Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13688, for William Latham, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn
Latham William
S 13688
boarded
CONTENTS

Connecticut - 3827
- William Latham of Bolton in the State of Connec who was a Master in the Connec comman by Captain Latham of the Reg t comman by - Latham in the Infantry line for 2 months
Dec r 20 1840 -
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 50 Dollars & 00 Cents per mensem, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Oct r '38 and in the 1 st year of her widowhood
Latham Conn
Due on the 14th of - $ 3750
Peniant. allowance on line 25-
$ 4000 00
Revolutionary Claim. (Act June 7, 1831)
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk Book 62 Vol. 3 - Page 24

William Sathan
No. 3132
2 1/2 1 1 1 1 1
1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900

State of Connecticut County of New London S.S.
On this 6 th day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the City Court of the City of New London now sitting William Latham a resident of the Town of Groton in said County of New London and State of Connecticut age sixty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That at Groton in the year 1780 when he was only sixteen years of age he was drafted for three months into a company commanded by one Brown and that he served his term of three months at Groton but does not remember who were the other officers nor any person living who belonged to the company
That subsequently in the Spring of 1781 he enlisted into the company of Capt. William Latham stationed at Fort Griswold for one year that the officers of the company were
Wm Latham Capt Enoch Stanton 1 st Lieut Obediah Perkins 2 d Lieut
Nathaniel Darrow S ergt Rufus Avery S ergt
Colonel Hazen had command of the post. That he was in the battle 6 th Sept r 1781 and was wounded by a bayonet taken prisoner and carried to New York where he was soon exchanged. Rufus Avery & himself were exchanged sooner than the others that he returned to Fort Griswold and served out his year. That the latter part of the term Nathaniel Darrow had command of the guard. That Rufus Avery & Nathaniel Darrow were sergeants in Latham's company at the same time and can state as to his services as stated herein

That he was born at Groton in the year 1768 has no record of his age. that he was living in Groton when called into service when he was since since & now living that he was first drafted and then entered the service by enlistment. Does not remember any other officers except Capt Shapley. General Standing was a sergeant in Shapley's company and was taken prisoner at Fort Griswold with him. Don't remember to have rec- d any discharge and never had commission has no documentary evidence but is well known to Nathan Darrow and Rufus Avery who can state as to his services in Latham's company. and is also well known to Samuel Edgcomb who was in the fort when taken and Rev d Colwell Burrows who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. He truly 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 I soom to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Wm d M c Kinna Clerk
William Latham
We Colwell Burrows a clergyman residing in the Town of Groton and Samuel Edgcomb residing in the same place truly certify that we are well acquainted with William Latham who has subscribed and soom to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
I soom & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
In Genl W m M c Kinna Clerk
Colwell Burrows Samuel Edgcomb

I Rufus Avery of the Town of Groton in New London County do hereby certify that I was a Sergeant in Capt William Latham company stationed at Fort Griswold in Groton for the term of one year from 1780 to 1781. that I will remember William Latham of said Groton who was a private in Capt Latham company. I also remember that when Latham was in the battle at Fort Griswold, was wounded, taken prisoner with me & carried to New York, he was exchanged at the same time I was which was earlier than most of the company.
Mr Latham enlisted into the company in the spring of 1781 and served therein for one year he continued in service after my discharge to make out his term.
Discharged soon to in Court W H McWilliams Clerk
Rufus Avery

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Isadore Burrows who has signed the preceding certificate is a Cincinnatian resident in the Town of Boston and that Samuel Badgercomb who has signed the same is a resident in the Town of Boston and is a credible person and that Rufus Stacey is also a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I William F Brainerd Clerk of the City Court of the City of New London do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the said Court in the matter of the application of William Cutham for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said City Court this 6th day of August - ad 1837
Wm F Brainerd Clerk

March 9, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. A.H. Harris The Philip Carey Company New Britain, Connecticut
RA-J/KEL Joseph Latham-S.16915 William Latham- S.12888
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension records of Joseph Latham, S.16915 and William Latham, S.12888, both of Connecticut, Revolutionary War soldiers.
The records of these soldiers are furnished herein.
Joseph Latham S.16915
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.16915, based upon the military service in that war of Joseph Latham.
Joseph Latham was born January 18, 1739, at Lyme, New London County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in said Lyme, Joseph Latham enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut troops, as follows: from the fall of 1775, between two and three months under Ensign John Griswold, and was stationed as a guard at Black Point; from the latter part of April, 1776, until December 1, 1776, under Captain Samuel Hether and Colonel Erastus Wolcott and served at Fort Trumbull at New London; from January 1, 1777, for one year under Captain Nathan Palmer and Colonel John Ely, and served as a guard for the coast; from April 1, 1778, three months under Captains Nathan Palmer and Joseph Burnham.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1832, while residing at Lyme, Connecticut.
Soldier stated that he was married July 19, 1778, but he did not give any particulars in regard to his wife and made no reference to any children.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Joseph Latham(S.16915), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Joseph Latham Certificate No. 28053 Issued January 20, 1834 Rate, $80.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Connecticut Agency.
*****
William Latham S.13688
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.13688, based upon the military service in that war of William Latham.
William Latham was born in 1764, in Groton, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not stated.
While residing at said Groton, William Latham enlisted in 1780, exact date not shown, and served three months as a private in Captain Brown's Connecticut Company; he enlisted in the spring of 1781, for one year, served as a matross in Captain William Latham's(no relationship shown)Company and was stationed at Fort Griswold, the fort being under the Command of Colonel William Ledyard; he was in the battle at said fort, on September 6, 1781, where he received a wound from a bayonet, was taken prisoner, and carried to New York but was soon exchanged, returned to Fort Griswold and served out the remainder of the term for which he had enlisted.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1832, while residing at Groton, New London County, Connecticut. In 1837, he was living at Ledyard, Connecticut.
There are no data as to soldier's family.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, William Latham(S.15688), you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
William Latham Certificate No. 3827 Issued October 30, 1838 Rate, $50.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

