Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,003, for Sylvanus Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Pratt, Sylvanus Hannah
No. 20,003.
CONTENTS

76 Norfolk
1896 Comg 29 Mar 1818 up 26/1818 1819
230 1/2
10.860 Massachusetts Sylvanus Pratt of Weymouth in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain  of the P.E. commanded by Colonel in the Brigade une for 9 mon 29 days Private of Inf 5. 12 " Private of Artillery cont.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 81 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of April 1838 and Rev. S. Leland Weymouth Mass Arrears to the 14th of March 1838 $162.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 Sept. , 40.50 $202.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }  Recorded by N. Nelson Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2a Page 64

Sylvanus Pratt
8883
Print of City 1 year
" " 9 mo. & 9 days
Edwin S. Leland Roxbury Mass
Taken from a packet dated Sep 25, containing papers of Asa Kingsbury & others.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk ss.
On this twentieth eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Honorable William Lloyd Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at 17 in and for said County, Schwager Pratt a resident of Weymouth in said County, aged seventy four years  seventy four years of age , 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 7th A. D. 1832.
THAT he was born at Weymouth in said county of Norfolk on the eighth day of June A. D. 1758, and that there is a record of his birth on the records of the town of Weymouth that he was in the United States service from the month day of February A. D. 1776, to the month day of April A. D. 1776 then as a Soldier in the Massachusetts Militia : that he was residing at Weymouth in said county
when he entered the service ; that he was a Volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Capt. Seth Stowens of Col. Josiah Whitney's Regiment
: that he marched from Weymouth to Roxbury, from thence to Dorchester from to to
: that he served at Roxbury, Dorchester with none of the regular troops ; and
no regular officers were known to him : that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received no written discharge : that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at Weymouth aforesaid.
ALSO : that he was in the United States service from the month day of May A. D. 1776, to the month day of May A. D. 1777 one year as a Soldier in the Massachusetts Militia : that he was residing at Weymouth aforesaid
when he entered the service ; that he was a Volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain Joseph Root
: that he marched from Weymouth to Hull, from to from to to
: that he served at Hull with none of the regular troops ; and
no regular officers were known to him : that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received no written discharge.
ALSO : that he was in the United States service from the month day of July A. D. 1780, to the month day of January A. D. 1781 six months in the Artillery of the regular Army : that he was residing at Weymouth aforesaid
when he entered the service ; that he was a Volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Capt. John Pitney in Col. of Cramers Regiment under Gen. Howe
: that he marched from Boston to New York, from thence to New Jersey from to to
: that he served at New Jersey with some of the regular troops ; and
some regular officers were known to him : that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received a written discharge. which now cannot find

Also that he was in the United States service from the Month of June A.D. 1778 to the month of December A.D. 1778 six months as a Soldier in the Massachusetts Militia; that he was residing at Deymouth aforesaid when he entered the service; that he was a volunteer and served and was for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain Washburn; that he marched from Deymouth to Boston, that he served at Boston at Wheeler's Point, called, with none of the regular troops and no regular officers were known to him; that he was in no battle and at the end of his service received no written discharge.
Also that he was in the United States service from the month of March A.D. 1778 to the month of June A.D. 1778 as a Soldier in the Massachusetts Militia in a Company commanded by Capt. Samuel Wood as appears by a certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereto annexed as proof of said service. And that he has no other documentary evidence than said certificate by which he can prove any of his service.
That he was upon the pension roll under the act of 1818 as a private in the Army of the Revolution, and that at the time of his application, he was residing at Deymouth aforesaid, and that he was struck from the Pension List on account of the amount of his property.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first aforesaid.
Silvanus Pratt
We Samuel Humphrey one of the selectmen of so clergymen , residing in the Town of Deymouth aforesaid
and Robert Bates
residing in said
Deymouth hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Silvanus Pratt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed as aforesaid.
Samuel Humphrey
Robert Bates
And the said judge do hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the said judge further certifies that it appears to him that Samuel Humphrey, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergymen, resident in the said Deymouth; and that Robert Bates who has also signed the same is a resident in Deymouth and they are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said judge further certifies that Silvanus Pratt, by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend court for the purpose of making the foregoing declaration.
Herman Leland judge of Probate
I Samuel Haven, Reg d of the board of Probate aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Silvanus Pratt, for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid.
Samuel Haven

