Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 37613, for Ezra Lee, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Lee, Ezra
837613
Continental
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing entries.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing entries.

8873
Connecticut.
Ezra Lee,
I, Ebenezer Dyer , of the county of Worcester and state of Massachusetts , do hereby certify that Ebenezer Dyer , in the state of Connecticut , who was a Lieutenant in the regiment commanded by Colonel Huntington , of the Connecticut , line, for the term of seven years .
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut , at the rate of 20. Dollars per month, to commence on the 17. of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. of March, 1819, and sent to Jeremiah G. Brainard Judge, Lyme, Connecticut.
Arrears to 4th of March, 1819. . . 211. 91.
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. Sept. 9 120!
 \left. \begin{array}{l} 1 \text{ mo. } \frac{14}{30} \\ \frac{4}{31} \end{array} \right\} 
5 Revolutionary claim, } 7 Act 18th March, 1818. }

Ezra Lee
Ezra Lee, lieut. 6 Col 6 Huntington's reg. 6 Connect 6 line. Syme, New London Col. 17. April, 1818.
Jeremiah G. Brainard Judge.

I Erra Lee of the Town of Lyme County of New London State Connecticut do Testify that in the year 1775 I enlisted as a serj t in Capt d David F t Hill Company in the 10 th Continental Regiment Commanded by Sam l H t Parsons for the term of 13 months which Expired on the 31 st day of Dec r 1776 then I was Appointed an Ensign in the 1 st Connecticut Regiment Commanded by Jedediah Huntington in Capt d Will m Richards Company, untill the 1 st day of Jun y 1778 I was appointed a Lieut. in said 1 st Connecticut Regt. in which I served untill the 29 th day of March 1782 in all which time I never Rec d but one months pay in specie but was paid in old Continental money, and as I had then a family which was dependent on my exertions for support I was obliged to request my Discharge as on the back of my Commission there is By this fatal necessity I was Deprived of any Commutation Money which other Rec d which went out on devaluation; I was at the time of the Battle on Long Island & York Island and White Plains in 1776 on board a vessel which had the Machine for blowing up ships was learning the ways of that Machine I was in the battle of Monmouth beside some small skirmishes and as I am in my seventieth year and much troubled with Rheumatism and other Complaints incident to person of my age and not having properly competent for my support I am induced to apply for the aid of the act of Congress of the 18 th March to help me along in the evening of life Erra Lee

if the Secretary of war has a wish to be informed of the Disposition of the Machains or Torpedoes if he will let me know I will send him a particular account of it Ezra Lee
Dated at NewLondon 17 th April 1818
State of Connecticut To New London the 17 th Day of April AD-1818-
Personally appeared Ezra Lee within named and being by me first duly sworn according to Law - did on his oath state that the facts stated and contained in the within Declaration by him made and signed are true.
In witness whereof I have caused the Seal of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut to be hereunto affixed the Day Month and Year aforesaid
Jeremiah Brainerd a Judge of said Court State of Connecticut
I Jeremiah Brainerd Judge etc as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Ezra Lee did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy - and I now transmit the proceedings - testimony taken & had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aftermentioned act of Congress -
The foregoing aff declaration was made to me as the applicant declared 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" NewLondon 17 th April 1818 I certify the seal aforesaid Jeremiah Brainerd - Judge

State of Connecticut So. New London February 4-1829
From a particular Enquiry into the circum- stances of Ezra Lee the Applicant in this case unrespectfully from his Discharge on Oath which I inclose am satisfied that Lee is in indigent circumstances - and needs the Assistance of the County for Support
James G. Brainard Judge of Sup Court State of Connecticut
State of Connecticut

all the ... ... ... ... ...
July 3 rd 1820 Sent to Pinnonei at Lyme
8 37 6 13 Ezra See

District of Connecticut, S.S.
On this 26 June day of June 1820 Personally appeared Ezra Lee, in open court, before the County Court now sitting at New London for said term, within & see New London County, the same being a court of Record proceeding after the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a Record of its proceedings, and having power to fine and imprison.
He Ezra Lee, being a sworn at Brave for the bravery of him  his  the  said  Ezra  Lee , aged Seventy One years & Four Months, Resident in the Town of Lyme in said County of New London, Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath declare, that He served in the Revolutionary War as follows - viz: - In the year 1775 he enlisted in the Continental Army in Capt David S. Sill's Company, in the 10 th Continental Regiment, commanded by Sam l H. Parsons, for the term of thirteen Months, which expired on the 28 th Dec r 1776; that he was then appointed an Ensign in the 1 st Connecticut Regiment, commanded by Peletiah Huntington, in William Richards Company, until the 10 th June 1778, when he was appointed a Lieutenant in said 1 st Connecticut Regiment, in which he served until the 29 th of March 1782, as by his declaration dated April 17 th 1818, of services in the revolutionary war and his commission, and discharge sent to the War office sheweth, upon which a certificate of a Pension was granted, N o 8873.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of any property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an 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," passed on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
And I do further swear, that my occupation, before said war, was a farmer's life, but now it is nothing by reason of age and infirmities; that ever since I went on Bushnell's Submarine Machine under the British Ships, in New York Bay, and being so long confined, partly immersed in water, taken into little to conduct it under water I have been much

Troubled with Rheumatism and Cramps in my legs, which together with my sufferings at Valley Forge in the Winter of 1778 broke my constitution very much; and that I am the same Ezra Lee, Sergeant, named in the Annexed Extract (in print) taken from "Silliman's Journal of Science," & that I do further swear, that my Family consists of myself and my wife, whose age is Sixty Eight years, but whose health for the past Ten years has been so infirm as to have a nurse, a part of time but now is able to Cook our food.
The following is a schedule of All my property. Ezra Lee
  3 Shares in Union Bank $ 300. 0   20 acres of land which cost 457. 67   A one story house, 24 by 22 feet with a kitchen at one end } 400. 0   20 acres of Brush Pasture, cost 230. 0   1 Cow 18. 0   1 Heifer 12. 50   1 Calf 5. 0   6 Chairs, used 50 years & 6 do used 20 years 6. 0   1 Pine Table $1. 0 - 1 Cherry, do $2. 0 3. 0   1 Old Desk $3. 0 - 1 Small looking glass $6. 9. 0   Pot, Kettle, Tea Kettle, pails, Tubbs &c &c 14. 0   $145 5/17 $145 5/17 
Having for Fifty years never replaced any more furniture than was necessary, my stock is  my stock is hardly sufficient for the comforts of life.
My Income is as follows - viz -
  Personal Services, inspecting coasting vessels $ 24. 0   Bank Stock produce 18. 0   My House & land might rent for Fifty or Sixty Dollars pr. Annum } 60. 0   $ 102. 0 
  Out of this income, I have to pay an Annuity for my land of $12.50   My Annual Taxes has been 16. 16   $ 28. 66   leaving for my Family support, if I rented My place $ 74. 66 
(signed) Ezra Lee
I further swear, that during the ten past years, I have been obliged to take up monies and supplies, from a Friend, for the support of my Family and for sickness expenses and the comforts of life to the Amount of Seven hundred and Fifty Seven Dollars Principle, and for which I am still indebted, and to secure the same, my Land & stock in bank is pledged for remuneration.