1938-Mar 9/21st C O A H. Harris. letter in case Joseph Latham - P. 16915 - E
Per Shaw
13688 INVALID.
File No. 13688
William South Book 3 P. 111
Act: June 21st 1853
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 21
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr 28
Ms. A. 9. 2. 24 p. 13
Hon. James S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

Ledyard, Connecticut April 22 d 1837.
By request and in behalf of William Saltonstall, I would respectfully request a reexamination of his pension papers, as it appears that there is a mistake in the allowance of pension granted to him, as he states that he served one year in the company of Matraps , stationed at Fort Grimald in Griswold County, and was at said fort at the time of the battle in 1781. — And as he receives but forty dollars per annum, I presume that his pension was computed, as for services rendered as a private of Infantry , instead of Matraps . I suppose he ought to receive fifty dollars per annum instead of forty . Therefore enclose his certificate, and in his behalf, would request (you) upon your discovering the mistake that to issue for him a new certificate, allowing him the amount of pension due him, as a Matraps for the service performed by him, and I would thank you for returns in relation to the same as soon as may be convenient.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your most Obedient humble servant,
Samuel M c Wood
Hon James S c Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Wm Satham
56 13.16
Mr P Cleveland Esq
( ) 18.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Patnam which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Not satisfactorily VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
The evidence of Barron not produced.
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Wm Satham
5 6 13.16
M P Cleaveland Esq
1888

Ledyard October
1838
Hon. Sir,
Herewith enclosed are the depositions of Messrs John Morgan, Rufus Avery & Andrew Gallup, taken by the request of Mr William Latham who claims that he is entitled to an increase of pension on account of his having served as a Matross .
I count, in his behalf, respectfully request a re-examination of his papers together with the proof hereto annexed, and upon the proof being satisfactory, would request the necessary correction to be made in his certificate which is herewith enclosed & transmitted.
I am, Sir, very respectfully your most obt. Servt.
Samuel W. Wood
(P.S. Please to direct your letter to Strawick )
S. W. Wood
Strawick
66
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions

State of Connecticut I do hereby certify that the within is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in the Public District of
I William E Tracey Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel W Wood before whom the deposition of John Morgan, Capt. Rufus Avery & Andrew Gallup Esq. hereto annexed, were taken, is a Notary Public within and for the State of Connecticut duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature written to the certificates annexed to said depositions are in his own proper and genuine handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 d day of October 1838.
William E Tracey Clerk

John Morgan of Groton in the county of New London & State of Connecticut, aged seventy seven years, being duly cautioned and sworn deposeth (and saith, that he is well acquainted with William Latham of Ledyard in the county aforesaid, formerly of said Groton, that deponent (and said Latham were boys together, & both lived in the same town until the Spring of 1837, when said Latham moved to the town of Ledyard aforesaid, that said Latham belonged to Captain William Latham's (senior) company of Matross stationed at Fort Griswold in said Groton, that deponent well remembers of seeing said Latham first aforesaid with said Matross company at said fort in the fall of 1781, (and that said Latham was then a member of said company, but deponent does not recollect how long said Latham served in said company, but it was customary at said time, for to enlist the men that were members of said company for the term of one year, (and deponent believes that said Latham served in said Captain Latham's company of Matross for the term of one year & further deponent saith not,
Groton October 6th 1838
John Morgan
State of Connecticut - ss. New London county,
(Personally appeared on the 6th day of October, 1838, John Morgan above named (and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true,) (And I cer- tify that said Morgan is a credible person (and that his testi- mony is entitled to credit.,
Test, Samuel M. Ward Notary Public.,

Rufus Avery of Groton in the county of New London * of Connecticut State aged seventy nine years being duly cautioned as sworn deponent saith that in the fall of the year 1780 he enlisted into Capt William Latham's company of Matross , Stationed at Fort Griswold in said Groton & under the command of Col Wm Ledyard who also had the command of the fort at New London at said time. That deponent enlisted in said company for one year, & continued in the service in said company until said term had expired, during which time Fort Griswold aforesaid was taken by the British Troops under the command of the General Arnold (Loyalist) on the 6th of Sept 1781.
Deponent further saith that he is personally acquainted with William Latham of Ledyard in the county of New London aforesaid, formerly William Latham B d of Groton aforesaid, that according to the best of deponent's recollection said Latham enlisted into said Matross company in the spring of the year 1781 for the term of one year, & according to the best of deponent's recollection he continued in the service he continued in the service until deponent was discharged & as deponent believes he continued in the service until said term of one year had expired. that deponent resided in the vicinity, within about one-half of a mile of said Fort Griswold after he was discharged & further deponent saith not.
Groton Oct 20th 1838,
Rufus Avery
State of Connecticut - ss. New London county, personally appeared before the subscriber on the 20th day of October 1838. Capt Rufus Avery above named, and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true according to the best of his re- collection. And I do hereby certify that said Avery is a reputable person and that his testimony is entitled to credit. * I also certify

