Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13,831, for Jonathan Pratt, Vermont
Page 1

VT.
Pratt, Jonathan W
Hannah
W. 13,831
B.L. Wt. 28534-160-55
Page 2

8944   [10974 written in corner]
New York

Jonathan Pratt of Ontario Co in the State of New York who was a
[illegible] in the company commanded by Captain Goodenough
of the Regmt commanded by Col. Henrick in the Vt [illegible] line
for 7 mos 15 ds 
[illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 69 Dollars 98 Cents
per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of May 1833
sent to C. Loomis

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833             $139.96
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept "            34.99
                                                                  $174.95

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk
Book E Vol. 4 page 70
Page 3

State of Vermont
Ontario County

...twenty seventh day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the judges of the court of Common Pleas, of the said County, now sitting, Jonathan Pratt a resident of the town of Gorham in the County of Ontario aforesaid, aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer and served as herein stated.   on the 10th day of August 1777 he joined a company of state troops or militia of the state of Vermont, in actual service under the command of Captain Goodenough and Lieut. Eastman in Col. William Herrick Regiment at Bennington in the state of Vermont.  Deponent was soon after marched with the said Regiment to Arlington in the same state when they were stationed a few weeks and were thence marched to Manchester and thence to Pawlet in the same state and thence immediately to Saratoga in the State of New York where they arrived and joined the army under Gen. Gates on the day preceding the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne.

The whole regiment to which deponent belonged stood on guard with arms in their hands during the whole
Page 4

night of the 16th of Oct. and on the following day were present when the British army laid down their arms.

On the same evening the Regiment in which deponent served was marched to Battenkill, and on the following day a detachment of sixty men of whom deponent was one was selected to guard a company of Torries under Capt Adam and Lieut. Adams, as prisoners to Fort George at the head of Lake George.  The said detachment of sixty men as aforesaid was under the command of Capt. Allen.  After safely conducting the said prisoners to Fort George, the said detachment marched to Pawlet in the state of Vermont, and at that place rejoined their said Regiment under Col. Herrick as aforesaid and in the month of December of the same year the said Regiment was dismissed.

In the month of April of the next year (1778) the deponent was hired by a clap of militia of the tour of Halifax in the state of Vermont who were required to furnish a soldier for the state troops to serve as a soldier for the term of nine months.  Deponent immediately proceeded to Fort Warren at Castleton, Vermont and was there mustered in a company under Capt. Fish, Lieut. Lyman, Ensign Higley, and orderly sergeant Nichols -- in  (illegible) William Herricks Regiment.

A few days after the said deponent so commenced his said term of service at Fort Warren, several scouting
Page 5

parties or parties of rangers, were organized by order of Gen. Samuel Fletcher the commanding that post deponent volunteered to serve as one of such scouts or rangers and was appointed second Sergeant and a party of seven men was placed under his command.  During the said term of nine months he was occupied with the  soldiers so placed under his charge a great proportion of the time, in ranging and traversing the country from Fort Warren to Crown Point, Otter Creek and Middlebury in Vermont.  On one occasion while proceeding with the men under his order towards Crown point to relieve a scouting party under Sergeant Blackman, he met a soldier of the said party who informed him  that the said Sergeant Blackman and party had that morning been attacked and destroyed by the enemy excepting that he then said solder had escaped.  Deponent immediately gave notice to his superior officer of the said attack and volunteered with a company under command of the Lieut. Eastman to march on the following day in quest of the enemy and to bury the bodies of the killed.  On proceeding to the place of the attack five dead bodies were found and interred.  

In the summer of the year 1779 (but in what month deponent cannot recollect) he went as a substitute in place of his brother James Pratt who had enlisted in the state troop, of the state of Vermont for the term of six months to Fort Warren above mentioned as was
Page 6

there enrolled as a soldier in a company of the said troops commanded by Capt. Blakeley or Blakenlee who as said to be a continental officer.  The said deponent while there in service with the said company marched in a detachment of five hundred men to attack a British Post on Diamond Island.  The enterprise was successful but before its accomplishments and while on the march deponent was taken sic with measles and was conveyed back to Fort Warren.  At the expiration of the term for which the said James Pratt had so enlisted, deponent was disqualified having served as such substitute, according to the best of this recollection, more than three months.  He further declares that he was in actual service as a soldier as above stated on his first term four and a half months; on his second term nine months and on his last term more than three months.

The said deponent further saith 
1st That he was born in the town of Wexton in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1701 -
2nd That at the time when he was so called into service as aforesaid he lived at Halifax in the State of Vermont, from whence he removed a few years after the close of the revolutionary was to Kingsbury in the state of New York and that in the year 1801 he removed from thence to the town of Gorham in the county of Ontario where he has since resided.
Page 7

and now resides.
3.  That he has no other record of his age than a memorandum there of in his family Bible.
4. He went first into the service as a substitute for Nathan Pratt. On the next town he was hired as above stated.  He subsequently went as a substitute for James Pratt as aforesaid.
5.  Recollects Gen Eno or Enos at Fort Warren.  Gen. Morgan, Gen. Scheyler and Gen. Gates at the surrender of Burgoyone. Col. Seth Warner, Col. Samuel Robinson and Capt. John Warner at Manchester and Bennington in Vermont in addition to those before mentioned - 
6.  Never received any written discharge.
7.  Ludin Blodget and Timothy Mower ESQ are persons who are well acquainted with him and who reside in the town of Gorham afresaid and who can as he believes certify as to his character for veracity and their belief o his services as a soldier of the revolution.

He has no documentary evidence whatever nor does he know any person now living who has personal knowledge of his said services.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not now  
(obstructed seal)  Charles Crane
Page 8

on the pension roll of the Agency of any state.  
Sworn and subscribed the day of and year aforesaid in open Court.

