Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,949, for Samuel Prentis, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Prentis, Samuel
S 5949
CONTENTS

14254
New York
Samuel Prentis
of Plymouth in the State of New York who was a Po t Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Clarke of the Regt commanded by Col d O'Callahan in the Connecticut line for 3 Mo Seaman
12 Mo Private
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 52 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of May 1833 and sent Butrook & Sharp Norwich NY
Arrears to the 14th of Mar 33 — $104 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep 33 26
$130.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Job Brownwell Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 70
Swp d see letter to C. Holcomb 4 P. A. Aug. 26. 1836 — do. to B. P. Prindle Nov. 16. 1836 — do. to Hon. W. Mason, April 7. 1837 — do. to S. Prentis, Aug. 28. 1837 — do. Hon. N. J. Tallmadge 23 Dec 37 — do — to R. Mygatt July 13. '38

State of New York } Chenango County ss }
on this 9 th day of Oct 1832 personally appeared in open court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas now in setting - Samuel Prentiss a resident of Plymouth in said Chenango County - aged sixty Eight years - 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 7 th 1832 - That he Entered the service of the united States in the year 1781 - he thinks in October - with Lieut Benjamin Durkee - who was soon raised to the rank of Capt of Infantry - and served in the regiment Com- manded by Col McEller - & that he served as substitute for one year & that he served in Fort Trumbull at New London & that he could not remember the names of the officers names Except one Sergeants one was John Prentiss the other gunner Miner - & that he was stationed in New London when he Entered in the service of his country & always remained there until within about three years and as near as he can recollect he was Dismissed in October - 1782 - & as near as he can remember about the last of February or first of March in 1783 - he Entered on Board the united States prison ship & served three Months - as high as he can remember he was under Capt Allen Celay - The second officers name was Morris The united States ship Alliance Capt Barry who lay in New London at that time; he went to Connecticut to find serg t Ebenezer Dab but He was dead and all the officers that was on board of said ship with him so that it was impossible to obtain such witnesses as he could have done if they were living - as to the country through which he March - was very obvious for the Duty he did was in the fort & in & about the Harbor near his own Home & on board said ship

He relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory. He further states that the name of David Runtz as to the year of his service is a mistake of one year in the affidavit of David Runtz as to the year of his service. In answer to the interrogatories required to be put by the war department - I answer.
1st I was born at New London in the state of Connecticut in the year 1764.
2 I have a record of my age taken out of my father's bible which is now in my possession.
3 Lived in New London when I entered the service in which place I lived until 3 years since I removed to Hyannis Barnstable County where I now reside.
4 I entered the service as a substitute for a man in the army who lived back in the country I have forgotten his name and where he lived I was young and thought nothing about recollecting his name or residence.
5 The names of some of the officers were Lieut. Barker - Col. McClellan -
Capt Allen Clay - Habin Morris. The circumstances of my service are stated in my declaration.
6 Thinks he is a discharge of all other service which is lost.
7 The persons to whom I would refer as to my character and reputation as a soldier are
Rev. Clark W. Munroe, Letter Clark, Genl. Gleason. Sworn & subscribed Samuel Prentiss.
Per R. D. Dumble Dep Clerk

The Subscribed Clergyman residing in the Town of Plymouth, Chenango County and W m . Munroe residing in the same place certify we are well acquainted with Samuel Runtz the foregoing Applicant for a pension who has subscribed I know to the foregoing declaration That we believe him to be 68 years of age That from his recent residence in this State we cannot speak so fully of his reputation as was a Soldier - We have under- stood he was a Soldier of the revolution and from his strict character as an honest man of truth and vera- city we have no doubt of it - Known and subscribed
J. H. Pikes Clerk
L. Clark W m Munroe

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the above named Applicant Samuel Prentis was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and the court further Certifies that it appears to them that Luther Clark who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman Resident in the town of Plymouth in the County of Chenango, and that William Munroe who has also signed the same is a Resident in the same town last aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to full credit
Samuel Prentis Pension Papers P. 31

I Jarvis H. Pike, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Chenango do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Samuel Prentis for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal office this ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
J. B. Prindle Deputy Clerk

Otsego County ss. I, David Prentiss of said Town Being Duly Sworn do. depose and say that I am well acquainted with Samuel Prentiss and have been from a Youth. That he served in the army of the Revolution that he was in the Fort at New London in the State of Connecticut that he returned the Service in the fall of the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine and That he continued in the fort as near as I can recollect about one Year. and I know from common Report that he was in the Service on Board of Ship as guard of Prisoners at New London at other times and that the said Samuel Prentiss has from a Youth sustained the character of a man of Truth and Veracity and worthy to be believed. and further this deponent saith not. Except That I am Sixty two Years Old
David Prentiss
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 16 th day of August 1832
Sam l C. Gilbert Justice of Peace
State of New York ss. I, Horace Lathrop, Clerk of the said Otsego County ss. County of Otsego do certify. That Samuel C. Gilbert Esquire, before whom the above Affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County, duly elected and sworn as such. And also that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit, to be his own proper hand writing and signature. Given under my hands, and Seal of Office, the 25 th day of August 1832.
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.

I Grinwold Avery of the Town of Waterford In the County of Rensselaer & State of Connecticut of lawful age deposeth and says that in the year 1782 he the Deponent was well acquainted with Samuel Prentis late of the Town of Mountville in said County & now residing in the Town of Plinmate in the State of New York and that he the Deponent was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War in Capt Benjamin Durgyn's company in Col. John M c Clusky's Reg t and was stationed at Fort Ticonderoga in Rensselaer in Rensselaer County and further the Deponent says not — Grinwold Avery
Rensselaer County ss. Waterford Sept 12 1802 Personally appeared Grinwold Avery the above named Deponent — & made oath to the truth of the the above deposition by him subscribed before me who am well acquainted with him the said deponent & consider him a credible witness given that he is justice of the Peace for the County of Rensselaer J. H. Chapell Justice of the Peace

Providence Savings Bank
State of Connecticut New London County } ss
I John D'Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New Lon- don County do hereby Certify that Gordon F Chappel was before me whom the within deposi- tion of Griswold Avery was taken as a his- tory of the peace in and for said New London County and that his signature then to annuised I believe to be in his own proper hand writing - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 24 th day of September A D
1832 John D'Witt Clerk

I Jabez Maynard of the Town of Northford in the County of New London & State of Connecticut at the age of 77 declare & say that in the year 1782 I the Deponent was well acquainted with Samuel Puntin Late of the Town of Montville in said County & now Residing in the Town of Nimiton in the State of New York, and that he the said Samuel Puntin was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war in Capt Benjamin Burgess company of Infantry in Col M c Clintock Regt and that he the said Samuel Puntin was stationed at Fort Trumbull in the Town & County of New London and I the Deponent further declare & say that from the best information I could obtain he the said Puntin was in the Revolutionary service about the space of one year further the Deponent saith not Jabez Maynard
New London County ss - Montville September 25 1852 personally appeared Jabez Maynard the above named Deponent and made oath to the truth of the above Deosition. (The said Jabez Maynard is well known to me and is a credible witness) Before me
Stephen G. Nashen Justice of peace

State of Connecticut } ss New London County } 1
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Stephen G Thacher Esq before whom the within deposition of Labor Maynard was taken is a Justice of the peace in said New London County. and that I believe his sig- nature thereto annexed to be in his own proper hand writing - In testimony where- of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 24 th of September AD 1832 John D e Witt Clerk

16157
Samuel Prentiss Chenango co N.Y.
Adm d
Buttolph & Thorp Norwich N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Samuel Prentis, Chenango N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Substitute 1781 1 private Capt. Burke Col. McCallum Fort Trumbull 68 New London Conn. Tradition living witness   U.S. ship Alliance 1783 3 mariner Capt. Gray  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
J. H. Bradford.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ 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 the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons --one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 each 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 , in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

aw Rev. War Section.
March 30, 1916.
Katharine L. Prentiss, Monroeville, Ohio.
Madam:-
In response to your letter dated the twenty-fifth instant, you are advised that upon a careful examination of the Revolutionary War pension claim of Samuel Prentis, S. File No. 5948 , the original papers upon which the claim was allowed and afterwards dropped from the roll, are on file. There is nothing to indicate that "his papers were lost" as alleged by you.
The papers in said claim show that his pension was suspended upon receipt of a letter from Charles Holcomb of Norwich, Chenango County, New York, dated August 15, 1838, which stated that he was much surprised that Samuel Prentiss should be drawing a pension for service in the Revolution as persons who had known said Prentis since his youth, and came from New London County, Connecticut, had never heard it intimated that he was a soldier of that War.
Samuel Prentis was then called upon to furnish testimony of credible witnesses as to his services, which he failed to do, and his name was not restored to the pension roll.