I Robert Bates of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged seventy four years, testify and say that Silvanus Pratt within named was a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Revolution and to my knowledge served as a soldier in said service during the first period of time within mentioned as he has therein stated, and also during the fourth period of time within mentioned as he has therein stated.
Robert Bates
Norfolk ss August 20 th 1832 Subscribed & sworn to
Before S. Leland Judge of Probate
I Asa French of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged seventy one years, testify and say that Silvanus Pratt within named was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and to my knowledge served as a soldier in said service during the third period of time within mentioned as he has therein stated.
Asa French
Norfolk ss August 20 th 1832 Subscribed & sworn to
Before S. Leland Judge of Probate

2068.
Massachusetts
Wannah Pratt widow of Sylvanus Pratt who was a Private in the Mass. line for 21 mo & 9 dys
Rept Com 23
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 81 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of Sept. 1843 and sent to Samuel Humphrey Weymouth, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book ED Vol. 1. Page 57.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
State of Massachusetts } ss County of Norfolk }
On this twenty second day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Norfolk Hannah Pratt a resident of Weymouth in said County of Norfolk, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
That she is the Widow of Silvanus Pratt late of Weymouth in said County deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and received a Pension under the Act of Congress of June seventh one thousand eight hundred and thirty two of eighty one dollars per annum; and that she has heard him state his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War as follows viz, That he served in Capt Seth Stowes company a few months in the year 1776.
Also that he served in Capt Joseph Dufants company several months in the year 1776 and in Capt Joseph Pools company several months in 1777. Also that he served in Capt Samuel Wards company a few months in the year 1778.
Also in Capt John Lillys company several months in 1780 Also in Capt Washburns company several months
She further declares that she was married to the said Silvanus Pratt on the twenty seventh day of March in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three; that her husband, the aforesaid Silvanus Pratt died on the twenty sixth day of November in the year one thousand eight 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, eighteen hundred and thirty four, viz at the time above stated.
Hannah Pratt
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written by the said Hannah Pratt who by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court to make her declaration
Before me S. Selwane, J. Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate & that his signature above is genuine & true.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Court this tenth day of September A.D. 1838.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg.

Very communicative from the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions in regard to the case of Mrs. Hannah Pratt may be addressed to the subscribers
Respectfully Daniel Humphrey
Weymouth Sep. 1838.
1885 V. Hannah Pratt widow of Sylvanus Pratt Act 7 July 1838.
m 83. d 36
adm 9mo 9d pr 12 Maliafs $81 25
Died Nov. 26. '36 pen: com: Nov. 27. 36
Daniel Humphrey Weymouth Mass

Sylvanus Hall Mass. at 7 June. $87. when last paid?
G.M.C.
22 June 35-
Due 26 th Nov 1836 p st to that period JH

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss.
Ernest Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that Samuel Humphrey Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificates is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth hereunto at Dedham, this twenty eighth day of August A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight  Ernest Sampson Clerk

We William Pratt of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts aged about fifty five years and Luther Pratt of said Weymouth aged about fifty five years testify and say that we were acquainted with Silvanus Pratt late of Weymouth in said County deceased from our youth to the time of his decease and also with Hannah Pratt his wife now his Widow. The said Silvanus Pratt died on the twenty sixth day of November in the year 1836. We saw his remains after his decease and attended his funeral. The said Hannah Pratt is yet living and remains the Widow of the said deceased and is now in seventy and eighty years of age
Luther Pratt William Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 11 th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscribers a justice of the peace within and for the said county of Norfolk the above named Luther Pratt and William Pratt and severally made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true and I certify that the said Luther Pratt, William Pratt are well known to me and are persons of good reputation for truth. Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk and Town of Weymouth ss Joshua Emery Jr. Pastor of the First church and Soc. in said Weymouth hereby certify that the following is a true copy from the records of the said church in Weymouth with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in figures and legible figures - to wit.
"Married by Rev. William Smith, March twenty seventh seventeen hundred and eighty three, (March 27 th 1783). Sylvanus Pratt and Hannah Bates both of Weymouth."
Attest. Joshua Emery Jr.
Pastor of the First ch. in Weymouth.
I Joshua Emery Jr. above named depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the said church and Soc. in the said Town of Weymouth, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said church with the exception above named as certified by me.
Joshua Emery Jr.
Pastor of First ch. in Weymouth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 11 th 1883. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk the above named Joshua Emery Jr. and made solemn oath that the above certificate and affidavit by him subscribed is my true and correct copy Daniel Humphrey Justice of the Peace

1885-
Let. to D. Humphrey Dec. 20, 1838
Act 7 July, 1838.

I Solomon Dyer of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged seventy five years, testify and say that Silvanus Pratt of Weymouth aforesaid who is about seventy four years of age was a soldier in the United States service in the Revolutionary war and to my knowledge served as a soldier at Hull in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Dufant from the month of May A.D. 1776 to the month of May A.D. 1777. Solomon Dyer
Norfolk ss August 16 th 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Solomon Dyer and acknowledged the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true before me, Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, " " "
Sylvanus Pratt late a Private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Eight dollars per month, to commence on the 29 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this twenty sixth day of January one thousand eight hundred and nineteen .
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.

Secretary's Office, Aug 6 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Silvanus Pratt is borne on a roll of Capt. Joseph Trufant's Company in the State Service, & is therein stated to have served two months and nine days from May 22. 1776
Also on another roll of the same Company, in which he is stated to have served four months, viz. from Aug. 1. 1776 to Dec. 1. 1776—
Also on a Roll of "Capt. Samuel Ward's Company in Lieut Col. Lyman's detachment of guards doing duty in Boston & Dorchester" — and is therein stated to have served three months from March 9. 1776.
Edward D. Dany S eq

5786 / 1
Massachusetts.
Sylvanus Pratt
of Weymouth in the state of Massachusetts who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Crane of the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 29 th of June 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th of Jan y . 1819 and sent to Thomas B. Adams, Esq r Norfolk Co. Massachusetts.
  Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818 - 2 6 / 30  17. 60    Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 th March 1819  48. 00       Y s  65. 60  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Weymouth, Norfolk Co.

Massachusetts 3301
Hannah Pratt widow of Sylvanus Pratt who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 26 November 1836 of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Pvt. Mtd in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Crane in the Mass. line for 21. m. 9 d.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 81 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. ending 27 Nov. 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of Dec. 42, and sent to E Clarke Brighton Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo S. Lloody Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 120
A new certificate was issued in this case under the opinion of the Attorney General of the 2 d Sep 1842 which was given in conse- quence of the Resolution of Congress of the 16 Aug 1842.
How Report see letter to P. Stg January 31 1843.
Let: to S. Humphrey 28th: July, 1843 -

Massachusetts 3,301
Sarah Pratt, widow of Sylvanus Pratt,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th Jan '32 and who died on the 26 th November 1836 of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts who was a P. & M. in the Campy commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt. commanded by General [blank] in the Mass line for 21 days & 9 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 81 Dollars 50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
27 th Nov. 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of June '39, and sent to S. Humphrey, Weymouth, Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. - $184.50 Semi-annual allowance ending
40.50
$225.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk, Book A Vol. 17 Page 120.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20,003 Hannah Pratt Widow of Sylvanus Pratt Dis: New Mar
Act: March 31 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Hannah Pratt Maf widow of Sylvanus Revolutionary got mixed with another Case & should be Filed as above
File No. 20.002.

I Mary S. Richards of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts age twenty eight years, do testify and say that I have resided in the same house with Widow Hannah Pratt, who is the widow of Silvanus Pratt late of said Weymouth deceased, more than twenty years last past, and am well acquainted with her state of health, which is feeble, and she can endure but little. About two years ago, she thought it necessary to attend Probate Court at Brockway about proving the Will of her deceased husband, and she rode to Brockway the distance of about thirteen miles and returned, but it was too much for her, she did not recover from the fatigue for several months, and she is now much more feeble than she was at that time. It would have been a journey which she was entirely unable to perform, to have made an attempt to attend court at Brockway or Dedham, in August last which are nearest places at which any Probate Court would be held on before February 1839. She is now about seventy four years of age. Mary S. Richards
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. July 10 th 1839. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the County of Norfolk, the above named Mary S. Richards, and made oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed in my presence is true, and I certify that the said Mary S. Richards well known me as a person of good reputation for truth.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss. I then and there did judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County, hereby certify that, according to the best of my knowledge and belief, the above is a true statement of the

infirmity a constitution of the said Hannah Pratt, in the months of August last past, at the time she made her declaration before me, to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress of July 7 th A D 1838. In witness whereof I the said judge have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 15 th day of January A D 1839
I see correct

33.33 85 1.26 22 2.2633 144 14.77
J. D. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions
40-  \frac{1}{6} \overline{) 88} \quad \frac{4}{6} 14-66- 40-56 2.56 59.22

Weymouth Jany 28 th 1839.
Sir, Testimony of witnesses relating to the disability of the several widows named in your late communication is here inclosed
It is my earnest hope Sir, that the claim of a part of those widows, at least, will receive early attention. I mentioned the cases of Rachel Webb, Patience Pratt, Mary Blanchard and Martha Pratt in my address of Dec. 14 th as being very needy. Hannah Pratt widow of Silvanus Pratt is also in low circumstances. It would truly be a great favor to them could their cases receive immediate attention.
I am respectfully yours
Obt. servant
Samuel Humphrey
J. P. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions

Sharon ✓ of Sharon Hannah Pratt Mass.
Act 7 July 38 Verson Bay 42 84 # from 4 march 36 to 26 Nov. 1836
Elijah Clark Brighton Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk, ss.
On this Twenty first day of December eighteen hundred and forty two, Personally appeared before me Daniel Humphrey — a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk, Hannah Pratt, a resident of Weymouth in said County, seventy seven years of age, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March 1836, to the twenty sixth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty six, from which period she has been already paid under the act of the seventh of July 1838. And the declarant further alleges that she is still the Widow of Sylvester Pratt, who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War. That her pension was allowed at the rate of eighty one dollars per annum, and was paid to her at the agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts, and further she saith not,
Hannah Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before Me. Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace Norfolk County
Norfolk ss. December 21 st 1842. I hereby certify that the above named Hannah Pratt is the Widow of Sylvester Pratt late of Weymouth deceased, and that she has formerly to my knowledge received a Pension under the Act of Congress of July 1838.
Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston December 26. 1842
I hereby certify that on the twenty first of the present month Samuel Humphrey was a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth aforesaid duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts as such full faith and credit are to be given
Witness the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written.
John F. Brigham Sec'y of the Comm't

1256
Hannah Pratt
Hannah Pratt $81 per am
20th May
3301
Samuel Humphrey Weymouth Mass.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838, and the amended act of 23d August, 1842.
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Norfolk }
On this first day of May in the year eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in said County of Norfolk  Hannah Pratt a resident of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk aged not less than eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Silvannus Pratt late of said Weymouth , deceased, who was a private in a company in the Army of the Revolution, and died on the twenty sixth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six: that the Revolutionary services of the said Pratt were duly proved by himself in the year 1832. for which he received a Pension of Eighty one Dollars per year during his life. And that in the year 1838. she duly proved her marriage to him, his death, and her widowhood, and that she received a Pension under the act of Congress of July 7th 1838. for five years
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Hannah Pratt
Witnesses Mary S. Dike Isaac D. Bicknell
Isaac D. Bicknell Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk. Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk hereby certify that Isaac D. Bicknell of Weymouth is a Justice of the Peace within the said County of Norfolk and that his signature on these papers is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this eighteenth day of May A.D. 1843. Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob.

We Mary S. Richards of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged thirty two years, and Jane L. Bicknell of said Weymouth, aged twenty eight years, do testify and say that we are acquainted with Hannah Pratt of Weymouth aforesaid, Widow of Silvanus late of said Weymouth deceased, who is we think about seventy eight years of age, She is living and now in our presence and remains the widow of the said Silvanus Pratt deceased.
Mary S. Richards
Jane L. Bicknell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County S.S. May 1 st 1843. The persons affirmed before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the County of Norfolk, the above named Mary S. Richards and Jane L. Bicknell and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 7 th 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation, Samuel Humphrey was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and that his signature is genuine of
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Norfolk ss.
On this twenty ninth day of June 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Sylvanus Pratt of Weymouth aged fifty eight years, resident in the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
I also certify that I believe said Sylvanus Pratt to be reduced in his circumstances and stands in need of assistance from his country for support.
I Sylvanus Pratt of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk, on Oath testify and declare that I am a resident citizen of the United States, aged 58 years and over; and that I enlisted in the continental army in the month of April 1776, at Weymouth in Massachusetts, for one year, and soon after marched to New York, where I joined Captain John Lillie's company, in Col. John Cram's Regiment and marched to White Plains; remained there some time, and was marched about to several posts but was in no considerable battle - though I served an entire year at one time, and after being discharged, from the year service, I again served as a private soldier in guarding the Continental military stores at Boston. I further declare that I am reduced in my circumstances and stand in need of assistance from my Country for support; and that I have at present no further testimony in power to produce, all the Officers under whom I served being dead, as I am informed and have cause to believe.
Sylvanus X Pratt's mark
Norfolk Jr. December 29th 1818
I Asa French of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk of lawful age to testify do on Oath depose and say, that I am acquainted with Sylvanus Pratt the above deponent, and that he served in Captain John Lillie's company, Col. John Cram's Regiment, six months having joined said Company at the same time that I did; that I have no knowledge further than this of said Pratt's enlistment or service in the Continental army - and further saith not -
Asa French
Received and sworn to this twenty ninth day of December A.D. 1818. Before me Thomas B Adams, Ch. Jus: & ca
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that Sylvanus Pratt did serve in the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of act of Congress.
Thomas B Adams Ch. Jus:

Sylvanus Pratt
Sylvanus Pratt Private 1776 one yr. Co. C. Massachusetts Regt.
The [illegible] must be me 29 th June 1810.
old Care [illegible]
No. [illegible] 1810.
V