That the words, "of Connecticut," were interlined in the within deposition, the word, "in," written on an erasure, and the words, "he continued in the service" were erased in said deposition before signing.
Attest, Samuel W. Woods Notary Public,

Andrew Gallup of Ledyard in the county of New London and State of Connecticut age seventy seven years being duly cautioned and affirmed, deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with William Latham of said Ledyard, formerly of Griswold in said county, that said Latham enlisted into Capt William Latham's company of Matrosses for Ledyard's Regt for the term of one year (and according to best of deponent's recollection he enlisted in the Spring of 1781) that said Latham continued in the service until said term of one year expired - that deponent was in the service in said company at said time, and further deponent saith not.,
Andrew Gallup
Ledyard 15. Sept. 1838,
State of Connecticut, ss. New London County. Personally appeared before the subscriber on the 15th day of Sept 1838, Andrew Gallup above named, and made affirmation that the above deposition by him subscribed is true. And I certify that said Gal- lup is a credible person & that his testimony is entitled to credence.
Attest. Samuel W. Wood. Notary Public.

Connecticut 3827
See letter to S.W. Wood, Agt. 28. 1837
William Latham
of Ticon in the State of Conn. who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Latham of the Regt commanded by Col. Ledyard in the Militia line for
Date: Sept 2. + 1837 B
one year
Inserted on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 20. Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Jan. 1833 and sent to Hon. Roger Barker, H. of R.
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 $ 60.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March 33 20.00
$ 80.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Francis V. Fancion Clerk, Book (D. Vol. 3d. Page 53.

William Latham
20.268
adult
1 year private
40
W Barber

State of Connecticut New London County ss
On this 20 day of December AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the New London City Court now sitting William Latham now resident in the Town of Groton in New London County State of Connecticut who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to and in explanation of his declaration of the 6 th August AD 1832
That the period of the war during which he served was as follows to wit
In 1780. That he was drafted into Capt Brown's com- pany in the spring of 1780 and served therein for the term of three months without interruption that he was at that time only sixteen years of age and cannot remember the names of the other officers & knows of no one living who was a member of the company.
In 1781 In the spring of 1781 in the month of April 1781 as he believes he enlisted into Capt Latham's company and served therein for the term of one year without any interruption other than that he was taken a prisoner and re- mained a prisoner a part of the term. That Nathan Darrow can state as to this service as well as Rufus Lory. That Capt Latham's Com- pany belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col William Ledyard who was killed after the battle at Fort Griswold & Capt Latham was wounded.
In witness whereof the said has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year aforesaid
William Latham
And the said Court certify that Na- than Darrow and Rufus Lory are credible witnesses
William G Brainerd Clerk

of the City Court of the City of New London do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Latham in addition to and in explanation of his former application for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said City Court the 20 th day of December AD 1832 W. G. Brainerd Clerk.

Nathan Darrow of the town of Groton in New London County aged seventy three years depose and say that he was a Sergeant in Capt Latham's company stationed at Fort Griswold in Groton for one year and six months to wit from the Spring of 1781 to the fall of the year 1782. That he remembers that William Latham of said Groton was a member of the same company in the course of that period during that time for the term of one year . That said Latham was taken prisoner with your deponent came to Whitestone near New York where they exchanged. Returned to Groton about five or six weeks earlier than I did. Rufus Avery, Wm Latham and one other person were exchanged at Whitestone near New York just this side of Hell Gate. The reason Avery, Latham and the other prisoner were exchanged at White Stone was that there had been an exchange of prisoners at New York and in the exchange there were three British prisoners more than the American prisoners at New York. The prisoners from Fort Griswold were on their way to New York and at White Stone were ordered to exchange  exchange three of the prisoners to make the exchange at New York equal. That he remembers that after his return from New York while he had command of the guard at Fort Griswold William Latham was one of the guard and served out the residue of his term. that he served at Fort Griswold and was a prisoner one year without any interruption.
Nathan Darrow
Sworn to before me
by me John Brainerd Clk.

Payments to be made at Hartford by Pres. U.S. for bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Connecticut,
Issue new Certificate for 12 mo Malap 50-8p act 7-June 1832 - To commence on 4 March 1831 subject to the deduction -
Recorded by Francis L. Francis N. W. Wood Clerk, in Book D. Vol. 3. d Ledyard page 53. Con:

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, William Latham , of the State of Connecticut, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution,
is entitled to receive Forty _____ dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Third day of January , one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
John C. Calhoun Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards