Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7322, for John Platt, Pennsylvania
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Penn

Platt, John

S.7322

Carded
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{note card}
{left}
SERVICE
Penn.
{center}
Platt, John
{right}
NUMBER
S.7322
Carded
Left Side: Date of Death need on ?
Letter to Hon, R Parker 
April 28, 1850 

32692  Phila.
Pennsylvania.
John Platt
of Cumbria? Co. in the state of Tenna
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Donelle of the Regt. Commanded by Col. Chambray. in the PA. (illegible) line for 14 months
-----------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Philidelphia at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of march 1831
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No 37.100

John PlPenn

Cambria Co

Act of 7 June 1832

Cap Soude, Col Chambers, PA Troops

admitted

Pr: 14 months, one time of 1 year and one of 2 months:  $46.66

paid ann com 4 March 1831

P G Washingon
Present
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1

State of Pennsylvania 
County of Cambria to wit}

On the 25th day of June 1844 personally appeared before me James Kennedy a justice of the pece in and for the county and State aforesaid John Platt aged ninety nine years or thereabouts, and being duly Sworn, on his oath, makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the law of the United States of June 4th 1832, viz: That he entered the Service of the United States as a private Soldier at Peter Littlestown then in York (now Adams) county and State of Pennsylvania in a Volunteer company then under the command of Captn Michael Doudle, in the Spring or early part of the Summer of 1775, and Marched to Boston by the way of York Pa Lancaster, Reading, Easton &c. The company arrived near Boston very shortly after the battle of Bunkers hill; before the company arrived there they had a skirmish with the British guard, in which Captn Doudle was accused of behaving cowardly, and Henry Miller the lieutenant was made captain in his place.  That he was in Said company in the battle of Boston. Directly after this the British cleared out of Boston and the army moved to New York, and with it the applicant who Still continued a member of Captn Millers company. General Washington was the commander in chief at the battle of Boston and in the march to New York.  That in Said company he crossed over to Long Island where he was discharged about two days before the battle on that island.  In these campaigns he served fourteen months.  He at first had joined the company only for a year; but on account of some difficulty about the English fleet, he could not get discharged till he served fourteen months.

That he next joined a company at the same Littlestown under Captain Nicholas Gelwicks, and marched by York & Lancaster to Wilmington; and fought in the battle of Brandywine in the fall of 1777, he thinks; then he marched to Chester, then to Philadelphia, and then to the White horse. In retreating from the enemy after the fight at the White horse, in jumping
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over a forge race, he lighted on the point of a bayonet, which had been dropped pointed upwards in the mud; by which he was badly wounded in the foot.  He was then taken to a farmer’s house, where he remained confined by the wound for two months, during this time, the company’s term expired , and he returned home as soon as he could travel.  This term was for three months.  He further declares that his name is not on the agency of any State as a United States Pensioner.

He further states that he is now blind and has been for many years.  That in October 1832, when he could see a little he spoke to Henry A. Byrne Esqr. then on a visit here from Virginia to aid him in applying for a pension.  Said Byrne had to return to Va. before he had leisure to do so, and no application has heretofore been made, as he the applicant did not know how to proceed, and lives a great way from the county town, and has been  and is too infirm to travel there.    
              John his X mark Platt
Test.
Henry A. Byrne
Joseph Plat[sic]

Questions by the justice 
1st where and in what year were you born. 
Ans- Near Littlestown in YorkCounty Pa. I do not know the year; but by the best means I have of knowing, I think I must be ninety nine or thereabouts. I have no record of my age.

2nd. How did you enter the service of the united states; were you a volunteer, were you drafted, or were you a Substitute; if a Substitute, for whom?
Ans. The term under Doudle & Miller I was a volunteer. The term under Captn. Gelwicks I went as a substitute for Adam Zimmerman.

3rd. Did you ever receive a discharge, if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of of it.
Answer. I got a discharge from Captn. Miller’s company on Long Island. I had it from my captn H. Miller; I do not rember[sp] whether it was signed by him; or by our Col. Thompson. It has long since been lost. I took no care of it, deeming it useless after the war.  I had no discharge for my second campaign under Captn. Gelwicks being confined with my wounded foot where
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the rest of the company was discharged.

5th Where were you living when you entered the service of the united States. Where did you reside after the Revolutionary war, and where do you now reside?
An. At each of the times that I joined the army, I lived in that part of York county now called Adams. I lived there after the war till 1801 or so, when I removed to that part of Huntington county West of the Allegheny mountains, that is now Cambria county; and I have lived within its Limits ever since I now live in the northwest corner of s∂. county near the Indiana and Clearfield county lines.

6th Name Some persons in your neighborhood, who can testify to their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. State also some of the general or other officers of the regular army or militia under whom you served, and the general circumstances of your Service.
An. I would refer to Nicholas Noel, John Christ, John Storm, Peter McGuire, Richard McGuire, John Peagle, Charles Ames, and in Short all the old citizens.
I Remember Generals Lee, Sullivan, Potter, &c. I have already stated the outlines of my service, as well as I can recollect. There are none of my old comrades, now living that I know of, nor have I had any opportunity of conversing with any Such persons for a great many years by which I could refresh my memory.
John his X mark Platt
Test
Henry S Byrne
Joseph plot[sic]

State of Pennsylvania Ss. County of Cambria Sct
I James Kennedy a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, do certify that this day the forgoing[sp] application of John Platt was duly taken & subscribed by him (by putting his mark) in my presence, and Sworn to before me; that, it is the opinion of the neighborhood in which he lives that he was a soldier of the Revolution, and Served as he states, unto which opinion I concur. I further certify, that the said John Platt is unable
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To attend court, being blind and otherwise infirm. I have attended at his residence to qualify him to his said declaration and his answers to the above interrogatories.
Given under my hand this 26th day June 1844.
James Kennedy

State Pennsylvania County of Cambria Ss

On this 28th day of June, 1844, personally appeared before me Michael Leavy, a Justice of the peace, in and for said county, John Christ of said county, a person of respectability and entire credibility, and made oath under form of law, that he is well acquainted John Platt of said county the above applicant for a pension and has been so acquainted with him, for upwards of fifty years and Since ever he has known him he was reputed as having been a soldier of the Revolution, this report has been general in this county and Adams county where Said Platt lived before he removed to this, Cambria, county, and this affiant fully concurs in this general belief that the said John Platt served in the Revolutionary war as he stated; Said Platt must be a very old man, most likely near a hundred years
John Christ[sic]

