Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,036, for James Knowles, Connecticut
Page 1

Service
Conn Navy

Knowles, James
Foot, Prudence
Former widow

Number 
W.14.036
Page 2

Massachusetts 2999
Prudence Foot, formerly
widow of James Knowles
(missing) m the February 1778
(missing) shire Co. in the State of Mass.
(illegible name) Sargt who was a midshipman} in the commanded by Captain Hanchett of the regt. commanded by Col. Arnold Conn, in the Con. line for
Paid in full 1 Ap 1840 to Aug 17, 1839

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 204 Dollars 19 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of August 1839 and sent to F. A. Dickens   Present.

Arrears to the 4th of March '39   1633.52
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep. 102.09
$1735.52
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. Y. 3
March 1837
Recorded by D. Brown   Clerk
Book A.    Vol. 2    Page 53

Dead. See letter to D. Brown
P. Agt. Sept. 10 1839
do to Hon. G. N. Briggs, crt.
14.1839-do. to P. Agt. Oct 29.
1839-do  to D. Brown 2d Nov.
1839- to Hon G. N. Briggs
Nov. 6. 1839 Let. to Hon G. Rogers
dec. 19. 1839- toD. Brown, ded7. 1839
shipd. let to Payt Dec.  28. 1839
Hon G. N. Briggs 12 Dec '40
date of certificate
Feby 1 1840 office order to Pension Agt.to pay his children Knowles (illegible words)
2 # 6 
A person claiming to be the atty for the parties who avowed intention to go to Congress for arrears due enquired about the case. Mr. Prior ascertained at 3d auditor's office that payment in full to day of death Aug. 17 '39 was made in 1st quarter of 1840.
Page 3

(circular stamp)
Worcester Oct 25

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

Com Oct 29

FREE
Page 4

Worcester Mass Oct 24, 1839.
Dear Sir
Mr James Foot of Pittsfield, where I reside having just been to Boston, on account of the pension of  his mother Mrs Prudence Foot, wishes me to write you the following in relation too the same, or rather he wished me to write to the Secretary of War, but I thought perhaps, it might be as proper or more so to direct the letter to you.
Mrs Foot had two children by her first husband Knowles, by virtue of whose services she obtained the pension under the Act of 1836; and two children by her second husband Foot--Mr Foot, thought he was entitled to it by virtue of her will which gave  it to him--but being informed to the contrary by a letter from you, having date I think Oct 16th; he now thinks that he and his sister, can hold on half--and desires me to refer to the opinion of Mr. Butter Attorney General, under date of Oct 26, 1836. & Jany 1837 communicater to Sec of War--contained in (illegible word) no 118 of 25th Cong, 2d Session, which he supposes (illegible words) of the case--
I write at his request,  but suppose from what he said that the Ho Mr. Briggs will also wrtite you soon--..........am yours very respectfully
J. Rockwell
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions.
Washington City
Page 5

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3d Section of the act of 4 July 1836 and of the 1st Section of the Act of 3 March 1837
State of Massachusetts
Berkshire County  Ss:

On this twenty sixth day of April AD 1839 personally appeared before me William P Walker a Judge of the Court of Probate of the County aforesaid Prudence Foot a resident in said Town, aged Ninety 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 explanatory of said act passed March 3. 1837.
that she was married to James Knowles who served in Capt John Chester's Volunteer Company which marched from Weathersfield in Connecticut for Cambridge in May 1775 that she was informed and believes the same to be true that her said husband, the said James Knowles was in the Battle of Bunker Hill and that he was afterwards commissioned a Lieutenant in Capt Oliver Hanchetts Company & marched in Col. Arnolds division of the Army by Kennebeck against Quebec in the fall of the year 1775. That after his return from Quebec he came to the determination to leave the army and enter the Naval Service, he having been a highly experienced Navigator and a Master of a Vessel, he accordingly settled up all his concerns of every description and repared to Boston and entered on Board the Boston Frigate under Capt McNeil as a midshipman. That while her said husband was a prisoner in Halifax she received
Page 6

a number of letters  from him informing her that the Hancock and Boston took a vessel called the Fox and manned her to cruise and that he had been promoted and was a Lieutenant under Captain Manly and had been Captured on the Fox so taken as aforesaid of which he had been appointed prizemaster, that all her said letters from Halefax are destroyed except a remnant of one which is hereto annexed and is in the hand writing of her said husband as also the power of attorney attached to the deposition of William Jennison also scrap of letter and three letters in his hand writing accompanying this declaration are all in the hand writing of her said husband, that she was informed & believes the same to be true that her husband the said James Knowles arrived in a Cartel of prisoners at Marblehead in the latter part of the month of February 1778 where he shortly thereafter died and that she never obtained his commission papers or effects left by him and she further says her husband was in the service from May 1775 until his death as aforesaid--and she further declared that she was married to the said James Knowles in the month of June in the year Seventeen hundred and Sixty Eight that her husband the aforesaid James Knowles died in the month of February Seventeen hundred and seventy Eight as she was informed by a letter from a Mr. George Stillman, a cousin of her said husband. That she was afterwards married to Daniel Foot who died on the first day of January Eighteen hundred and thirty two and that she was a Widow on the fourth day of July 1836, and still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed and the deponent further says that her said husband the said James Knowles and his Brother Charles
Page 7

