Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,967, Hezekiah Wells, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Wells, Hezekiah or Wills,
N. 25,967
Sarah
CONTENTS

mech. 375 Sarah } Wells } 375
in the State of
Conn of the
commanded commanded
in the
town of Hezekiah 1 dec late aduentu in the Revolution
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 112 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Janry 1837 and Lieut Jesse Chaplin East Windsor
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $616.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Nov 37 56.00
3 Sect. act } $672.00 4 July 1836 }
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H.H. Addison Clerk, Book 1/2 Vol. Page 93

No 304
Howe Warden
Admitted
Lient. 8 mo & 12 days
  106.66    5.34       112.00  
Jep. Churchill Esq. East Windsor Court

State of Connecticut } So Windsor Hartford County }
On this 23 day of September A 1836 personally appeared before me Giles Ellsworth Esq Justice of the peace for said Hartford County the widow Anna Hayden a resident of said Windsor aged 82 years a credible person who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath declare That she has been well acquainted with the widow Sarah Wells formerly Sarah Trumbull for more than seventy years: and that in the month of May A 1770, sixty six years ago she was present at her wedding in East Windsor at the house of her father Ammi Trumbull a cousin of the first Governor Jonathan Trumbull; they were married that is, she the said Sarah was married at that time and place to Zereshah Wells of said East Windsor who was afterwards an officer in the army of the Revolution, and was several campaigns in the army. The Marriage was solemnized by the Rev- Thomas Pitkin former Minister of the second or North Society of said East Windsor and she does not know of any other persons living who was present

at the wedding but herself and the widow Ebenezer Watson & aforesaid Widow Sarah Wells. Her Husband the said Nehemiah Wells has been dead several years & the said Widow has never again Married, She the deponent is the only surviving sister of the said Widow Sarah Wells and on that acct of the kindred has retained a more distinct recollection of the facts stated than she otherwise should have done
Anna Hayden
+ her mark
The word
The said Sarah in the first page was inter- lined before the signing a oath. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me Giles Ellsworth Justice of the Peace

Miss Sarah Wells Application

State of Connecticut } Hartford County } Is East Windsor On this 24 th day of September 1836 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor in said County of Hartford & State aforesaid Widow Sarah Wells, a resident of said Town of East Windsor aged 89 years; a credible person who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath declare that she is the surviving Widow of Capt Nehemiah Wells, late of said Town of East Windsor who served in the Revolutionary War First as a volunteer and afterwards as an Ensign, & afterwards a Lieut in the Army. In April 1775 Immediately on hearing of the Battle of Lexington he volunteered & went down to Roxbury, I have often heard him tell the particu- lars of assisting in fortifying the heights around Boston, & being in the Battle of Bunkerhill. I know of no living witness of this tour but the testimony of others who saw him March from home, with the company of volunteers, & who have heard him tell of being in the Battle of Bun- kerhill will be sent; how long he staid I cannot exactly say, but as he went from home on the first alarm & was present with the Army in the Battle you will fix the time as you judge right the troops in the other companies it is understood staid from 6 to 7 Months, & I cannot be more definite here.
2.12 Again he entered the service in the Month of Jan'y 1776, & went to Boston see the deposition of Asahel Green, and Capt Jonathan Wells pay Roll. here I believe he staid 72 days, & was Ensign Jonathan Wells pay Roll with Catharine Bower papers sent by my Attorney, he says.

Again sometime in May or about the first of June 1776, he went to New York as Ensign or Lieut in Capt Simon Wolcott Company and staid according to my best knowledge a brief seven months, see Nezehiah Munsell's certificate; his commission & letter to me while he was in the service, & the Doctor's recommendation in Nov r of the same year, which will be sent with this application.
Again in the year 1778, he performed a tour of duty to Rhode Island in Col Woodbridge Regiment she does know exactly how long but will try to get proof: she knows of no living witness: but such documents as she has will be sent.
She was married to the said Nezehiah Wells at the House of her Father Munn Grumbull in said East Windsor, in the month of May 1770, But knows of no record of her marriage she was married by the Rev Thomas Pitaine former Minister of the North Parish of said East Windsor & there are two persons living who were present at their wedding, viz, Widow Sarah Watson and Widow Anna Neayden, whose testimony will be sent with this. And her said husband died at said East Windsor on the 8 th day of March 1817, and she has never again married but remains the Widow of said Nezehiah Wells.
her Sarah X Wells mark
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid before said Court of Probate
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my name & the Seal of said Court of Probate the day aforesaid
Attest Henry S. Kingsley Clerk

and the Signature on the annexed certificates purporting to be his is his genuine Signature And That Giles Ellsworth is also a Justice of the peace for said Hartford County at this time & has been for Three months past & more and that the Signature to one of the annexed certificates purporting to be his is his genuine Signature
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my name and the Seal of said Court this 1 day of October A D 1836
Attest Henry S. Windley Clerk

Hezekiah Wells & Caleb Putnam
Widow Wells
Asa Davis

State of Connecticut } ss East Windsor Hartford County } On this 24 day of September 1836 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor in sd Hartford County. Herzeiah Wells Aged 64 years a credi- ble person who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath declare That he was well acquainted with Capt Herzeiah Wells late of East Windsor for Sixty five years past and that he has often heard him tell of his being in the Battle of Bunker hill, and relate many interesting particulars relating to it and — among others of their cutting down an orchard in the night to fortify their position as well as they could! Capt Wells viz the said Herzeiah Wells died at said East Windsor on the 8 th day of March A 1817 & left his Widow, Sarah Wells who still survives him & has never again Married, and is now of the age of 89 years, My age is Sixty four & it was inadvert- tantly written & cropped before signing. Herzeiah Wells Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid & the fox was cropped before signing Before said Probate court Attest Henry D. Kinsley Clerk.