Subscribed & sworn to this
29th day of June 1844
before me
M Leavy JP
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John Platt a resident of said county of Cambria, the above named applicant for a United States Pension; that from the age of this affiant, which is now forty eight years, he believes the applicant John Platt is or maybe of ninety or more years at all events S∂ Platt must be a very old old man. That as far back as twenty five years, at least, he heard said John Platt and his grandfather Ludwig (Lewis) Wysong, Since dec∂ conversing of their Services as soldiers in the War of the revolution. This affiant distinctly recollects to have heard, the said John Platt and the said Ludwig Wysong his (Thomas) grandfather converse together on the Subject of their respective services in the army of the Revolution, and he heard both of them recount their services, as such, seperately[sp] from each other. The said John Platt and the grandfather of this affiant were distant connexiones, s∂ Platt’s first wife, having been a half sister of s∂ Ludwig Wysong—affiant notes further on his oath, that as far back as his recollection reaches, it is the general belief of the county that the said John Platt was a Soldier in the revolution, and served as he states, and in this belief he fully concurs
John Storm

Subscribed, and Sworn to this 1st
day of July 1844 before me
JP-
James Kennedy

State of Pennsylvania  County of Cambria Ss.
Be it remembered that on this day personally appeared before me Michael Leavy a justice of the peace in and for said county, Nicholas Noel aged seventy nine years on the first of october next, a person of credibity[sp], who being duly sworn on his oath says that he has been acquainted since before the revolution war with John Platt now of Cambria County, and a very old man, the
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foregoing applicant for a United States Pension. The he first knew Said Platt in York county now Adams county Pa. and since he Platt came to this Cambria. This afficant[sp] recollected the Revolutionary War and distinctly remembers that it was then Publickly[sp] said and in the mouths of all, that the said John Platt was out, a  Soldier in the american army twice; one of the times for another and once for himself. This affiant never Saw the Said Platt in actual service nor does he Know how long he served either time. His knowledge is wholly derived from the reports in the neighborhood where witness and said Platt lived at the times he was said to be out in the army against the British and from conversations on the Same subject Since. The belief of his services was general in the neighborhood; thinks it is so in this county among the older part of the people and in that belief this affiant concurs.

Affiant came to this county to reside in this part of the county about forty or perhaps forty one years past and Platt had lived here some time before, perhaps a year or two.
Nicholas Noel
Subscribed and Sworn to
this 9th day of July 1844
before me
MLeavy JP.

P.S. the words, [underlined] {nine was service} & {since} were interlined before the affiant Subscribed and Sworn to the above affidavit
MLeavy JP.
-4-
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State of Pennsylvania 
Cambria County Ss}

I William A. Smith Prothonotary of 
the Court of Common Pleas in & for said
County do hereby certify that - James
Kennedy and Michael Leavy Esqr. before
whom this foregoing certificate and deposi=
tions were taken, were at the time of
so doing, two of the acting Justices of the Peace in & for said County, duly elected, commissioned, and qualified as such and to whose official acts full credit should be given and that their signatures thereto are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of Said Court at Ebensburg the ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Wm. A. Smith Prothonotary
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No 37. 100

John Platt.
Pa

Act. 7. June ‘32
Page 12

and the man was discharged during his [illegible] 
from the wound of the bayonet. He submits the 
Additional and true of the following [witnesses].

John Platt his mark
Sworn to before me Daniel Smyres JP

[mostly illegible middle paragraph]

[illegible]
Joseph Platt, duly sworn on his oath says: I am the son of
 the aforesaid John Platt and I am now [nearly?] fifty eight
 years of my age. I have lived with or near my father in all
 my life. Ever since [he came to the years of ???]
I heard my said father speak of his services as
 a soldier in the war of the Revolution.  In all such
 conversations, [since his luck?- illegible] and of forty
years past his campaign to Boston. Shortly after the affair
 of Bunker Hill, [illegible] by his Captain. Said for Captain Ritter his letters to New York and his observant at Long Island 2 months after often this year tap spoken this and also his wound in the past like in Captain Gerlich’s company and often mentioned he at the I heard as he the bayonet ran through his foot 
Joseph Platt
 Sworn & subscribed before me Daniel Smyres JP


[last paragraph]
Charles Smith duly sworn on his oath says - I am of the 
age of seventy nine years on the 18th of May next. I knew
 the applicant John Platt in [Adams] county and earlier
County Cambria Pennsylvania years past. I have always
heard him report to have served as a soldier of the
 Revolution. I think every one who knows him concurs
in the belief of his services in the revolution. I am
fully satisfied that he served as he states. I consider him
 a very conscientious man, incapable of telling, much more
of swearing to a false statement. [d] his service
 about 14 years past, said John Platt to me he had lost his
 discharge or certificate as a soldier in the
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(illegible)
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York County Pa. Her testimony was not then taken. She was then seen unfit to be taken to court or any great distance from home. She is Since dc∂. This affiant further states that He Said Platt is ignorant and illiterate and that neither he, nor any of his friends had sufficient knowledge to make a formal application for a pension, otherwise, he has no doubt that such application would have been made.  as far as the? persons was known to him.  The said John Platt ?? make the ?trance  Ward of the Count, about 15 miles from the county seat, and he most Ser? least inhabited part of the country  and has been there for at least the last twenty years. He has been many years blind, he is very indigent and is all constantly at nines. Shortly after affiant heard from the said John Platt & others it ? in the fall of 1832 that the pension was then to be applied for, ??? for Virginia and did not return to this county in the last years for the cause as for the ? ignorance, infirmity, blindness, great age and extreme poverty this affiant is fully ?assured is to be attributed the ? of the said John Platt’s application for a pension 
Sworn and subscribed  to this 11th day
of Nov. 1844 before me the Subscriber
being justice of the peace of the
court aforesaid; and I certify that the deponent Jonah Luther is a person of entire credibility.
Witness my hand  James Kennedy JP  


State of Pennsylvania  Cambria county to wit..