The papers in said claim may be examined by you or any one designated by you upon calling at this Bureau.
Very respectfully,
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "J. M. Setzler". The signature is written in dark ink and is positioned above the title "Commissioner".
Commissioner.

Monroeville - O.
March 25/96
Commissions of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I thank you very much for your prompt reply in regard to the military history of Thomas and Samuel Prentiss.
I was quite interested in the remarks on Samuel to the effect that "His pension was inadvertently allowed in the first place but subsequently suspended on the ground of insufficient proof." Samuel told my father (his grandson) that he lost his "papers" and as he made no secret of it - a scoundrel, who had a grudge against him - learned the fact and in some way or other stopped his pension. and as his papers were lost; he never had his pension restored.
Personally, I don't like that entry. The motto on our coat-of-arms means in English, "Right and Forward." Knowing the character of my immediate ancestors as I do, I do not doubt his word for a minute. but I would like to be able to prove it and have

that entry changed. I think the circ. m. was happened at about the end of his life.
Are there any other records from which I can get additional information, and what does "insuffic- ient proof" mean in this instance?
Will be grateful to you for any further information you can give me.
Yours truly Katharine L. Prentiss.

L.S.W. Rev Sec /
Monroeville, Ohio Feb. 14-1916
Messrs.
Upon inquiring where to obtain credentials in order to join the D.A.R., I have been referred to the Pension Dept. If you can give me the needful information, I will be very grateful,
My great grandfather, 15.5949 Samuel Prentiss, served in the Revolutionary war as did also 3.21.931 Thomas Prentiss, his brother.
Also their two uncles. Benjamin Prentiss, who was killed at the Plains of Saratoga.

on at the taking of Bunker Hill, and Stephen Prentiss, who was killed at Bunker Hill.
Samuel and Thomas Prentiss rec'd pensions. Samuel was born on the Lake's Pond estate, near New London, Conn. removed to Butternuts N.Y. - Then to Plymouth Chenango Co N.Y. Then to Monroeville Harrison Co, Ohio. His pension papers have been lost.
Benjamin and Stephen who were killed in the war, were, I believe, unmarried. Several of our 1610 ancestors were quite prominent in the old colonial life.
I hope you will be able to help me out of my dilemma, and I thank you in advance for any help you may give me. Yours truly, Katharine L. Prentiss.

Box 76 Morrowville - Ohio
April 18 - 1912
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:- As I wish to join the Daughters of the American Revolution, will you please send me the war records of Joseph and Samuel Prentiss, and any

information possible, bearing upon their Revolutionary service.
I think they entered the service from Connecticut.
Respectfully Yours Miss Edith P. Prentiss.

Rev War
5949 INVALID.
1912 Apl. 26. History to Miss Edith R. Prentiss. C 1916 Feby. 23. History to Katharine L. Prentiss. P 1916 Mar. 30. Katharine L. Prentiss advised of cause of dropping and why not restored aw
File No. 5949
Samuel Prentiss Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. M , Page 302
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Saml Pontif - in Capt Durkee's Company
Rolls of this company for the year 1782 only - Samuel Pontif's name not there

Let to Missage base Jan'y 19. 1845 -
Let to E. Hapler,
Mar. 30 / 52
M m Sadler Mch 25 7882, (Sent copies of above letters)
M m Sadler May 5 - 1856

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190__
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Prentis , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( or his widow's ) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S. File 5949.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct. 1781 1 year Benjamin Durkee McClellan Conn.   Last of 1782 and first of 1783 3 mos. guard over British prisoners on board a "prison ship" at New London, Conn.        
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New London, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 9, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y.
Age at date of application, born Aug. 26, 1764 at New London, Conn.
↓ Remarks: His pension was inadvertently allowed in the first instance, but subsequently suspended on the ground of insufficient proof of six months' actual service under the alleged officers, as required by the pens. law and his name was never restored to the pens. roll.
In 1851 he resided at Ridgefield, Huron Co., Ohio
He had a son Samuel.
Very respectfully,
don't send in this form again
under which he applied

Aug. 26, 1836. Letter to Holcomb - Pension is susp. awaiting necessary evidence is 15 lar Thorough knowledge of Prentis.
Apr. 7, 1837 - Not sufficient evidence to authorize restoration to rolls
Aug. 28, 1837 - Samuel Prentis - Your pen. has been stopped because there is good cause to believe here that you did not serve in the revolutionary war - as set forth in your declaration. Unless you can produce the testimony of credible & disinterested witnesses as to your alleged service, no further payment can be made to you.
Dec. 23, 1837. Claim was inadvertently adm. in the first instance, & suspended etc etc. Samuel Prentis's name is not found on the roll while that of the principal witness against him is found -
May 5, 1854. Pension cannot be restored -

Hartford colle April 26 th 1857 Honorable S.P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions
Sir In order to you a new petition or declaration of Samuel Prentiss for the following reasons 1 st We were not apprised of the fact that an other person who served in New York State by the name of Samuel Prentiss And that his name was used to defeat our Claim 1 st because we never knew of such a person, or used, or referred to him in any way; and was not until your letter of the 25 th of March containing two Copies inform- -ed us, that such were the facts 2 d that we never alleged service in the State of New York or proved service there but alleged & proved service for our fifteen months in the State of Connecticut. And 3 d Because all the evidence tending to confound our claim with the Samuel Prentiss of York State can justly have no bearing on our Claim and the fact of the service by said Samuel Prentiss being less than a year & also that the date of the rendering of his service would make us but five (or about) years old are

Clearly wrongs to us because we, nor the facts of the Case, do not authorize (we think) any use of his name to do defeat our just-claim unless there is some evidence to show that that Samuel Prentiss was the  Samuel Prentiss Claiming pension under these proceedings. We hold you have no right to take found on the New York Roll a name, because it is the same as ours, and say it is the  Samuel Prentiss who served in New London & New London Harbor unless you have proof, of some sort, of the fact, - other than the finding of such a name on the New York  Rolls at an other & differ ent time , & place from what we set forth our service to have been performed. And at a different time & Place from which we proved our  service to have been done as you will see by a reference to the testimony on which our Pension was allowed.
You will also see, that in our Declaration , first & last , we alledged (v proved) that we served as a substitute and that we did not think our name was on the Records or Rolls And you will see (as you say in your copies to us) that the Samuel Prentiss of York State did not serve as a substitute. There- fore we think, and hold, you should

allow us our pension on our Evidence on file in your Office; and not consider it disproved or set aside by facts not connected with our Application, and that cannot be made so, by any fair con- -struction of evidence. True, we lived in the State of New York when our Application was first made but we alledg (Declaration) in our application, when & where the service was rendered to the Government of the United States and also where we lived at the time of the en- -d ing of the service & for a long time after and proved as we set up in our application, because the fact of our living in the State of N. Y. at the time of our application cannot connect us with the Samuel Punit s that you have found on the New York Rec- -ords & connected with our record as to be; Surely this would be a stri- -acting of credulity to suppose we knew that this was the way our Pension had been stopped when we were not in- formed of the facts as you have done in your Correspondance of 25 th of Mar- -ch 1857, which was the first int l g ts of the kind we have received. Now in view of these facts as they