State of Connecticut Hartford County ss East Windsor On this 24 th day of September A D 1836 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the district of East Windsor in Hartford County a credible person Caleb Potwine a resident of said East Windsor aged 71 years; who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on Oath declare That he was well acquainted with Capt Nehemiah Wells the husband of Mrs Sarah Wells now applying for a pension and who is the widow of said Nehemiah Wells. he well remembers being in the meeting house on the Lords day & a Messenger arriving & going up to the pulpit made a commu- nication to the Minister who was my Father, & when the services closed at noon he informed the congregation, of the first battle at Lexington, a number immedia- tely volunteered and marched the next day and Capt Wells was one of them he was not then a Capt & whether an Ensign as he was soon after or any officer I do not know, I have heard him tell of many of the events of the War, & of the Battle of Bunker hill which I understood he was engaged in, before having lost his chest & baggage.

in the residence of the testator from Long Island,
The said Herzekiah Wells died at East Windsor on the 8 th day of March A D 1817, and Mrs Sarah Wells now the applicant for a Pension remains his Widow, & has never again Married; I have been inti- mately acquainted with the family all my life time. The three lines erased were done before signing.
Caleb Potwine
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid before said Court of probate In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my name and the Seal of said Court the day and year stated in the foregoing viz the 24 th day of September - 1836. Attest Henry S. Kimball Clerk

State of Connecticut } Hartford County } ss East Windsor
On this 24 th day of September 1836 personally appeared before Joshua Risley Esq a Justice of the peace for said Hartford County Asahel Green a resident of said East Windsor aged 83 years, a person of veracity a credible person who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath declare
That he was well acquainted with Capt Hezekiah Wells late a resident of said East Windsor, That he served with him in the Revolutionary War I think it was State troops of the Connecticut line, Capt Jonathan Wells of East Hartford in Hartford County commanded the Company; Richard Pitkin was our first Lieut and Hezekiah Wells afterwards a Capt was Ensign of our company; we march'd from said East Hartford thro Bolton Coventry Ashford Killingly &c to Dedham near Boston This was in the latter part of Janry or first of Feby 1776, we were employed in guarding our lines and building fortifications and were employed till some time in April 1776 The exact number of days he can not specify from recollection This impression has been that it was between two and three months in this tour the said Hezekiah Wells served said Company in the capacity of Ensign and at the close of said term they were honorably discharged
Asahel Green
Swore & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid Before me Joshua Risley Justice of Peace

Asahel Green for Widow Wells
Asahel Green for Widow Wells

State of Connecticut Hartford County ss. East Windsor
On this 24 th day of September A D 1836 Before me Joshua Risley Esq Justice of peace for Hartford County personally appeared Hezekiah Munsell a resident of said East Windsor aged 83 years, a credible person who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath declare,
That he was well acquainted with Hezekiah Wells, formerly of said East Windsor. That he is well knowing to the fact, that the said Hezekiah Wells served in the American army, in the revolutionary War in the campaigne at New York in 1776. That deponent left his home in East Windsor aforesaid in the month of May or first of June That his company was commanded by Capt Simon Wolcott. That they marched from East Windsor thro Hartford & Middletown to New Haven & from there went by water to New York from there they went on to Long Island & was at that brush when the British attacked our forces here he saw General Washington for the first time & General Putnam was also there. The day Independence was declared we were in the City of New York we left the army about the 1 st of January 1777 or so as to complete the term of our enlistment which was seven Months & we were honorably discharged.
In this service Lieut Hezekiah Wells was the second Lieut of our company and performed his duty in that capacity and according to my best recollection for the period of seven months I am a pensioner under Act 1832. Hezekiah Munsell Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Before me Joshua Risley Justice of Peace

Straw Wells
Certificate

State of Connecticut Hartford County } To East Windsor
On this 24 th day of September 183
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor Hartford in said Hartford County
Deacon Ira Wells a resident of said East Windsor aged 52 years, & two months a Credible Person who has been well known to this Court from his childhood and whose character for Probity and veracity entitle him to the fullest credit: who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on oath declare, That he believes himself to be the Seventh Child of Hezekiah Wells and Sarah Wells both of the inhabitants of said East Windsor. The said Hezekiah died at said East Windsor on the 8 th day of March A 1877 Nineteen years ago last March, and left my Mother his Widow, and she has never again married, but still survives him & is Eighty nine years of age. My Father kept a record of the Birth all his children on a sheet of paper which by having been long kept and often handled was so much worn out that when we Bt a new Quarto Bible about thirty years ago I copied off the record from the old paper into that Bible and the record I now present to the Court is a true Copy of that original record