Jonathan Pratt

State of New York
Ontario County 

Jonathan Pratt the above named applicanted being duly sworn to the deponent and say in addition to his foregoing declaration that the clergyman to whose society and church deponent belonged, died some months since and he knows no other clergyman in the vicinity who could probably testify of their knowledge of his reputation in this neighborhood where he resides.

Sworn and subscripted to this 3rd day of January 1833 before me.

Jonathan Pratt

We, Chester Loomis, judge of the county Courts of said County, Timothy Mower and Ludere Blodget residing in the town of Gorham aforesaid hereby certify that Jonathan Pratt acquainted with Jonathan Pratt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years of age -- that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscripted the day of and year aforesaid in Open Court 
Timothy Mower
Ludere Blodget.

And the same Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Departments that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.  And the Court further certified that it appears to them that Timothy Mower and Ludere Blodget who have signed the preceding certificate both reside in the town of Gorham, are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.   

I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Pratt for a pension.
Page 9

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court o further certified that it appears to them that Timothy Mower and Ludere Blodget who have signed the preceding certificate both reside in the two of Gorham and credible persons and that there statement is entitled to credit.  

I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Pratt for a pension.

And I further certify that Chester Loomis whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the affidavit of Dorcas Loomis, hereunto annexed and dated the 31 August 1932 was at the date of said certificate a judge of said court, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily  believe his name so subscribed to be his proper hand and signature.

In testimony where of I have herewith let my 
hand and seal of office, at (illegible) this first day of September, AD, 1832.  

Charles Crane
(Seal)
Page 10

State of New York
Ontario County 

I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said county do hereby certify that Chester Loomis, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of affidavit and also to the certificate of character of Dorcas Loomis, dated the one on the 2.  the other on the 3 day of January 1833, and also to the certificate of the supplementary affidavidt of Jonathan Pratt, was at the said dates respectively a Judge of the Court in and for said county.  And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the said signatures to be his proper act and deed.

In testimony where of I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this fourth day of January A.D. 1833.

Charles Crane
Page 11

Dorcas Loomis wife of Nathan Loomis, of the town of Middlesex in the County of Yates and State of New York aged sixty four years, being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she distinctly recollects that on or about the time that the battle of Bennington took place, in the war of the Revolution, her brother, Jonathan Pratt, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration left home, at Halifax in the State of Vermont, where her father then resided for the purpose, of entering the service of the United State.  That she knows that he was absent several months and that she then understood that the said Jonathan Pratt was while so about engaged in actual service as a soldier in the service of the United States, nor has she ever heard any doubt thereof whatever expressed and further the said deponent saith not.

Dorcus Loomis
Subscribed and sworn to this 31st day of August 1832
Before me
Chester Loomis
Judge of the County Courts of Ontario County aforesaid
Page 12

State of New York
Ontario County (illegible)

Dorcas Loomis, the written named deponent being duly sworn doth further depose and say that at the time that her brother Jonathan Pratt entered the service of the United States as a soldier in the war of the revolution as stated in his declaration annexed.  She resided in the family of her father in the town of Halifax, Vermont that her said brother Jonathan Pratt also resided in the same faily and that she distinctly recollects his departure, as she then understood and now verily believes for the purpose of entering into such service, and that she also well recollects his return after an absence of several months and that she then said deponent was at the time about ten years of age -- 

Dorcas Loomis

Sworn and subscribed to the 2nd day of January 1833 before me, Chester Loomis, Judge of the County Courts of Ontario, County of NY.

Jonathan Pratt Declaration (illegible, written sideways)

I Chester Loomis, of the Judges of the County Court of Ontario County afresaid do certify that I am well acquainted with Dorcas Loomis, who has subscribed and sworn to the two preceeding affadavits, and that she is of good character for truth and veracity and that in my opinion her statement is entitled to full credit.
January 3rd, 1833

Chester Looomis
Page 13

5158
New York A.
Hannah Pratt
widow of Jonathan Pratt
who served in the Revolutionary 
VT
war, as a Lieut. and Sargt..

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
69 dollars 98.
cents per annum, to commence on 3rd February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 9th day of May, 1855 and sent to BH Baldwins
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1953, Page 25 Vol. 76
(32)
Page 14

State of New York
Hamilton County

On this 22 day of September 1853, personally appeared before me Samuel Cole one of the Justices of the Court of Sessions, in and for said county, Mrs Hannah Pratt, a resident of the town of Lake Pleasant State and County aforesaid, aged seventy three years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd February 1833, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Jonathan Pratt, late of the town of Middlesex, County of Ontario and State of New York, who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7 1832 at the rate of sixty nine dollars and ninety eight cents per annum. 

She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Pratt in the town of Rushville, Ontario County, State of New York, bu the Rev. Mr. Page on the 26th January 1825; that her husband the aforesaid Jonathan Pratt died at Rushville, Ontario County NY on the 9th August 1847 and that his original certificate of pension was surrendered up at the time the arrears were paid.

She further declares that she was not married to the said Jonathan Pratt prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated, she further declares that she is now a widow.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me

Samuel Cole
Justice of the Court of Sessions

Hannah here x mark Pratt

I certify that the above named Hannah Pratt sustains a good reputation and that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration are entitled to credit; and that by reason of infirmities of age, is not able to appear in Court; and for the same reason, cannot write, therefore made her (illegible) mark above in my presence.

Samuel Cole
Justice of the Court of Sessions
Page 15

State of New York
Hamilton County
Clerks Office

I John C Holmes clerk of the County of aforesaid do hereby certify this Samuel Cole Esquire, whose name if subscribed to the within and annexed Instrument was at the date there of a Justice of Sessions in and for said County duly qualified and that his signatures to the same is genuing

In Witness Whereof I
have set my hand and 
affix the Official seal of said office
this 22 day of September 1853.
John C. Holmes, Clerk
Page 16

Albany Pension Agency
August 25th 1853

I certify that it appears by the Books of this Agency that Jonathan Pratt of the County of Ontario, a pensioner under the Act of 7th June 1832 died 9th August 1847, that he was paid at the rate of $69.98 per annum, up the the date of his death.

