Statement Regarding Prince McLellan

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Gorham Me March 22 1868

J H Bassett Esq Comm Pension

Dear Sir   I have been for some time collecting facts for family History. There was one member of the family in Old times who was quite a character. Old Prince, as he was called when I was a child. He was a Slave to a Great Uncle of mine. He was owned in the family from twelve years of age till he was free, and from that time till he died, lived in a Small farm given him by said Uncle. When he died he was over 100 years of age. 

While his Master was in the Army Prince ran off to Portland Shipd. on Capt. Manleys Collonial Privatees and went a cruise in his, He was one of the Revolutionary Pensioners – I think it was for the service he received his pension; 

I can find no one who knows the date of his death; As he was a Pensioner and drew his Pension till death, it is probable the day (or nearly so) can be found in your Office. And I hope you will do me the great favor to have his Old papers examined, and give me as near as can be the day of his death, and the service he rendered his country if set forth in the papers. 

I want the information for no other purpose than above said. Old Prince has no hiers Black or White that I know of to claim

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from the Government. He was born in Africa where I presume his heirs can be found if any where. He was usually called Prince McLellan (a negro). 

With resfer I am 
Hezk D McLellan
Gorham
Maine

N.B. Old Prince was certainly the last of the slaves in this town, if not the last in the county and State – 

Amo. See page 438 letter book on my desk
France