Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19993, for Daniel Platt, New York
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Privateer, New York

Platt, Daniel
           Charlotte G.


Pension # W 19993
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New York
 29.846 
Daniel Platt 
burg
 of Clinton Co. in the State of New York who was a Steward in the vessel commanded by Captain Rogers of the State of New  York in the line for one year 

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 60 dollars __Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

 Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of March 


1835 and sent to 2 D Woodward Arrears to the 4th of March             $ 180 00 
Semi-ant. allowance 
ending Sept                           30 00
                                             $210.00 

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. } 

Book E2 Vol. Recorded by Dan'l Boyes Clerk, Page 54
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State of New York
County of (illegible). Robert Dayton of Plattsburg in said county age seventy two years being only sworn days he had been acquainted with Daniel Platt (illegible) for more than thirty years, and has frequently during that time (illegible) with (illegible) to his service in the Revolution and his statement to leave always agreed with the declaration of the said Daniel here to (illegible) which (Illegible) has read over. (Illegible) verily believe that said Daniel Platt (illegible) actually serve eighteen months in the RevolutionaryWar (illegible) he states. That said Daniel Platt is generally referred to in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a (illegible) of the Revolution and a (illegible) of strict truth and veracity (The word "mariner" illegible illegible illegible)
Robert Dayton
Sworn a (illegible) in bed to the day of August 1832 and I certify that Department is a credible person. J. Douglas Woodward Notary Republic
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Daniel Platt
Rev. Mariner 18 months
Adress J. Douglas Woodward
Plattsburgh NY.
14709
v
Claims 18 months a Steward, see (illegible(illegible(illegible(illegible)
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832

State of New York
County of Clinton

On the fourth day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before John Palmer & John Warford & Esquire Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Clinton now sitting Daniel Platt a resident of Plattsburg in the County foresaid and State of New York aged seventy five 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 Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
I was born at Smithtown Suffolk County New York April 3, 1757.  I have a record of my age in my family bible now in my possession to which I have referred.   I resided at Huntington Suffolk County New York and enlisted as a volunteer that place a steward (note written above "mariner and acted as) in the month of June 1776 on board the sloop of war, Montgomery belonging to the State of New York under Captain William Rogers 1st Lieut. Tunis Bethu, 2nd Lt. John LeCraft.  I served on board said vessel as a mariner eighteen months under said officers during which time I sailed from New York to New Jersey Shore , then to New London, then to Baltimore, then on a cruise in the Atlantic and was chased into Sag Harbor, then went on a cruise into the Atlantic again and returned to New Haven in December 1777 where I was discharged.  I had a written discharge.  While on board the Montgomery we captured 10 ships and Briggs off the south side of Long Island NY and took them into harbor called fire Island Inlet about 50 miles from New York Several of the vessels which we captured had onboard entrenching tools and captured a good many officers and soldiers mostly Scotch.  I know of no person who testimony I can procure who can testify (note: in small handwriting above line, "except Solomon Ketchum, whose disposition I hope to procure." to my service . I  actually served on board said vessel eighteen months (as a marine I acted & served as Steward) under said officers.  After I left the service I went to Norwalk Connecticut and resided there a year and then moved to the City of New York._____?  ____?
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resided one year there, then went of Kinderhook Columbia Co. N.Y.  resided there nine years then moved to Plattsburgh Clinton Co. N. Y. where I have ever since resided and where I now reside.  The names of persons to who I am known in my present neighborhood and who can testify as to my character for veracity and belief of my services as a mariner of the Revolution are Col. Moses Hoyt, Jeremiah Dewey, Major James Lewis, Major John Roberts, Alex Case & others.

I hearby relinquish  every claim whatever to a pension _________? except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of ny state, 
Daniel Platt

Sworn and Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid in open court before me

Geo. W. Beckwith 
Acting Clerk of Clinton Court Pleas


Mr. Frederick Halsey a Clergyman residing in the town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County New York and Ephraim Buck residing in the same town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Daniel Platt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy five years of age, that he is respected 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 to this fourth day of October 1832 & I certify that deponents are credible persons and that the said Frederick Halsey is a clergyman, sworn in open court before me 

signatures of Emphrain Buck and Frederick Halsey


Geo. W. Beckwith 
Acting Clerk of Clinton Coun. Pleas
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And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 the them that Frederick Halsey who has signed the preceding certificate is  clergy-man resident in the town of Plattsburg in the County of Clinton and that Ephraim Buck who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Plattsburg aforesaid and is a credible person, ad that their statement is entitled to credit.
I George M Beckwith Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Clinton & State of new York (Roswell Wilson the Clerk being dead [note the phrase "sick & unable to attend to business" is lined out]) do hereby certify that the foregoing contains  the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Daniel Platt for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this fourth day of October 1832.
Geo. M. Beckwith acting Clerk
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Albany 559
Charlotte G. Platt
Widow of Daniel Platt
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 1832 and who died on the 20th April 1836
of Clinton Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Steward in the Montgomery commanded by Captain Rogers of the ___ commanded by ___in the continental line for 1 year.  