L Jenkins
for the Pension Agent

Hamilton County (illegible)

I certify that I have examined the family records of Mrs Hannah Pratt and find the following record of their marriage viza Jonathan Pratt and Hannah Holmes was married January 26th 1825,

Dated (illegible) Sexton 22nd 1853

Samuel Cole Justice of Sessions
Page 17

Family Record

Marriages

William Holmes and Hannah (illegible)

(illegible) Holmes born January (illegible) 1800
Betsey Holmes born april 20 1801
(Illegible) A. Holmes born March 31 1803
Polly Holmes born August 11 1804
Gardner PJ Holmes born April 1 1807
John O. Holmes born March ...9 1809
Page 18

Family Record
Births

William Holmes born July 24th 1779
Calvin Gillmore and Betsey Carpenter was married August the 4 1823 in Hannah Holmes house
Page 19

Family Record

Births

Alinda J Holmes born May 11th 1811
William S. Holmes born May of 24th 1815
(illegible) Ch Mortimer Holmes born October (illegible) 181(illegible)
Page 20

Family Record

Deaths

Phillip Holmes died February 6 1804
Polly Holmes died January 11 1809
(illegible) Holmes died April 10 1815
William Holmes died March 2 1817
Gardner B Holmes died July 9 AD 1827
Alinda J Holmes died Nov 11 1827
(illegible) c Holmes died (illegible) 1830
Jarvis Austin Holmes died Sept 9 1890
Page 21

Jonathan Pratt and Hannah Holmes was married January 26 1825
Page 22

(illegible
March 28 1780

Philip Holmes born January 21 1800

Austin Holmes
Page 23

152, 828
Act Mar.  3/53
May 10/53

Hannah Pratt
widow of 
Jonathan Pratt Prv. & Serge.
NY Mil
Revo. War

Cir. B. H. Baldwin Mar 27/56

No. 28534 of Mar.
Pension
Benj. N. Baldwin
Present
Not P page143
Page 24

Declaration for surviving officer, Soldier, Seaman, Marine, Naval Clerk, Landsman, Teamster or Chaplain, under the Act of March 3, 1855 (and can be used for Widows who have once applied, or who now draw pensions.)

State of New York
County of Hamilton

On this 22 day of May AD 1856 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hannah Pratt aged seventy five years a resident of Hamilton Co in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Hannah Pratt and widow of Jonathan Pratt deceased.

Who as a private & Sergent in the Company commanded by Captain - in the - Regiment of New York Mil commanded by Col. - in the war of the Revolution that he - at - in the state of - on or about the - day of - AD 18- for the term of - and continued in actual service in said war for a period of fourteen days and was honorably discharged at - about the - day of - AD 18- and Claimant furthern declares that she has never received any bounty land under any Act of Congress, or made any application therefor, except the present application and - that claimant has never received a warrant for any number of acres  Land for the agove service, under the Act of Sept 28, 1850.  or any other acts.  He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the 1611 acres of bounty land to which she is entitled under the Act Approved March third, 1855, and hereby revoking all former powers of attorney, constitutes Benj. H. Baldwin, of Washington DC attorney in the premises, with full authority to obtain from public offices or private individuals at Washington City or elsewhere, certified or sworn copies of all muster rolls, company books army or navy records, or any other description of record evidence necessary to establish said service as fully as she could do if personally present.  For proof her marriage and death of her husband she refers to her purpose on file in the Pension office upon which she has obtained a pension of $69.98 per annum Act July 3, 1853. 
Signature of the claimant - Hannah Pratt

We John C Holmes and E(illegible) Holmes residents of Hamilton in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Hannah Pratt in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.

Signatures of witnesses
John C Holmes
Eph(illegible) Holmes

The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.

L. Aribale, Justice Peace.
Page 25

State of New York
County of Hamilton
I hereby certify that L. Anibal Esq., before whom the foregoing
declaration and affidavit was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time
of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that
his signature thereto is genuine.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the County
Court for the County aforesaid, this 22d day of May A. D. 1855
Wm B Peck Clerk

INSTRUCTIONS.
If the claimant is a widow, AND HIS RECEIVED BOUNTY LAND or a Pension, then insert at six
(1) (Widow's name, "who is the widow" of ____ deceased, who died at ____, in the year ____ and
(2) "was drafted" or, "enlisted" or "volunteered", or "shipped" 
(3) If FIRST application insert "this and"; if claim has been rejected, insert an application under act of 1850, (or 1847), which was rejected."
(4) " has" or " never has
(5) IF NO WARRANT HAS BEEN RECEIVED insert" any number of"
(6) If the number of the Warrant is not known, I can obtain it here; if no warrant has been received, insert " of land"
(7) If A warrant has been received, insert "which he has sold," if not, say" or any other act".
(8) 'additional" if one Warrant has been received, or add the number of acres claimed.
(9) "that she is now the widow of _____ deceased and has never married since his death, and 
her marriage, she refers to her papers now on file "
(10) that they know she has never married since the death of said _____ her deceased husband, but is now his widow.

[sideways]
15-2-828
Bounty Land Claim.
Act of March 3, 1855.
Claim forAcres.
Service in the State of ____
War of ____
BENJ. H. BALDWIN.
Attorney for Claimant 
WASHINGTON, D. C.

Under the Act of March 3, 1838, each of the surviving commissioned and non-commissioned Officers, Chaplains, Musicians and privates, whether of regulars, volunteers, rangers, militia or teamsters, who were regularly mustered into the service of the United States, and every Officer, Seaman, Ordinary Seaman, Marine, Clerk and Landsman of the Navy in any of the war in which this country has been engaged since 1790, and each of the survivors of the Militia, Volunteers or State Troops of any State or Territory, called into military service and regularly mustered therein, and whose services has been paid by the United States, are entitled to one hundred and sixty acres of land, provided the period of service amounted to fourteen days or more, or
they shall have actually been engaged in battle. Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary War; those who served at the invasion of Plattsburgh, in September, 1814, at the attack on Lewistown, Delaware, in the war of 1812, or in the battle of Nickojack against the confederated Indians of the South, are entitled to the benefits of the Act; and Indians are entitled in the same manner and to the same extent as white men.

If the person having been in service is dead, Bounty Land is due his widow or minor children. The second marriage of a widow is no bar to her claim, if she is a widow at the time of her application. Those are considered minors who were so at the date of the Act.
No Land Warrant can be issued under this Act, unless the service of the soldier can be proved by record evidence.
All Officers or Soldiers who have received a Land Warrant, or Land Warrants for less than one hundred and sixty acres under any Act of Congress, are entitled under the Act of March 3, 1855 to additional bounty land to make the aggregate of 160 acres, providing their service can be proved by record evidence.
Widows and minor children who have received less than 160 acres of Land, are entitled to additional Bounty Land provided the widow is a widow at the time of her application, and the children are minors at the the date of the Act, and provided the service of the soldier can be proved by record evidence. This evidence I will undertake to obtain
Page 26

Brief No 10,794
Jonathan Pratt

admitted
7 mo. 15 days Private
9 mo. Second Sergeant

11.12.14.15.16

9Sep 32
6 Dec
20
3.33
1.65
45
49.98

G Loomis
P134
Page 27

No. 10794

BRIEF in the case of Jonathan Pratt of Gorham in the County of Ontario in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Before a Court

2.  If before a Judge does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  71 years

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. - In 1777 Aug 10th
Duration of Service. - 4 1/2 Months
Rank. - Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. - Capt. Goodenough Col. Wm Herrick  

Period. - 1778 April 
Duration of Service. - 9 Months
Rank. - Sergeant of Scouts or rangers
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. - Capt Allen Capt Fisk Col Herrick Lieut. Eastman

Period. - In 1779 Summer 
Duration of Service. - More than 3 Months
Rank. - Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. - Capt. Blakesly or Blakesle

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  at the surrender of Burgoyne

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  At Halifax - Vermont

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incident evidence, or by the rolls?  living witnesses - traditionary evidence

8.  At the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

James {illegible]
Examining Clerk.
Page 28

No. 3355

Hannah Pratt
Wid of Jonathan

Sent to J.J. Shew 22d Oct /53
Sent to J.J. Shew 22d Nov /53
Sent to J.J. Shew 28 Mch 54
Sent to J.J. Shew 4 May 55

Act 3 [illegible] 1853
Page 29

This woman was pensioned in
1816 for 5 ys: half pay
" Boynton"

Commr thinks her drawing 5 yrs : half pay pen
will not affect this application: but that she is entitled
Page 30

May 17 FREE
Hon J. Minot
Comm of Pensions
Washington DC

Additional Evidence

Boynton
Page 31

28.534

Rev Army
Page 32

3-871.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Briefed by Wm Rice
Claim No. W L 13831
Certificate No. _____
Claimant Hannah Pratt
Soldier Jonathan "
Service   Rev. War
Former widow of William Holmes
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 191___
No claim, combination records _____, 191___

REMARKS:

No Serv claim of William Holmes found
No Wid or Rej of Hannah widow of William Holmes
except W. 27864
not identical.  Husband lived until 1848

6-1944    Chief Division
Page 33

[Stamp]

US PENSION OFFICE
JUL 31 1894

[stamp]

OLD WAR & NAVY
AUG 2 1894
FILES
Page 34

Rochester New York
Clinton St
July 30th 1894-
To
Pension Office, Washington D.C.

I wish to receive information
in regard to my Grand
father, Capt. Jonathan Pratt.
who was a soldier of the Revolution
with the rank of
Captain, as he was always
addressed, by his townsmen
and fellow soldiers - in Ontario
Co. New York, at the time of its
earliest settlement, as he emigrated
to the Genesee County
in 1801 - and founded Rushville
in Ontario Co. New York - near
Canandaigua New York
I do not know the proper de-
Page 35

partment at Washington to which
I should apply for information
probably that of Secretary of the
Interior,  I wish to join the society
of the Daughter of the Revolution to
which I am eligible if I can only
have the official authority for so
doing, and if you will furnish
the proper information for me. It
will confer a great obligation
upon me.
Capt Jonathan Pratt was born in
Halifax Wyndham Co. Vermont
1761, and died at his residence
in Rushville Ontario Co. N.Y.
in 1847, and the inscription upon
his tomb, there, states that he
was a soldier of the Revolution
and was in the service of his
country some two years, and
Page 36

was present at Saratoga at the
surender of Burgoyne, and it would
sum that this information would
be sufficient to establish the fact,
as it is monumental, but I am
told I should have official proof
and so apply to you for the recorded
facts - Grand father drew a pension
from the government a long time.
In fact as long as he lived
long as the
Grand father probably enlisted in Vermont
, but possibly in New York
state as the family left Vermont &
made a stop in Washington Co.
for a little, before going to Ontario
Co. New York to settle.  If you can
give me the desired information
soon, you will my greatly
oblige, your very sincerely--
(Mrs.) Katharine P. Achilles
Page 37

[left column]
Aug 15 Hist
Mrs. Katherine
F. Achilles
Rochester N.Y.
Weston May 1761 went into
on behalf of Windham Co Vt
to Kingsbury Washington Co NY
to Gorham Ontarion o NY
decd Aug 9 1847