This day Henry A. Byrne of lawful age and a person of credibility being duly sworn, on his oath deposes and says: In october 1832 I was applied to, to assist the above named applicant John Platt, or Plot. I do not know the true orthography of his name, to aid him in obtaining a pension for revolutionary military Services. I was then enquiring for the
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names of persons as witnesses to the military services of Jacob Ridley of Morgan county VA then my place of residence.  A Mr. James Ferrell informed me that Giles Stevens or Stephens, whose name was on the list furnished by Ripley lived over in Huntingdon county, not very far from the Sinking Valley lead mines, where Ripley said he had served. This enquiry by me in the neighborhood of s∂ Platt’s residence, may have been the first intimation he had, that militia men were entitled to pensions. of this however I am not now certain. I agreed to meet Platt the next week in Ebensburg to draw up his declaration, after I had done my business with Giles Stephens-I found him after some delay, and had his affidavit taken before Edwards Bell Esqr. and sent it afterwards with his Declarations to the U.S. War office. This caused me some days’ delay. After my return to this county, I accidentally broke my Barouche, in putting the horse in it to go [to] Ebensburg to meet John Platt as agreed. A Second delay occurred in getting it repaired. While this was doing Platt met with me said he had been to Ebensburg and not finding me there as he expected, he had left the place. That he had Spoken to or would apply to Moses Canon Esqr. to assist him in obtaining his pension. I was pleased with this plan of his as I wished to be off to Virginia to be at home the next Monday, the 1st Monday in Nov. to attend the presidential Election. I left Ebensburg on the 1st of November 1832, and was not again in the county until April 1844, Supposing that the pension had been obtained and likely that the applicant was long dead. I saw he was partly blind in 1832 and now he is entirely so.

I know nothing of his services: I left the county along in 1807, and have nearly ever since resided elsewhere, except at Short intervals, and they far between. When Spoken to in 1832, I took no note of his statement, intending to do so at my leizure[sp] in Ebensburg. All I now remember of particulars, was that Boston was named. 
Henry A Byrne

Subscribed & Sworn to this 30th day
of November 1844 before me
Ml. Leavy JP
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State of Pennsylvania 
Cambria Counth Ss.}
I William A. Smith, Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for said County do hereby certify that
Daniel Smyers, James Kennedy, and
Michael Leavy before whom the 
aforegoing depositions were taken, were
at the time of so doing acting Justices of the Peace in and for Said County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified as such, and to whose official acts full credit should be given. And that the signatures purporting to be theirs, ?in the proper hand writing of the Said Daniel Smyers, James Kennedy and Michael Leavy.—

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court at Ebensburg this seventeenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.—
Wm. A. Smith  Prothonotary
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April 30, 1934

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

John Platt - S.7322
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Charles Vignos
1353 Cleveland Avenue, N.W.
Canton, Ohio

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of John Plott of Pennsylvania.
The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7322, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Plott.
He was born near Littlestown, York County, Pennsylvania, date not stated, nor are the names of his parents given.
While residing in York County, that part which
was later Adams County, Pennsylvania, John Plott volunteered in the spring or summer of 1775 in the Pennsylvania militia, served as a private in Captains Michael Doudel's and Henry Miller's company, under Colonel Thompson, marched to Boston, on the march had a skirmish with the British, reached there a few
days after the battle of Bunker Hill, was in an
engagement near Boston, and was discharged about two days before the battle of Long Island. He enlisted in 1777, served in Captain Nicholas Gelwicks' compant, was in the battle of Brandywine, and in the retreat from White Horse, was wounded in the foot, by stepping on a bayonet point, which rendered him unfit for further duty in this enlistment, length of
this about 2 months
After the Revolution, John Platt resided in York
County, until about 1801, then moved to Huntingdon County, that part which was later Cambria County, Penn-
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sylvania.
The soldier, John Platt, was allowed pension on his application executed, June 25, 1844, then aged about ninety-nine years and living in Cambria County, County, near the Indiana and Clearfield County lines.
The first wife of the soldier, John Platt, was half sister of Ludwig Wysong; her name is not stated and there is no information in regard to any other wife. The solder's son, Joseph Platt, was a soldier in the War of 1812, he was about fifty-eight years old in 1844 and living near his father. John Platt, son of the soldier, married in 1809, Sarah the sister of Henry S. Byrne of Virginia, said Sarah Platt in 1844 referred to her children, but gave no names.
Joseph Platt, the soldier's brother, served also in the War of the Revolution, and in 1844 he was referred to as "long since deceased"
There are no further data in this claim, relative to the family of John Platt.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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No

John Platt

PA

Suspended

Act June 7, 1832
Page 25

[majority of words are crossed out]

Let to Mr. A. Byrne 9 Oct. 64
Same Oct. 6 1865

To Hon. H D Foster Aug’t 8 ‘66

To Hon S Cameron [smudged]
February 1867

Let to Henry A. Byrne Sept. 12/67
 not forward

To same 19 Dec’r 1869

Act  7 June 32
Page 26

Nov 21 1896 - to Mr V Devinny, Carlton Ohio

1934 April 30 - hist to Charles Vignos


7322
INVALID
Revolutionary

File No;  7322
John Platt
Priv, Rev War

Act: June 7th 1832

Index:  Vol 7, Page 298
Page 27

Will Mr Edwards do me the kindness to make an early examination of the case mentioned in the letter I sent.

Very respectfully, Simon Carneros
Jan 23, 1847

J L Edward
Comm of Pens
Page 28

Oct 6, 1848

John Platt

J L Edwards, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 29

Ebensburg   Oct. 2d. ‘45

J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Sir:  Within is a paper for your office in corroboration[sp] of the application of John Platt for a U.S. Pension. His application was made in July ‘44 and filed, as you advised me by your letter of October Past. In may I forwarded to your office further supplemental testimony in the case, which I presume was received. Not having heard from you, I presume his case is not made out to the satisfaction of the Department. The enclosed  paper shows the opinion of the neighborhood; and evidence to that effect to any amount could be furnished, if necessary. If I could make so free, I would ask the department to look over the case, taking all the testimony into consideration, and if he has made out a case, to let me know the result as soon as possible. The applicant through his friends, is enquiring of me very often on the subject. The only answer I can give is that I am Still in hope. If the Department is not satisfied, the matter I think must end here, for I do not believe any thing more satisfactory can be furnished & the fate of his application what it may, the old soldier, if he was a classist, would say—“ Date obolum cæco Billisario” [“give a gift to the blind Bellisarius”]
Respectfully Ys
Henry A. Byrne
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Washington DC
1/50

J.L. Edwards, Esq.