and was copied according to my best knowledge and belief about thirty years since The Bible we subscribed for, Matthew Carey Edition the year 1805 Taken of his Agent M c Cartee and entered when the book was new.
The old record contained the name and date of the Birth of all the Children & the period of the death of such as had died but contained no record of the date of the Marriage. and the following is a true copy of the record here presented before the Court in said Family bible viz
Family Record
Hezekiah Wells Born June 25 1736
Sarah Wells Born June 8 — 1747
Anni Trumbull Wells Born Dec r 21 st 1770
Hezekiah Wells Jr Born Oct 31 — 1772
Joel Wells Born July 14 — 1774
Horace Wells Born June 22 nd — 1776
Elizabeth Wells Born Dec 24 — 1778
Abby Wells Born Born Feb — 12 — 1781
Joel Wells Born Nov 14 — 1783
Sally Wells Born March 6 th — 1786
Sabra Wells Born July — 3 — 1788
Nancy Wells Born April 18 — 1791
And he has often heard his Father tell many particulars of his services of his going from home on the first alarm from Lexington in April 1775 and of being in the battle of Bunkerhill but in what capacity whether as Sergeant Ensign or private he does not know, In the above copy from the Record in the Bible the two first are my father & Mother and all the remainder, their Children, and the entering on the first page viz ten Months & the figure 8 in the date of my fathers age alluded to 7 are made before signing and from the Record of deaths in the Bible made

at the time of my fathers death it is recorded that he died March 8 th 1817. my mother still remains a Widow & has never again Married
Irre Wells
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affix my name and the Seal of said Court of Probate on the day & year named on the 1 st page viz oth 24 th day of September A 1836
Attest Henry S. Winsley Clerk

J. Charlton Esq. Wells

State of Connecticut Hartford County } Is East Windsor On this 30 th day of September A.D. 1836
Personally appeared me the subscribing au- thority Widow Sarah Watson aged 85 years a president of said East Windsor a credible person aged years Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on oath declare That she has been intimately acquainted with Mrs Sarah Wells the Widow of Capt Hezekiah Wells for seventy years & more She was present at her wedding when she was married to said Hezekiah Wells at the house of Mr Amos Farnbull the father of the said Sarah Wells formerly Sarah Farnbull they were married by the Rev. Thomas Potome Sixty Six years ago last May according from my own age and the time of my own Marriage There was also present & who is still living Widow Anna Hayden of the town of Windsor a Sister of Widow Sarah Wells relict of the aforesaid Hezekiah Wells.
Sarah Watson
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Before me Johna Ridley Justice of Peace

Widow Sarah Watson
To Widow Wells

J. Charlton Esq. Wells

State of Connecticut Hartford County ss East Windsor
On this 24 th day of September 1836 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor in said Hartford County Jesse Charlton a resident of said East Windsor aged sixty years a credible person who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath declare That he has searched the records of the town of East Windsor in order to find the record of the Marriage of Hezekiah Wells with Sarah Trumbull, That he was assisted in this examination by the Register and that they could not find any entry of their Marriage under any date.
And that the number of marriages recorded in the town records before the year A D 1820 when a new law was passed requiring such record to be made, were very few in proportion to the whole number, I should judge not one in ten, so that the omission can create no suspicion that the parties were not married as they claimed to have been.
Jesse Charlton
Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before said Court of Probate
Attest Henry S. Kinsley Clerk

Rev S Bartlett Esq. Mrs Wells

I have been acquainted with the widow of Capt m Henekeah Wells, of the 2 nd ecclesiastical Society of East Windsor Connecticut for more than 30 years past, and consider her to be a woman of strict integrity on whose testimony the most thorough reliance may safely be placed. I myself have frequently heard her husband speak of being in active service in the revolutionary war, between this country and Great Britain. I have been long acquainted with all the children of Capt m Wells also. And feel ready to state, that I consider their testimony in this case, as worthy of all needed confidence. I have been told, repeatedly, by his children, and by others, that no records, of the Second Church and Society, of marriages or of deaths or of any thing else, kept by Rev d Thomas Poteine, my predecessor in the pastoral office here, have ever been found since his death, which took place, according to the date of his death in his funeral sermon, A d 1802.
Capt m Henekeah Wells, above mentioned, died, according to my record of his death, made at the time, March 8 th A d 1817.
East Windsor 2 nd Society - Sept r 24 th A d 1836.
Shubael Bartlett Pastor of the 2 nd Church, and Ecclesiastical Society East Windsor. Connecticut.
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid before the court of Probate for the District of East Windsor in Hartford County & State of Connecticut & the said Shubael Bartlett is a Clergyman a Credible person & has made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate by him subscribed his age is 58 years of age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my name and the Seal of said court of Probate at so East Windsor this 24 th day of Sept r 1836
Attest Henry S. Kimball Clerk