[center column]
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13831
Hannah Pratt
Widow
Jonathan Pratt
Pri. Sgt. Rev. War
Act: Feb 3, 1853
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 11
[Arrangement of 1870.}

[right column, cut off on edge]
94
Born
Sen
after
He
Page 38

Family Record
of Holmes
Marriage of Hannah Holmes and Jonathan Pratt
Page 39

Sept 30 1853
Hannah Pratt 
widow of
Jonathan Pratt
Hamilton Co NY

Revy

Act 30 Feby 1853
$69.98 per an
Com Feby 3 1853
Page 40

2/ Pres: at Ma: & fam: rec;
on 7 Aug. 47 wit: Dept. Pen Agt.
paid in entirety
Boynton
Page 41

Sept 30 1853
Appl of Hannah Pratt
widow of Jonathan Pratt
Hamilton Co NY
Page 42

Albany Sept. 27 1853

Sir,
Please examine the enclosed claim of Mrs. Hannah Pratt for a pension under the Act of 3rd February 1853, and report to me your most favorable decision.

Respectfully &c,
John J. Shew

Comr of Pensions.
Page 43

Washington May 2 1853

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions,

Sir.

I enclose herewith evidence of the marriage of Hannah Pratt widow of Jonathan of New York whose claim for pension for the Revolutionary service of her husband under the act of Feby 3 1853 is now suspended.

I am respectfully yours,
Ben H Baldwin
Page 44

In the matter of the application of Jonathan Pratt for a pension -- 
The papers now rendered are --

1  Declaration of Applicant
2  Additional Declaration of Applicant
3  Certificate of Timothy Mowers & S Blodget
4  Certificate of the Court
5  Certificate of the County Clerk
6  Affadavit of Dorcas Loomis
7  Additional affadavit of Dorcas Loomis
8  Certificate of Judge
Page 45

Ovid N.. Y May 30 '57

Sir

I inclose my agency in the claim of Hannah Pratt a pensioner of N.Y. under law of 1853.
Please file my agency with her papers, that I may be known as her agent.

I am most respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Ara Loy

Hon Geo C Whiting 
Court
Page 46

Know all Men by these presents, That I Hannah Pratt
of the County of Hamilton and State of New York
have made, and do hereby make, constitute and appoint, BENJ. H. BALDWIN. of the CITY OF WASHINGTON, my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to prosecute my claim for Bounty Land, as well as all other claims against the United States
which I may have, either in my own right or as heir at law; giving and granting unto my said attorney full power to perform all and every act necessary to be done in the premises, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby ratifying what my said attorney may do in the premises; and hereby making this instrument operative until formally revoked by me under my hand and seal.

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of the undersigned witnesses, this 21st of November, A.D. 1854.

Hannah Pratt
[illgible] Witness
[illegible] Witness
Page 47

D.C.
Page 48

Benson 1st May 1855
Benj H Baldwin Esq

Sir enclosed is the proof of the marriage of Mrs Hannah
Pratt.  I do not see any hindrance now of obtaining her pension. I want you to put it right a head and prove her certificate [illegible] if you can for she cannot live by the account.  I need by last Saturday mail but a short time therefore I wish you
would hear the claim on as fast as may be. I will at once
get her to execute her Declaration for the Bounty Land and have duly certified and forwarded to you. I will get all the [illegible] that
I can.  there to a number more of the Company of [illegible] of
the old Soldiers and their widows which I can get if you think it
best. I some days since forward you a short history of Mt Stevens Claim let me know what you think of it. Tho I sent you a short history of Jake Noble Claim for increase of his father Pension he being the only heir.  his Father Name was Luke Noble from Vermont I think who his son says his further always claimed a full Pension
for the said Said served time sufficient to be entitled to it but he
did not receive only some $70 or 80 per ann.  please look to it
he drew his money at the Albany pension office.  his Pension Certificate was forwarded us after his death.  Put Mrs Hannah Pratt's claim ahead of any other of the present.
I am your Respectfully
L Amble
Page 49

Hannah Pratt
Bounty Land act of
March 3 1853
Page 50

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE
Mar 27 1856.

Sir:

The claim of Hannah Pratt for bounty land under the act of the 3d March, 1855, No. 152.828 has been examined and suspended.

The revolutionary service of Jonathan Pratt the
husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.

the 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS " to
be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE.

Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be
favorably considered.

IT SHOULD BE OBSERVED, that the recorded action of this office, admitting a revolutionary soldier to the list of pensioners upon parole proof, is not considered "record evidence' ['of service' inserted] within the meaning of the act aforesaid. In all applications for bounty land under this act, the papers of the soldiers, or their widows, who have applied for or received pensions, as well as the rolls in this office, are carefully examined for record evidence of service, before this circular is issued.

Respectfully
Sir
J. MINOT,
Commissioner.

B. H. Baldwin Esq
Present

[Vermont Militia written on left side]
Page 51

D. W: & N. Divison.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.C.

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Jonathan Pratt, W.13831, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Aug 16, 1777
LENGTH OF SERVICE.  4 MO
RANK.  Pri
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  CAPTAIN.  Goodenough
COLONEL.  Herrick
STATE.  Vt

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Apr 1778
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 9 MO
RANK.  Sgt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  CAPTAIN.  Fish
COLONEL.  Herrick
STATE.  Vt

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Summer 1779
LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 MO
RANK.  Pri
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  CAPTAIN.  Beakeslee
COLONEL.  Not stated
STATE.  Vt

Battles engaged, in Surrender of Burgoyne
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Halifax VT
Date of application for pension, Aug 27 1832
Residence at date of application, Gorham, NY
Age at date of application, Bn Weston Mass 1761

Remarks:  He married Hannah Holmes (a widow) January 26, 1825 and died Aug 9 1847.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mrs. Katherine P Achilles
57 So Clinton St.
Rochester, NY.
Page 52

Brief in the case of Hannah Pratt, widow of Jonathan, 
Hamilton County and State of New York,
Act 3rd Feby 1853

Claim, ("original," or "for increase,")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Her husband was pensioned under the Act of 7 June 1832 at the rate of $69.98 per annm.  Marriage is proven by the affidavits of two witnesses who were present tat the same and the family [illegible] thereof.
The pensioner died 7 Aug 1847 as per the affidavit of a credible witness and report of the pension agent.  One credible affiant testifies to the widowhood and [illegible] of the applicant.