Dear Sir,
A few days ago I put into the hands of Peter G Washington Esq the application & papers of Jna Platt a citizen of my state for a pension. I take an interest in this case & desire that you give it your earliest & most favorable attention & hand the certificate to Mr Washington.
Yours truly
Laura Calvin
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{back of folded paper}

{center}
John Platt's claim

J L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 32

Loreto Cambria county Pa
18th Augt ‘47

Sir Yours of the 13th is at hand, & this day transmit to the War Department the history referred to in it. The extract is found pa. 466. As corroborative, I refer you to pa. 405.  At pa. 520 will be found the names of N. Gelwicks, Ferguson, Reed &c named by J. Platt as having been in service with him in what was then a part of York County 6º
I think from what is said in this History, at pa. 466 & 405-&c, it is strongly inferable that these forces were raised not by State Legislation, but by county or individual efforts.
I will however write to the Secretary of the Gomt. on the Subject and when answered, will give you the result. I have inquire whether Mr. Rump has published the history of any of their counties. I cannot find that he has. If he had written that of York county, it would likely be altogether satisfactory.  Respectfully &c.
Henry S. Byrne 

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
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House of Representatives
Septr . 25th 1850.

Sir,
I have received the letter I enclosed you, & my engagements this morning have been such that I could not call on you in person. And as I shall soon leave Washington I send you the enclosed letter, and request that you will answer its queries at as early a day as your convenience will permit.

Be pleased to return with your answer W. Byrne’s letter-

Your ver. obt. servant
Richard Parker

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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Pension Office
Oct 9, 44

Sir
The papers in the case of John Platt earning a pension under the act of June 7th 32 have been examined and filed. This dept has no knowledge of any Pennsylvania troops having served at or near Boston in 1775 added to which the lateness of the present application where the means of proving service were becoming daily less calculated to inspire trust of the claim. All claimants are required to address the best obtainable proof.

{signed} Henry A Byrne 
Ebensber Cambria Co Pa
No 
Act June 7th 32
Page 35

H. A. Byrne
6 Oct 1865
Page 36

        Gen off
        Oct. 6 45
Sir
The supplemental statement of Jno Platt has been examined & filed—If there was such a corps as he describes in service in New England in 75 the archives at Harrisburg will shew[sp] the authority for raising it & the Commissioning of the officers. This has not been shewn[sp] and the Dept. has no information of the described corps or designated officers at that period of the War—The other service is not set forth in the details required by the rules and the allegation of having served 3 mo in one tour is not consistent with the militia service which by law was limited to 2 mo. tours in rotation of classes

Henry A Byrne Esqr
Ebensburg
Pa—
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Gen off
Aug 8 46

Sir

I have the honor to return you the letter respecting the case of John Platt & in reply to inform you that he asserted for the final time in 1844, a claim for an alleged service under Capt. Doudal first & then under Capt. Henry Miller for 14 mo under the following circumstances—joined the said company in June 75 in York County marched by Lancaster Reading &c joined Col Thompsons regt near Boston shortly after the battle of Bunker Hill—- remained with the army under Washington until the Brittish[sp] evacuated Boston- Marched to New York crossed over to Long Island & was discharged two days before the battle of L. Island (27 Aug 76)—
This narrative derived no support from any information or Knowledge of this Dept— There were some Rifle Companies
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under Col Miles that marched from Pa. to Boston in 75, but this is the first intimation that an Infantry regt. under Col Thompson from Id reached there in July 75 & served untill[sp] 25 aug 76- Nearly the whole of the term was rendered prior to the  Declaration of Independence and must have been raised & equipped under some act—That act & some evidence of the alleged organization & service under it has been & is required

Hon H D Foster
W. R.

[written sideways to left of above signature]

Hon H D Foster
Augt 8 ‘46
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Hon Simon Cameron

Feb 5, 1847
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98 
Pension office
February 5th 1847

Sir, 
I have the honor to return herewith the letter of your correspondent and to enclose a copy of my report of the 8th August 1846 to Hon A.D. Foster from which you will learn the objection to the admission of the claim of John Platt. No additional answer has been received in the case since the date of that report. 

Hon Simon Cameron 
Senate w States
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423
Pension Office
December 19th 1849

Sir

The History of the Counties of Dauphinois, Cumberland &c. Which you transmitted to this Office in the Case of John Platt shews[sp] that Capt Chambrey raised a Company of Infantry and Marched to the defense of Boston, in 1775. but as claimant set forth no service under that officer, the fact of a company of Infantry having been in that service from Pennsylvania does not remove the objection to the Admission of his Claims.

Before this claim can be allowed, it must be made Clearly to appear that Captain Miller under whom Platt alleged he served was in command of a Company of Infantry engaged in the Service near Boston in 1775, and that he was authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to raise Such a Company And it should be shewn[sp] by the Company Role[sp] or by the testimony of two or more inliss[sp] who were themselves in Service and. who can state the time of his entering and the time and names of his leaving the service and also that his service
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was not less than 6 months.

No evidence in support of Platts declaration as to his service has been introduced 


{written sideways on right edge}
Henry A [missing: “Byrne Esq”]
19 Decr 1849


[written at bottom]
Henry A Byrne Esq
Loretto
Cambria Co
O


[Note: Should be “Pa”, not “O”]
Page 43

Henry A Byrne, Esq
15 Nov 1849
Page 44

Pension office 326
September {September crossed out} 15 1849
15th

Sir, 
Your letter respecting the case of John Platt has been received and in reply I have to state that John Oldham has not been allowed a pension. In 1845 he asserted a claim for an alleged since in the Pennsylvania Militia but in consequence of his failure to produce substantive evidence to show that he rendered as much as 6 months service a pension has not been granted to him.
Until Oldham shall have established his own claim his testimony will not be used as evidence of the service of John Platt.

{bottom left}
Henry A Byrne Esq
Seretto
Cambria Co Pa
Page 45

Hon Richard Parker
Sept 28 1860
Page 46

757
Pension Office
Sept 20 1831

Sir
In reply to the enclosed letter, I have the honor to inform you that on the 6th of February last, a pension was granted John Platt of Cambria Co. Pa. at the rate of $46.66 per annum, and the certificate sent to P.G. Washington, Esq of this city who furnished the additional evidence in the case.

{left bottom corner}
Hon Richard Parker,
H of R
Page 47

(letterhead for THE AMERICAN MINE DOOR CO)

Apr. 13, 1934

Bureau of Pensions,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I have been endeavoring for some time without success, to get information from the State Librarian of Pa. that would enable me to learn the date of birth and place of birth and war record of an ancestor who served in the Revolutionary war.

A communication from your office dated Nov. 21, 1896 states that John Platt ( or Plott ) made application June 25, 1844 and was granted a pension. It also states that he enlisted from Adams County, Pa.

The State Librarian states that they have no record of a John Platt or Plott from Adams County, but they have a John Plott who was in the Berks Co. militia under Captain Ritter and Col. Heisted.

Will you please give me what information your records show pertaining to John Platt or Plott?

If your records do not give information that will enable me to get the information I am seeking, will you please inform me to what department or division of the War Department inquiry should be made which will enable me to secure information about the veterans of the War of the Revolution?

Yours very truly
Chas Vignos
1353 Cleveland Ave N. W.
Canton Ohio
Page 48

{top}
{stamped - round}
Pension Office U.S.
Nov 14 1896

{bottom}
{stamped - rectangle}
Old War & Navy
Nov 17 1896
BILES
Page 49

Canton Ohio Nov 13 1896

Hon Commissioner
of Pensions

Hon Sir, I most respectfully beg to place before you the following query, an solicit from you a kindly answer to the same - Can you verify from documents in your care the following traditional family history -
A German emigrant named Plott Platt or perhaps Blatt, whose christian name is said to have been John, was a revolutionary soldier and a pensioner in the latter years of his life, resided in, and died in Cambria Co. Pennsylvania about 1835 - 
(Information from the records of the war department Washington D.C. are not satisfactory on this matter as given me)
Any information from you of any kind whavever, relative to the said John Plott who is my Great Grand Father, will be thankfully, and appreciatively received
Yours Truly
V. Devinny
No 173 West Tuscararas St. 
Canton Ohio
Page 50

May 14

Mr Henry A Byrne
Loretto
Cambria County PA
Page 51

State of Pennsylvania County of Huntingdon
Borough of Hollydaysburg P.

Be it known that on this day John Adams of said county aged about eighty two years and a person of entire credibility being duly sworn, on his oath says that he knew John Platt now of Cambria county, in the county of York in Pa in the time of the war of the revolution, and he is fully satisfied J Platt served in the army as a soldier. This much he recollects that it was publickly said that Jo Platt was going out with a company against the British, this affiant did not see Platt start, but he knows he was gone a good while as a soldier as he believes but does not know how long, nor under what officers. Platt's being out as a soldier was a publickly known fact. He lived near the farm of this affiants' father. This affiant recollects the names of Captains Gelwicks, McIlvain and Davdal from this affiants' knowledge of the said John Platt he entirely believes his history man of his services in the army of the revolution. and further this deponent says not.

Subscribed and sworn to this 3rd day of May 1845 before me a Justice of the peace in the Borough of Hollydaysburg aforesaid
{signed} E. Galbraith JP
{signed} Joh Adams

Huntingdon County - 
I Jaes Steel Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said county do certify that E Galbraith Esquire before whom the above instrument of writing was sworn and subscribed was at the time thereof and now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and whose acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit as well in fourth of justice as there out - and that the above signatures purpoting to be his is in the hand writing of the said Justice and genuine. In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Huntingdon this 13th day of May AD 1845.
{signed} James Steel Proty
Page 52

Loretta Cambria County Pa. May 9th ‘45
Sir.
Be so good as to attach your certificate as Prothonotary used as the Seal of the court to the foregoing affidavit of John Adams that Ephraim Galbreath before whom he was Sworn is a Justice of the peace &c. and send me the paper by mail directed to this post office and you will much oblige me. I wish to send the affidavit where by certified to the U. States war office. I will send your fee by J. G. Miles Esqr. at next court. Respectfully &c 
Henry A. Byrne
N.B. This sheet can be turned, when it is to be returned to me.


[Sideways]

Loretto 
May 10

Paid 10 pd

Jas. Steele Esqr.
Prothonotary
Huntingdon County Pa.
Page 53

Sept 27 1849
Revy case
John Platt

J L Edwards, Esq
Commr of Pensions
War Office
Washington DC
Page 54

Loretto Cambria Co. Pa. Septr. 15th ‘49

Sir.

A short time past I met with the name of Michael Doudel in the Session acts of Pa of ‘47, as living in York county; Supposing him a relation of the Capt. Michael under whom John Platt Says he served in 1775 near Boston, I wrote to him to ascertain that fact, and if there was any traditionary evidince[sic] in the family or among the friends of Michael Doudle having commanded such a company &c. and if so to furnish an affidavit properly authenticated. His answer which I received yesterday, I enclose to you, to be used for as much as it is worth in Support of John Platt’s application for a pension.

I am aware that it may not be considered Strictly [underlined word] legal evidence; still I thought that taking it in connexion with the other testimony &c, already furnished, it might be satisfactory to the Department. That Platt served is proved by Noel Adams, &c. I Think no doubt can now remain that Pa troops in 1777 served near Boston. I suppose by reference to the case of James Oldham in Your office the particulars will be found proved.

I do not wish to furnish the $50 asked for in Genl. Doudel’s letter, if it can be dispensed with. I am not a speculator in Soldiers’ pensions. I have aided with my services several in obtaining pensions, I make no charge unless a pension is obtained, and then what they please to give.  The highest fee I ever got was $30, in the case of Mr. Clarke, and then I had been employed more than a week in very cold weather. Platt himself has not a cent in the world, the son with whom he lives is extremely poor. Still if no better will do, possibly the friendz[sic] can raise the money for him.
Page 55

If further steps are to be taken to establish Jno. Platt’s claim on being so informed by you, I will proceed in the case if his friends furnish the money—

I am very respectfully
Your obt. Srt.
Henry A. Byrne

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Com. Pens.   }

P.S. on the 18th sept. I put in the P.O. at Ebenburg Napp’s History of Dauphin & other countie’s[sic]—directed to you
H.A. B—

[Upside down] 
JL. Edwards, Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
War Office                       {Loretto Pa.
Washington DC.              {Sept 22nd

[Along right side]
Apr 27 1849
Respg case
John Platt
Page 56

Summit PA
Sept 12th

Harry A Byrne
Loretto, Cambria County
Summit Post Office
PA
Page 57

York, Sept. 8th 1849

Sir

I recev’d your letter of the Inst. and in reply have to inform you that There is an agent here who has been a Clerk in the war Office himself, and knows what documents are necessary in every respect to obtain a pension.  He has no doubt obtained more pensions than any other man living he has done business in the war office for thirty years and more and has obtained pensions in different Counties through all the states.. He informs me that he has got pensions for Old soldiers who are now living that belonged to the same Company viz Capt Doudels Compy. and Served at the same time with John Platt or Blatt this Old soldiers name is James Oldham he lives in Maryland and draws a pension for his services performed in Capt. Doudels Compy. There is others he knows now living who served at the same time who are pensioners by whom he can prove the service of Mr. Platt, as none of them live in York it will be Attended with Considerable cost and expences[sic] for Magistrate fees and County seals &c. in Order to Comply with the Act of June 7th 1832 to obtain the pension which will Commence on the 4th of March 1832 at $80 dollars pr. Year which will amount to about fourteen hundred dollars back pay he says if you will Send him fifty dollars for services and Expences[sic] he will obtain the above mentioned proof immediately while these old men are living if you send me Ten dollars immediately to pay for his expences[sic] to take the depositions, and when Obtained according to law send or pay the remainder on the delivery of the documents or pay it as aforesaid on these Conditions all can be procured immediately while the soldiers or witnesses are yet living it can be done but as they are very old and will soon die it will then be to[sic] late to prove or proceed in the promises if you conclude to Except[sic] of the Above proposal you must pro[ceed] immediately or it will be to[sic] late
Your [?with] respect
mDoudel
Page 58

Washington Jan 25 1850
Sir
The application of John Plott of Pa for a pension for his services as a private soldier in the war of the revolution has been for many years before your office and has been successively urged by Mr Byrnes and the [illegible] Forster and Cameron Platt is now 104 years old is very infirmed and is mainly dependent with charity of his neighbors for the necessaries of life. Platt alleged the first deposition that he belongd to Capt Dowdels company from York County Pa that the Lieutenant of the company was Henry Miller who afterwards succeeded to the command and that the regiment was under command of  Col Thompson but the service of this company regiment at the time stated did not appear. An his second affidavit the same story was repeated and having finally been invited to produce documentary evidence in corroboration of his statement some unsuccessful attemtpts have been made in his behalf to comply with that demand. I now send
Page 59

documentary evidence found in the possession of Col Hosce and authenticated by his son as complete and full as perhaps was ever furnished in such a case. It goes on all forms with the affidavit and other evidence already before you— giving the names of the Col Captain and even Lieutenant as stated and the service at the time and place stated. Lieut Henry Miller succeeded to the command of the Company and the regiment to the command of Col Hand-    Miller was in the battle of Long Island fought on the 24 August 1776.  two days before which Platt alleges he was discharged. see Life of Reed by his grandson W.B. Reed. p. 228- as to the fact of Miller being in the battle— This company was enlisted for a year—Platt claims to have served 14 months- It appears from the documentary evidence now sent that the company had already been enlisted prior to the 1 July 1775– It is easy to conclude that Platt enlisted 5 days before— and from 25 June to 25 Augt is exactly 14 months, without allowing for the time employed to return home— I flatter myself therefore that you will consider this branch of
Page 60

the case and for this much service under it as completely established.

Platt next claims for three or as corrected, for two months service as a substitute in Capt. Gelwix’s Co of Militia in 1777. I have not been able to lay my hand on the evidence of this service— but history shows that a great many militia troops were called out for service about Phila. at the time in question and the loss of rolls or other evidence of the service of that description of troops is so general, that the absence of documentary proof cannot raise a presumption against the claim.  The remarkable fact that Plott[sic] was wounded in the foot by a bayonet in hastily retreating before a Party of the enemy at the White horse- a wound which to this day marks his person- furnishes in itself the strongest presumption of proof As to the three months first Set forth for this service, Plott[sic] may be right after all- or at least, his mind may have retained the idea of three months, from the fact of his being wounded and  remaining in a farm house until he recovered- He might in this way have been out or at least away from home three months and so considered that  he was entitled to three months; or from lapse of time
Page 61

may have confounded his actual absence with the intended or legal period of service— or finally he might have been induced to remain over- in consequence of the need of the service and the proximity of the enemy after the two months had expired.  It is difficult to believe that such continuances- from patriotic chivalric motives did not happen often at and about that period— Three months for this service and 14 months in the regular service is the amount of his claim Say 17 months from 4 march 1831–

The Hon. Mr. Calvin of Penna. has placed this case in my hands and as he takes a lively interest in its speedy and proper issue, perhaps will address you a line upon the subject.

I am Very Respy
P. G. Washington

J L Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Page 62

Service of 14 months in Capt Doudels Co
               ——————

Extract from “Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet & the General Advertiser” printed at Philadelphia of the 7 Augt. 1775. in possession of s∂ Force of this City.
“Captain Doodle’s[sic] company of rifle men from York county, in this Province, soon after their arrival at the province at camp near Boston, observing a Transport in Mystic River, informed Genl Washington. that only thirty of them would engage to take her. The General received them politely, commended their resolution, and said he had no occasion for the vessel at present.”

Extra from the “Postscript” on extra Sheet of the above paper of 14 Augt 1775

“Extract of a letter from 
Cambridge of the 31 July—-   Last friday we were informed by our centries[sic] at the foot of Bunkers Hill, That the enemy had cut down several large trees, and were busy all night in throwing up a line and abattis[sic] in front of it. In the evening, orders were given to the York County rifle company, to march down to our advanced post, on Charlestown Neck, to endeavor to surround the enemy’s advanced guard, and to bring off some prisoner; from whom
Page 63

we expected to learn the enemy’s design in throwing up the abattis[sic] on the Neck. The rifle company divided and executed their plan in the following manner. Capt. Doudle[sic] with 39 men filed off to the right of Bunker Hill, and creeping on this hands and knees; got into the rear of the enemy’s centries[sic], without being discovered. The other division of 40 men under [rank and name underlined] Lieut Miller were equally successful in getting behind the centries[sic] on the left; and were within a few yards of joining the division on the right, when a party of regulars came down the Hill to relieve their guard, and crossed our rifle men under Capt Doudle[sic] as they were lying on the ground, in an indian file. the regulars were within 20 yards of our rifle men before they saw them and immediately fired. The rifle men returned the Salute, killed several and brought off two prisoners and their mussketts[sic], with the loss of Corporal Crouse, who is supposed to be killed, as he has not been heard of since the affair”

The same matter appears in 2d volume 4 Series—Forces Archives p. 1704
Page 64

Extract
The Committee of Safety of Yorke County appointed and recmomended to congress for officers of the rifle company.
Capt Michael Dowdle
Lieut Henry Miller
Lieut John Dill
Lieut John Matson
and report the company already enlisted and more than full on the 1 July 1775. pp 1524-5. 2d vol 4th series Perces archives.
14 June 75 congress provided for raising 10 companies of riflemen to serve for one year.
6 companies from Penn &
2 companies from Maryland
2 companies from Virginia
Journal of army /2/7 83 & 84

22 June 45. Two more companies to be raised in Pennsylvania forming a battalion of 8 comp.
p. 87

30 July '75 5000 & advanced on account to Col Wm Thompson for expenses of battalion of rifleman under his command. p. 131 -
Battle of Long Island was fought on the 27 August 1776.
see Hires archives & the histories in general.
Page 65

I have compared the foregoing extracts and certify them to be correct.
W. Q Force

Washington, January 25, 1850.
Page 66

{envelope}
{vertical to right edge}
July 15 46

pc
Jno Platt
Ast 1832

{stamp} Ebensburgh PA
FREE

{center}
To the Commissioner of Pension

U.S. War Office
Washington DC
Page 67

Ebensburg Cambria County Pa July 8th 1844
J.L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Enclosed, I send you the application of John Platt for a pension. I do not know whether I spell his name right, or not. This is the manner in which his grandchildren write it. The name is German and properly pronounced, like the English word "plot". The name may possibly have been once written, "Blat" or "Blatt".
In October 1832 the applicant spoke to me, to assist him in preparing his application. I had thereto pass over to Huntingdon County to obtain testimony in the case of Jacob Ripley of Morgan County 10st In his case I had the deposition of Giles Stevens taken before Edward Bell Esq. and sent it on with Ripley's application the same fall as your records will show, on my return to this county, my time was out to leave for Virginia, so that Platts' business court not be attended to by me. He is very old, quite blind, has been so for many years, and lives in a very sequestered corner of the county nearly twenty miles from the court house I name this particulars as explanatory of the delay in Platts' application.
Having at this late day non or few such matters to attend to, as I presume, you can very probably give this one, your speedy attention.
I will be pleased to hear from when you shall think fit to give a reply.
Very Respectfully, your obedt servant
Henry A Byrne
Page 68

{envelope}
{vertical to left edge}
May 22 1845
Supplied
John Platt

{Center}
JL Edwards Esquire
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 69

Ebensburg Pa. May 17th ‘45

Dear Sir. I enclose to you John Platts’ supplement to his Declaration for a PenSion[sic] (which you informed me by your favor of Oct. 9th ‘46, had been filed) with some additional[ev]idence. The difficulty arising from the lateness of his application is, I hope, removed. In addition to the affidavit now forwarded, His Honor Judge Noon of the Court of Common Pleas of this county, has furnished the enclosed Statement in the case addressed to the Secretary of War. Judge Noon’s official Station and respectability are well known to Mr. Buchanan the Secretary of State. The matter is again  Submitted to the consideration of the Department. As before any communication on the subject may be addressed to, sir, your. obedt. Servant

Henry A. Byrne

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Page 70

Brief Statement of John Platt’s Services as a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, viz: that,

He joined a company under Capt. Doudal (or Doudle) Lieut. Henry Miller in the spring or Summer of 1775 in York county Pa; marched from Littlestown in Same county by York, Lancaster, Reading &c, and joined a regiment under Col Thompson near Boston Shortly after the affair of Bunker’s hill; had ambush with the British in which Capt. Doudel disgraced himself, for which he was displaced, and lieut. Miller put in his place as captain; remained with the army under General. Washington untill[sic] the British were driven out of Boston next year; then returned with the army to New York in the Same company under Capt. H. Miller; crossed over to Long Island where he with the rest of the company was discharged about two days before the battle of Long Island. The discharge which he then got is now lost, but he remembers having it when he was drafted to go against the Whiskey boys; he had joined the company for twelve months, but owing to some cause he thinks want of money to pay off the men, or some interruption from the British Shipping, he served fourteen months or thereabouts, up to the time he was discharged; altho’ he was so long quite near to Boston, he never had the opportunity of going into the town, which grieved him very much when he was obliged to march back to New York. Afterwards, he thinks in 1777 he went from the same Littlestown as a substitute for Adam Zimmermann[sic] in Capt. Nicholas Gelwicks’[sic] company for three months; during this service which was performed mostly in the Southeast of Pennsylvania, the forces to which he belonged were routed by the British near the white horse and in the retreat in jumping a race he lit on a bayonet dropped in it by a soldier who had passed before him, which ran through his foot and disabled him from active service during the remainder of the term. He was taken to a farm house where he remained disabled from this injury in his foot, untill[sic] after the term of service had expired, and the company had been discharged. For this service he never had a discharge.
Page 71

State of Pennsylvania & County of Cambria - 
We the undersigned residents of said county, certify that we are well acquainted with John Platt (or Plates his name is pronounced) a very aged man living in the North West corner of this county, the person named in the annexed foregoing statement as a soldier of the Revolution. The belief that he served as he states in the war of the Revolution is general We certainly believe his statement to be true & we believe him to be honest and conscientious; and besides he is too illiterate and ignorant to fabricate such a narrative if his moral sense did not forbid the idea. He has been for many years blind.
Charles Bradley
Matthew McHugh
William Douglass
Samuel McMullen
Joseph 
Jeten
Peter Christy

John Fels
John Scarnban
Peter Herrigan
Washington Douglass
Michael McGuire
Emericus Bender
Thomas Kirkpatrick
James McMullen
Augustus Christy
Patrick M ay
Haroy Gl
Francis Christy
Petery STorm
George Fabinger
Matthew Conrad
Michael McGuire
Jacob Neagle
--------------------------
State of Pennsylvania
Cambria County --- }
We the undersigned justices of the peace of the county and state aforesaid certify that we are acquainted with the above named Michael McGuire Charles Bradley Emericus Bender & 6 in all twenty five, who have above subscribed their names as vouchers for the general belief of the military services of John Platt in the war of the Revolution; we know them to the gentlemen of respectability and veracity, on whose word full reliance can be placed; we also
Page 72

fully concur with them in their opinion expressed of the character of the said John Platt, and of the general belief in the county of his military services. We are personally acquainted with the applicant. October 1st. 1845
James Magehan      JP
E J Waters                JP
David Todd               JB


State of Pa. County of Cambria, solicit[sic]

We the undersigned Associate Judges of the court of Common Pleas of Said County, certify that we are well satisfied with the Statements contained in the fore going certificate of the twenty five vouchers and the above subscribed justices of our county in the matter of the military services of John Platt.  From our personal knowledge of the applicant, the Known respectability of the vouchers, and the official characters and high  Standing of the Justices above subscribed, we unhesitatingly say, that in our minds no doubt exists as to the justness of said Platt’s claim to a pension. Octr 1st. 1845
John Murray
Philip Noon
Page 73

State of Pennsylvania 
Cambria County; Ss:

I William A. Smith Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in & for Said County,
do hereby certify that James Magehan, E.J.
Waters and David Todd whose Signatures 
are affixed to the foregoing certificate were
at the time acting Justices of the Peace in & for Said County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified and to whose official acts as Such full credit should be given, and that John Murray and Philip Noon whose Signatures are affixed to the foregoing certificate were at the time and now are Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for Said County duly commissioned and qualified , and to whose official acts full credit should be given and that the Signatures of said Justices and Judges are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court at Ebensburg the ?eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five,—
Wm. A. Smith, Prothonotary
Page 74

Aug 6, 1849

Harry A Byrne

In reference to the claim of John Platt for a pension

Rep Com of Pensions
Dept of Interior
Aug 4, 1849

(reversed)
Secretary of War
Military Pension Office
Page 75

Berkley Springs

To The Honorable 
Secretary of War
Military Pension Office
Washington
[upside down wording is as follows]
Dept of War
August 11 /09
Page 76

To the Honorable the Secretary of War of the United States, John Platt of Cambria County Pennsylvania, a soldier in the war of the Revolution, submits in corroboration of the evidence filed in the war office with his declaration for a pension in 1844 and subsequently, the following extract from a History of Dauphin & 6 counties of Pa compiled from authentic sources. By J. Daniel Russ, Page 466 - 
At the commencement of the revolutionary war in 1775 Col. Chambers was so infirm and advanced in years, being then about 70 years of age, as to be incapable of the fatigue and exposure of a campaign so distant as the as the heights of Boston. Patriotism shone forth in his family. His eldest son James raised a company of Infantry from the neighborhood, which he commanded as captain, and in 1775 marched accompanied by his younger brothers William and Benjamin as cadets to join the American army then ancamped on the high grounds of Boston, where the royal army was beseiged (William was 22 years old and Benjamin 20). His three sons, remained in the army during that campaign; James having been advanced to the rank of Colonel, and WIlliam and Benjamin to that of Captain", 
On furnishing the war department with this historical extract, I beg leave on the part of the applicant to observe that, after sending the application, the depart declined allowing the for reasons in substance, these:
That the War department have no knowledge of any troops from Pa having served in New England in 1775.
Page 77

2dly. That the lateness of his application (viz 1844) seated a suspicion unfavorable to his claim.

3dly. That the statement of having served a tour as a substitute for A. Timmann on a draught for 3 months, does not correspond with the fact; as the Pa. draughts were for two months.

—To meet the first objection I furnished through Judge P. Noon of this county (I was then in the State of Missouri) a few years an Extract from a history of the U. States, showing that some troops had gone from Pa. to N. England in 1775. This was deemed insufficient as they were [underlined word] Riflemen; although I had understood the Department to say, that it had no knowledge of [underlined word] any troops from Pa. &c—- I humbly apprehend that the present extract clears up the difficulty; as it Shows that [word underlined] infantry from a county of Pa. more remote than York served at the very place and time where and when Platt swears he performed his 1st service.

—As to the 2d. difficulty— the lateness of the application— I suppose the depositions on file when carefully examined will be satisfactory —

As to the 3d objection the discrepancy between a 3 and 2 months draught. It may without any violence to truth be said that at his time of life and infirmity, John Platt may easily make a slight error in the time. Moreover he says he does not know exactly how long he was in active service; as before the term expired, he was disabled by a bayonet wound through the foot (the mark of which he still wears)
Page 78

It may be remarked, that when chambers raised a company in what is now Franklin county, for Boston heights, most likely others, from the neighboring counties, joined the same service. This Idea is suported by the facts, that in that campaign James Chambers was raised to the rank of Col and William and Benjamin became captains.

John Platt thinks he does not ask too much of his country, which he faithfully served when young, that his case shall have a careful reexamination, and that now when he is old, infirm and blind, he may receive that justice, which has been extended to his brother in arms—

N.B.  The mail leaves this place only weekly: This will be sent in part of the  wa[y]s  by private hand. But as wheresoever it may be mailed, any communication for John Platt can be directed to the subscriber at Loretto, Cambria County Pa

Respectfully &c.
Henry A. Byrne
August 6th 1849