I further swear that I own no other kind of Stocks, Bonds, or Notes, on any Person or Persons, except one Note, for which I sold a piece of Land in 1817 payable in Wood, on which Note there is now due Five Cords; I have no Book debts, for I have had nothing to sell, nor have I been able for many years to labour so as to make any charges to any on books and that I do stand in need of Assistance from my country to enable me to live the small remains of my Life. —
Erva Lee
Sworn to and declared in open Court on the 26 th day of June before A D 1820
Charles Lathrop Clerk
I Charles Lathrop Clerk of the County Court for DeKalb County do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; And I further certify, that it is the Opinion of the said Court that the total Amount in value of the Property exhibited in the Aforesaid Schedule is fourteen hundred & fifty five dollars and seventeen Cents
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Court, on this 26 th day of June A D 1820
Charles Lathrop Clerk of the County Court for DeKalb County

May 22, 1933.
Mrs. J. H. VanDyke 241 S. Elmwood Avenue Oak Park Illinois.
BA-J/ILL Ezra Lee S. 37613
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting the Revolutionary War record of Ezra Lee.
The record of Ezra Lee is given below as found in the papers on file in his pension claim, S. 37613, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War; it is the record of the only soldier named Ezra Lee that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Ezra Lee enlisted in 1775, served as sergeant in Captain David F. Sill's company, Colonel Samuel H. Parson's 10th Continental regiment, in August 1776, operated David Bushnell's submarine machine or torpedo in New York Bay, on December 31, 1776, was appointed ensign in Captain William Richards' company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's 1 st Connecticut regiment, on June 1, 1778, was commissioned lieutenant of the 1 st Connecticut regiment, suffered the hardships in the winter at Valley Forge, was in the battle of Monmouth and was discharged March 29, 1782 at his own request.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818, at which time he resided in Lyme, New London County, Connecticut; (his residence in 1787, is not shown in the papers on file in this claim.) In 1819, the soldier referred to his son but did not give his name; in June, 1820, Ezra Lee stated that he was aged seventy-one years and four months, and that his wife was aged sixty-eight years, but did not give her name. He referred to his family but did not give any names.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

November 16, 1934.
Mrs. W. G. Gordon 1210 East Main Estherville, Iowa.
RA-5/1841F/ILL Marshal Lee B.L.Wt. 17922
Dear Madam:
The War of 1812 records of this office show that Marshal Lee was born in Lebanon, New York, date of birth and names of parents not shown.
Marshal Lee enlisted, place not stated, February 25, 1814, served as private in Captain David Sanford's Company, 30 th Regiment, U. S. Infantry and was discharged June 17, 1815, at which time he was aged about twenty-seven years.
He was allowed 160 acres of bounty land on warrant No. 17922 under the Act of 1812, on account of his service in the War of 1812.
There are no data whatever in regard to his family.
Should you desire to obtain information in regard to location of the land awarded this soldier you should apply to The Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and cite the warrant number, acreage and act recorded above.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

November 16, 1934.
Mrs. W. C. Gordon 1210 East Main Watherville, Iowa.
BA-J/1881F/ILL Ezra Lee S. 37613 Am
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Benjamin Throop, of Jonathan Hyde, of Ezra Lee and War of 1812 record of Marshal Lee. You request, also, photostatic copies of papers on file in the pension claim of Ezra Lee to establish a D. A. R. membership.
There are no claims for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Benjamin Throop or Jonathan Hyde described by you. Such claims which have been made to the United States are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office. The papers in the claim of Ezra Lee are very frail indeed; to prepare photostatic copies of papers in this condition is necessarily injurious to them. The papers in his claim for pension, S. 37613, have been examined carefully and a report prepared for you which contains residences, service and all family data found therein. These official reports have been accepted by the various historical, patriotic and genealogical societies as authentic and it is believed this will be just what you need. The record of Marshal Lee is furnished herewith, also.
EZRA LEE - S. 37613.
Ezra Lee enlisted in 1775, served as sergeant in Captain David F. Sill's company, Colonel Samuel H. Parsons's 10 th Continental regiment, in August 1776, operated David Bushnell's submarine machine or torpedo in New York Bay, on December 31, 1776, was appointed ensign in Captain William Richards' company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's 1 st Connecticut regiment, on June 1, 1778, was commissioned

lieutenant of the 1 st Connecticut regiment, suffered the hardships in the winter at Valley Forge, was in the battle of Monmouth and was discharged March 29, 1782, at his own request.
Ezra Lee was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818, at which time he resided in Lyme, New London County, Connecticut.
In 1819, the soldier referred to his son but he did not give his name; in June 1820, Ezra Lee stated that he was aged seventy-one years and four months, and that his wife was aged sixty-eight years, but he did not give her name. He referred to his family, but did not give any names.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