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 dollars ___Cents [lined out] per annum, to commence on the 21st April 1836 [note "4th day of March, 1831" is lined out]

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of Oct 1838  and sent to J.D. Woodward 
Plattsburgh NY.

Arrears to the 4th of Sep.'38 142.17
Semi-annual allowance ending Mar. '39 30.00
$172.17
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A, vol 2, Page 97
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Charlotte G. Platt
Declaration 
Act July 7, 1838
848
Admitted Steward 12 mos $60- 
Pension to commence 21 April 1836

J.D. Woodward Esq
Plattsburgh
New York
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in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled  ' An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows'
State of New York County of Clinton 
On this 21st day of August 1838 personally appeared before me William F Haile first Judge of said County Charlotte G Platt and resident of Plattsburgh, in the County aforesaid aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled 'an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows' that she is the widow of Daniel Platt who was a steward on board the sloop of war Montgomery during the war of the revolution & served as follows: he enlisted has he has informed her at Huntington NY in June 1776 to board the sloop of war Montgomery under Capt. Wm. Rogers & served on board of that vessel eighteen months & was discharged at New Haven in December 1777. She believes he resided at Huntington when he entered the service. He was a  pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 & she refers to his pension papers for a more detailed account of his services. His pension  was $60 per annum. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Platt on thee twentieth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven by the Re. M Watkins Presbyterian Clergyman at the town of Kinderhook, now Stuyvesant, and that her husband the aforesaid Daniel Platt died at Plattsburg New York on the twentieth day of April in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz a the time above stated. She has a record of her marriage which accompanies this, made more than forty years ago - it was a correct family record, Her maiden name was Charlotte Graham.

Charlotte G. Platt

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year first above written & I certify that Deponent is a credible person & cannot be reason of bodily infirmity attend court - she is quite feeble & has a bad cough - a& she lives about five miles from the Court House
Wm. F. Haile First Judge of Clinton county Courts
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[NOTE: page from Daniel Platt Sr. family bible in pension application.}


Charlotte Graham born September 24th in year 1771
________________________________________

Married to Daniel Platt
December 20th 1781 (?)
________________________________________

Daniel Platt born April (ink is smudged and unreadable written below ) the third

_______________________________________

Daniel G. Platt was born July the 22 at 6 O'Clock morning 1791
__________________________________________

Jeremiah Platt was born April the 7 1793 10 O'clock at night
_________________________________________

Ann Marie Platt born August 25 179?  

[written in small handwriting below}

Daniel Platt died Wednesday 2 O'clock morning 20 April eighty years and 17 days 1836
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State of New York
County of Clinton

Jeremiah Platt a son of Daniel Platt deceased a pensioner of the United States being duly sworn says that he this day cut the attached leaf or record from the family bible of his said father, which has been the family bible of his said father & mother Charlotte  _? Platt even since deponent earliest recollection, & he is now forty five years old, said Bible was left by deponent father on his death (which took place at Plattsburgh in said County in the 20th of April 1836) with deponent said mother & has since remained in her possession, & she was left a widow by his death, & is still a widow & unmarried  Said record is the hand writing  of deponent said father (except the entry of his death) and was made by him as deponent he believes more than fifty years ago- The bible would seem to have been brought into the family May 15, 1788.  It has always been a correct family record considered _______?

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 23rd day of August 1838 & I certify that deponent is credible person & witness.

Signed 

J. Platt


Wm. F. Haile
First Judge of Clinton County Courts
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Book cover page:
Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
newly translated out of the original Greek; and with the former translations Diligently Compared and Revised
By His Majesty's Special Command.
Appointed to be read in churches
Printed by the Assigns of Alexander Kincaid, His Majesty's Printer
 DCCL?XXXVII

Written page  . --- represents portion of line covered by bible cover page
State of New --- Clerk of said County ----whereof she ?? ---, Platt were taken & Sworn---- was at diffn't times --- dignitaries to the --- service & being --- ing within the ? --- in the case of Cha ---under act July ---has termed this pay ---? Bread the --- official seal---as Crook, Clerk
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State of New York County of Clinton. I the Subscriber Clerk of said County certify that William T Haile before whom the one annexed affidavit of Charlotte G. Platt & Jeremiah Platt were taken & Sworn on the 21st & 23rd August 1838 was at ? times first Judge of Clinton County Court. His signature to the[illegible] of said affidavits is genuine. I being well acquainted with his handwriting -his written contains the original proceedings of said Judge in the case of Charlotte G Platt applicant for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 - In witness whereof I have fastened these papers together by  a piece of red silk Braid, the end of which falls under my official seal this 23rd August 1838
Thomas Crook, Clerk
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Nathaniel H Tredwells affidavit in Support of the Claim ?  Daniel E Platt
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State of New York Clinton County
Nathanial H Tredwell Son of H Thomas Tredwell late of Beekmantown in the said County deceased? deponeth and Saith that among the papers of the deceased now in possession of the deponent He found the annexed advertisement? of Capt. William Rogers Commander of the Sloop Montgomery dated 18th May 1776 which paper hath remained with the Deponent to this time and [illegible] saith not.
Nath. H. Tredwell

Sworn and subscribed before me this 25 day of July 1834 & I certify that Deponent is a creditable person & ??
Caleb Nichols
Supreme Court Commissioner
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Ref Widow & 
File No. 19,993
Charlotte G. Platt
Widow of Daniel Platt
Steward Rev. Hon.
Act: July 7th 1838
Index: Vol. M, Page 133
[Arrangement of 1870]
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New York - Albany
Daniel Platt a pensioner under Act of 1832 at $60 per annum to what time point?
VL
John Harry Esq, Died 20th Apr 1836 p% that period
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New York
Revol - 
Daniel Platt
Suspended
See letters
J Douglass Woodward
1 Oct. 1833
Ret to Hon R. Whallon 17
June '34 Let to J.D. Woodward
July 18 '34
Rejected
Let to J.D. Woodward Aug 29. 1834
Ret 7 Jun 1832
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I consider the armed sloop Montgomery to be a public vessel Mar 10 1835 
L.C.
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War department
Pension Office
4th march 1833

Sir
I have the honor to submit the following statement, and to request your decision thereon.
On the 19th April 1776 as appears by the accompanying extract from the minutes of the 3rd Provincial Congress of New York, "a draft of instructions to Capt. William Rogers, Commander of the armed Sloop, Montgomery" was adopted, and on the 18th September 1776 a report was made respecting the condemnation of her prizes, and a prize agent appointed to repair to New England with orders to take measure for the "condemnation and sale of such vessels and goods as Captain Rogers the commander of said Sloop may have brought unto that country." A letter from Messrs Clark & Nightingale of Providence dated 16th Sept 1776 and addressed to the chairman of the Congress of New York, Acknowledged a request from Captain Rogers that they
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would act as agents in libelling a "Brig which was returning from a Whaling voyage; had been taken by the English, carried into New York and acquitted by them, and afterwards taken by Capt. Rogers in company with the Privateers Schuyler &  Mifflin."
The commodore and Continental agent, in behalf of the other two privateers, (which are fitted  out by the continent) gave the Brig up &c"
This letter by an entry in the minutes dated 23th Sept 1776 is described as related to "prizes taken on the south side of Long Island by the armed continental Sloops Schuyler and Mifflin, and the armed Sloop Montgomery fitted out by the State of New York.
On the 8th of October 1776,   Mr Hobart acknowledges  the receipt of a letter from three members of the Convention, informing him the "Convention had determined to send the Montgomery on a cruising voyage again" and desiring him to " furnish Capt. Rogers with a much money as may be necessary to fit out
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said Privateer out of the public money in his hands" Upon this letter the Committee of Safety ordered the transmission of £800- to be advanced to Capt Rogers for defraying the expenses of fitting out and paying off the wages of the officers and crew of the sloop Montgomery.
On the 112th Feb'y 1777 it was "resolved, that Col Broome be appointed agent of the privateer Sloop Montgomery belonging to this State" with authority " to fit out in case of her return, and take charge of her prizes if she shall meet with success &c"
On the 1st April 1777 one half of the nett proceeds of the prizes of the Vessel of War Montgomery was allowed to Captors Characterized in some entries as a privateer and in others as a public vessel. Your decision is respectfully solicited as to the character which should be accorded to her.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your Obt Servant
J.L. Edwards
Hon  L. Cass
Secret'y of War
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Daniel Platt
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Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Platt which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period of periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. has he mentioned 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?
yes #No evidence that the sloop of war Montgomery was a public vessel.
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII: has the court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? and if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
#See affidavit included J Dix
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses to his service? 
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 

XVII: Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES

QUERE V. 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 sworn, deposeth 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 periods mentioned below, and in the following grades, For ---- year -----months  and ---days I served as a ----- For ----months and ---- days, I served as a ----- and for such service I claim a pension.
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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 they served two years in the militia &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 shewn 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 he was either in the field or in garrison; and the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service
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 credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI 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 paper 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 officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
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Washington March 2, 1835.
J. L- Edwards, Esq.
Sir,
The evidence herewith presented in the case of Daniel Platt viz the affidavit of Jesse Soper, letter of Judge Potter, & additional extracts from the minutes of the New York convention, shows conclusively that the Montgomery was a public vessel belonging to the State of New York during the revolution. 
You are therefore requested to allow Mr. Platt a pension for 18. months service as Steward on board of said vessel
Yours Respectfully, 
J. Douglas Woodward
Page 29

War Department
Pension Office
July 18th 1834
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 30th June last I have to State that the character of the sloop Montgomery appears to be clearly established  as  a privateer by the extracts from the minutes of the Provincial Congress  -to justify the conclusion that for some portion of the time this vessel was in the public service would require the  clearest evidence.
Respectfully, 
Your obt Servant
Vinal Luce, Cm
For and in behalf of the Commis'r of Pensions

J. D. Woodward Esq
Plattsburgh
New York
Page 30

Plattsburg NY June 30, 1834
James L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
In your letter of the 17th instant addressed to the Hon. R. Whallon of the Ho of Reps you remark in relation to the Claim of Daniel Platt, "It had been  suspended in order to ascertain the character of the sloop Montgomery in which the certificate & tracts from the minutes of the provincial Congress of New York this day received prove to have been a privateer."
In behalf of the Claimant I would respectfully submit whether the evidence does not prove the Montgomery to have been a public vessel up to the 10th of April 1777 when the new York Convention passed a resolution allowing one half of the net proceeds of the prizes to the Captain, and whether the claimant is not entitled to a pension for Eleven Months and eleven days services as Steward
Yours very respectfully
J.D. Woodward
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Daniel Platt 
Insists that service on board the sloop of war Montgomery entitles him to the benefit of the act of June 7, 1832 Sec 5, which provides that " the officers non commissioned officers mariners or marines who served in the naval service during the revolutionary war" shall be entitled &c.
At the period of the claimants service, the US had as regular organized navy as at present, but the several states fitted out vessels on their own account, the "Defiance" & Oliver Cromwell are understood to have been fitted out by the State of Connecticut, & it is understood that no objection has ever been made, to an allowance for services on board of those vessels - 
The evidence in this case, shows the Montgomery to have been fitted out by the authority of the State of New York for the public service, & that the convention of that state appointer her officers, and disposed of her prizes, & that she was in the service of the state, It is therefore insisted that she was a public vessel & the claimant is within the letter and spirit of the law under which he applies.
March 4, 1835
J.D. Woodward 
For Claimant
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War Department
Pension Office
August 29th 1834

Sir
The papers of Daniel Platt have again been examined. The character of the Sloop Montgomery is considered to be conclusively established as that of a privateer. No service rendered on board of a vessel of that description is embraced by the act of July 7th, 1832. The claim is therefore rejected. The papers remain on file.  The name of Solomon Kitchman, inadvertently admitted as a pensioner has been stricken from the rolls.
Respectfully
Your &C
J.L. Edwards.
Page 33

War Department
Pensions Office
June 17, 1834

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Daniel Platt has been examined and disallowed. It had been suspended in order to ascertain the character of the Sloop Montgomery which the certified extracts from the minutes of the provincial Congress of New York, this day reviewed, prove to have been a privateer. The benefit of the act of June '32, does not extend to services on board private armed ships. His papers are placed on file.
I have the honor to be.
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt, Servt
J.L. Edwards

Hon. R. Whallon
House of Representatives
Page 34

Plattsburgh NY May 29 1839 (?)
Col Edwards
Sir
I have to inform you that Mrs Charlotte G Platt was was placed on the pensioner Roll under the act of July 7 1838 & drew her pension to 4th March has died on the 13th instant
Attended to:
Will you forward me a certificate in the care of Mrs. Lucinda Stow at July 7 38?
Yours rsfly
J.D. Woodward
Page 35

Fairfield October 8th 1776
Gentlemen: your favor of the 2nd Inst to Capt Rogers is come to hand informing me that Convention have determined to send the Montgomery on a cruising voyage again and had appointed you to expedite the same and give instructions and grant such supplies as may be necessary and desiring me to furnish Capt Rogers with as much money as may be necessary to fit out said Privateer out of the publick monies now in my hands in compliance with which have informed Capt Rogers that the money is at his service tho' I think that in order to have a proper voucher to the auditor General it is necessary that I be furnished with a certified order of convention for paying that money which I beg you will send me by the bearer, but in the mean time that the bu(?) of the privateer may not be obstructed shall advance money on your letter; but I must beg leave to observe that Convention will be disappointed if they expect the Sloop will get to sea without a supply of Cash from the Treasury, the money in my hands amounts only to 320£ while near 800£ is due in wages to the people as Capt Rogers informs me, the prize goods that are saved, are but trifling. MR Hallet is in persuit of them but a considerable time will be spent before they can be condemned and sold, so that if Convention means that the Sloop should cruize before the chance of prizes is over, a per person should be sent immediately with case sufficient to pay off the arrears and furnish the needful for another voyage. I thought it my duty to mention these matters to you as perhaps the situation of the property which the public has in these parts is not sufficiently known. I am with great esteem, your most obedt Servt.  Jno. Floss Hobart
To Messers Banker, Harper & Platt
Members of Convention in Fishkill
Page 36

Wednesday Afternoon Octor 16th 1776
The Committee of Safety Met
A letter from John Sloss Hobart Esq dated at Fairfield Octor 8th 1776 setting forth the state and circumstances of the Sloop Montgomery and of the sum of money necessary for paying off the wages of the crew and other expenses. Thereupon ordered that the sum of £800 be transmitted by Mr. Gelston to Mr Hobart at Fairfield, or such other person as Mr Gelston may think safe and prudent in the absence of Mr Hobart, to be advanced to Capt. Rogers for defraying the expenses of fitting out and paying off the wages of the officers and crew of the Sloop Montgomery.