September 18, 1930
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB Am
Miss Ellen P. Wood 138 East State Street Trenton, New Jersey
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 25967, that Hezekiah Wells or Willes was born June 25, 1736, place not stated.
He volunteered in April, 1775, and went to Roxbury and was in the battle of Bunker Hill, names of officers and length of service not given.
He was commissioned in January, 1776, ensign, and served until in April, 1776, in Captain Jonathan Wells' Connecticut company.
He was commissioned June 20, 1776, second lieutenant, and served about seven months, in Captain Simeon Wolcott's company, Colonel Gay's Connecticut regiment.
He was commissioned March 21, 1777, lieutenant, in the 19th regiment of Connecticut militia. In 1778, he was on a tour to Rhode Island, in Colonel Howell Woodbridge's regiment, length of service not stated.
He was commissioned June 3, 1779, captain, in the 19th regiment of Connecticut militia, length of service not stated.
He died March 8, 1817, in East Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut.
The soldier married in May, 1770, Sarah Trumbull, who

was born June 8, 1747 and was the daughter of Ammi Trumbull, of East Windsor, Connecticut.
Ammi Trumbull was a cousin of the first governor, Jonathan Trumbull.
The widow, Sarah, was allowed pension on her application executed September 24, 1836, at which time she was living in East Windsor, Connecticut.
The children of Hezekiah and Sarah Wells were as follows:
Ammi Trumbull born December 21, 1770 Hezekiah, Jr. " October 31, 1772 Joel " July 14, 1774 Horace " June 22, 1776 Elizabeth " December 24, 1778 Polly " February 12, 1781 Ira " November 14, 1783 Sally " March 6, 1786 Sabra " July 3, 1788 Nancy " April 18, 1791.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

To
cent
Jeremiah Bell
E. Windsor
 Capt. Jones  Moses Kelsey  Capt. Marble man  John Miller  Capt. Tain man ser.  Queren Penetier  Capt. Boath man  James Farrington  Alexander Kingman  Schraim Lail  Capt. Lane man  John Bishop  Capt. Johnson man  Daniel Green  Capt. Hazen man  Capt. Robbins man  Moses Gleason  Capt. Darrow man  Richard Abby  Capt. Haysen man  Simon Marshall  Capt. Bissell man ell man Benjamin Fly 

to make return of some of the men that Detour there is one company to go out of Genl. Walcutt but who the Capt will be I cannot tell; but find out by inquiring L. Col. Woodbridge of Genl you will not be here longer than 20 Days Join the army Given under my hand at Enfield this 20 th Dec L. Wells —
Wells, Hezekiah Conn W.A. 5967.

500
First Number
200 200
25 July 1776 Lieu. Col. Nathan Wills at East Windsor With Care in Connecticut
Zeniah From Zeniah From Zeniah From Zeniah From Zeniah From Zeniah From Zeniah From Zeniah From
Zeniah From
Wells, Hezekiah Conn. W 2 5967

Den. York 25th of July 1776
to my Dear & Loving wife I take this opportunity to be right to you to inform you that through the goodness of god I am in good health & all those that came from Lower State except a little Poor burns that some have but get well again I have no news as yet to right to you our Enemy are all in sight yet & what over they will sail towards some State we know not god only knows but we expect them here every day Last Sunday there was Irregular officer took up here his out side Apparel belongs to him With a bag of Letters & was took to the general was so to go almost all over our encampment I would inform you that I have not heard from you nor any of my friends since I left here it it would rejoice me much if it might please god that I might hear from you I can't expect very often tho' I can send to you often as I shall do with great Pleasure This is the fourth I think I have sent I hope that god has spared you once more & granted you in a great measure your health & Strength Again & I know that god Still I hope keeps Alive & Preserves as my Dear Children my Little Babe I don't for get I would that god would take care of you & all our Children Let us put our trust in god that is able to keep us & may we be kept from Sinning Against him & may god in his own good time bring us together Again & that we may yet spend much time together in Praying god for his goodness to us no more at Present I remain your Loving Husband until Death should Part
Hesekiah Wiles
give my Dearest Love Regard to my Honored mother & Loving Brother Brothers & Sisters & tell them that I am hartley & well as I hope they are through the goodness of god the same give my Brothers the charge of my Business & be so good as to take care of it well as you do your own but Above all take care of my families & see that they want nothing that you can do for them So no more at Present
Hesekiah Wiles
July 28th I have nothing farther to write only that I am well

Letter in Hoer Wells
Widows Case

East Windsor Conn
November 23 rd A 1836
Sir I herewith send the comptrollers certificate for the widow of Hezekiah Wells, agreeable to your suggestion, in your letter dated Novem r 8 th - 1836.
It leaves the case, as it stood before, without prejudicing it, I think. It is so difficult now to find a surviving witness of the services of that period, that I am persuaded you will allow the evidence presented with the application all the weight to which it is entitled. Mr Wells was employed a good deal as a recruiting officer but nothing is said of that in the application; and I am fully persuaded that he performed further services in the Army of which we can obtain no direct proof.
As the widow is one of the oldest on the list it would be a favor to have it decided as soon as is consistent with the rights of others.
Most respectfully yours Red d Servant
Jesse Charlton
James F. Edouards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Connecticut
November 23 rd A 1836.
I certify that I have not found the name of Hezekiah Wells on any of the rolls in this Office during the year - 1775. And I further certify that the Rolls of the State troops in this office for the services rendered in the year 1775, are quite imperfect; for example, In the 4 Reg. commanded by Col Benjamin Hinman, there are the rolls of only two companies, viz the 10 th Comp, commanded by Capt Hezekiah Parsons, and of the second company commanded by Lieut Col George Pitkin.
And in the first Reg. commanded by Col David Wooster, but two rolls, viz of the 3 rd and 5 th companies
Wm. Field Comptroller

Ray
1900 - Sept: 19 - Miss L. Elsie P. Wood
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25967
Sarah Wells wid of Hezekiah Wells First W. mar.
Act July 4 th 1866
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 325
[Arrangement of 1870.]

38 East State Street Trenton N.J. War Department Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Can you give me the Civil and military service of the following men in my ancestral line.
Lieut Joshua Wills 1647 at Winden Connecticut Also of Holland Connecticut (over)

✓ Joshua Wills jr 5
✓ Garrison Wills (Willis)
✓ Capt any Hezekiah Wills (Willis)
Willis (Willys) of East Windsor Connecticut
Deacon Issa Wills of East Windsor Connecticut
I wish to join "The Society of Founders and Patriots" and it is necessary to
give her Civil and Military services Thanking you in advance (Miss) Ellen P Wood

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of the State of Connecticut , in A M E R I C A.
To
Hezekiah Wells
GENT. GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State accepted to be Captain of the 4th Company of the Alarm List in the 10th Regiment in this State Reposing special Trust and Confidence, in your Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take the said Company into your Care and Charge, as their Captain carefully and diligently to discharge that Trust; exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their Arms, according to the Discipline of War; keeping them in good Order and Government; and commanding them to obey you as their Captain for the Service of this State. And you are to observe all such Orders and Directions, as from Time to Time you shall receive, either from me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand, and the Seal of this State, in Hartford the 3 d Day of June Anno Domini, 1779
By His Excellency's Command,
George Wyllys Sec'ry.
Jon: Trumbull

Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire,
Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Connecticut , in America .
To Shezehiah Wills Gentleman
GREETING..
Y OU being, by the Governor and Council of Safety, accepted and appointed to be Lieutenant of the 4 th Company of the Alarm List, in the 19 th Regiment of Militia in said State; reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I DO, by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you the said Wills to be Lieut. of said Company: You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and exercising the said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order, and see that they are armed and equipped, according to Law, for military Service; hereby commanding them to obey you, as their Lieutenant and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Commander in Chief of this State, for the Time being, or other your superior Officers, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Laws of the State aforesaid, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand and Seal, AT ARMS, at Lebanon the 21 st Day of March Anno Domini, 1777 Jon. Trumbull

State of Connecticut Hartford County Town of East Windsor Oct. 4 th 1836
Hon Sir, I herewith transmit the application of Widow Sarah Wells of said East Windsor for a pension, under the act of July 4 th A 1836. The first claim is that her husband in the Lexington Alarm & that if he returned back with the great body when they returned after a few days That he again went immediately back to the Seat of War and that he was at the Battle of Bunker hill: no surviving witness of this Town has been found, The Soldiers who were in that action are not now to be found. I went yesterday to see a Pensioner of at Somers, (Jonathan Clark) who had three brothers in the Battle but are all dead; and not one survivor who was in that action can be found among us. Evidence of a traditional character is all she can present, her own declaration supported by three respectable persons. I thought as good as none; the Court have certified to the respectability of the witness & the Clergyman has given his Certificate; If this evidence supports the claim It might be thought that if he went in April 1775, Immediately after the Battle of Lexington & that was at the Battle of Bunkerhill it was two months at least, and from the zeal of Capt Wells for the cause it is much more likely to have been so. This is all the proof the applicant can offer respecting this Town excepting that others of the Neighbors have heard

him relate what he saw and did in this Campaign.
His second tour was from January 1776 to April 1776 a period of Seventy two days. Asahel Green was with him & his certificate is sent, and Capt Jonathan Wells pay Roll which I found among his papers, and which I sent with Catharine Bowers Application under the act of July 4 th A D 1836 shews that he was Ensign of the Company, and served if I recollect right 72 days. The Comptrollers Certificate will show that there is no proof in that office showing the length of the period.
His third tour was also in the year 1776 from the last of May to the 20 th of June as Ensign; & from that time to the first of January 1777 as second Lieut. Nehemiah Munsell who was with him has certified it, his Affidavit is sent. Also his Commission as Lieut; & also his letter to his wife. While he was on Long Island he lost his chest & papers & baggage & his widow & family suppose the Ensigns Commission was then lost; but the testimony of Nehemiah Munsell  Asahel Green who served under him in this tour; and Capt Wells pay Roll before mentioned is supposed satisfactory in relation to the length of the second period.
His fourth tour was at Rhode Island in the year 1778 under Col. Spencer Woodbridge There is no surviving witness, The proof is documentary being the return made to him as

men who were to go with him or some of them and the receipt of Simonds for money received for going to Rhode Island. That Coll Howell Woodbridge served may be inferred by his credit on the Comptrollers Books. The length of time perhaps from the amount severally paid to Simonds and others for going to Rhode Island.
The Comptrollers certificate will shew that the length of the several periods of service cannot be ascertained from the Books or documents in his office.
The Marriage cannot be proved by Record evidence, I have made my certificate that it is not on the town record, & the custom at that time was not general in recording Marriages: & the Rev Mr Bartletts certificate that his predecessor kept no records will be sent. We have found two persons who were present at the wedding who have given their certificates & which are sent.
The Rev Mr Bartlett the clergyman of the Parish suggested that the omission in the family record was probably intentional. That the children and others of the family who looked at the Record of the Ages might not count the number of months from May to Dec. The commissions letter receipt & other papers sealed up as Rev Wells documents were presented to me by the said Widow Sarah Wells
With great respect Sir I am yours
Hon J. L. Edwards
Jesse Charlton