December 4, 1931.
RA-J/ILL
Mr. A. B. Hutchinson Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your personal request for the Revolutionary War record of Ezra Lee, a soldier of that war.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 37613, based upon his service in the Revolution.
Ezra Lee enlisted in 1775, served as sergeant in Captain David F. Sill's Company, Colonel Samuel H. Parson's 10th Continental Regiment, in August 1776, operated David Bushnell's submarine machine or torpedo in New York Bay, on December 31, 1776, was appointed ensign in Captain William Richards' Company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's 1st Connecticut Regiment, on June 1, 1778, was commissioned lieutenant of the 1st Connecticut Regiment, suffered the hardships in the winter at Valley Forge, was in the battle of Monmouth and was discharged March 29, 1782 at his own request.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818, while a resident of Lyme, New London County, Connecticut.
In 1819, soldier referred to his son but did not give his name. In June, 1820, Ezra Lee was aged seventy-one years and four months and stated that his wife was aged sixty-eight years. He also referred to his family but did not give any names.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

April 16, 1931.
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section ILL
Mrs. Bertha Lee Baer 511 Iowa Avenue York, Nebraska.
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 37613, that Ezra Lee enlisted in 1775, served as sergeant in Captain David F. Sill's Company, Colonel Samuel H. Parson's 10th Continental Regiment, in August, 1776, operated David Bushnell's submarine machine or torpedo in New York Bay, on December 31, 1776, was appointed ensign in Captain William Richards' Company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's 1st Connecticut Regiment, on June 1, 1778, was commissioned lieutenant of the 1st Connecticut Regiment, suffered the hardships in the winter at Valley Forge, was in the battle of Monmouth and was discharged March 29, 1782 at his own request.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818, while a resident of Lyme, New London County, Connecticut.
In 1819, soldier referred to his son but did not give his name. In June, 1820, Ezra Lee was aged seventy-one years and four months and stated that his wife was aged sixty-eight years. He also referred to his family but did not give any names.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Ezra Lee a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S.F. 37613.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Dec 1775 Dec 31 1776 Sgt Daniel J. Dill Samuel H. Parsons Conn   Dec 31 1776 June 1 1778 Ens. William Beacham Jedediah Huntington   June 1 1778 March 29 1782 Lieut Jedediah Huntington        
Battles engaged in, Monmouth
Residence of soldier at enlistment, x
Date of application for pension, Oct 17 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Tunxis, New London Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, in June 1820 aged 71 yrs 4 mos.
Remarks: In 1820 soldier refers to his wife aged 68 & her name not stated. In Aug 1776 his wife was on David Bushnell's submarine machine which went under the British ship in New York Bay.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Oak Park, Ill., May 12, 1933.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
only one I would like the Revolutionary War record of Ezra Lee of South Granville, N. Y. All the information I have concerning Ezra Lee, is that he settled near South Granville about 1787. He had been a soldier in the Revolution and held two commissions. Was Lieutenant. Dies 1820.
I would also like anything you have concerning his family.
Thanking you in advance for your trouble in this matter, I am,
Very sincerely,
Mabel L. Van Dyke
Mrs. J. H. VanDyke, 241 S. Elmwood Ave., Oak Park, Ill.

Dec 4 1931
Adm. of Veterans affairs Washington D.C.
Pls furnish History of Ezra Lee S376130
A. B. Kelsheimer Scratchville Pa.

MRS. WALTER CHARLES BAER 511 IOWA AVENUE YORK, NEBRASKA
Mar 7-1931
Dear Sir - Can you give me the names of the wives and the children of these two men -
1) Capt. Ezra Lee who was from New London or Lyme during the war of the Rev. and who operated the first submarine in New York harbor - under Parsons about 1776 or 7. also 2) Dr. Samuel Holden Parsons Lee who fought the yellow fever plague in New London about 1797 or 8-
I would like the dates of Dr. S.H.P. Lee's birth & death too if possible
Sincerely
Bertha Lee Baer

April 24 1916
Rev Sec 5 H
F
Department of Interior, Bureau of Pensions. Washington. D.C.
Will you please inform me if Lieut "Ezra Lee." of Connecticut, ever drew a pension, or did his wife Sarah. He enlisted I think from Lymns, Conn. may have lived in Norwich, Conn. for he moved from

Norwich Conn. to Granville N.Y. where he died. & his children all lived there.
Ezra Lee was Sergeant in 10 th Continental, operated with Bushnell torpedo in harbor of N.Y. Aug 1776.
was Lieut 1 st Regt Conn. Line appt to Mr Huntington's Bn 16-79
He served in both Military & Naval service. if he drew a pension I would like copy. Yours Truly.
Mrs James M. Forbes. P.O. Box 4411 Jefferson. see also Lorrain.

37 613 Rev. INVALID.
File No. 37 613
Ezra Lee Lieut Genl War
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: —Vol. 2 , Page 408
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1916 Apr 28: History to Mrs James M. Forbes. M.B. H.
1931 - April 16 - Hist. to Mrs. Bertha Lee Baer - S.L.L. 1931 - Dec. 4 - Hist. to Mr. A. B. Hutchinson. 1933 - May 22 - Hist. to Mrs. J. H. Van Dyke - S.L.L. 1934 - Apr. 16 - Hist. to Mrs. H. G. Gordon - see letter in A. H. 1912 - Marshall Lee - B.L. 17922-16-12 - S.L.L.

No. 8.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
To Ben Lee ... Greeting. We, Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and stability, DO by the present constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the first Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as such from the 8th day of June A.D. 1778. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress forementioned, or Committee of the States.
37613
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest
C. G.
Secretary of the Board of War
Witness Sir Peabody ... President of the Congress of the United States of America ... the 16th day of March ... and in the ... Year of our Independence.

Lieutenant Ezra Lee is hereby discharged from service of the United States, at his own request. Given under my hand at New Garden, this twenty ninth day of March 1902.
Ezra Lee. S. 37612. Conn.
William H. G. General

All persons having demands against the estate of John Haviland, late of this city, tobacconist, are requested to present the same for payment to the subscribers; and all persons indebted to the said estate, are requested to call without delay and settle the same.
ALEX. L. McDONALD, No. 61 Dey-street.
CHARLES DOBBS, No. 40 Orchard-street.
SELECT SCHOOL.
For young Ladies and Gentlemen.
MR. J. D. HOLBROOK respectfully gives notice to his friends and the public, that on Thursday 4th May next, he will remove his School for young Gentlemen to No. 137 Broadway, corner of Cedar-street; at which time and place he purposes opening a School for young Ladies.
The young Ladies and Gentlemen will be instructed in separate departments; yet so arranged as that both will, at all times, be under the immediate superintendence of the Principal. Such arrangement will be procured as will be deemed the best calculated to forward the improvement of the pupils.
As Mr. Mead, who now teaches a female school at that place, will at that time relinquish it, Mr. H. as his successor, would express the hope that he may be so happy as to retain a portion of that patronage which to Mr. M. has been so respectable and liberal.
It will be Mr. H's. study so to discharge the duties of his station, as to insure the greatest possible improvement of those who may be placed under his instruction. To his present patrons he tenders his warmest thanks for their very liberal encouragement.
Inquirers are respectfully referred to his patrons, who can best judge of the merits of his School. Among which are—
  Messrs. J. Boggs,  Messrs. J. Winthrop,    D. I. Greene.  T. Morris,    E. Williams,  F. Winthrop,    J. Suydam,  J. R. Willis.  
april 27 1w
CAUTION.
WHEREAS M c D Ward Joseph Cooper, and Allen Fisk, by an advertisement dated March 18, 1829, have given notice, that they are appointed trustees of Edward Robbins as an absconding debtor, and have required all persons indebted to him in any sum of money, or having possession of any of his property, to pay and deliver the same to them: Now to prevent any imposition or mistake which might be occasioned by the said appointment, and notice, we do hereby caution all persons indebted to us the undersigned, lately trading under the firm of E. Robbins & Marshall, of Birmingham, England, (to which firm said Edward Robbins was a partner) against paying any money or delivering any property in compliance with the said notice, inasmuch as All the property held by the said Edward Robbins in the United States does, in truth, appertain to the said firm of E. Robbins & Marshall, and therefore any such payment or delivery will not exonerate them from their future liability for the same.
E. ROBBINS & MARSHALL, By their Attorney, James Allport. april 28 2w
RUTA BAGA—A BARGAIN.
The remainder of the very superior and fresh Ruta Baga' advertised by me per