appear on our first Declaration application for pension and the evidence to establish the justice of our claim to the same, we ask that it his name be restored to the Roll. And as to the Evidence of Robert Gallop it was made to rebut what we supposed to be the ground of the refusal to allow further payment of our pension as I suppose though this fact I don't know for the reason that we had not-armed as set-up in our application and was long after our pension was allowed; and could not if certified to, could not apply to the Cause of the stop-up of said Pension. We hold , that if you lay aside all irrelevant Evidence in this case you will not hesitate for a moment after viewing our first papers to reinstate the Samuel Prentiss set forth in his Declaration & in his applications for reinstating & was again asking the same. Surely he has earned & is deserving & I am satisfied a careful examination you will arrive at the same conclusions.
Wm Sadler
Attorney of Samuel Prentiss
P.S. What about that Webster application for Land warrant W.S.

Hon. L. P. Waldo,
Sir Mr Samuel Pratt's Pension was stopped in the summer of A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and thirty four. The last pension we drew was in the Spring of 1834 & when we sent for it in the fall of same year it was refused
W. Sadler
Solicitor for said Pratt's
Wadsworth Township Huron Co O. Morrowville March 16 th /54
P.S. This is intended as a more definite answer to yours of February 17 th 1854, as I have learned the fact since my last W. Sadler

Mr. Sadler May 5/34

Pension Office May 5 1854
Sir The case of Samuel Prentis of NY has been again examined, I can not perceive the slightest reason for changing the decision heretofore made, unless the fact that his present affidavit varies materially from the one filed by him when he made his first application should be sufficient to show, that because he was mistaken then, he must state the truth now! which is a con- clusion at which I have not been able to arrive, Besides, if his present state- ment is the one by which he desires to abide he must prove, at least, as strong testimo- ny to sustain it, as he did in proof of his first allegations, His pension can not be restored,
William Sadler Esq Monroeville Ohio

Watrousville Feb. 2/1857
Hon. S. P. Waldo Com. of Pension
Sir I have just recd. your letter of the 17th of February 1857 asking for the state in which Samuel Puntis lived at the time of his receiving his Pension & when it was stoped. In answer to the first I would say Samuel Puntis lived in Chenango County Town of Plymouth & State of New York
Pension was stoped in the year 1835 as near as I can learn on this head I will soon inform you position as the man who drew the Pension lives in New York & as soon as I hear from him I will give you definite date &c on this head
I am pleased to learn that you are taking some interest - in this case for a more honorable and worthy applicant has not presented their name to you - Honor for pension nor one who has done better service
Yrs Sincerely M. S. Fuller

Samuel Prentice
Apr. 20/52 Ad. app: in case Samuel Prentice
Revolutionary claim
filed 19 Feb 1852
20 Apr/52
Kirby
filed by P.E. Hassler Attorney

State of Connecticut Comptroller Office Hartford Feb. 11 th 1852
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Samuel Prentice in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office and find the name of Samuel Prentice in a Pay Roll under the heading following viz, "A Pay Roll of the 3 rd "6 th Reg t rais d for Ord n Genl. Assembly Conn t 1775" and opposite said name are the following entries viz Rank Sergeant Time enlisted May 5 th Time discharged Dec. 10 th 1 Months & days in Service 7 mos. 6 days. Said company was commanded by Samuel Prentice Major, and Lieut. Jas. Eldridge as Captain from July 1 st ,
R. G. Peirce Comptroller by Geo. Robinson Clerk,

Revolutionary Pensioner Samuel Prentice to be reinstated name not found Vole
filed 19 Feby. 1852 P. E. Hassler Attorney
on the Ohio Rolls. or New York } =

Washington City D.C. Feby, 19 th 1852 Honorable J. B. Heath Sir. Commissioner of Pensions
I would respectfully call up for reexamination the case of Samuel Prentice a Revolutionary Soldier whose pension has been stopped & who resided in Connecticut, & as it appears beyond cavil that said Prentice did serve as will fully appear by Comptrollers certificates - I request a new certificate, Yours respectfully
J. C. Hassler Attorney

Prentice Kirby

Pension Office
July 22 nd 1852.
Sir,
I return herewith your letter of the 19 th Feb d last and the Comptroller's Certificate, and inform you that the name of Samuel Prentice is not found as a pensioner on the Conn t . Roll.
Whenever you call up a case it is required that you file a power of Attorney.
Very respectfully Your Alt. St J. J. B. Tipton Acting Commissioner
H. E. Happler Esqr Present.
Kirby

Augt. 17. 1850
Saml. Prentice
Add. evidence
Kirby
J. Estaples
Present

Washington D.C. August 16 th 1852
Honorable J. E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions
Sir.
I would respectfully refer you to records or files of Ohio or New York for the papers in the case indicated by your enclosed letter.
I am respectfully
F. C. Hassler

Please do not change the order of these papers They have been specially arranged. P

Aug 25 th
Samuel Bentol. Myrtle
14284
Washington
Lib-
Hon. J. G. Edwards Commissioner of Inland Revenue
14284

August 15, 1836.
Norwich Connecticut County N.Y. August 15 th 1836
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir There is residing in
the town of Plymouth in the County above mentioned a man by the name of Samuel Prouty who is now receiving a Pension as a Revolutionary Soldier in the town of Plymouth aforesaid there are a number of respectable Gentle men who came from the County of New London in the State of Connecticut who have been acq uainted with said Prouty from his Youth and some of them to wit John Ames & Robert Callop who are Pensioners and am acquainted with some very Respectable inhabitants of the County of New London and all of the persons express a great degree of surprise that he the said Prouty should draw a Pension as from their Youthfull acquaintance with said Prouty until they heard that he had obtained a Pension they never heard it even so much as intimated that the said Prouty was a Revo lutionary Soldier and said Prouty represents himself to have served in the same Company with the above named John Ames who says that he has no knowledge what ever of his having in said Company or any other and that said Prouty could not tell the name of any of the officers he served under until he had made enquiry of persons that were there and an individual in particular whose form joined that of said Prouty father with whom said Prouty lived at the time of the Revo lutionary War says he is positive that the said Prouty never did serve as a soldier of the Revo lution. And I have good reason to believe and de believe that if the subject should be investigated his name would be struck from the pension Roll and in so doing no injustice would be done to him
Yours Respectfully Charles Wolcomb