all acts, contrary to good faith, custom, or the usage of civilized nations, by the officers and soldiers of his army, or by foreigners or savages in his service, are to be considered as done by him, unless indemnification be made in due season, and in all cases, unless immediate and effective measures are taken by him or his officers for bringing the offenders to punishment, and for punishing the abettors, perpetrators of the same. The baggage of the army, and the property of the officers and soldiers, and the property of the inhabitants of the country, are to be respected, and not to be confiscated, unless in cases of absolute necessity, and when the public exigencies require it.
is vested with the powers for disposing thereof not in his possession, nor under his control; and that therefore it is subject to be voided or annulled at the discretion of this Court.
Resolved , That the shameful surrender of the at the Cedars, is chargeable on the Command- ing officer. That such other of the prisoners, as taken there, shewed a willingness and desire to fight the enemy; and that Major Sherburne, the prisoners taken with him, though their number was great, fought the enemy for a considerable time, and surrendered only on absolute necessity; on which confi- dence, and on which alone, it is resolved that this convention be ratified, and that an equal number of captives from the enemy of the same rank and condition be restored to them as stipu- lated by the said convention.
Resolved , That previous to the delivery of the prisoners to be returned on one part, the British Commander in Canada be required to deliver into our hands the authors, abettors, and perpetrators of the horrid murder committed on the prisoners, to suffer such punishment as their crime deserves; and also to make indemnification for the plunder at the Cedars, taken contrary to the faith of capitulation; and that, until such delivery and indemnification be made, the said prisoners be not delivered.
Resolved, That if the enemy shall commit any of these violences by putting to death, torturing, or otherwise ill treating the prisoners retained by them, or any of the hostages put into their hands, we will be had to retaliation, as the sole means of stopping the progress of human butchery; and that for that purpose punishments of the same kind and degree be inflicted on an equal number of the captives from thence in our possession, till they shall be taught due respect to the violated laws of nations.
Resolved, That a copy of this report be transmitted to the Commander in Chief of the Continental forces, to be by him sent to Generals Howe and Burgoyne. By Order of the Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
In CONGRESS, July 22, 1776.
RESOLVED,
THAT the several Commanders in Chief, in each department, be directed to exchange any officer in the British service, (now prisoner in any of the States,) of, or under the rank of Col. for Colonel Ethan Allen.
agriculture. The, belong the said King armadas and PHI. is exact state of na interview between General Washington and Colonel Patterson, Adjutant-General of the army under General Howe, July 20, 1776.
AFTER usual compliments, in which, as well as through the whole conversation, Col. Patterson addressed Gen. Washington by the title of Excellency. Col. Patterson entered upon the business by saying, that Gen. Howe much regretted the difficulties which had arisen respecting the addres of the letters to Gen. Washington; that it was deemed consistent with propriety and good order, upon precedents of the war, to settle the respective titles of rank had arisen; that he recollected he had, last winter to Gen. Howe, To his Excellency, Esq.; that Lord Howe meant to delegate from Gen. Washington; that he was in the highest degree, with the addition of every thing that ought to be added to a letter which he had to Gen. Washington. The letter which had been sent, was on the table, with the address to Gen. Washington, &c. &c. Col. Patterson said to
He said of Gen. Howe, that he had been at the British army. He added to say, that he was of the King's appo- intment, and that he and his mis- sion, to accommo- date, that they had great pleasure in accommodation; and that he wished to have this visit con- sidered as the first advances to this dis- agreeable. Washington replied, he was not empowered on this subject, by the Congress; that he derived his authority and powers from what had appeared or transpired to Lord Howe and Gen. Howe; that he pardons; that those who had committed faults wanted no pardon, re- fending what we deemed. Col. Patterson said that was a good field for argument. He ob- served that an ad- vantageously to obstruct busi- ness and concern. He then observed that he had formerly made of ex- change with Mr. Lovell; that he ac- cepted to that proposal.
 would have done otherwise it would that it was true the & being, and they also the letter to Gen. How- wer to one received un- him, which the officer he did not think proper it in the same mode of absolutely decline any a private person, when station. Col. Patterson would not urge his repeated his assertions, was intended. He then deavour, as well as he Howe's sentiments on the Congress, sent him a le- ing the treatment of "That the affairs of the department, not subject Howe, but that he and approved of every insti- of Humanity." Col. paper out of his pocket over, said he had expr Gen. Washington then forwarded a copy of the goyne. To which Col. did not doubt a proper to them, and that he sensibly that cruelty was the British nation. C- ceded to say he had the case of Gen. Pres- formed was treated with der his age and infirmi- might be apprehended. 
Gen. Washington replied that his treatment had not fallen all persons under his power had treated with kindness as easy and comfortable he did not know where he believed his treatment information. Gen. Washington the case of Col. A. P.