ale them from their future liability for the same. E. GOBBINS & M C ALL, By their Attorney, James Allport. april 29 2w
RUTA BAGA—A BARGAIN.
THE remainder of the very superior and fresh Ruta Baga' advertised by me per Washington, will be sold at the low price of 55 cents per pound, in order to wind up the consignment. The few of the remaining seeds advertised will be sold equally low. A discount will be allowed to those who take 12lbs. Also, some new sacks and very excellent Cabbage Seeds. HENRY FISHER.
Please make immediate application at No. 34 William street, opposite the Post Office. april 24 codow
J. D. HOLBROOK'S SELECT SCHOOL.
THE undersigned attended an examination, on the 27th instant, of the Select School under the care of Mr. J. D. Holbrook, and in justice to him cannot withhold their approbation of the improvement that was evident in his pupils. The examination was fair and candid. In Geography, Arithmetic, and Grammar, the more advanced pupils evinced a proficiency not usual at their age; while those who were younger exhibited equal improvement in the minor branches of education. The specimens of writing exhibited on the occasion were many of them uncommonly beautiful, and all showed great improvement when contrasted with the earlier efforts of the pupil. This opportunity is taken to recommend Mr. Holbrook, as a teacher, to the patronage of our friends and the public; and parents may rely not only upon having their children diligently instructed, but their morals faithfully attended to while under his care.
Francis B. Winthrop, James Boggs, David Austen, C. Zabriskie. april 29
HERMAN HUGHES, AGENT and COMMISSION MERCHANT.
No. 23 Liberty, near William-street, BUYS and SELLS all kinds of Goods, Pro- duce, Notes, Bills of Exchange, Uncur- rent Money; and attends to any other trans- action where an agent is required. Orders thankfully received and immediately attended to. april 4
LOST LAST EVENING.
A BUNCH of KEYS, consisting of 7 or 8, chiefly small ones, attached to a very small steel ring. The finder will be liberal- ly rewarded by leaving it at No. 3 Wall-street or at this office. april 29
STOLEN.
A LADY'S double cased GOLD WATCH, with a gold chain, Key and small Seal, maker's name Robert Webb, London, 1812.— The owner's name, Ann H. Davies, on the in- ner case. If offered for sale, watch makers, jewellers, &c. are requested to stop it, and give information at 319 Greenwich-street. A liberal reward will be given. april 27
STOLEN SPOONS.
WE have in our possession three Silver Spoons, offered us for sale by a black boy, and from the circumstances believe them to be stolen goods—1 large spoon marked P. T. G. 1 large one without any mark, 1 small one marked J. A. P. The owner by applying to 29 Maiden-lane, and proving property and paying charges, can have them. april 29 1w AYRES & PANCOAST.
12 HHS. SUGAR and MOLASSES. 10 Hhs. 12 Granada Rum, 20 Hhs. 1 Hhce and 5 Hhs Sugar, 50 do Molasses. First quality, landing from brig Washington from Martinque, and for sale by GURDON BUCK, 192 Front-street. may 2 6t
COFFEE—200 bags of Java Coffee, for sale by GOODHUE & CO. 41 South street. may 2
MOLASSES—200 Hhs, 80 Hcees and 1 Vh. 15 Matanzas Molasses, now land- ing from brig Brothers, Jones's wharf, and for sale by JAMES D'WOLF, Jun. 51 South street. may 2
LOAN ON MORTGAGE.
WILL pay, from ONE to FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, to loan on pro- per security. Apply to WM. LAWTON, Stock and Exchange Broker,