NOTICE.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
Whereas the conduct of the Rev. Luther Clark , a resident of the town of Plymouth, in the County of Chenango, (on the evening of the 18th of March last) has been called in question, and various reports have been put in circulation, in relation to the Rev. L. C. on the above evening;—and whereas in consequence, I have had my character traduced, and an attempt has been made to injure me, by some of those who belong to the same church with the said Rev. L. C., from charges alleged, as to the propriety of making the exposure, and against my character;—And whereas, certain Clergymen, viz: the Rev. Mr. Sprague, of Sherburne, and Elias Childs, of Smyrna, have publickly stated and published in the Western Recorder, that they had investigated the subject and examined the parties, and that from such examination they were satisfied of the entire innocence of the said L. C., to justify myself I make the following statement:
That there has been a fair investigation I utterly deny; on the contrary I have at all times been prepared to establish such assertions as I have made; but those who have seemed to feel much interested, have never appeared willing for a public examination. On the contrary, they have appeared to be desirous to stifle an investigation. For this reason, considering myself much injured by the course pursued by the followers of the said Rev. L. C.; and being threatened with a prosecution, I consider it my duty to give a plain statement of facts, as they took place, and leave it for a candid publick to judge, whether such conduct in a Clergyman, (a man having a family) is to be approbated, or exposed and condemned.
On the evening above stated, a temperance address was delivered at the Presbyterian Church, in the town of Plymouth. After the Address, and other business had been attended to, and the meeting closed, as the congregation were dispersing, at about eight or nine o'clock in the evening, the said Rev. L. C. was seen standing near the door of said Church, in conversation with a young lady. He continued the conversation for some time, and then went on across the bridge to the corner of the streets, till the congregation had wholly dispersed. Such conduct appeared singular, at that time in the evening, which induced me to take particular notice of it. I went on to a platform of a public House, a short distance from the church, in company with two or three persons, noticing the conduct of the said Rev. L. C. and lady. After standing near the Church for some time, they then moved several rods, to the four corners of the roads, and stood a short time, fifteen or twenty minutes, when the Reverend, instead of going to his own home, a few rods from said corners, walked quickly on in the other direction, in company with the lady, which was on the road leading to my residence. After waiting a short time, I started for home, and after walking about eighty rods, I saw the Rev. L. C. and lady several rods in the field adjacent to the road. Thinking they might possibly have passed into the field to avoid a small wet place in the road. I passed along the road slowly to the corner of the garden, about twenty five rods from the place where it appears they had passed into the field, and where persons going that way frequently come into the road. But instead of the Rev. L. C. and lady coming out at the last mentioned place, they had walked, as near as I can estimate, the distance of about fifty or sixty rods from the road, not in the direction of any house, but directly towards a piece of woods, where I lost sight of them. The moon shone bright at that time, and I stood near the garden alluded to five or ten minutes, thinking that they might possibly come in sight again, from whence I passed along the road fifteen or twenty rods, and on reflection concluded to follow, and see what had become of them. I had passed round the house of Ira Buel, Esq. into the field in pursuit of them. After making search for some time, and not being able to discover them, I went to my residence, about half a mile from the place where I last saw them.
I hereby declare the above statements in substance to be true, and am ready, and stand pledged, to prove all of them, when duly called upon in a Court of Justice.
TURNER PRENTISS.
Plymouth, Sept 1, 1834.

N o B - This is the statement Made by Mr Prentis, of what he saw, of Priest Clark & Holcomb's Daughter, out of which a formerly quarrel sus cised, and a persecution of Prentis by Holcomb

C. Noceano
26. Aug. 1830
G. C.
Record. N o 36 Page 193

War Dep:
Pension Office
Aug. 26. 1836
Sir:
In consequence of the information contained in your letter of the 15 th inst. The payment of the pension of Samuel Prentis will be suspended until you can have the necessary evidence in his case prepared and forwarded to this Office. Be pleased to cause the deposition of persons who have a thorough knowledge of Prentis to be taken, and duly authenticated, and transmitted to this Office.
Charles Holcomb Esq. Norwich Chenango Co. N. York

B. P. Prindle
N Y
16 Nov 1836
O $6
Rec Vol 39 Page 232.

War Dept Pension Office Nov. 16. 1836
Sir,
In answer to your enquiry respecting Samuel Prentis, I have to inform you that we cannot furnish copies of any affidavits made in such cases as his, without a violation of the rules of this Dept. te It is alleged that he was not a soldier of the revolution, and that until he made enquiry of revolutionary soldiers, he could not give the names of any officers whatever. He should produce further proof of his service. A man named John Ames, residing in Norwich, in Chenango County, served in the company in which it is said Prentis served. If he will apply to Ames for his affidavit, it will be received as evidence in Prentis's behalf.
B. P. Prindle, Esq Norwich Chenango County, N. York

Oct 24 Ingraham
Ny
FREE
James V. Edwards Esq. Comt. of Pensions City of Washington D.C.
James V. Edwards

Norwich, Chenango Co. N.Y.
Oct: 18. 1836
Sir
I am requested by Samuel Prentiss of Plymouth in this county to write to the Department for the reasons why the payment of his pension has been suspended. He was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832, in this state, at $52 + per annum. — If any affidavits were sent to the Department to procure the suspension he desires that copies of them, or the substance of their contents, may also be communicated, if consistent with the regulations of the Department —
I am Respectfully Yr. Servant P. B. Paine
J. V. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Norwich Jan'y 13. 1837.
Sir I rec d yours in relation to the claim of Samuel Purdie as a soldier of the Revolution. I have been from home for some time past. which is the reason for not sooner answering yours. I have obtained the affidavits of John Amos. Christopher Latimer and Robert Gallop and if they are not satisfactory you can obtain further information of a number of elderly gentlemen residents of New London Co. Conn who have known said Purdie since his birth. to wit. Geo. Latimer Daniel Amos. Esq. Walters and many other respectable individuals residents of Montville in said County of New London and Elisha Holmes formerly of the same place now resident of Windham in the County of Windham in Conn
Yours Respectfully
Charles Holcomb

Jan. 13, 1837
State of New York } Chautauqua County } ss
Robert Gallop being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he formerly resided in the county of New London in the state of Connecticut that he is now a resident of the town of Norwich in the county of Chautauqua that he is a Revolutionary pensioner that he knew Samuel Prentis in said county of New London for a number of years and that said Prentis has since then removed to the town of Plymouth in said county of Chautauqua where said Prentis now resides that he never heard any intimation that said Prentis was a soldier of the Revolution and that at the time said Prentis was about to apply for a Pension he lived in the town of Plymouth aforesaid that this deponent has uniformly celebrated the 4 th July as the day of American Indepen- dence and always ranked at such cel- ebrations with the revolutionary soldiers as such. but that said Prentis never appeared at such celebrations as a soldier of the revolution. that before said Prentis applied for a Pension he came to this deponent and informed this deponent of such intention. and this deponent asked said Prentis what year he served and he could not tell the year. and this deponent asked the officers names & what money he was paid in and

said Prunty said he did not know what money for he expected the money was paid to his father and could not tell the names of any of his officers or soldiers in his company except John Ames who he said was a private in the same company and this deponent then named the officers who commanded at particular times and particular years and said Prunty then said he guessed it was them. The names of officers mentioned by this deponent were Capt. Durgay. that this deponent has confused with said Ames who says he has no knowledge of said Prunty having been in the company with him
And that said Prunty informed this deponent that he had two brothers one of whom was in the service at the same time and that this deponent informed said Prunty that he had better get them & said Prunty said they would not remember. and that from all the conversations this deponent has had with said Prunty he has no good reason to believe & does not believe that said Prunty ever served as a soldier of the Revolution and further this deponent saith not.
Subscribed and Robert Gulliver Sworn before me Jan. 13. 1837 P. Randall — Justice of the Peace

I hereby Certify that I have been personally acquainted with Robert Gallup the above Deponent for more than twenty years and that in my Opinion, his statements are entitled to implicit Confidence as being a man of Respectability & truth Dated January 13. 1837
P. Randall Justice of the Peace at Law
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CHENANGO COUNTY } ss. Clerk's Office,
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the coun- ty of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county, do hereby certify, that Perez Randall Esquire, was on the 13 th day of January 1837 a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Perez Randall and verily believe the signature to the annexed Affidavit to be his proper hand writing.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county, and subscribed my name this 13 th day of January 1837
P. Randall Clerk

State of New York
Chautauqua County ss John Amos being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is a Revolutionary pensioner and his name is on the pension roll. that on the application of Charles Holcomb for information in relation to Samuel Prentis having served as a soldier of the Revolution I do hereby depose and say that I have been acquainted with Samuel Prentis since my boyhood that I was born and brought up in the County of New London in the State of Connecticut that said Prentis was a school fellow of mine. that I have no knowledge or recollection of said Prentis having been in the service. and further that about the time that said Prentis was applying for a pension said Prentis called on this deponent for information in relation to his having served in the revolution and that this deponent. enquired of said Prentis who his officers were and said Prentis could not tell his officers names and this deponent then mentioned the names of Capt. Benjamin Durgyn and Capt. Shaply and said Prentis then said he served under Capt. Durgyn - that this deponent served a part of the term of his service under the command of said Durgyn that this deponent can re- collect many of the names of the soldiers belonging to said company but has no re- collection of said Prentis having been in said Durgyn's company and has no good reason to believe and does not believe

that said Puntis did ever serve as a soldier in said Company. that said Puntis has conversed much with this deponent in relation to said service with a view of having this deponent certify for said Puntis. but this deponent can not. from any circumstance attested by said Puntis have any recollection whatever of said Puntis serving as aforesaid and can not. believe that said Puntis could have served as aforesaid without this deponent having a knowledge of such service that this deponent. at the time of his youth resided within one half mile of the family of said Puntis that this deponent. never heard it was suspected that said Puntis did ever serve as such soldier that this deponent. recollects Samuel Fargo. Francis Beckwith and many other individuals who served in said war that this deponent. now resides in the town of Plymouth in said County of Chenango and further this deponent saith not.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 20 th day of December 1836
John Arny
Justice of the Peace
Ira Bull
State of New York

Chenango County Y a . Christopher Latimore being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was born in the County of New London in the State of Connecticut in the year 1769 - that he resided in said County of New London until about the year 1808 at which time this deponent removed to Smyrna in the county of Chenango & State of New York where this deponent has since resided that while this deponent resided in New London County he resided within two mile or two and a half miles from the father of Samuel Prentis that said Samuel Prentis lived in the neighborhood with his father and this deponent was well acquainted with Samuel Prentis but never heard or knew of said Samuel Prentis having served as a soldier of the revolution that this deponent had relations in said service and has often heard them converse about different persons that were in the War but never heard it in- timated that said Prentis was in the war and has no good reason to believe and does not believe that said Prentis was served as a soldier of the Revolution and further this deponent saith not - Subscribed and sworn before me this 20 th day of Dec r 1836
Christopher Latimore
Yrs Truly
Justice of the Peace

I Ira Bull the within named Justice do hereby Certify that I have been well acquainted with both of the within named deponents for twenty years or upwards and that their statements are entitled to Implicit confidence as being men of respectability and truth dated Dec. 20. 1836 Ira Bull Justice
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CHENANGO COUNTY } ss. Clerk's Office,
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the court- ty of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county, do hereby certify, that Ira Bull Esquire, was on the 20th day of December 183 6 a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature to the annexed Affidavit to be his proper hand writing.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county, and subscribed my name this 13th day of January 183 7
P. Randall. Atty.

Samuel Prentiss

State of New York Seneca County ss.
John Ames of the town of Plymouth in said County, aged 76 years and upwards, being duly sworn, deposes, that he is a pensioner of the United States under the law of 1818 on the New York Roll: that his service in the Revolutionary War for which he draws his pension, was in the National Ship, Congress, Captain Seth Harding: that his service in this ship closed at Philadelphia in 1780 where he was discharged and returned to New London, Ct. where he continued to reside, and that he did not enter the service again after that time, during the War: that he was not in service in the Fort at New London after it was burned by the British in 1781.
This deponent does not know that Mr. Samuel Prentiss, now of Plymouth, served in the Fort, but from various he may have been in the service in the Fort as he has stated, and this deponent not recollect it, inasmuch as their services were at different times, and in different years. This deponent has never said nor meant to be understood that he served in New London Fort after it was burned by Arnold in 1781 — and further saith not.
John Ames
Sworn & subscribed before me this 1st. day of February 1837 and I certify that I am well acquainted with Mr. Ames the above deponent and that he is a credible person whose truth and veracity are unimpeachable, in my judgment.
Danforth Walis, Justice of the Peace.

State of New York Chenango County ss
I, the Clerk of said County , do certify that Sanford Waler before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn to at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that his signature to the same is genuine
Witness my hand and seal of office this 21. day of Feb. ruary 1837
James M. D. Carr. Dep. Clerk
Samuel Frentz

Pub. Due
FREE
Hon William Mason House of Reps City of Washington D.C.
Randall, Cordova
Mail

Norwich N.Y. Feby. 21. 1837
Dear Sir
Mr. Samuel Prentiss of Plymouth who was pensioned under June 7. 1832, has had his pension suspended. He has applied to me to aid me him in procuring his reinstatement.
I applied to Mr. Edwards for copies of the deposition against him, upon which the payment was suspended, but he declined, in accordance with a rule of his office, to furnish them.
Chas. Hon. Holcomb and family have been the cause of Mr. P's suspension, and their opposition to him is in consequence of a family quarrel originating in a statement published in 1834 by Mr. Prentiss concerning Priest Clark and Holcomb's daughter. Holcomb immediately commenced a most bitter and unselective  indignant war upon the whole Prentiss family and has pursued them like a tiger ever since. He has circulated all manner of stories against the old man and procured all sorts of affidavits against him with a view to cause his name to be struck from the rolls. Among other things, he has alleged, that John Ames of Plymouth served in the New London Fort at the very time Prentiss says he served, and the Department has directed Prentiss to procure Ames testimony. I have seen Ames, on Prentiss' behalf and he has testified that his service was in a different year from Prentiss'. Holcomb has procured some kind of an affidavit from Ames, but I do not know its purport.
I now enclose you Ames' deposition which I wish you would show to Mr. Edwards and cause him to examine the case carefully. I think, that he will be satisfied, that Prentiss has had much wrong done him. Holcomb and his men have perverted and distorted every

unguarded expression that has dropped from Prentiss and have spared no time or money in hunting up testimony of every body who could be made or coerced to sign a deposition in order to ruin Prentiss this family -
I enclose you a copy of Young Prentiss' statement which waked up the ire of old Charles. It is notorious that the families were on the best terms previous to this and that Charles was the means of nomi- nating & electing Turner Prentiss to the office of Justice of the Peace the spring previous.
Mr. Edwards will understand the case the more readily, by noticing that Prentiss claims to have served in New London Fort after it was burned by Arnold: and Amos Dyer that he Amos never served in it after that event.
I should like, if possible, to have a final decision of the case, before you leave
Very Respectfully
Hon. W. Mason
P. B. Pillee
P.S. Our Court here question yet hangs in the balance - I do not doubt a favorable result, tho' others do. We have had for the last three days snow, rain, frost.

Samuel Pruitt on wife
1 March for Wm Mason add on case about Puff Luce
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington
D.C.

Washington March 1 st 1837
Sir - I Enclose for your Examination the affidavit of John Ames, in the case of Samuel Prentis of Plymouth Chenango Co - N.Y. - a revolutionary soldier who once drew a pension, but was suspended, for causes not satisfactory to him, - he believes that injustice has been done by an Enemy, of one M ty Holcomb I have Enclosed for your inspection a letter I have received from a Neighbor of M ty Prentis , which will give you a few facts, to enable to see the Machining that has been set in operation - to injure Prentis , I wish this case to have a carefull Examination, and an Answer returned if possible before the Adjourn of Congress - if not then I wish an Answer directed to me at - Preston Chenango Co. N.Y.
Yours very Respectfully Wm Mason
Wm J. L. Edwards comm - pensions
W. R.