to, ... and ... ac- ... of nature. ... ... regulated in ... ... to all. To ... ... from this ... ... of form of common- ... must rather exist in the ... than in nature. Aristotle ... constituted and taught a form, ... ions, must be accom- ... genius of mankind. ... their lucid intervals, ... and at length ... or death; for war has, ... either particular, ... of arms and truces; ... peace. No war there- ... and no enemy can be re- ... as not to admit of a truce, ... peace: For, as Seneca very ... If mortals were to bear an ... the fury once harboured in ... never to cease; if the form ... to keep the sword unheathed ... was always to obey, war ... free from their ravages, ... waste, we should see the ... usually in flames, and heaps ... become the burying places ... nations.'
... of continuing war too ... the motives of just re- ... fore conclude, that ... in order to a safe ... must consider that all ... are in some measure ... he parties we are to
... each ... ... against ... ... to make ... ... when ... ... Monarchs ... ... V. having made so great ... ... nearken ... ... would be too ignominious ... ... except. They had then ... ... the success of the negoti- ... those, who knew very well ... ... very glad to end this war ... ... hopes. Among these, Lewis Ala- ... rentine, being asked, what he believed that ... those persons could make a peace, he answer- ... ed in this Italian distich:
Com' esser puo ch'a m pace si toglia, Slun n'ha necessita, l' un n'ha voglia?
How can we have otherwise than peace, seeing the one desires it, and the other stands in need of it? Nothing could be ... just than this reason- ing; for there is a ... ter prognostic of a peace near at hand, ... the need ... wherein both parties find a ... ve to en ... Want of money tire ... ch as ... fore this, the Med ... are n ... then they are intre ... y are laid aside; ber ... rectly with each ... upon the main points, and then ... put them; or, if they are mad ... only for form false. We read ... of the peace of the T ... peace, says h' was conclude ... those who had a lo ... gave occasion to some ... laid, one day, when ... palace on the ... law tw-
... for ... ... one ... ... six and nine ... the ... mounting two eighteen p- What forces the enemy had were encam- a point of the island, nearly opposite to five gun battery, covered by a battery of embarkation, and a breastwork of considerable extent. Besides this, they had two other ba- teries, and a stockade fort, higher up, where where troops were stationed to prevent landing. In the haven were three tenders, a sloop (the Lady Charlotte) mounting six carriage guns, a schooner of two carriage six fu- sels, and a schooner, and a pilot boat, badly armed; who had order from Capt. Har- of the Roeback, to prevent our bo- over to the island, and to annoy the every means in their power.
Gen. Lewis announced his orders for ing the enemy by putting a match to gun, an eighteen pounder, himself; Dunmore being then nearest to us, a- tance of only four or five hundred y- shot passed through her hull, and did c- ble damage. Our five gun battery like- gan playing on the fleet, the enemy's camp- works; and ... became so hot the Dunmore ... her cable hauling off, after ... some of raked her for ... lay n- her, and it w ... tak- birth, but the ... look supposed betw ... ly ... and
upper battery, which raked the ... and Capt. Denny, who commanded the ... battery, soon silenced the enemy at the point knocking down several tents, which put the camp into great confusion. At half after nine the firing ceased, which was renewed again twelve, with double vigor, from both bat- teries; and nothing prevented our pushing to the island during the cannonade, but the wa- vessels.
The Gen. being determined to cross next day, gave orders for all the small craft to be collected together from the neighbouring creeks that night, and two brass field-pieces six pound- ers, to be carried to a place called Lower Windmill Point, to attack the tender that lay there, and facilitate our crossing. Accordingly, in the morning, Capt. Harrison, who had the direction of those field-pieces, began playing upon the tenders, which he galled so much, that the schooner ran up a small creek which made into the island, where the crew abandoned her, and the sloop got aground in reach of our cannon; upon which the General ordered Capt. Smith, of the seventh regiment, with his company, to man the canoes and board her, which was done with alacrity. However, before our men came up with her, the crew got into their boat and pulled for the island; but Capt. Smith very prudently passing the tender, pursued the so close, that, before they could reach the shore, he exchanged a few shot with them, and took part of them prisoners. The enemy's lookouts, perceiving our men close upon the lower part of the island, cried out "The shirt- men are coming," and scampered off. The pi- lot boat made no resistance.
Gen. Lewis then ordered two hundred men, under Col. McClanahan, to land in the island, which was performed as expeditiously as our small vessels would admit of. On our arrival, we found the enemy had evacuated the place with the greatest precipitation, and were struck with horror at the number of dead bodies, in a state of putrefaction, strewed all the way from their battery to Cherry-point, about two miles
... that, when they ... ... off of themselves; ... after: Thus, ... and Spaniards will ... waging ... against ... they will make peace ... ion." ... lances, in which ... a peace incur a pe- ... pens, when the peace ... either party of an ... making useful, and ... as the most flattering ... deceitful, it might ... would not procure ... could be obtained by ... the taking of Utrecht, ... een contented with the ... ed Provinces, who beg- ... ve accepted, how many ... censured Lewis XIV. ... vantages, and neglect- ... of subduing the whole ... is view, say they, that ... he management of the ... all the reason of M. de ... the peace, to be re- ... of the next campaign, ... at their not following ... ure us, that the King, ... all his conquests, laid ... s in the right." We ... ity of events. France ... to an enemy almost ... at the same time, suf- ... n enemy reduced to ... Port was dazzled at ... he Poles offered her ... sec: She was content ... kurb the Poles; but, ... y took courage, and ... miles, laughing at the ... same time, the conduct ... to be condemned, ... peace, and the other

Hills, Hezekiah w. 25,967 (Conn.)