Knowles both volunteered their Services in May 1775 and marched for Cambridge  That her said Husband never returned until the spring of the year 1776 when he returned from Quebec by the way of Albany N. Y. and was at home but a short time before he returned again to Canada and business connected with the Service and continued absent in the Service with but very little exception until the time of his death as above Stated, that an aged widowed Mother of said James & Charles and their only Sister Martha Knowles & this deponent with her children were left with contracted means for their comfort and support, that her two said Children viz. John Knowles and Prudence, now Prudence Kellogg are now living, the latter resides in the State of Illinois and the former is a resident of Maddison County and State of New York--and the deponent further says that her said husband the said James Knowles & his Brother the said Charles Knowles were both Officers in the Army in the year 1775 and were highly respected for integrity of character, and that they were both members in good Standing of the Episcopal Church when the war commenced--    Prudence Foot  X  her mark

Sworn to & Subscribed on the day & year above written before me who certify that through age & infirmity the said applicant is unable to attend court for the purpose of making the said application but the same was made at her residence at Pittsfield in said County of Berkshire
William P. Walker  Judge of Probate
Page 8

State of Massachusetts
Berkshire County   Ss.

James Foot of Pittsfield and County aforesaid of the age of Fifty eight years being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with the said Prudence Foot, that she is the identical person described in the preceeding declaration, and that her late husband the said Daniel Foot died on the first day of January Eighteen Hundred and thirty two and that the said Prudence Foot still remains a widow    James Foot

Berkshire. April 26th 1839
Subscribed & sworn to before me who certify that the Deponent is a credible witness    W. P. Walker  Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Berkshire County  Ss.

I Henry W. Bishop Register of the Court of Probate within & for the said County of Berkshire do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the Judge of said Court in the matter of the application of Prudence Foot for a pension also I further certify that the Hon. William P Walker is the Judge of said Court & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine  In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty sixth day of April 1839
Henry W. Bishop  Register Probate
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County Ss.
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3d Section of the act of 4 July 1836 and of the 1st Section of the act of 3 March 1837 in addition to and amendatory of the declaration made on the twenty sixth day of April AD 1839

On this first day of August AD 1839 personally appeared before William P Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire Prudence Foot a resident of the town of Pittsfield in said County aged ninety one years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in addition to and amendatory of her declaration made before said court on the 20th day of April 1839 which is hereto annexed in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 1831 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 1837.  That she was married to James Knowles mentioned in the annexed declaration on the third day of April in the year Seventeen hundred & sixty Eight at Wethersfield in the state of Connecticut.  That she was mistaken when in the annexed declaration she stated that her marriage took
Page 10

place in the month of June in the year seventeen hundred & sixty Eight. That for testimony or evidence of the said Knowles services she refers to the deposition of Solomon Rowe which accompanies this declaration and to rolls of the navy at Washington among which it is supposed that the Roll of the vessel Boston may be found--that in consequence  of her great age & loss of memory and the absence of the certificate of her marriage she stated that her marriage took place in said month of June--That since she has seen the deposition annexed aby which her marriage is proved she recollects that she was married to said Knowles in the month of April and her recollection is strengthened by the fact she remembers that her neighbours were sowing their fields of onions in Wethersfield at the time of her marriage which usually took place in the forepart of April.      Prudence Foot   X  her mark 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me who certify that through age and bodily infirmity the said applicant is unable to attend court for the purpose of making the foregoing declaration but the same was made at her residence at Pittsfield in said County of Berkshire
William P. Walker  Judge of Probate
Page 11

Comptrollers Office
Harteforde  July 23 1839

I certify that an application for evidence of the Service of James Knowles who claims service in the War of the Revolution in 1775 I have examined the Books of of officers remaining in this 
office and find his name on A. Pay Roll of the 9th Co in the 2nd Regiment Raised by order Genl Hawbly Connecticut May 1775 where he is entered as a Sergeant under Col. John Chester and Commenced Service May 18 ............of discharge Sep 10 having served Four months--4 .......

Henry Wilbourne   Comsr
Page 12

I, Caleb J. Tenney, Senior Pastor for the First Church in Withersfield, Hartford County & State of Connecticut, do hereby certify, that, from the year 1739 to the year 1772, the late Rev. James Lockwood was pastor of the same Church--that he kept a Record of Marriages & that in his Record stands the following; vis;
"April" Third, One Thousand, Seven Hundred Sixty Eight,  "Married James Knowles & Prudence Benton--"
I, moreover, certify, that the preceeding is an exact copy of Know, except that the date is in perfectly fair legible figures & letters thus; "April 3, 1768." Withersfield, Con.    Caleb J Tenney
July 6, 1839.

Hartford County Ss. Wethersfield July b. 1839 Personally appeared Caleb J. Tenney who has subscribed the above certificate and made oath to the truth of the clame before me Ashbel Robertson Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut, Probate District of Hartford. Ss.
Hartford, July 23, 1839.
I hereby Certify, that the Rev. Doct. Caleb J. Tenney whose name is subscribed to the above Certificate, is a credible witness, and that his said signature is genuine.  
Nathaniel Goodman, Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District
Page 13

State of Connecticut
City & County of Hartford}  Ss.

I James H Holcomb Clerk of the County Court for the County of Hartford hereby certify that Ashbel Robertson who has subscribed the foregoing certificate in a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths & take the acknowledgement of deeds & that the signature thus to subscribed purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said County Court this 6th day of July A.D. 1839.
James H. Holcomb, Clerk.
Page 14

I Solomon Rowe of Gloucester, State of Massachusetts, aged 85 years, on oath testify that I served as a Seaman on board the Frigate Hancock, Manley Commander. I entered in March or April, 1777; she and the Boston, Lt. McNeill Commander sailed in company from Boston about 20th  May and cruised together. On the Grand Bank said Frigate on the 8th July fell in with and captured a British armed Brig called the Fox, which prize was manned by men taken from the Boston and Hancock. I was put on board said Fox; and James Knowles, a midshipman or Lieutenant from the Boston was also put on board. Shortly after the British Frigate Rainbow fell in with and captured the Hancock; and the Flora recaptured the prize Fox. Their crews were soon landed and put in Halifax prison, where they laid till January 1778; when they were first on board a cartel called Bonadventure and ordered for New York. When in Boston bay, the prisoners rose and carried the cartel into Marblehead, where she arrived in February, 1778; and said Knowles in a day or two after the arrival of the cartel died at Marblehead. Said Knowles, to my Knowledge, was put on board the Fox in the capacity of First Lieutenant thereof. We were in Halifax prison together, we came home in the same cartel; and I well and distinctly recollect him.  Solomon Rowe  X his mark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essex,   Ss.  July 25th, 1839.

Then Solomon Rowe above named, who is well known to me as a credible witness, subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal at Gloucester on the day and year above named.  William Ferson, Noty Public
Page 15

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.

August 19, 1937

E. F. J. Tafe
424 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, Calif

Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 14036. it appears that James Knowles, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, enlisted in May 1775 and served four months as sergeant in Captain John Chester's Connecticut Company and was in the battle of Bunker Hill; and afterwards was an Ensign and Lieutenant in Captain Oliver Hanchett's Company, Colonel Arnold's Regiment, marched to Quebec and was in the siege there; he went to Boston and May 20, 1777 went on board the frigate "Boston", Captain Hector McNeil, and was Midshipman, July 8, 1777 they captured the British Brig "Fox", which they fitted up to cruise, and he was promoted to First Lieutenant on the "Fox", under Captain Manly, the "Fox" was afterwards captured by the British ship "Flora"
Page 16

and carried to Halifax, where he was held prisoner until January 1778, when exchanged and returned to Marblehead, Massachusetts in February 1778.
Soldier married April 3, 1768 at Wethersfield, Connecticut, Prudence Benton.  He died a few days after reaching Marblehead in February 1778. She married Daniel Foot and he died January 1, 1832.
She was allowed pension, on account of the services of James Knowles, on her application executed April 26, 1839, while a resident of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, age ninety years.
She had two children by James Knowles--John, a resident of Madison County, New York in 1839; and Prudence, widow of Nathaniel Kellogg, living in Illinois in 1839.
The widow, Prudence Foot died August 17, 1839.

Respectfully,  E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.

corrected  before sending out
Page 17

(Fragment missing words on margins)
......I hope........
...Patience for Really my Old
...is almost exhausted (blot)
...about me as I am Much
...you May Imagine, from
....Amongst you by Some
... or Otherwise as Strenuously
...we have been treated with
...of War, and have been
...(illegible word) or in the Least
Supply with plenty of as good
...and (illegible word) as Convenient
...and Enjoy the Liberty of very
...Dark Notwithstanding (illegible word)
(illegible line)
...(illegible words) in him
...is his (illegible words) and
...it may be his Will and pleasure
...your Health and Comfort
I Remain Your Loving
Husband
James Knowles

(seal) NATIONAL ARCHIVES  OF THE UNITED STATES

31

Knowles, James
Conn W 14036
Page 18

Mrs...  To
Prudence Knowles
att

(?) favours of Mrs.}
Danforth}                    Wethersfield




Knowles, James
Conn. W 14036
Page 19

Camp at Cambrige Sunday to flock 4th June 1775
Friend, These Lines leave me in Good health and I hope they will find you. We arrive in this Camp Thursday last at 6 o'clock P.M in Comfortable Circumstances Considering the Length of our March and the Excessive hot Weather we had, we were Receiv'd by the General Field Officers of the Army here with Great Complisance, & also by a Vast Concourse of the Soldery that Gathers about us at the Head Quarters, where we Rec'd Orders to take Possession of a Church Opposite on the other side the Green where we lay Encamp'd. Our Duty at Present is Only to Parade Early in the Morning attend Prayers and Exercise an Hour or Two; Last Night abt. Sunset came in here one of His Majesties Cutters with Sails sett Colours flying with 7 men Rowing her on 2 Giant wheeles, she was Taken Yesterday abt. 11 o' Clock forenoon as she was Rowing between Dear Island & 
 Charlestown by our Rangers who Lay in the bushes and as She was passing brought her too. Our Comp'y are under Orders to Hold themselves in Readiness to (illegible word) at 7 in the morning to March as a flag of Truce to Charlestown ferry with (illegible word) and to Deliver a Message to General Gage. Flag who are to meet up.  Two fine Ships Lay in Charlestown River Either of which I should be glad to Carry me to Saybrook, for my feet are wore too much to Return on foot, I've been along Five of the uppermost this forenoon within 20 Rods and our men have fir'd above 60 Musket shots within 2 hours at her
Page 20

this Day being the Birth Day of our Tyrant George the 3rd at 12 o'clock the Cannon were fir'd. on board the Ships and Colours Display: in hoisting a Pendant on board one of them. Got fouled of the Rigging when they went up a man to Clear it our men which lyin the mud (illegible word) at Low water in the Marsh find him Down as some of our Comp'y say they saw. I expect we Shall be Quarrelsome when we meet the Flag of Truce we are Prepar:d with 30 Rounds a Man (hereafter left margin is compromised)
I should be Glad to hear from anyone that will write to me or my Comp & to all friends, I wrote a Confiscat'd Letter by Capt  (illegible words) Negro which I suppose you  Rec'd.
... most home sick to see my Little Boy & Girl-
...you write to me Every Opportunity; Don't fail
...  a Flogging match here yesterday. 2 Men for stealing and other Drumd out of the Camp for the Like offence The 3rd in the Center of the whole army only 20 apiece
(hole) Drums and fifes to parade that old Thief out of makes my headache to think--Lest I weary you as my
 I'll Subscribe my Yours &c. James Knowles