Hon. Wm. M. Mason
7. April 1837
G. C.
Decora (42) page 125

War Dept Pension Office April 7. 1837
Sir,
I have examined the case of Samuel Prentis; and I do not find the evidence sufficient to authorize this Dep t to resume the payment of the pension which was granted.
J. H.
Hon. William Mason, Preston, Chenango County N. York

Aug 28 Comm
Samuel Prentiss Myron
14254
FREE
Mr James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Plymouth, August. 22 nd 1837
Mr James L. Edwards
Sir - About a year and a half since on applying for my pension money at a proper time and place I was denied. I knew not then for what reason. I however soon learned the reason. Some evil minded person, one who bears an ill will towards me and my family, boasted in the presence of some of my friends, that he had been the principal agent in the stopping of my money. On inquiry I learned that he had taken affidavits of some aged persons, whose minds had become very much impaired, through these, I suppose the commissioners of pensions was influenced to drop my name, as one justly entitled to a reward from the government for services rendered to country during the revolutionary struggle. These persons whose affidavits were taken some of them at least have since told me, that they did know what they did swear to - that their  not affidavits they did not see after written - that they  they were written by their spokes but by the Justice. I think the testimony that you have received in regard to my the circumstances of my being in the war of our country with Great Britain is unfair being wholly on one side, obtained by those who were  had animosities towards me, even the Justice himself.
My object in this letter is to request you to send me a copy of the affidavits that you have received against me, verbatim with the several names attached to them, or if this is unnecessary, to send me the sum of them, that I may know the testimony that has been sent in against me. I wish to know as well as those who signed these affidavits what is contained in them. My intention is to collect more proof, and present a petition for a reinstatement of my name on the pension list. I feel that I have been grossly abused and wronged by one man who is my enemy. Will you therefore be so kind as to send me these writings according to my request, and state to me in what manner I must proceed, and what, and how much more proof will be required

so that I shall in your view be entitled to drafts on the pension funds.
I feel that in this transaction my character has been reflected upon, at least in regard to truth and honesty. It is the first time as far as my knowledge extends. I have done business with many of the first men of N. London Con. and never have I known that or even imagined that my character was even suspected in either of these points.
If you wish for any certificates or recommendation as it regards my character I can refer you to Lyman Saw. Noyes Barber Thomas Williams Jacob S. Gurley Fishk Shram of N. London Con. These gentlemen all know me, and have known me for a long time and can state whether I have sustained a fair character or not, whether I am or am not to be believed on my statements.
Will you comply with my request and oblige Yours &c
Samuel Prentiss
address Samuel Prentiss Norwich Onondaga County N. York

Sam Prunty
NY
28 Aug '37
66
Record (142) page 410

War Dep t
Pension Off ce
Aug. 28. 1837
Sir,
Your pension has been stopped because there is good cause to believe here that you did not serve in the Revolutionary War, as set forth in your declaration. Unless you can produce the testimony of credible and disinterested witnesses as to your alleged service, no further payment can be made to you.
W m Samuel Prentis, Norwich, Chenango County, N. York

I, Ransford Chapell of the Town of Montville in New London County & State of Connecticut of Lawful age depose & say that Samuel Prentice then of the Township of New London but now residing in the County of Chenango & State of New York was aboard of a Garrison ship lying in the harbor of New London belonging to the care of the Garrison. I had a Brother aboard the same ship I went to see my Brother I was well acquainted with with said Prentice I saw him there & I knew he was there on duty further say not Montville October 9 th 1837 Ransford Chapell
New London County ss. Montville October 9 th 1837 Then personally appeared Ransford Chapell the above named deponent & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me Thos. W. Strickland Justice of Peace
This may certify that in my opinion the aforesaid deponent is entitled to credit. Thos. W. Strickland Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } ss I John D e Witt clerk of the New London County } for s d New London County do hereby Certify that Thomas W. Strickland esq r is a Justice of the Peace in & for s d New London County and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that his signature above written & believe to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of s d County this 16 th day October A d 1837
John D e Witt Clerk

I Benjamin Tinker of Waterford in New London County & State of Connecticut of Lawful age depose & say that Samuel Dementis then of the township of New London but now residing in the County of Chenango & State of New York was a Soldier of the revolution & service in Capt. Dake's company with me on Fort Trumbull at said New London and that I have known the said Dementis from that time unto the present day and further say not his Benjamin Tinker Waterford Sept. 9th 1837 mark
New London County ss Waterford September October 9th 1837 Then Personally appeared Benjamin Tinker the above named deponent & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed — Before me — Elisha Beck with justice of the peace
This may certify that in my opinion the aforesaid deponent is entitled to credit — Elisha Beck
State of Connecticut } ss I John D. Witt New London County } Clerk of the County Court in and for New London County do hereby certify that Elisha Beck with us is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that his signature above written is be- lieved to be genuine — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 16th day of October A.D. 1837 John D. Witt Clerk

Dec 15. New Bedford
Free N. P. Williams
Mr. L. Edwards Esq Chair of Pensions Washington City
Mr. N. P. Williams Senate U.S.

Senate Chamber
Dec r 14 th 1837,
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm ee of Pensions
Dr Sir
I have just rec d the enclosed letter and papers from Hon. Henry Mitchell, late Member of Congress from N.Y. in relation to the pension of said Mitchell - I beg leave to call Your attention to his case -
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
M. P. Killenad

Rev. N. P. Tallmage
Dec. 23, 1837
G. C.
Recora Vol 6 page 149

War Dep
Gen: H
Dec 23, 37
Sir
I have the honor to return you the letter of Col d Mitchell and to inform you that the papers therein enclosed in behalf of Saml d Prentis have been examined & filed in the file.
The claim of Saml d Prentis was inadvertently admitted in the first instance but was subsequently suspended upon depositions going to shew that he did not render 6 mo military service in the revo y war if indeed he rendered any service whatever.
This testimony, corroborated as it is by the known character of the alleged service so imperfectly described by him, raises such a presumption against his claim that which the most direct & credible testimony can alone rebut.
His name is not found on the roll while that of the principal witness against him is found. Gen. A. P. Tallmadge
Senate

Henry R. Mygatt July 13, 1838
O.C.
July 13 1838 O.C.
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

War Dep Pen: Off July 13, 38
Sir
In reply to your request for copies of the depositions upon which the suspension of Saml. Prentiss has been suspended I am to inform you that it would be contrary to the rules to accede to it. In all cases where information constituting a caveat is furnished, the Dept. is bound to abstain from any act which might involve the author or authors of it in difficulty while such information is cautiously weighed and no other weight given to it than such as may subject the claim to a close & distrustful scrutiny.
Henry R. Mygatt Esq Oxford New York

J. Prentiss -
See PRES
Jun 6 June 25.
NY.
J. S. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Revenue War Dept. Washington City D. C.
June 13, 1838

Oxford, Chenango Co. N.Y. June 20. 1838!
Sir,
Samuel Prentiss of this County, informs me that his pension claim is suspended and he has left with me a letter dated December 23 d 1837 written by you to Hon. N. P. Sallmadge of the Senate on that subject, wherein you state that "his name is not found on the roll while that of the principal witness against him is found"
Mr Prentiss requests that you furnish me with copies of the affidavits of the witnesses against him, that he may have their testimony rebutted and his claim re-established. A request which he believes so just, he trusts will not be denied.
I have the honor to be Your obed Servt
J. L. Edwards Esq, Com r pensions War o St t Washington City
Mary R. Mygatt

Russell Case
May 17/46 -

Pension Office
Sir.
Jan 11 th '45
The evidence in the case of Sam Prentiss claiming to be reinstated as a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 32 has been examined and filed. The depositions of Roberts Gullup, whose credibility requires to be substantiated by a judicial officer, and Darius Prentiss contain nothing that would authorize this Depart t in restoring the claimant as desired. The said  pension was ordered upon evidence that must be rebutted. A restoration can only be procured by the production of testimony of the most satisfactory character.
Russell Case Esq r Smyrna NY.
14.254 Act June 7 th 32

Smyrna W.Y. Jan'y 8/44
Rupert Cass.
About Sam Prentiss pension claim.
C.O. Rec Jan'y 83/45
Pension Office
Sam Prentiss