THURSDAY, MAY 4.
"BUSHNELL'S MACHINE."
During the revolutionary war, DAVID BUSHNELL, of Saybrook, Connecticut, invented a machine for the purpose of navigating under water , with a view of blowing up British ships of war in our ports and harbours. It is believed that human ingenuity has rarely discovered one more extraordinary than his. Mr. Bushnell has been dead many years; and what is much to be regretted, no satisfactory account of his life and character has been published, that we have ever seen. He was a man of distinguished genius and talents, and for mechanical ingenuity has rarely if ever been exceeded.
The "American Journal of Science," just published by Professor Silliman, of Yale-College, contains a description of this submarine boat, drawn up by Charles Griswold, Esqr. which is far the best that we have ever seen; and what is equally interesting, it is accompanied by an account of an attempt made with it to destroy a British frigate, lying in New-York harbour, in the year 1776. This account is taken from the mouth of Mr. Ezra Lee, of Lyme, Conn. the man who went in the boat under the ship, and is probably the only person living from whom it could have been obtained.
"It was in the month of August, 1776; when Admiral Howe lay with a formidable British fleet in New-York bay, a little above the Narrows, and a numerous British force upon Staten Island, commanded by Gen. Howe, threatened annihilation to the troops under Washington, that Mr. Bushnell requested Gen. Parsons of the American army, to furnish him with two or three men to learn the navigation of his new machine, with a view of destroying some of the enemy's shipping.
Gen. Parsons immediately sent for Lee, then a sergeant, and two others, who had offered their services to go on board of a fire-ship; and on Bushnell's request being made known to them, they enlisted themselves under him for this novel piece of service. The party went up into Long-Island Sound with the machine, and made various experiments with it in the different harbours along shore, and after having become pretty thoroughly acquainted with the mode of navigating it, they returned thro' the sound; but during their absence, the enemy had got possession of Long Island and Governor's Island. They therefore had the machine conveyed by land across from New-Rochelle to the Hudson river, and afterwards arrived with it at New-York.
The British fleet now lay to the north of Staten Island, with a large number of transports and were the objects against which this new mode of warfare was destined to act: the first serene night was fixed upon for the execution of this perilous enterprize, and sergeant Lee was to be the engineer. After the lapse of a few days a favorable night arrived, and at 11 o'clock, a party embarked in two or three whale boats with Bushnell's machine in tow. They rowed down as near the fleet as