State of New York
Secretary's Office
I certify the preceding to be a true copy of an original letter of  John Sloss Hobart remaining in this our office and an extract from Vol. 6 of the Minutes of the Committee of Safety & Formation of New York dated October 16.1776.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this Office at the City of Albany the 5th Day of December 1834.
Archd Campbell
Dep. Secretary
Page 37

Providence Septr 16th 1776
Sir: Last week we received a letter from Captn William Rogers Commander of the Sloop Montgomery in the service of your State, requesting us to undertake this agency and act in behalf of the State and himself in libeling one Brig which was returning from a whaling voyage with about three hundred barrels oil and had been taken by the English, carried into New York, and acquitted by them and afterwards taken by Capt. Rogers in company with the Privateers Schuyler & Mifflin and sent in here. The Commodore and continental agent, in behalf of the other two privateers which are fitted out by the Continent. gave the Brig up as there were no papers appeared by which they could condemn her and they produced a certificate a copy of which you have enclosed, of their permission to sail at the time they did, as matters were thus circumstanced, we imagined it would be in vain to libel her when the others who were two-thirds concerned, saw no prospect of condemning her and after consulting with the prize master, we declined prosecuting. The other is a Bermudian sloop which was taken with entrenching tools on board, the tools are taken out and were sent to General Washington & they put a quantity of flour on board from some other of their prizes. She is libelld and will be tried the first of October next and as there is no claimor she will of course be condemned. We shall now wait your orders in what manner to proceed as she was taken in company with the above-mentioned Privateers, and shall be glad to hear from you as soon as possible we are in the mean time, with due respect, Sir, your most obed. Servants Clark  & Nightingale.
P.S. Inclosed with the certificate you have the affairs of the Brig stated by the Lawyer. The Chairman of the
Page 38

Congress of the State of New York.
Wednesday Morning Sept 25th 1776

The committee met pursuant to adjournment.

A letter from Messrs Clark & Nightingale dated Providence September the 16th relative to two prizes to wit the Brigt Temple from a Whaling Voyage & a Bermudian Sloop both taken on the South side of Long Island by the armed Continental Sloops Schuyler & Mifflin and the armed Sloop Montgomerie filled out by the State of New York  -a state of the case of the Brigt  drawn up by a lawyer was also inclosed, were respectively read & filed - Ordered that the said letter be referred to the Convention on their first meeting

State of New York
Secretary's Office
I certify the preceding to be a true copy of an original letter of Clark & Nightingale remaining in this office -and an extract from Vol. 6 of the Minutes of the Committee of Safety and Convention of New York Dated Sept 25.1776 Page 605
Given under my hand and the seal of this Office at the City of Albany the 5th day of December 1834
Archd Campbell
Dep Secretary
Page 39

Charlotte G. Platt

Col. Edwards
Comn [abbreviation of Commissioner] of Pensions,
Washington
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Plattsburg N.Y. Augt 23 1838
Col Edwards [illegible]
Sir
I enclose papers in the case of Mrs. Charlotte G Platt widow of Daniel Platt a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 at $60 per annum.  She supposed herself entitled under the act of July 7, 1838.

Yours respectfully,
J. Douglas Woodward
for the widow
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Daniel Platt

For Jas L. Edwards Esq
Comc'r of Pensions
Washington
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Plattsburg N.Y. July 26 1834
James L Edwards Esq.
Sir
It is said that the sloop of war Montgomery on board of which Daniel Platt served was a privateer and consequently he is not entitled to a pension.
A privateer is defined by Walker to be "a ship fitted out by private men to plunder enemies" and by Nicholson to be "a private ship of war fitted out by private persons at their own expense who have leave granted them to keep what they can take from the enemy allowing the admiral his shares".  From the evidence furnished in the case of Mr. Platt it seems that the provincial congress of New York exercised authority over this vessel and its Commander by giving him instructions to act against the enemies of the Colonies and the Congress also directed as to the disposition of the prizes.  By the Resolution of Feby [Feb] 11 1777 although the vessel is called a privateer she is described as belonging to the[crossed out] this state and Col. Broome was appointed agent of the vessel, and authorised [authorized] to fit her out in case of her return and take charge of her prizes if she should meet with success, and cause the same to be disposed of, and the Convention engaged the public faith to reimburse the money which he should expect in the premises.  It is supposed by the Claimant that these facts show the Montgomery to have been a public vessel belonging to the State.
It is also understood that Solomon Ketchum has been placed upon the pension roll for his services as a mariner on board of this vessel.  It would therefore seem that she has been adjudged a public vessel by the Department.  The affidavit of the Potter enclosed alluded to the Montgomery as having been equipped by the authorities of the State of New York and the advertisement of Capt. Rogers also enclosed goes perhaps to confirm the position taken.
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by the applicant viz that service on board this vessel brings him within the provisions of the fifth section of the act of June 7., 1832.
Respectfully submitted
J. L. Woodward for & in behalf of the applicant
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Letters
Capt. Rodgers [illegible] for deserters from the [illegible] sloop of war Montgomery May 18th 1776.
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Deserted 18 May 1776 from the Sloop Montgomery Lying at Fire Island William Rodgers Commander, and stole away a Whale Boat belonging to the Continental troops. Their names Viz.

Ebenezar Conklang about 5 feet 9 inches high slim made
Solmond Ketcham about 5 feet 5 inches high well sett
Richard Gildersleeve about 5 feet 7 inches high well set and soore eyes.
Eliasha Reeves about 5 feet 9 inches high well set a few sores about his face
Jonathan Armstrong about 5 feet 6 inches high well sett a dark complectson
Thomas Butler about 5 feet high well Sett
Ingen Sook, Short black hare any person that will take up any of these men and secure them in a gale shall have two dollars Reward for each man and all resonable charges paid by Wm Rogers
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Nathaniel Potters Letter to Daniel Platt
Oct 20 1834

Received this Letter 10th November
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Sir: I received a letter form your Daughter Mrs. Thompson requesting me to write you and state again what I recolect respecting the armed vessel Montgomery and your service on board of her and to answer questions made by your concil.
The armed Sloop Montgomery commanded by Capt Wm Roger as I was then informed and ever understood belonged to the provincial Congress of NewYork she was built by and purchased from Cap Cornelious Conkling of this place  by Cap Rogers as authorized by the said Congress and was fitted out in NYork by PCongress under the inspection of Capt Rogers. The time when the spring previous to the capture of Longisland by the British. The sloop Montgomery was cruising the south side of Longisland at the time the enemy were moving from the east to the attack of NYork and captured several transports among others I saw one loaded with intrenching tools of great variety which ware forwarded to the american army .the time when she was sold by whom & to whom she made on cruise on the southern coast after the enemy got possession of Long Island took one prize as I was informed, then came into Connecticut River where I was on board her while Capt Rogers when to see the authorities (?) of NYork to get permission to sell which I was informed he obtained and accordingly did sell was not informed what she fetched cannot tell what interest the United States Congress had in her. I ever understood that she was a public vessel without interest the US had in her.  
Solomon Ketcham of your ship-mates has drawn a small pension since the passage of the late law until the last quarter which was not paid why it was then entitled (?) the agent could tell. 
Respectfully yours
Nathaniel Potter
Huntington
Oct 20 1834
Mr. Daniel Platt
It is possible there is some record in the secretaries office at Albany concerning the Montgomery
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Huntington NY
27 Oct
Mr Daniel Platt
Platts burgh

Received this letter 10th November 

Nathaniel Potters Letter to Daniel Platt
Oct 20. 1834
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Daniel Platt, Claim
Nathl. Potter's affidt. in its support

By the extracts it appears that the Montgomery was in service from Apl '76 to Apl '77 and Judge[?] Potter proves that she was sold after she came into Count. River which the exact[?] hath shew was Apl '77

Amd[?]
12mo. Steward
$60
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This may certify that I am well acquainted with Daniel Platt who formerly resided at Huntington but now at Plattsburgh N. York. I was knowing to his entering and serving on board the armed vessel Montgomery equiped [equipped] by the authorities of the state of NYork commanded by Capt William Rogers and that he served in the capasety [capacity] of a steward and that he served from the commencement of her armament untill discharge and the vessel was sold as i am informed and verily believe which was early in the war of the revolution
Nathaniel Potter

Sworn to and Subscribed on the 12th Day of December 1833 before me
Moses Rolph one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Suffolk

Suffolk County
State of New York
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Nathaniel Potter who made the preceeding [preceding] affidavit and  so further certify that he is a Respectable Man and that he is to be beleived [believed] in any statement he shall make
Huntington Decemb 12th 1833
Moses Rolph one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid
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State of New York
County of Clinton

Daniel Platt aged seventy six years a resident of Plattsburgh in said county applicant for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 in addition to his declaration made before the Court of Common Pleas of said County on the fourth of October 1832 being duly sworn says that the sloop of war Montgomery on board of which deponent served as steward for eighteen months during the years 1776 & 1777 was during said time a public vessel.  Said vessel was fitted out in the Spring of 1776 by the Provincial Congress of the State of New York.

Deponent does not know by whom he can prove that said sloop of war Montgomery was a public vessel except by reputation, he supposes that his statement that she was a public vessel will be corroborated by the records at Washington.  For eighteen months service as a steward on board aforesaid vessel I claim a pension.
signed 
Daniel Platt
Sworn and subscribed before me this 13th day of June 1833 & I certify that deponent is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit.
J. B Skinner 
Justice of the Peace
State of New York
County of Clinton I the subscriber Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that John B Skinner esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of Daniel Platt was taken and acknowledged was at the time a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid county & that his signature to the jurat of said affidavit is genuine.  I being well acquainted with his handwriting.  Witness my hand official seal at Plattsburgh NY this 13th day of June 1833
Nathan Taylor
Clerk
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Jesse Soper's affidavit in the case of Daniel Platt applicant for a pension under act June 7 1832
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State of New York
County of Clinton Jesse Soper of Plattsburg in said county aged eighty years being duly sworn says that he saw the sloop of war Montgomery commanded by Captain William Rogers near five Island Inlet in the year 1776 and Deponant understood at that time that said sloop was a public vessel and fitted out by the Provincial Congress of New York and Deponant also understood that Daniel Platt was a steward on board of said vessel but how long Deponant cannot state.  Deponant was acquainted with said Daniel Platt at Smithtown and before he entered on board of said vessel. Deponant reflects hearing at the time that said Platt had enlisted on board of said vessel and Deponant verily believes that said Daniel Platt served Eighteen months on board of said vessel as he has stated and that during that time said vessel was public vessel. and further says not 
Jesse Soper

Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 14th day of June 1833 and I certify that Deponant is a credible person and witness
Peter J Roberts Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Clinton
I, the subscriber clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Peter J Roberts before whom the foregoing affidavit of Jesse Soper was taken and occurred on the fourteenth day of June 1833 was at the time a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid county and that his signature to the foregoing jurat is genuine and being well acquainted with his hand writing.  Witness my hand and official Seal at Plattsburg this fifteenth day of December 1834
Nathan Taylor, clerk
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Minutes of Convention Vol 8 page 138 etc[?] 1777
Tuesday Morning April 1, 1777
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. "A copy of a letter from Francis Lewis Esquire one of the delegates in this State at Congress dated at Baltimore on the 12th March last was received, and read and is in the words following, towit:
"Gentlemen, I wrote you the 16th, 31st January and 18th February addressed to the President since which I have been (crossed out: I have been) honored, with his of the 13th February, directing several articles to be purchased our of the Montgomery's prizes for the sue of the State, which it was not in my power to execute for the following reasons, vis: upon an application of Congress setting forth that as several hundred recruits for the new Battalions were daily coming into this Town, from the States of Virginia and Maryland, in order to reinforce Gen. Washington's Army, and these being destitute of proper clothing etc it would be absolutely necessary, that the several articles captured by the Montgomery, and suitable for the Soldiery should be applied, here, and requested my assent, which I peremptorily refused the next day it was moved in Congress that an order should issue appointing four persons to appraise all the woollens and linens etc suitable for the soldiery, captured by the Montgomery, armed vessel, upon the motions being read, I objected to the proceeding as partial, and gave the following reasons, that as the property was on condemnation vested in the State of New York, together with the Captain and crew of the Montgomery, and that the latter insisted upon having their property disposed in the customary manner at public vendue, and urged the evil that might attend such a precedent, especially as I had directions from your convention to purchase those articles and forward them to you for the clothing your troops, who they (the Congress) well knew
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that the State of New York in its present circumstances had no port open through which they could introduce any supplies; but mangre[?] all my objections, the question was put, and carried nemine con for the motion, and four gentlemen of this town appointed appraisers: The members of Congress having left this a few days afterwards by adjournment to Philadelphia the appraisers when met, declared themselves inadequate to the appointment, being totally unacquainted with the value of those goods which together with the Captain and Crew's opposition to that made produced an agreement between the parties that all should be sold at auction, except the woollens and coarse linens, which the Congress were to take at the rate of a dollar currency for what cost one shilling sterling for the woolens, and 4/6 per yard for the coarse linens; the rest of the cargo that sold at vendors I compute upon average went off at about one thousand per cent as a specimen yard wide Irish linen that cost 2/8 pr yd. sterling sold for 24/ currency pr yd.  a dollar is 7/6 Cordage sold at 14. 5. pr ea
I forgot to mention that in answer to my arguments against the motion Congress availed themselves of a letter from General Washington advising them that the convention at Fishkill had there stopped (as I think) thirty six waggons [wagons] laden with clothing for the army immediately under his command, he says "indeed I cannot blame them knowing their distressed situation" however of this a handle was made to obviate my objections.
The sale of the Schooners Cargo is now complete; in short such was the exorbitant prices which these goods sold at, that I was deterred, from making a considerable purchase, add to this the difficulty of procuring conveyances which are all employed in transporting the Congress' stores, the members baggage, together with that of the new Battalions on their march to head Quarters.  I have only bought
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a few casks of Barley, some coils of Cordage and the four X cut saws, thinking they may be of service with general Schuyler at Albany, and these perhaps I may be obliged to leave behind for the public for want of conveyance.
The trial of the Brig. laden with salt is to come on Tuesday the 18 instant: I believe she will be acquitted by the admiralty Court being claimed by an inhabitant of this town, if so Capt Rogers intends appealing to Congress, as it appears by the Register and papers found on board that she was owned in Ireland and bound to New York, which the claimants pretend was only for a covering.
Capt Rogers has his sloop almost ready for the sea, and intends sailing as soon as the Brig. trial is over, but informs me that himself and crew are entitled to a moiety of all captures, upon my asking him for his articles, he told me that his agreement was verbal i.e. to be upon the same footing with armed vessels fitted out by the Congress which were originally one third for the captors but previous to his taking these two last prizes Congress had extended it to one half as this is contrary to the tenor of your last letter.  I shall cause the distribution of the prize money to the deferred until I receive your further instructions on this head.  Our State still being unrepresented in Congress it was thought necessary I should remain here a few days longer to transact some business in the Marine department in that time I shall get the sales of the prizes etc. completed, and set off for Phila. from thence transmit you the account.  Please to furnish me with your directions in the disposal of the nett proceeds and permit me again to remind you of having our state represented in Congress, it has suffered by the omission.  I am  etc.
F. Lewis
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On reading the letter from the Honorable Francis Lewis Esquire dated the 12th of March relative to the prizes of the Sloop of War Montgomery.
Resolved, That this convenion agrees to allow one half of the nett proceeds of the prizes of the Vessel of War Montgomery belonging to this State, to the Captors, and that Mr. Lewis be requested to cause the distribution of the prize money to be made accordingly: and Resolved that Mr. Lewis be requested to lay out the other moiety of the nett proceeds of those prizes in salt to be purchased at Philadelphia and advise this convention thereof as soon as he shall have an opportunity and have purchased such salt."
State of New York
Secretary's Office