(If for increase.)

Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Benj H Baldwin Esq
Present
Name and resident of Agent

S C Boyton
Examining Clerk.
Page 53

Washington May 18 1856

Hon. J. [illegible]
Comm of Pensions

Sir

The bounty land application of Hannah Pratt widow of Jonathan under the act of March 3 1853 No. 152.828 has been suspended for want of record evidence.

Claimant is a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Feby 3 1853 on the New York roll; to which papers I beg leave to refer in pursuance of the law to that effect lately passed.

Respectfully
Benj H Baldwin
Page 54

Broadalbin, N.Y. March 22nd 1854

Sir,

The following is a true copy of a report on the claim of Mrs. Hannah Pratt, to-wit:

"Pension Office 18th March 1865"
Sir,
The application of Hannah Pratt wid, of Wm Holmes Decd for 5 years 1/2 pay under the Act of 3rd Feby 1853 has been examined and rejected on account of her second marriage with Jonathan Pratt her late husband."

"Very respectfully
S. Cole
For commissioner"
DMC

John J Shew Esq
Broadalbin
Fulton Co N.Y.

On a re-examination of the above claim particularly the original declaration (in my handwriting) made some time last summer or fall season,, it will be found that Hannah Pratt claimed a pension under the Act of 3 February 1853 for services rendered by her last husband Jonathan Pratt who was a pensioner under the act of June 7th 1832 and not for services rendered by her first husband Wm Holmes as stated in the above recited report.

It was undoubtedly an oversight of the examining clerk, and now when rightly understood, the claim will of course be allowed.

The name of Wm Holmes was merely mentioned to identify her name, and the history of who she was before marriage to Jonathan Pratt for whose services she now claims a pension.

Respectfully y/c
John J. Shew
Comr of Pensions
Page 55

marriage
Page 56

State of New York
County of Hamilton
John C Holmes of the town of
Leake Pleasent State and County aforesaid, being duly sworn, doth
depose and say that he is now fourty four years of age,
that he was acquainted with Jonathan Pratt while alive, and
that he was a pensioner of the United States under the
Act of June 7th 1832; that he was also acquainted with
Hannah, his reputed wife, and that they resided together
in the capacity of husband and wife until his death no person as to the
knowledge of this deponent ever doubting the legality of
their marriage.
And further this deponent on his oath aforesaid says
that during the life time of the said Jonathan Pratt, he
had often seen a record of the marriage of the said
Jonathan Pratt, which is herewith allowed to be forwarded
to the Pension Office by the same identical Hannah; that the
said record was in the possession of the said Jonathan Pratt
prior to his death, and since that time has been in the
possession of the said Hannah, now claiming a pension under the
act of February 3rd 1853, and that she is the same
individual and identical person described in said record
and was the reputed wife of the said Jonathan Pratt, that
she still continues to be the widow of the said Jonathan
Pratt as above described.

John C Holmes

And further this deponent saith not
Sworn and subscribed this 12th day
of November 1853, before me

James McGuire Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named John
Holmes that his statement is entitled to full confidence and to be
relied upon at all time and places.

James McGuire Justice of the peace
Page 57

State of New York
Hamilton County ss
Clerk's Office

I John Courtney Deputy Clerk in and for said county do hereby certify that James McGuire before whom the within certificate was taken was at the time a justice of the peace duly authorized [illegible] and sworn to take the same and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and know the same to be genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal 
of said county this 12th day of November 1853
John Courtney
Deputy Clerk
Page 58

Albany N.Y. March 25th 1854.
Sir,
Allow me to trouble you with one more communication in reference
to the claim of Mrs. Hannah Pratt under the act of Feby 3rd
1853, for services rendered by her last husband Jonathan Pratt who
was a pensioner under the act of 1832, and not for services rendered
by her first husband Wm Holmes as stated in your letter to me
bearing date 18th instant.

It was undoubtedly an oversight, to which frail, imperfect
man are all liable,

If you will turn to the copy of a report made to me bearing
date Nov. 22d 1853, you will then see at once the reason why
the last evidence was procured, and from which, (without direct
reference to the facts set forth in her original declaration, per Act 3 Feby 53) the mistake
was made.

I know that she was not entitled to a pension per Act 3rd Feb 53 for the services
rendered by Wm Holmes, and there is not one sentence in all the
papers now on file to that effect. They claim for services rendered by Jonathan
Pratt her last husband.
Very respectfully &c.
John J. Shaw
185 Hamilton St.
L. P. Waldo Comr of Pensions

N. B
Please direct to me 185 Hamilton St Albany. This is my
permanent place of residence. At several times heretofore
and even this week I have been out to Broadalbin &
while these sent claims to the Pension Office for adjustment,
but now I prefer the direction here
While out there this week I recd the letter of the 18th instant, and 
immediately while there wrote you a very short reply, stating the
error, but as I did not have with me the report of 22nd Nov 53
and on an examination of it now on my return to Albany, I
concluded to make a more full statement of the facts, and
at the same time request my communications to be directed
here.
Page 59

Official Business
Free--
L. P. Waldo Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Washington Cy -
D. C.
-
[written sideways]
Hannah Pratt
[illegible]

