Statement of John Crosley, Son of Prince Crosley a Formerly Enslaved Man Who Served in the Continental Army

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I John Crosley of Lyme, in the State of Conecticut, aged 47 years, on oath depose and say, that I am a son of Prince or Prentiss Crosley formerly of said Lyme deceased. My father was, before the Revolutionary War, a slave belonging to Governor Matthew Griswold, whom as I have heard from him, he was sold to a man in New Milford a short time before the War commenced. While at New Milford he enlisted into the Army, as he informed me, and served three years to gain his freedom, and, after that time of service had expired, he again enlisted, and served during the War. He was generally called at that time Prince Griswold, but his name after he gained his freedom was Prince or Prentiss Crosley. I cannot say what he would write his name at the time of his enlistment. 

My father died on the 15th day of March 1818. I was with him during his last sickness until the day before the night of his death and recorded the time in my bible. My mother Caroline Crosley has never been married since his death. 

I have never seen any record of his marriage neither do I believe that there is any. I always understood however from my father & also from my mother that they were married by Israel Spencer of East Haddam and a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex. My mother for many years lived in Esq. Spencer's family and as I think at the time she was married. There is no record of the fact in the family bible or among any papers that I am aware of. 

John Crosley

{State of Connecticut New London County } ss Lyme Sept. 24 A.D. 1838-
Personally appeared John Crosley depose of the foregoing deposition, known to me to be a credible witness, and aforesaid made oath to the truth of the same.  

 Richd E Selden Jr. Justice of the Peace

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I William Spencer of Lyme in the State of Connecticut aged 54 years on oath depose and say that I am a Grandson of Israel Spencer formerly of East Haddam deceased. My Grandfather was for many years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex as I have understood. At the time of his death his papers came into the hands of my father. Some years afterwards my father moved into the State of Mississipi and when he went away the most valuable of the old papers in his possession were handed on to me and the rest were destroyed. I have never been able to find among those that were left any record of marriages performed by my grandfather, and if there ever was any it was probably destroyed. I do not believe that there is anything of the kind now in existence. My father has died since his removal. 

I was acquainted with Prince Crosly before his death and also with his wife Caroline Crosley. Before his death they lived together as husband and wife and I have no doubt but that they were married by my grandfather as is represented by him. She has never been again married.  

Wm Spencer

{State of Connecticut  New London County} ss Lyme Sept 24 A.D. 1838

Personally appeared William Spencer signer of the foregoing deposition and before me made oath to the truth of his issue. And I further certify that the said deposant is personally known to me & that he is a credible witness.  

Richard E Selden Jr Justice of peace