I certify the preceding to be a true Extract from the minutes of the New York Convention Vol 8 page 138 and Dated April 1, 1777
Given under my hand and the seal of this office at the City of Albany the 5th day of December 1834
Archd. Campbell
Dep. Secretary
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Extracts from the minutes of the Provincial Congress.
Committee of Safety and Convention of New York April 19, 1776
Vol 5 Page 395 No 1
A draft of Instructions to Capt William Rogers Commander of the armed Sloop Montgomery were Repeated by  Mr. Randall and read and approved and are in the words following to wit
Sir, The Armed Sloop Montgomerie whereof you are Commander is now completely fitted in a war like manner. Our orders are that you repair on board are your officers and men and proceed to sea and act against the enemies of the United Colonies agreeable to your instructions from the Congress.  You are to cruise along shore on our coast any where between Sandyhook and Cape May or from Sandy Hook to the East end of Long Island. You are always to keep some inlet under your lee so that you may secure a retreat from a superior force. Be careful to send such prizes as you may take into some place of safety in the United Colonies.  Is it very necessary to have a good pilot on board, and also that you make yourself well acquainted on the coast. You are to assist any of the friends of the United Colonies by every means in your Power, and assist to carry them in some place of safety and when different objects for assistance offer at the same time you are to give the preference to the vessels and inhabitants of this colony. You are always and by every opportunity to advise the provincial Congress or Committee of Safety of this Colony of your proceedings.  We wish you success and remain your friends and humble servants.  Ordered that a copy thereof be engrossed and signed by the chairman and delivered to the said William Rogers"
September 18 1778 Vol 6 page 565
Mr. Hobart from the Committee to report the most proper disposition of the Sloop Montgomerie delivered in their report which was read that part of the report which respects the condemnation and Sale of prizes was agreed to. Thereupon resolved that a letter be immediately written to Mr. Joseph Hallet the agent for prizes requesting herein forthwith to repair to New England and take the most speedy and effectual measures for the condemnation and sale of such vessels and goods as Capt Rogers the Commander of the said Sloop may
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have brought into that country"
Tuesday Morning Feby 11, 1777
Book 7, page 332.  Resolved that Col. Broome be appointed agent of the privateer Sloop Montgomerie [Montgomery] belonging to this State, and that he be authorised [authorized] to fit her out in case of her return and take the charges of her prizes, if she shall meet with success and to cause the same to be disposed of, and this convention engage the public faith to reimburse the money which he shall expend in the premises."
State of New York
Secretarys Office
I certify the preceeding to be true extracts from the minutes aforesaid which minutes are deposited in this office.  Given under my hand and the Seal of this office at the City of Albany the Ninth - day of June - in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty four
Archd. Campbell Dep. Secretary

On the 1st of April 1777 the Convention passed a resolution allowing one half of the net proceeds of the prizes of the vessel of war Montgomerie to the captors.  This is last Entry concerning her I found on the minutes.
Archd. Campbell Deputy Secy.

[upside down] Hon R. Whallen
[upside down] Danl. Platt
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Danl. Platt

Hon. R. Whallen

[upside down] ...of April 1777 the Conve...
[upside down] ...wing one half of the ne...
[upside down] ...l of war Montgomerie t...
[upside down] ... concerning her I foun...
[upside down] Archd. Cam...
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Secretary's Office
Albany Dec. 5 1834
Sir,
Your letter of the 15 November last was received sometime ago but I was so busy with other musings that I had no time to search the records until a day or two ago. I now enclose further Extracts and copies of original Letters which I found in the revolutionary papers which I think proves that the Montgomery Armed Sloop belonged to the State of New York. If there is any more proof wanted you must get some one to Examine the books page by page as I really cannot spare time to do it.  I hope however the Enclosed will be sufficient

Yours very respectfully
Arch. Campbell
Dep. Secretary

J. Douglass Woodward Esq.

N. B. I return Mr. Potters letter