Myrma Me Co for of 8 th 1845
John C. Sprun Esq.
Sir Mr Samuel Preston of this Co was placed upon the pension roll some time in the year 1831 or 2 and drew his pension for 2 or 3 years at which time some evil designed persons through frauds and false representations effected his removal from the pension roll They procured three Witnesses who I understand testified that they was acquainted with said Preston for a long time and that they did not believe he ever served in Revolution War in consequence of said testimony he was struck from this list - I am well acquainted with three witnesses one of which is dead the other two live near me one is a very illiterate old man the other is respectable and his affidavit is inclosed I am sure that the affidavits sent are was procured improperly and was not read correctly to the witnesses when they signed them - I am well acquainted with Mr Preston I do not believe he would ask for a pension if he was not lawfully entitled to it, I think he was unjustly set aside by some designing persons that had got much with him. a part of his witnesses that his pension was obtained by I am well acquainted with and believe them entitled to full credit

Mr. Austin is an old man with a family to support and in moderate circumstances I think study of all his past dues. He wishes to be replaced upon the pension list if consistent. I wish you would be so good as to inform the old gentlemen what course he can take to be reinstated on the pension roll again. I have no doubt he did serve in the revolution war as his Evidence State. You will confer a great favor on the old man by giving him some information on the subject.
Very Respectfully your ob. S. S.
Rufus Cose

I Alden Latham of the town of East-Lyme, in New-London County, of the age of sixty six years, being duly cautioned and sworn, depose to say, that I have repeatedly heard my Father Joseph Latham, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner say, that he knew Mr Samuel Prentis (late of Montville in this County, but now removed to the County of Chenango, State of New-York, and since to the County of Ohio) to be a Soldier in Fort Trumbull, in New-London, sometime during the war of the Revolution, and that my said Father has been dead about seven years, and further the deponent saith not, East-Lyme, Sept 18 th 1850.
Alden Latham.
State of Connecticut, New-London County. SS East-Lyme Sept r 18 th 1850.
Then personally appeared before me, Alden Latham, subscriber to the above and foregoing instrument or deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, and I am personally acquainted with the said Alden Latham, and know that he sustains a good character as a man of truth.
Moses H Warren Justice of the Peace.

Whereas Samuel Puntis, now of Chenango-county, in the state of New-York, made application to the War department, about ten or twelve years since, for a Pension as a Soldier of the Revolution, and did apply to the Subscriber, then a Justice of the peace, for New-London-county, in the State of Connecticut to take the deposition of Bainsford or Bainsford Chapell now deceased. Who after being duly cautioned and sworn, did give a deposition, which was duly executed and given to the said Puntis, which it is said, is not now to be found.
Therefore I Thomas W Strickland of Montville in New-London-county, do hereby certify, that I did take the deposition of the aforesaid Bainsford Chapell, who according to the best of my recollection did testify, that he, the said Chapell, saw said Samuel Puntis as one of the guard on board a prison-Ship, then lying, or being moored in the River Thames, above New-London, and that British prisoners were then on board.
Montville June 6 th 1848.
Whereas Samuel Puntis now of Chenango-county, in the State of New-York, made application to the War department, about ten or twelve years since, for a Pension as a Soldier of the Revolution, and did apply to the Subscriber then a Justice of the peace, for New-London-county in the State of Connecticut to take the deposition of Benjamin Tinker, a duly enrolled pensioner of the Revolution, (who died some years since) who

after being duly cautioned and sworn, did sign an affidavit which was duly certified, and given to the said Prentis, which deposition is now said to be lost.
Therefore I Edward B Warren of the town of East-Lyme, in the county of New-London, do hereby certify, that I did take the deposition of the aforesaid Benjamin Tinker, who according to the best of my recollection did testify, that he served as a Soldier in Fort Trumbull in New-London & that the aforesaid Samuel Prentis was a Soldier in said Fort, and that when he said Tinker was discharged, he left said Prentis a Soldier in said Fort,
Edward B Warren
East-Lyme, June 3 rd 1848.

J. E. Hafeler, Nov. 30/52.

Pension Office Nov 30. 1852.
Sir
I have examined and upold the claim for an increase of the pension of Samsue Parente, inscribed on the New York Roll under the Act of June, 1832, at the rate of $52 per annum based on the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, showing that a soldier of his name rendered 10 months & days service in 1775, in the 6 th Regiment of Nat. State. For the following reasons, viz: In the first, place he claimed no service at prior to Oct 1781 - and the second, he was but 12 years old in 1775, having been born, according to his declaration under oath, in 1764! The soldier whose service is embraced by the Comptroller's certificate, was another and different person.
H. C. Houghton Pursuant

Town of Plymouth county of Plymouth N.Y.
On this 20th day of January 1844. Personally appeared before me Robert Gallop and after being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is Deputy Sheriff of said County and your deponent further says that he was born in the Town of Grafton county of Newland and State of Connecticut and resided there until after the close of the Revolutionary War, and further says he never knew Samuel Puntis till about ten years after the close of Revolution and can not say that that he ever knew that said Puntis served in said War nor can not say he did not for he never knew any thing of such a man till long after the war. But has since been acquainted with said Puntis for many years and believes him a man of truth and veracity and his statements entitled to full credit further your deponent so swears and subscribes this 20th day of January 1844 Robert Gallop before me
Repub Case - Justice of the Peace in and for said county

Shenandoah County
Daniel P. Martin of the Town of Shenandoah in said county personally came before me the undersigned a justice of the peace and after being duly sworn deposed and saith that in the year 1981 he resided in Midland County of Connecticut and at that time was about fifty or sixty years of age being the next year after midland was burnt. This deponent was living with his father in that place and was then acquainted with Samuel Martin his brother and this deponent says some time in the year 1981 Samuel Martin came to his father's house to him as a substitute to go in to the fort for him, but this deponent don't recall his name, but well recollects of his father letting his brother Samuel go for him but how long he was gone he cannot state but well recollects that he heard his brother Samuel tell of being in the prison ship and that it frequently talked of in his father's family
Sworn and subscribed this 22 nd August 1824 before me
Daniel P. Martin
Ralph Case a Justice of the peace
I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Daniel Martin and believe him a man of truth and worthy entitled to full credit
Ralph Case Justice

State of New York Chautauqua County ss. 3 I. John Latham Clerk of the County of Chautauqua (And State of New York) do hereby Certify that Ralph Chase Esq is a Justice of the peace in And for said County duly Commissioned And quali- fied that his Commission was dated on the first day of January 1843. And will Expire on the 31 st day of December 1846 And that his signature to the foregoing Affidavit is genuine Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 14 th day of January 1845 - John Latham Clk
Hon John C. Johnson Esq Washington New York N.Y.
28

Aug. 26, 1851.
State of Ohio County of Huron
Be it known, that before me Chas. B. Stickney a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized by the laws of said State to administer oaths, personally appeared Samuel Prentiss, and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical Samuel Prentiss that is named in an original Certificate, said Certificate is recorded in the Pension office in Washington in Book 8 Volume 4 & Page 70 by John Ammerlaak, and No 14254, for the sum of fifty two dollars per annum, of which I hereby certify that the following is a true copy.
War Department Revolutionary Claims
I certify that, in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 7 th June, 1832, Samuel Prentiss of the State of New York who was a Private and Seaman in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive fifty two dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March, 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4 th of March, and 4 th of September in every year.
LS James M c Gallahue J. L. Edwards Commissioner Pension
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 16 th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty one Sam. C. caps. Secretary of War

