington D.C. my Attorney irrevocable for  me and in my  name and stead with Power of Substitution to prosecute my claim to pension to some conclusion, said claim is [is] on file in the Pension office.
to Examine all Declarations, affidavits, Letters,  Muster Rolls, discharges, private or public.  And traditionary testimony to lawfully prosecute the claim hereby ratifying and confirming all my said attorney [said Attorney] shall lawfully do in and about the premises In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 27 day of May AD 1862  in [presence] of David Demarix | Polly Potter mark | Charlotte Scott
State of Indiana County of Switzerland 
Be it known that on the 27 day of May 1862 before the Subscriber of Notary Public in and for said County personally appeared Polly Potter above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year last above mentioned 
Samuel Wiley
Notary Public