(circular stamp) THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
31
Page 21

( ............. indicates illegible word or words)

Camp..........15th Jan'y 1776
Dear Wife,
....Line and in haste wrote to Inform you I am in good health, altho Much Chagrinned by the Late Repulse which our Troops have Mett with, I am Now ........ done 
Bird in a Cage ....Capt. with one.... 
......One Lieut. Kilt in the Attack. I am Left
with a few of the Comp. ...their......Misfortune;
I would beg you to ....Make yourself as Content as you possibly can while you ..... join with me in thanks for Almighty God who has spared Me and Left us hope of Meeting again in this World when others of similar connection are Separated. The Loss of a Brother Officer and his ......
Most Intimate and with whom I had formed a Firm Friendship in hopes of ..........a touch Near my heart--
But I Thank God, Reason forbids me to Dwell on Misfortune
I am in ........Spirits....Not best we Shall 
be in possession of Quebec Notwithstanding out Repulse within Two Months. From this you.......and I intend
to Stand by my Undertaking untill I See my Acquaintance  (illegible name)Quebec city, or Loose all. Thank God I am
in Very good Quarters & have Very Good living, and and am Very well. 
(illegible word) Would have you give yourself No Trouble about my Circumstances, I am Well provided for, as to  Food and Raiment. Should have Less Anxiety on my mind If I knew you and my Dear Little Ones were as Well Supply'd  My Warmest and Most Sincere Affections to you and Love to my Little ones  Accept from your Devoted Husband, James Knowles
NB: I think I wrote to you from Fort Weston that I had sent a Bill to Mr. Wells, on the Paymaster Gen's of Connecticut; I withdrew my packets on the Vessel was Notarized Leave Kenebeck and Return it to Col. Arnold  I have Now all my Wages Due Since the 1st of August past, This I mention that in Case I should fail to Settle myself you may be able to Call on Cap. Haver (?)  Camp these for where you find me in .......with his .......  Don't be Troubled my Dear......of my situation ....... I hope to Enjoy myself with you and my family.  Soon  after we have Taken Quebec City. Don't fail to keep my .................Dear Boy God Bless him, I Long to See you all, In the.........Establish'd Enjoyment of Liberty.
Page 22

(........... indicates illegible word or words)

hope you don't suffer for ....fortable ....
while I am abroad on this .....and Should be Glad to
send you a Remittance if I could find a safe way to
assist you and Comfort my Dear Little Children
you will please to ...........Regards to
my Mother, and her mother and Mother Benton & Sister Polly and Brother & Sister ......, and Rembrance
to out Neighbor and Acquaintance........
.......in particular.......................................with
Mrs. Callon Whose Husband is a prisoner in Quebec City Nathl. Colman is also a prisoner. I Dare not mention
the Dangers of the Attack in particular, but let it Suffice
to say .........past Which.......
Brave men..............................
and Loving Husband.  James Knowles



Knowles, James
Conn W 14036
Page 23

For Mrs. Prudence Knowles
att
Wethersfield


Knowles, James
Conn W14036
Page 24

Ship Boston, in Nantaskett Road 21st Apr 1777 at Boston Port 
Dear Wife
Agreeable to my Purpose I am permitted the Opportunity of writing a few Lines more to Inform you I am in good health and High Spirits, hope they find a Safe Conveyance to you. The Reason you Did not Receive my Letters of former ay was because Mr Starkey Left his Lodging Soonner than he Mention'd when I Saw him a few Minutes before,(illegible word)I herewith Inclose, on Sunday morning at Daylight we were Calle'd to Quarter on board by the appearance of a Ship Handing athwart the Channel which (illegible word) soon Discover'd her Long Boat Standing in for this Road from out Masthead, when as Soon as She, Discover'd our Ship, She Put about and Stood off whereupon I was Order'd to Issue her with our Long boat mounting & fire, Swivels in 35 Min; which we Immediately Got underway and in an Hour Came within Shot when T Bost'n tro under Irene Coloring, and Inform'd that the Ship was from Bourdau France bound for this Port whereupon we brough to the Ship Detain'd her Officers and Sent our Barges (illegible word) her to the Ship with Proper Ploth & Conduct her in to port which was agreeably Perform'd by 12 o'Clock and She Past us by a Salute of 13 Cannon under french colour which was Return'd by our Frigate and Castle William that to see was, She is Loaded with (illegible word) Cannon (illegible word) powder (blot) Ninety of Cloathing both Woolen and Linen says she (illegible word) in Company with & Other Sail (illegible word)
Different ports on this Continent -- I have nothing Material further to Observe, more than my Best wishes to you and our Dear Children.  Hoping the Indulgence of a (illegible word) and kind Providence will preserve and bring us together again in this World, if Not he will Receive us to himself in his own time--You Will Hear from Amos Knowles  after I am Sail'd and Receive Such Direction, as I have Given him for Your Conduct of affairs--I am your Affectionate, Loving Husband;  Jas: Knowles. Give Love to our  Children; I Dont forget John, at School. I long to See them both, Kiss each of them for me, I hope you wont Spare any Pains for their Education which is or may be in you (illegible word) --give Duty to Our Parents and Love to Brothers and Sisters-- J. K---
Page 25

Prudence Foot
widow of
James Knowles
of Mass

Filed by 
(illegible words)
Page 26

(CHART)

"A Pay Roll of Capt. Oliver Hanchett's Company in B. Genl.
Arnold's Detacht. on  Continental Service.