The British fleet now lay to the north of Staten Island, with a large number of transports and were the objects against which this new mode of warfare was destined to act: the first serene night was fixed upon for the execution of this perilous enterprize, and sergeant Lee was to be the engineer. After the lapse of a few days a favorable night arrived, and at 11 o'clock, a party embarked in two or three whale boats with Bushnell's machine in tow. They rowed down as near the fleet as they dared, when sergeant Lee entered the machine, was cast off, and the boats returned.
Lee now found the ebb tide rather too strong, and before he was aware, had drifted him down past the men of war: he however immediately got the machine about, and by hard labor at the crank for the space of five glasses by the ship's bells, or two and a half hours, he arrived under the stern of one of the ships at about slack water. Day had now dawned, and by the light of the moon he could see the people on board, and heard their conversation. This was the moment for diving: he accordingly closed up overhead, let in the water, and descended under the ship's bottom.
He now applied the screw, and did all in his power to make it enter, but owing probably in part to the ship's copper, and the want of an adequate pressure, to enable the screw to get a hold upon the bottom, his attempts all failed: at each essay the machine rebounded from the ship's bottom, not having sufficient power to resist the impulse thus given to it.
He next paddled along to a different part of her bottom, but in this manœuvre he made a deviation, and instantly arose to the water's surface on the east side of the ship, exposed to the increasing light of the morning, and in imminent hazard of being discovered. He immediately made another descent, with a view of making one more trial, but the fast approach of day, which would expose him to the enemy's boats, and render his escape difficult, if not impossible, deterred him; and he concluded that the best generalship would be to commence an immediate retreat.
He now had before him a distance of more than four miles to traverse, but the tide was favorable. At Governor's Island great danger awaited him, for his compass having got out of order, he was under the necessity of looking out from the top of the machine very frequently to ascertain his course, and at best made a very irregular zig-zag track.
The soldiers at Governor's Island espied the machine, and curiosity drew several hundreds upon the parapet to watch its motions. At last a party came down to the beach, shoved off a barge, and rowed towards it. At that moment sergeant Lee thought he saw his certain destruction, and as the last act of defence, let go the magazine, expecting that they would seize that likewise, and thus all would be blown to atoms together.
Providence however otherwise directed it: the enemy after approaching within fifty or sixty yards of the machine, and seeing the magazine detached, began to suspect a Yankee-trick, took alarm and returned to the island.
Approaching the city, he soon made a signal, the boats came to him and brought him safe and sound to the shore. The magazine in the mean time had drifted past Governor's Island into the East river, where it exploded with tremendous violence, throwing large columns of water and pieces of wood that composed it high into the air. Gen. Putnam, with many other officers, stood on the shore spectators of this explosion."

To the Honourable Jeremiah G Brannard Judge of the Superior Court State Connecticut
Sir I herewith annex a Statement of my Property showing the Amount I Derive from it, for the support of myself and wife for the purpose of showing to your honour that I am (Since I am too old to Labour) in Indigent Circumstances & have need of aid from the Government
  I have a small House and some land But for which I have to pay an annual rent for, all which if rented would not rent for more than 60 Dollar pr year - - - -  $60:00    I get for personal services for which I am paid {  24:    Twenty four Dollars pr year but which is liable to be taken from me at any time - - -  18:0    from all my personal property I get pr year  $102:00  
  out of which I have to pay for the rent of my  12:50    Place pr annum - - - - -  16:16    My Taxes for the last year was - - - - -  428:66  
  leaving for my support & my wife - - -  $73:34    and is all I have to Depend on (as I am now twenty years of age and too old to Labour) unless I continue further

to draw upon this Estate and which I have been obliged to do for fifteen years past as it would not have supported me; Even with my Labour; but at my present Time of life I must draw more upon it than heretofore
Therefore I make this correct Statement with the view to inform your honours to satisfaction that my case comes within the letter and spirit of the late Law of Congress commonly called the pension Law and request you will certify to my application agreeable to my declaration that my circumstances are such as required by Law. Sir Independent &c
I am D r Sir yours V r Ezra Lee
N B if you think it indispensable that I should make oaths to the above (which I am ready to do) if you will inform my son I will come over and do it
State of Connecticut ss. New London February 4. 1811 Personally appeared Ezra Lee above named and being ly and duly sworn according to Law - on his Oath declared that the Facts stated in and contained in the foregoing Estimate of his Property and Declaration of his Circumstances are just and true according to his best knowledge and belief - Before me General Brainerd a Judge of Sup- Court State of Connecticut