# # That he drew said pension for about two years near as he can recollect, when it was stoped, which was the result of several affidavits being filed with the Pension department stating as he has been informed that they knew him in the Revolutionary war & knew that he was never in the service. He was informed that Robert Gallup, John Ames & Christopher Satimer had made said affidavits setting forth false statements, as to his service. Soon as he heard of this proceeding, he called on each of these men and they denied of making such affidavits; that if they did make such the affidavits, were wrongly read to them as they did not read them themselves. That he procured subsequently the deposition of said Ames and Gallup proving the reverse, and handed them to one Prindle Esq to forward them to the Pension department. He does not know they were read. He says he is clearly entitled to his pension money, which has been stoped, that he is entitled to a pension of $100, 33 1/3 per month on account of his known service the United States, during the Revolutionary war. That he lives in Plymouth in the county of Chenango in the state of New York.
and that he now resides in the town of Ridgfield County of Trumbull, and state of Ohio, and has resided there for the space of two years past; and that previous thereto he resided in the state of New York at said Plymouth.
Samuel Preston
Sworn to over subscribed this 26 th day of August - A D 1851 before me as witness my hand and official seal. Chas B. Stickney Notary Public

State of Ohio } County of Huron } ss
I Chas B. Stickney a Notary Public within and for the County of Huron State of Ohio do hereby certify that I am now acquainted with Samuel Peabody who this day appeared before me to take the oath of office. in the alternative presence he declared himself to be in the common sense foreign affidavit. and I am also satisfied that the statement made by him in relation to the previous certificate is true: and I do also hereby further certify that his statements are entitled to credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal of Office at Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio, this the 26 th day of August Anno Domini 1851 Chas. B. Stickney Notary Public

Samuel Prentiss
Samuel Prentiss
Claim for arrears of pension for Revolutionary services
Filed Sep. 11. 1857 By F. E. Hassler Washington Dec. 11-1857

State of Ohio County of Hurn { ss
Be it known, that before me - Chas. B. Stickney a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized by Law, to administer oaths personally appeared Samuel Prentiss aged 87 and made oath in due form of law, that he is the same - identical person that no revolutionary pensioner of the United States of America, as by the files and records at the Pension Office in Washington will more fully appear, and that he cannot know of them otherwise than through the said office.
and that he now resides in Hurn County Ohio and has resided there for the space of 60 years past - and that he makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining any arrears of pension that may be due him under the laws of the United States; and that by these presents he does constitute and appoint F. E. HASSLER, of the city of Washington, his true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, with power of substitution for him and in his name, place and stead, to ask and receive of and from the United States, any bounty land, extra pay, pensions, money or moneys that now is or are due him on account of services rendered by him himself ; advances made, property destroyed or taken by the Government, or any claim arising from intercourse between the United States and any foreign nation, and the Indians, disbursements made, or expenses incurred by him while in the service of the United States, or on any account whatsoever, and in his name to give receipts and other sufficient discharges for such bounty land, pensions, patents, claims, and money due as aforesaid, and to attend to and prosecute any and all business of whatsoever nature he may have with or before any of the Departments of the Government or Congress, or any legally established commission of the United States, and, generally, to do any and every other act or acts that he might or could do, were he personally present at the doing thereof, he hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever his said attorney shall do in and about the premises, by virtue hereof.
Signed, sealed and delivered } Two witnesses, in the presence of Chas. B. Stickney J. J. Leavitt
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 26 th day of August 1851. Samuel Prentiss
State of Ohio County of Hurn { ss
On this 26 th day of August - 1851, personally appeared Samuel Prentiss before me, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein contained.
Chas. B. Stickney Notary Public J.P. { SEAL }
AND I HEREBY CERTIFY, that at the same time, personally appeared before me Chas. E. Phillips and Turner Prentiss known to me, to be two credible witnesses, and who being duly sworn, deposes and says, each for himself, that the above named Samuel Prentiss now present, is to their knowledge, the as of the identical person named in the above deposition, and that the said affidavit is correct, as they verily believe; that they are acquainted with the said Samuel Prentiss - and that they are, each, wholly disinterested.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, upon the day and year first above written. Chas. B. Stickney Notary Public

Apr. 9. 1854
State of Ohio Huron County, ss
To the Honorable S. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions for the United States of America.
Samuel Prentiss of the County of Huron and State of Ohio formerly of Herk County New York Says that he has served as a substitute for a Revolutionary Soldier (whose name said Prentiss cannot now recollect) for the term of one year in New London fort - in the State of Connecticut and about three months on board ship off of New London Port in guarding Prisoners. Said Prentiss says that said service was performed in the years A.D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty two and 1783 beginning in the last part of seventeen hundred and Eighty two as said Prentiss believes (though in his first Declaration said Prentiss forth said to have been done in 1781 & 1782) which said Prentiss now believes was an error of one year. Said Prentiss further says that said service in New London fort was performed under one Dery as Lieutenant & under one John Prentiss as Sargent - and on the ship there was no commissioned officers of any grade as said Prentiss now recollects. Said Prentiss further says that his name was never on the roll in New York State (if in any State) for the reason as above stated that he served as a substitute to whose name he answers but which name has long since gone from said Samuel Prentiss, mind so that he cannot recollect it. Said Samuel Prentiss also says that the service rendered by the Samuel Prentiss found on New York Rolls was not done by this Petitioner and was never alleged to have been done by him neither was that said Prentiss of New York Roll ever known to this Petitioner until lately informed by letter of such a person.

Your Petitioner says he is justly entitled to a pension under the Act of Congress Passed June Seventh A.D., 1882 as was allowed by a former Declaration but which was stopped by that in Evidence that in no manner applied to this Petitioner but to an other and different person. This Said Samuel Prentiss therefore asks and prays that his Said Pension be renewed and that he be reinstated on the Pension Roll of the United States And that all evidence tending to show the service of one Samuel Prentiss as per New York Roll for 10 months and 7 days service being inconsistent with this Petitioners former Declaration be set aside so far as it shall has been applied to this Petitioners first Declaration for Pension Also that the Evidence on which this Petitioners first Declaration for Pension was sustained and allowed be taken and held good to sustain & reinstate this Said Samuel Prentiss This Said Samuel Prentiss Says that this Said Samuel Prentiss name could not have been on the New York Roll as the Said Prentiss lived at the time of service near New Souther Connecticut & served in the State of Connecticut and never lived or served in New York State till long after the war viz. till about 1830 and just before his Said Declaration was presented His Your Said Prentiss never knew of an other Prentiss by his name (except a son & nephew both here and young) much less of such an ones name being used to defeat his Claim for Pension until the receipt of a copy of a letter directed to his Attorney William Sadler in Company with one Samuel S. P. Waldo Commissioner & dated March 25 th 1854 & in Company with an other copy

Both of said Copies purporting to be dated at the Pension Office and the 1 st purporting to be dated November 30 th 1852 and directed to J l E l Hopley and the other of date of Jan y . 17 1845 and signed J l S l Leonard & directed to Russell Case Esq r Syracuse N.Y. The fact of which if existing on New York Roll refers to an other and different person and should not defeat this Petitioner of his just due.
This said Samuel Prentiss therefore prays this and his former declaration be held good and the evidence in the Pension Office made to sustain the said first declaration of this Samuel Prentiss be made, & held free of prejudice Also that all the Evidence of the Case of Samuel Prentiss of New York, Roll be not used against this Samuel Prentiss who never lived in New York till 1831 as above stated and never served under any or in any New York Company. This said Samuel Prentiss was born August 26 th 1764 and was about 18 years old when he rendered said service.
Samuel Prentiss
Personally appeared before me Samuel Prentiss who is by me well known to be the signer of the above and under solemn oath says that the facts herein set forth are true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief this 9 th day of April A D 1854
J l F l Burwell Justice Peace

I hereby Certify that the within named John S Burwell is an acting justice of the Peace in and for this County of Harrison and State of Ohio and was so at the time of the within named acknowledgment and also I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Esay Burwell and believe the within signature purporting to be signed by him is his true and genuine signature T. S. Wildman Clerk H. C. P.
April 12, 1854