Officers Non Commissioned  Officers and Soldiers Names
(A) James Knowles Ensn.
(B) James Knowles Lieut.

Regt. & Colony from whence Inlisted 
(A) ----
(B) ----

Time of entering into this company
(A) ----
(B) ----

Time of Death, Desert. discharge being taken, or Inlisting into other Companys Includg 3 weeks to return.
(A) Promoted & Re-Establishd 1 December
(B) Returned to his Regt. 1 July

Number of Days in the Service.
(A) 91
(B) 213

Wages P Month
(A) (Pound sign) 3 
(B) 5" 8--

Total Amt of Wages
(A) (Pound sign) 9" 2.--
(B) 38" 6. 11 1/2

Money forfeited by deserters
(A) (blank)
(B) (blank)

The above Extract is a true copy from the records on file in the Dept. of State--See "Letters & Reports from B. Lincoln  Secretary at War from 26 Nov 1781 to 7 Oct. 1782, vol. 1. No. 149."

Mr. W. Dickins--
Keeper of the Archives.
Augt. 7th 1809.
Page 27

Joseph Strong--Albany
enquiry concerning service of James Knowles--of marriage of widw. Strong at Wethersfield--
ElB wrote 18. Jany. no information obtained--mentioned--charge against Knowles & C.
Found he served with Genl.  Joseph Spencer (lightly crossed out name) in 1775 Cap. John Chester
wrote him of this fact Feb. 2 

Edwin
Page 28

Albany Dec. 19, 1836.
E. Benjamin Esq.
Dr Fr.
Will you do me the favor to enquire at the Pension Office in hour city whether they have any Navy Pensioners of the Revolution on their Books. My object is to find some person who was on board of the Boston or Hancock Frigates in the spring & summer of 1777; the statement of the widow, of James Knowles who was on board of the Boston Frigate as midshipman in April & May 1777 is briefly this that the Boston & Hancock in July 1777 to a Brig or Schooner called the Fox which was manned & ordered to cruise--that her husband the said Knowles was prize master of the Fox which was recaptured shortly after the Hancock was also taken at the same time  She further states her husband was a volunteer in Capt. Chester's Company from Weathersfield Conn, was in the Battle at Bunker hill--received  a commission at Cambridge, soon after that battle went with Col. Arnold as Lieutenant in Capt. Oliver Hanchetts Co. & was at the Siege of Quebec 
Dec 31, 1775, resigned, & went into the Navy--that he received letters dated April  & May 1777 (which are now before me) Steleing himself midshipman of the Boston. Capt. Hector McNeil that in other letters which have been lost She is quite positive he informed her that he was a Lieutenant of the Hancock Capt. Manly, being promoted before or after the Capture of the Fox--that he was prize master of the Fox & was prisoner in Halifax with the crew of the Hancock and Fox until Feby. 1778 when they were exchanged & arrived in a cartel at Marblehead, where, the day after their arrival, he died; she never got his papers and effects, consequently cannot show that he was an officer, the papers of the Navy department having been burnt; she further states he was sick nearly all the time he was a prisoner, & that he informed her that while such prisoner, he was, a Lieutenant of the Boston or Hancock, Our object is, to show
Page 29

that fact; we can show beyond a doubt that he was onboard the Frigate Boston. In one of his letters now before me, dated Nantucket Roads on board said Frigate April 21, 1777, he states a Ship was descried & he was Ordered to pursue her with the long Boat mounting & swivels & 35 men when she was brought to & proved to be a French Ship with ammunition clothing &c for our government.
I have understood that many of the crew of the Boston & Hancock were from Connecticut, I wish you would make enquries if you can hear of any old Pensioners, also as to his tour in Canada, he was undoubtedly a Lieutenant in Capt Oliver Hanshetts Company & many of said company were from Weathersfield, it would be well to enquire at Weathersfield for such Pensioners--
Respectfully Yours, 
Joseph Strong
Page 30

I send the Enclosed for the certificate you was so kind as to send me. The certificate is the only evidence I have obtained showing that he was a officer in O Hanshetts Co. in Canada.
I have a further favor to ask, for which I will satisfy you the Expense & trouble. I sent on papers to Washington on behalf of my mother, widow of Capt. John Strong, with depositions of herself & two other persons who were present at her marriage which took place at Weathersfield in June 1776, which evidence cannot be allowed--they require a certificate from the Town Clerk or Parish clerk duly authenticated showing the marriage of John Strong to Martha Knowles in June 1776--She states that M. Marsh the Minister of her Parish was absent & Mr. Merriam of Rock Hill of the next Parish was sent for who performed the marriage rites. I wish you would procure such certificate as soon as your convenience will permit & forward the same to me as soon as possible--the enquires in the other case you can make at your leisure.  Yours, J.S.
Page 31

Boston, July 25th, 1839
Dear Sir,
Since you left Boston, I have seen Mr. Gregory, whom I wrote to, that you was gone: he said that he would attend to your business, and send a certificate or affidavit direct to you.  I have made search for evidence myself, and I find that the name of Captn. Oliver Hanchett is
in a "Journal of a march from Cambridge, on an Expedition against Quebec in Colonel Benedict Arnold's Detachment, Septr. 13th 1775," but I do not find the name of James Knowles therein. The following is an extract from said Jounal; "Octr. 21: Our provisions growing scanty, and some of out men being sick, held a council, and agreed to send the sick back, and to send a Captain and fifty men forward to make the inhabitants as soon as possible, that they might send us some provisions. Accordingly the sick were sent forward. Before this Colo. Enis with three Captains and their companies turned back, being discouraged. Nov 2: Some Cattle was sent to supply us by Col Arnold who arrived two days before. We were so hungry, that before the creeter was dead, the hide and flesh were on the fire broiling. Decr 6: Laid siege to the town, and continued the
Page 32

siege until the 29th when we surrendered prisoners of War. During the attack Capt Hendrick and Capt Hubbard, with Capt Morgan's first Lieut were killed. In Capt Hanchett's Company, Killed, Lt Saml Cooper & six others. Wounded, David Sage. Prisoners, Capt Oliver Hanchett, Lt. Abyah Savage, Qr Mr Benjn Catlin and 26 privates.
There are several applications made for service on board of the Frigate Hancock, Capt Manly, and the Fox taken by Manly in 1777, which was retaken by the British Ship Flora, and sent into Halifax, where her crew were made prisoners of war, until sent in a cartel for New York, when the prisoners rose and carried the cartel into Marblehead.
Should I find any service hereafter, I will let you know it.

Respectfully yrs,
Eleazer Homer

P.S. The rolls of the Navy are at Washington and I suppose the roll of the Boston is among them.
Page 33

Washington. 
21 Augt. 1839.
Sir,

I have rec'd. yours of this date relative to the case of Prudence Foot stating that she may have a certificate for $204.19/100 per ann. I will thank you to be so good as to have such certificate made out. I presume that it is all that she is entitled to from the evidence
Very respectfully
Yours tr
Francis A. Dickens.
Page 34

Free

J L Edwards
Washington DC

Sept 10.Conn.
Prudence Foot
2999.
Page 35

Chittenango  Sept 7th 1839
Dr Sir
The Children of Prudence (Foot) the Widow of James Knowles desire information as to the application of their Mother and the course to her pursued by them
Some of the Children of James Knowles  deceased Reside in this Vicinity. Who are aware that their mother made an application for a pension, but there is no (illegible word) whether the application was disposed of until Recently. they have have received a letter from their relatives at Pittsfield Massachusetts, stating that their Mother was dead. That the Claim for pension was allowed, and desired some action in relation obtaining the Money &c.
The relatives here are not certain Who is entitled to the Money, or of What course to obtain it, and desire to state the facts and ask for information.
The Widow (now deceased) obtains the pension for the Services of James Knowles (deceased) by Whom she had two Children, who are each alive. Subsequent to the decease of Mr Knowles the widow intermarried with Daniel Foot, by Whom she had several children, some of Whom are still living others dead, who left Representatives. The Children of James Knowles desire to be informed of the amount of pension allowed to their mother and also Whether they are the proper persons to apply for the same or whether it goes to the Children of Foot, or to both. And also What proof will be required of their kinship. They understand their Mother died the 17th of August, last, but at present have no positive knowledge of the precise day.  Will you also inform them Whom the claim was allowed. Will you please Write as soon as convenient and direct to the Subscriber at Chittenango Madison County NY and much obliged  Your Humble servt
D Brown
J L Edwards Esq (illegible writing)
Page 36

G N Briggs
(illegible writing)
J L Edwards Esq
Comssnr Pension
Washington DC

(illegible word)
Oct 14
Conn
Prudence Foot (illegible word)
Page 37

Lannboro (?) 9 Oct 1839
Sir
Prudence Foot, late of Pittsfield N Y application & evidence for a pension. the first part of August by her son & agent James Foot on the 12 Aug she made her will (illegible word) her pension--on the 17 she died, on the 21 her certificate was dated-- Who must make the application for the amt. due her? James Foot was appointed Executor by (illegible word)  He has taken out letters & a new executor-- will you please give the above information--
Respectfully
Yours  G N Briggs

J L Edwards
Page 38

(stamp) FREE

Hon J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions &c.
Washington DC

Oct. 29. 1839
N. Y. 
(circular stamp) Chettenango N. Y.
Page 39

Chittenango  October 24th, 1839

Dr Sir
I enclose the affidavit of John Knowles, son of the Late Prudence Foot due for widow of James Knowles deceased. Showing John Knowles and Prudence Kellogg, Widow of Nathaniel Kellogg to be the only heirs of James Knowles deceased on account of Whose service the late widow Foot made application for a pension but died before the Certificate reached her  Mr Knowles has been  at considerable trouble to procure the enclosed proof which I hope will be considered sufficient  She was unable to procure the original certificate for the reasons stated in the affidavit of Mr Knowles  It is quite probable that some of the Children of Mr. Foot will make application for their portion, but I suppose from the Instructions sent Mr. Knowles that they are not entiled and that the children of James Knowles are the only heirs. If the papers enclosed should be thought defective you will please direct what alterations should be made. If otherwise please send the necessary vouchers for the heirs of Knowles and direct to the subscribed at Chittenango Madison County NY. Please send direction &c. as soon as practicable and oblige Your obedient servant
Duane Brown

(illegible abbreviation) J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions &c.
Page 40

B. 438,   3 dle is Qf
WD 28 Dec. 1839.

Let the payment of this pension be suspended for the present

J. R. P.

Pr. Foot
Page 41

To Hon J. R. Poinsett
Sir
Some months since Prudence Foot of Pittsfield Mass. applied for a pension as the widow of James Knowles a Revolutionary Soldier--Soon after the war Knowles died & she married a Foot, by whom she had several children.
At the time of her death she left, a will by which she disposes of the pension due--she also left children by Knowles & by Foot. Directions have been given by the Pension Office to honor the amt due the widow the time of her death to be paid to the children by Knowles in exclusion of her children by Foot--
The Knowles children had been from their mother for a great number of years before her death, & she  lived with her son Jas Foot who expended a large sum of money to obtain the pension---He wishes to have it carefully heard before the money shall pass into the hands of the Knowles children.
I therefore respectfully request that an order may issue impounding the payment of the money due Miss Foot at her death, to any one until Foot may be heard in favor of his claim
Respectfully,
 Yr G N Briggs
Page 42

G. N. Briggs
MC
FREE

 (circular stamp)
OCT 21
Lenox  Mass.
Nov 4 

J. L. Edwards
Comssr of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Foot
Page 43

Lamsboro 30 Oct. 1839

Sir
James Foot as one of the children of his mother (blank space) Foot who has recently been admitted on the Pension roll for payment, & is dead--has recently applied to the Pension Agency at Boston for his portion of the money due his mother & was informed there orders had been given not to pay over any money to him--I am directed by Mr. Foot to ask that he may be notified what objections are made against his claim as one of the children of Mrs Foot to a portion of the money due her--& to say that he wishes to be heard before any decision should be made against him

Resptly,
Y--
G. N. Briggs
Page 44

Nov. 27, 1839
P. Foot.

Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions Of
Washington DC
Page 45

Chittenango Nov 23d 1839
Sir
Yours of Nov 3 was duly Rc'd in case of Prudence Foot Widow of James Knowles dec'd enclosing various Kinds of blanks and desiring us to fill the blanks and forward the same to Mr Franklin Haven Esq at Boston Who on the receipt thereof would pay the amount of the money due. From your letter I was under the impression that a power of attorney was all that was necessary to be sent to the agent. And I was also under the impression that either papers sent you for examination would be forwarded to Mr. Haven's with instructions or some directions given him in the premises and soon after the receipt of your I wrote to Mr Haven for information as to what kind of vouchers we should send him and in reply I received the enclosed answer from which It appears to be necessary to make the same kind of proof and forward to him to send you that we have sent to the department  I am inclined to the opinion that there must be some mistake in the instruction of Mr Haven And I desire to be informed whether it is necessary for us to again make the same kind of proof to forward to Mr Haven that we have forwarded to the department for examination  and which have been examined. If it is necessary for us make further proof please write and inform me what we must prove and where the deposition shall be sent  Please direct to Chittenango Madison County NY and oblige Your obedient servant  
Duane Brown

J L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions O C
Page 46

feb 23, 1841

Prudence Foot 
Massut

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comssr of Pensions

Hon G. N Briggs
H.R.
Page 47

22 Feby 1841

Sir
Will you please send me a Certificate copy of the Certificate sent to Prudence Foot of Pittsfield Mass--one or two years since & is wanted in a case pending between the heirs of Mrs. Foot

Yr  G. N. Brigg

J l Edwards Esq
Comsr of Pen
Page 48

( some illegible words/abbreviations)

James Knowles D 1778
Prudence Foote M 1768
75.  m Chester ( 4 mi Sud  5 Comsit Art)
was afterward Livd in  Capt Hanchetts
and (illegible word) 1 Canada
Ap. 77 Midn. Frig Boston  Hector McNeil
arrived in a cartel Feb '78
was bef Quebec 15 Jan 76 see mss.
Ship Boston 21 Apl 77  See Cit to wife
Sergt 4 mo.  20
Ens. 3. 1. 30.44
Leut.  7. 3. 94.66

(additional numbers and figuring)

30,6001   5920

Cartel Vol 8 p. 77.79
Hector McNeil  Vol 44 l 202 27 feb 77

14.4    60--
9.26
Hanchett
Page 49

Mrs. -- Foote
formerly widow of James Knowles
Mass
Page 50

Washington June 13th 1850.
Sir:
I am requested by Nial Pease, Esqr, of Lenox, Massachusetts, to attend to the case of Mrs           Foote, formerly widow of James Knowles, deceased. Mrs. Foote was some years ago allowed a Pension for about one year's service of her said first husband, as a private in the land service. Mr. Pease presented her claim for an increase on account of his services on board the Ship Hancock, and perhaps some other vessel. Will you be so good as to cause an examination of the case to be made at as early a day as possible, & advise me of the result.
Very Respectfully
Your obt servt
J. J. Coombs

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions. 

I authorize Mr. Coomb to attend to the above case  Nial Pease
Page 51

See letter to Hon. G. N. Briggs H R. Jan 18. 1840. iss. to P. Agt. & Mr. Knowles, Feb. 3. 1840 do. to Hon G. N. Briggs H. R. Feb 23d. 1841--
Page 52

Conn
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14.036
Prudence Foot.
Former Widow of James Knowles
Lt. Rev. War
Act: July 4th 1836
Index:--Vol. A,  Page 247
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 53

Aug, 8/95 Hist. to Dr. John M. Kellogg, Wilbraham, Mass, Mr. E. C.

1927-Aug. 19--Hist to E. F. J. 
 Tafe Aug
Page 54



Prudence Foot, 
Formerly widow of James Knowles--who was
4 mo. Sergt.
3 mo. 1 day Ensign
7 mo. 3d. Lieut.
9 mo. 26d. Midshipman} $206:19 per an

Act 4 July 1836

Mass. Roll.
cert: to F. A. Dickins Esq
Present
Page 55

Wilbraham K
Hampden Co.
Massachusetts
31st July 1895.

Dear Sir
Being desirous of joining "The Sons of the Revolution," I write to ask you whether the name of my Great Grandfather James Knowles is to be found on the Pension List of 1838 or 1839 as a Pensioner of the Revolution.
It was granted, so my relatives have informed me, to his Widow--Prudence Foot. I should suppose, of course, his name would appear among the names of the Massachusetts Contingent, since I have learned that he enlisted in Pittsfield, Berkshire Co. Massachusetts.
Page 56

By replying to this query you will greatly oblige 
Yours very truly
John M. Kellogg M. D. 

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 57

O. W. & N. Division
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C.,      M. E. C. August 8, 1895.
P. S.

Sir: In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of -----James Knowles----- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

(the paper used to type this letter was a form with chart about soldier's experience. Lines were simply typed across)

His widow was allowed a pension for his actual services as follows:  4 months as a Sergeant; 3 months and 1 day as an Ensign, and 7 months and 3 days as a Lieutenant in the companies commanded by Capt. John Chester and Capt. Oliver Hanchett; also 9 months and 26 days as a midshipman on the Brig "Boston", commanded by Capt. Hugh McNeill. She stated in her declaration that he marched to Quebec under Capt. Hanchett, and after his return entered the navy; that he was detained as a prisoner at Halifax, Nova Scotia, for some time, and in the latter part of Feb. 1778, arrived in a cartel of prisoners at Marblehead, Mass., where he shortly thereafter died.

Battles engaged in, None mentioned.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, probably, Weathersfield, Conn.
Date of application for pension, by widow, April 26, 1839.
Residence at date of application, of widow, Pittsfield, Mass.
Age at date of application, of widow, ninety years.
Remarks: He married Prudence Benton April 3, 1768.

Very respectfully, Dr. John M. Kellogg, 
Wilbraham, Hampden Co., Mass.
Acting Commissioner
Page 58

Sons of the Revolution in the State of California
424 South Broadway  Los Angeles

Officers and Directors
President Dr. Edward Marshall Pallette
Vice-Presidents Dr. Wesley Wilbur Beckett Judge Benjamin Franklin Bledsoe,  Judge Guy Richards Crump
Secretary Cassius Milton Jay
Treasurer Edward Bouton
Registrar Lewis Augustus Winston
Librarian Willis Milnor Dixon

Directors
Arthur Burnett Benton. Colonel Holdridge Ozro Collins, Dr. Egerton Crispin, Colin Munro Gair, John Emerson Marble,
Nathan Wilson Stowell, General Charles Henry Whipple

Board of Trustees
Eugene Waddell Britt, Ralph Belham Hardacre, Henry Mauris Robinson, John Emerson Marble, William Richardson Starts 

August 22, 1927

(handwritten on slant next to date)
Aug. 19-'27Ansd already where this letter was drawn--

Bureau of Pensions, 
Department of the Interior,
Hon. Winfield, Scott, 
Washington, D. C.

My dear sir;
Several months ago I wrote asking for data on Pension W. 14036 granted to Prudence, widow of James Knowles of Berkshire Co., Mass. I have never received any information. May I have this at your earliest convenience?
Joseph Cartwright received a pension from N. C. for service in the Rev. May I also have this data?
Did William Cartwright of Kentucky or Va. receive a pension for Rev. Service or Samuel K. who died in Posey County, Ind.?
Thanking you for your many kindnesses to this Society, I am

Very truly yours,
(signed) E. F. Tafe
E. F. Tafe
Assistant Genealogist.
Page 59

Sons of the Revolution in the State of California
424 South Broadway  Los Angeles

Officers and Directors
President Dr. Edward Marshall Pallette
Vice-Presidents Dr. Wesley Wilbur Beckett Judge Benjamin Franklin Bledsoe,  Judge Guy Richards Crump
Secretary Cassius Milton Jay
Treasurer Edward Bouton
Registrar Lewis Augustus Winston
Librarian Willis Milnor Dixon

Directors
Arthur Burnett Benton. Colonel Holdridge Ozro Collins, Dr. Egerton Crispin, Colin Munro Gair, John Emerson Marble,
Nathan Wilson Stowell, General Charles Henry Whipple

Board of Trustees
Eugene Waddell Britt, Ralph Belham Hardacre, Henry Mauris Robinson, John Emerson Marble, William Richardson Starts 

April 18, 1927

Hon. Winfield Scott,
Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C.

My dear sir;
Can you give me the data on pension W14036 granted to Prudence, widow of James Knowles of Berkshire County, Mass.?
I shall be very grateful for this information at your earliest convenience. Thanking you for this courtesy, I am
Sincerely, 
(signed) F. J. Tafe.
E. F. J. Tafe
Assistant Genealogist.
EFJT

(oval stamp)
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
APR 23 1927
M
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 60

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-3-41
Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name Knowles, John
Grade Private
Line Sheldon's Dragoons (Connecticut)

Warrant Number 6077 Acreage 100 Issued Dec. 14, 1789 to Richard Platt

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissions officers and private under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the application for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.