[postmark
ALBANY NY
NOV 18
Page 60

Albany Nov 17th 1853.
Sir,
A report on the claim of Mrs. Hannah Pratt for a
Pension under the act of Feby 3rd 1853, was made on the 22nd
ultimo, and the enclosed papers appear to meet the objections
made in said report.
Your most favorable decision will be thankfully received.
Respectfully &c.
John J. Shew
L.P. Waldo Comr of Pensions

N. B
I believe that it was stated to me some time ago that,
this same Hannah Pratt was pensioned for five
years under some previous act of half pay, or something
of that kind, and that the original record of the
family record is now on file in the pension office with
her original claim. Whether she was first pensioned
for services rendered by her first husband  Holmes
or second Jonathan Pratt, I cannot now say. The newness of
the appearance of the family record herewith presented
has caused me to reflect, and I believe was told
me some time ago that it was transcribed from the
original at the time her first claim was made out.
If that be so, by referring to the former claim,
on file you will undoubtedly find all to correspond
It would seem as though the witness in this case now
had also forgotten it. If we have erred, we wish to be
placed on the proper track.
She resides in a wilderness country near one hundred
miles from here, and the business is all done by correspondence,
consequently difficult for me to gather facts in the case.
I think, however, with the above explanation, you will find
all right, and then allow the claim
Page 61

Know all men by these Presents that I Hannah Pratt widow
of Jonathan Pratt Deceased and a pensioner of the united under the
second section of the act of Congress of 3d Febry 1853 do hereby 
constitute and appoint Aaron Joy of Ovid Seneca County New York my true and
Lawful Attorney for me and in my name and behalf to prosecute in the
United States Court of Claims and for Congress and the Department
of the Interior my claim for [illegible] of Pension under the act aforesaid
from the 4th day of March 1848 to the 3d day of February 1853 witness
my hand and seal this 20" day of May 1837 Hannah Pratt
Executed in presence of
Willman Fish
L. Anibal

State of New York
County of Hamilton
on this 20th day of May 1877 before me a Justice of the peace in and for
County personally come the above named Hannah Pratt did acknowledged the
foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and Deed
L Anibal Justice of the Peace

State of New York 
County of Hamilton
I William B. Peck Clerk of the County of Hamilton
do hereby certify that L Anibal whose genuine signature appears to
the foregoing certificate is and was on the date thereof a Justice of the peace
in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified
In testimony whereof I have hereunto at my
hand and affixed the seal of said County this
21 day of May 1877
Wm B. Peck Clerk
Page 62

Affidavit of
of 
Polly Adams
Olive Kilpatrick
Page 63

State of New York
Yates County⎬

On this twelfth day of April in
the year 1855 personally appeared before me John
Sayre a Justice of the Peace in and for said County &
State. Polly Adams and Olive Kilpatrick Residents of the town of
Middlesex in the County & State aforesaid who
being duly sworn according to law, severally depose
and say that they were well acquainted with
Jonathan Pratt (now deceased) who was a solder
in the service of the United in the revolutionary war with
Great Britain, and that he drew a pension for said
Service. Also that they were well acquainted with
Hannah Holmes the widow of William Holmes
Deceased, and that the said Hannah the widow
of the said William Holmes deceased was Married
to the aforesaid Jonathan Pratt in their presence
By the Reverend David Page (now Dead) in the
month of January A.D. 1825 in the town of Middlesex
in the County of Yates and State of New York that
they were severally present, and witnessed the marriage 
of the said Jonathan Pratt & the said Hannah
by the said Revd David Page who was a congregationalist
Clergyman in good & regular standing and that the
said Jonathan to the said Hannah in their lifetime 
lived & cohabited together as husband and wife
and were reputed to be such for a number of years after
the aforesaid Marriage and until the death of the
said Jonathan Pratt

Polly X Adams her mark
Olive Kilpatrick

Curtis Adams
Witness

the foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn
to & subscribed before me on the day and year first above
[ obscured by overlaid document]


CLEVELAND A PROUDE'S PRINT WHIG OFFICE.
State of New York,
Yates Co. Clerk's Office.

I hereby certify that John Sayre
Esquire, before whom the foregoing declaration and proceedings were had
and sworn to, and who has subscribed his name thereto, was, at the date
thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned
and sworn and authorized to administer oaths, and that his
signature thereto is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed
the seal of said County of Yates, and of the several Courts of Record
thereof, (being my official seal), this 17 day of April 1855
James S. Tuttle Dep Clerk
Page 64

Virginia 16.714
Jonathan Pratt
of Orange Co in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the company commanded 
by Captain Yancy of the regt commanded 
Col ____ in the Vermont
line for 6 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Sept
1833 and Sent to
Reynold Chapman Clk Ch

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $50.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending March 3 10.00
$60.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk
Book E Vol. 4 Page 21

[right column]
Letter to 3d Auditor and 
Honble W.C. Rives Aug 9th 1842 
Paid at the Treasury under 
the Act of April 6th 1838 from 4th 
Mar. to 4 Sept 1841.
notified Aug 31 1842
Page 65

Jonathan Pratt's
Declaration
25088
Page 66

State of Virginia, to wit
On this 25th day of March 1833, personally appeared
in open court, before the justices of the peace of the County Court of
Orange, now sitting, Jonathan Pratt, resident of the said County, aged
seventy two years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on his
oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
Statement of Jonathan Pratt
I, Jonathan Pratt, now resident in the County of Orange and State of
Virginia, aged seventy two years, do declare and make known, that I
served two tours of duty during the Revolutionary War of three months
duration each - The first tour was under Capt Richard Yancy of the
County of Culpeper. This tour was performed in Eastern Virginia, in
the year 1780, according to the best of my recollection - The second tour
was performed under Capt. Jasper Haines, also from the County of Culpepper,
of which County I was a resident-- during this tour, I was at the
siege of York. I was serving at that point when York was captured and
was part of the guard to the Prisoners when marched from that place
These facts I could have amply proved by my fellow soldiers but on
enquiry I can hear of no one of them now living. Given under my hand
this 25th November 1832
(Signed ) Jonathan X Pratt. his Mark