Captain-General of the Militia of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay
L. L. Esq.
To Shepherd Wills in New-England in America.
Greeting.
YOU being by the General Assembly of the Colony, appointed to be Second Lieutenant of a Company now ordered to be raised in this Colony, and to join the Continental Army, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this Colony, me thereby enabling, appoint and impower you, the said Shepherd Wills to be Second Lieutenant of said Company, you are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieutenant in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, hereby commanding them to obey you as their Second Lieutenant - and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or the Commander in Chief of said Colony, for the Time being, or other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, established by the Continental Congress, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand, and the public Seal of said Colony, at Sheffield the 20 Day of June Anno L mini, 1776.
By His Honor's Command.
George Wythe Sec'y.
Genl. Brimhall
Col. William Cushing, Genl. M c Intosh

Register's Office. East Windsor October 3 rd 1836.
I, James Moore, Clerk and Register of the Town of East Windsor, hereby certify that on examining the Records of said town, in this office, I do not find the marriage of Hezekiah Wells and Sarah Trumbull recorded under any date. — And I further certify that the entries of marriages on said records are so irregular and so few in proportion to the whole number solemnised as to create no prejudice against the claim of any parties that they were married at a given time, that it is not found on the records of the town. — Under Sitter A. for instance, there were but two marriages recorded in fifty years and others are equally deficient, —
W. H. West. James Moore, Town Clerk

East Windsor Dec 16
free
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D. C.

East Windsor Connecticut Dec r 16 th A 1836
Sir
Excuse me for speaking a word in behalf of the two most aged persons in this town being about 90 years of age. The widows of Nozehiah Wells and the widows of Penn Johnson. If on account of their extreme age and the slender hold they have upon life, you could, without wronging others, decide upon their cases soon, it would be a special favor; their applications were sent on sometime ago, and tho I feel not the least disposition to complain, yet as they can live but a very little while to be a burthen to the government it seems to me that a little preference might without impropriety be shown to the extremely aged; & surely, for those applicants who are older than these, I am willing that the claims of these should be postponed. respectfully yours J L Edwards Esq. Jesse Root

Connecticut Sarah Wells
Widow of Hezekiah Wells
Seaford Let to J. P. Chard Nov 8 th 1836 - Dame Dec 28. 1836

Abel Davis Receipt Aug 4 1879
Continental Service

August 11 1879 then Rod d of Northwick killed two hundred & forty dollars for inquiring to go into the Canton for this I beg to have Rod d put me Ted Davis was part of my way

Ben Elee Recpt

June 7 - 24 more than 100 of H. S. ... fifty Shillings for going to Providence with one that ... back ... Benjamin ...

Simond Receipt for pay to Providence fall 1778
me

July 4 th 26 1829 then rec d of Hezekiah Willis two Pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence for my wages for going to Providence last week two Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence for Anna Simons two Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence for Moses Gleason two Pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence for Moses Kelsey two Pounds Eleven Shillings for C o John Bills all this I say I have rec d by me John Simonds

Surgeons Corps Nov - 25 1876
Lt. Webb Colligan Reg - Capt. Wolcott Company
Aug - 4
2 - 2 - 0 3 - 12 - 0 1 - 10 - 0 7 - 2 - 0 11 - 2 - 0 13 - 12 - 0
Highbrush Mills N. 25, 967 Com.

Lieut. Merikiah Wells in Capt. Woolcott's Co. Late Col. Gays Regt. Being in a jaundiced Low State, unlikely to perform Camp Duty the Present Campaign is recommended as a proper subject for a Discharge Jno. Procter Surgt. & Col. Sages
Norwalk Nov. 25 th 1862.
11-2-0-0 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

Mr Calab Parsons To fifteen Pounds of Choc & half at six Pence Per Pound 1. Twelve Pounds of butter Eight & half Penny Per Pound 0 8 6 0 4 9
fisher
Hills, Ezekiah w. 25,964 (Conn.) "
Rhode Island Aug 24 1778 Coll Woodbridge

to for the ... ... August ... ... one man ... ... in ... ... John ...
... August ... ... to ... ... I have ... ... understand ... ... like ...

East Windsor Ct Jan y 2 nd
free
Ct. Purchas 4 July '36
James L. Edsards Esq Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D. C.

East Windsor Connecticut Dec r 31 st 1836
Sir yours of the 28 th in relation to the application of the Widow of Wescheah Wells is received
Mrs Wells cannot furnish any more proof in her case & must receive what the evidence will entitle her to accord- ing to your version of it.
I would ask however whether it is certain Mr Wells services ceased the day of the Doctors recommendation or whether as the term was likely to expire in 30 days & he only being farming it is not quite as likely that he staid his term out.
Respectfully your Ob st Serv t
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Jesse Charlton