Orange County to wit
This day came James Barbour into Court
made oath, that he has been acquainted with Jonathan Pratt,
applicant within for a pension, for many years, he being a Tenant
the said Barbour, and that he has ever considered him an honest man
of unimpeached integrity, and he knows not the man in whose word
would more implicitly confide
(signed ) James Barbour

The same time as above Valentine Johnson came into Court and
made oath to the above facts substantially
25th March 1833 (signed) "Valentine Johnson"

and the said Court hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation
of the matter, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier and served as he states - And the Court further certifies
that it appears to them, that James Barbour and Valentine
Johnson, who have signed the preceding certificates, are residents in
the
Page 67

the County aforesaid and are credible persons and that their statements
are entitled to credit, and further that there is no minister of the
gospel residing near the applicant, now in court

I Reynolds Chapman, Clerk of the County Court of Orange,
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Pratt,
for a pension
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of Office, this twenty fifth day of May 1833,
in the 57th year of the Commonwealth
Reynolds Chapman Clk
Page 68

No 25688
Jonathan Pratt Orange County Virginia
Adm 6 Months
Reynold Chapman Clk Orange County
Virga
Orange Co
Page 69

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necefsay to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
-------------------------------
A Statement, shewing the Service of Jonathan Pratt Orange County Virginia
==================
Period when the service was rendered.
Served 1780
Served ___
==================
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months Days
__ 3 __
__ 3 __
==================
Rank of the claimant.
private
"
==================
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Bap Yancy
Cap Haines
==================
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
72 years
Culpepper County Virginia
==================
Proof by which the declaration is support.
Traditionary evidence paper authenticated
Siege of York

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 70

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contract, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Person employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County were such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of ___}
County of ___} ss.
On this ___ day of ___ personally appeared (a) before ___ A. B. a resident (b) of ___ in the county of ___ and state, Territory or District of ___ aged (c) ___ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ___, with ___ and served in the ___ (e) regiment of the ___ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [Right pointing hand symbol] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquished every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ___
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid ___ A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I ___ of the Court of ___ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of ___ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ___ day of ___ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ___ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And them will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ___ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ___ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, ___ Clerk of the Court of ___ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ___ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ___ day of ___ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 71

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. To a Soldier Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. {a] the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served [e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly worn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- and for such service I claim a pension." it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the miliia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. Mode of authenticating papers. in every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. Proof of Service. [j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service and the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibly of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. the notes [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of militia men, volunteers, and state troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensible in militia cases [l] if a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 72

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/HMM        An

May 3, 1930.

Mrs. William Armistead Porter
Richmond
Virginia.

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim [underlined] S. 11263, [/underlined] it appears that [underlined[ Jonathan Pratt [/underlined] while a resident of Culpeper County, Virginia, enlisted in 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Richard Yancy's Virginia Company.
He enlisted in 1781, served three months as a private in Captain Jasper Hains' Virginia Company and was at the Siege of Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 25, 1833 while a resident of Orange County, Virginia, aged seventy-two years. 
There are no data on file as to his family.

Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 73

MADISONIAN OFFICE.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
August 11, 1842.

Sir:
Under the Act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Jonathan Pratt, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va, Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and -- Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March, to the 4th Sept. 1841.

Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller

TO THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 74

[missing words/ letters in upper left corner] Wars Section

[upper right corner has illegible words/letters]

April 1, 1926

Mrs. P. J. Allen
4301 Alabama Ave.,
St. Elmo, Tenn.

Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 11263 it appears that Jonathan Pratt while a resident of Culpeper County, Virginia enlisted in 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Richard Yancy's Virginia Company.
He enlisted in 1781, served three months as a private in Captain Jasper Hains' Virginia Company and was at the Siege of Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 25, 1833 while a resident of Orange County, Virginia aged seventy-two years.
There is no data on file as to his family.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner

Date of death not on [illegible]
Page 75

[typed letter]

Mrs. William Armistead Porter
Richmond, Virginia

Historical
Genealogical
Research
Heraldry

Pension Bureau
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:-
Will you please give me a copy of the pension papers of Jonathan [underlined] Pratt [/underlined] of Orange Co. Va.  If you do not find him in the Virginia records will you then please see if you can find him in Orange Co. N. C.
Thanking you in advance and asking an early reply I am
Yours sincerely,
(Mrs W A) Nannie Francisco Porter.
2209 A Park Ave
Feb 25-1930

Also Pension papers for Charles Lewis [underlined] Davis, [/underlined] Amherst Co. Va. Pen s of W I835 Pen 2-26 in Archives of Va Library.

[handwritten] not as [/handwritten]
[handwritten] 1 Chas - no no, rej. [/handwritten]

[stamped] REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS SECTION BUREAU OF PENSIONS FEB [?] 1930 [/stamped]
Page 76

NEWBERRY HOTEL
REMODELED AND REFURNISHED
WITH ALL MODERN CONVENIENCES

W. W. BULLOCK, PROP.

NEWBERRY, S. C. Feb 20, 1926

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. D. [D. C.]
Dear Sirs,
Will you kindly furnish me a copy of the pension record for Revolutionary service for Jonathan Pratt, of Orange County, Virginia.
Thanking you for your courtesy, I am
Very truly Yours
Penelope J. Allen

address:
Mrs. P. J. Allen,
4301 Alabama Ave.,
St. Elmo,
Tennessee.
Page 77

[left side of document] 1926 - Apr. 1 - Hist. to Mrs. P. J. Allen [illegible]
1930 - May 3 - Hist to Mrs. W[?]. A. Porter AWL

[right side of document]
RevWar
11263
INVALID.

File No.  11,263
Jonathan Pratt
Priv. Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 303

[Arrangement of 1870.]