Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21931, for Thomas Prentis, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Prentis, Thomas
S. 21931
CONTENTS

No. 11.845 Vermont
Thomas Prentis
Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Bingham of the Regt. commanded by Col. Latimer in the Conn. troops for 8 months Private $22.66
Enscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 22 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of July 1833 and sent to C. Coolidge Windsor Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 45.32 Penst. allowance ending Sep. 1833 11.33 $56.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book E. Vol. 3 Page 83

Declaration of Thomas Prentice
State of Vermont County of Windsor } ss. . . . District of Windsor ss.
On this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont in open court, Thomas Prentice a resident of Weathersfield in the County (and District) of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Seventy three 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 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six with Captain Elijah Bingham, in the Regiment of Col. .. Sheldon of the Connecticut line under the following named officers;
That at New London in the State of Connecticut, in May (as the declarant believes) 1776 he enlisted, for six months into the company of Capt. Elijah Bingham, in the Regiment of Col. — Sheldon, Brig. Gen. Wadsworth — Jonathan Lattimer was the Lieut. Col. of the regiment, Lieut. — Wade was the adjutant, and was also of the declarant's company as it seems to his recollection; he thinks the company had two Lieutenants, but cannot be positive, he knows that William Raymond was a Lieutenant in his company — After he enlisted, the company collected at the Captain's house in Lyme — thence he went on board a vessel and

Declaration of Thomas Prentice
State of Vermont County of Windsor } ss. . . . District of Windsor ss.
On this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont in open court, Thomas Prentice a resident of Weathersfield in the County (and District) of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Twenty three 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 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six with Captain Elijah Bingham, in the Regiment of Col. .. Sheldon of the Connecticut line under the following named officers;
That at New London in the State of Connecticut, in May (as the declarant believes) 1776 he enlisted, for six months into the company of Capt. Elijah Bingham, in the Regiment of Col. — Sheldon, Brig. Gen. Wadsworth — Jonathan Lattimer was the Lieut. Col. of the regiment, Lieut. — Wade was the adjutant, and was also of the declarant's company as it seems to his recollection; he thinks the company had two Lieutenants, but cannot be positive, he knows that William Raymond was a Lieutenant in his company — After he enlisted, the company collected at the Captain's house in Lyme — thence he went on board a vessel and

up the sound to the City of New York, there remained and quartered near the south end of Broadway, in either Queen Street or Green Street or some Street of similar name and sound until they were marched on to Long Island where, though not personally engaged he was in full sight of the battle — thence he returned to New York to his old quarters. When after this the British came across East River to York Island, his Regiment and another, lay in intrenchments near East River directly opposite the ships that covered their landing and the British landed above where he was or towards Kingsbridge, orders were given to retreat and they retreated back over a rise of ground into a hollow and formed — then marched up a short distance into an orchard and there met the Hessian who took their Col. also the Brig. Major, who after he was taken cried out to them to retreat — they retreated, and the Hessian, who had been shaking hands with them before this, then fired on them. They went to Harlem heights and there halted a few days, when there was a small engagement for some misconduct in which a Sergeant Leffingwell was condemned and brought to be shot, but reprieved by Genl. Washington — While at Harlem he was, with six or seven others, called before the General officers, and examined as to the affair in the orchard with the Hessian, and about the conduct of Genl. Wadsworth of their Brigade — From Harlem he marched to White Plains, where there was a battle; he was not in the battle but was on an eminence and saw it — From White Plains the Regiment (now under Col. Latimer) went to Sarrytown, or Sing Sing to bring away some cattle &c. and they drove them away in the night lest a British ship lying in the River should get them — While there 5 or 6 of the men went into a house and found there a man sick of small pox, and having been exposed the men were sent to Stamford in Connecticut where they were put under care of a physician and

-ford in Connecticut, where they were put under care of a physician and
dicted, but none of them had it, and while there his company came along all discharged and he joined them and came home which was in November, as he thinks.
The said Thomas Prentice further says that at New London Connecticut in the year 1777, Connecticut was called upon for two Regiments, for two months to go to the Northern Army; some time in August, he was drafted and went into the Regiment of Col. Jonathan Latimer of New London the same under whom he served the year before, in the company of Capt. Caulkins, other officers he does not recollect - he marched to Greenbush New York - thence through Troy and Lansingburgh, and crossed to Stillwater, but at what place on the river he does not remember. He was in hearing of the cannon in the first action, first part of September, but did not reach the place until it was over - The rest of his Regiment was there before and in action - In October when the 2 d battle was, his Regiment was marched out in the morning of the day before and lay out in the woods (an ash swamp) all night - where they were not allowed to speak, and had nothing to eat - They did not get back til 10 o'clock on the day of the battle, and went to cooking victuals - for the rest of the day, one regiment after another was called on to reinforce; his Regiment was the last called for, but night had come on and the battle ceased - by dawn (next day) his Regiment was the first to pursue - crossed over the field of action, and the dead lay over the ground stripped - They were then ordered up Schylers River, to the west of Saratoga, above Schylers Mills there they lay during the cessation of arms until the capitulation when the Regiment marched down to the main street near Schylers Mills and then the British

Army marched out and laid down arms in the meadow north side of Schylers River — Then ordered to Albany to pursue on to reach Genl. Clinton and afterwards went part of us by land and part of us by water, to the place (Esopus I think) where Gen. Clinton burnt the buildings — where we were discharged or dismissed and went home — having served our two months. He has no documentary evidence, nor any witness to testify to his service, except as hereto annexed — His exact age was 72 years on the 19 th January 1832 —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State —
Thomas Prentis
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day, and year aforesaid.
Jabez Proctor Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
Jabez Proctor Judge
I Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court within and for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Prentis for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this thirtieth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Reuben Washburn. —

9710 Thomas Prentice
admitted 8 mo Private. $ 22.66
Carlos Coolidge Windsor Vermont 3

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Prentice County of Windsor in the State of Vermont (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? in Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 73
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. As a Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     May In 1776 6 Private Gen. Wadsworth. Capt. Elijah Bingham. Col.   August 1777 2 Private Sheldahl. Col. Latimer. Col. Jonathan Latimer Capt. Calkins  
5. In what battles was he engaged? None
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? New London Connecticut
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional and living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Saml. North Examining Clerk.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. I. 21931.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
July 14th, 1899.
Sir:-
In response to your recent communication you are advised that Thomas Prentis made an application for pension on July 30, 1832, at which time he was 73 years of age and residing at Weathersfield, Vermont, and his pension was allowed for eight months' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at New London, Conn., and served under Capt. Bingham and Col. Latimer.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Jesse Miner,
Waterbury, Conn.
c/o Citizens' National Bank.

I Olive Billings wife of John Billings of Royallton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of the age of Seventy Eight testify and say that I lived in the north Parish of New London in the State of Connecticut now called Montville Montville, in August 1777. I was knowing that Thomas Prentis was drafted to go into the army and that his master Captain Nathaniel Cornstock with whom he lived to learn the Tanners & Shoe Makers trade was very mad at his going, but said Prentis went and said Cornstock told him not to return to his employ again My Brother Jeremiah Noble who now is dead went with said Prentis in the same company I was living in said Cornstock's house when they were drafted and went. Olive Billings
State of Vermont ss
Windsor County ss Royallton July 24 th 1832
Personally appeared Olive Billings, the signer as above and solemnly affirmed to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed
Before Ol. Billings Justice of the Peace

I Jacob Collamer of Royalton in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I am and for many years have been personally acquainted with Olive Billings the foregoing deponent and say she is a person of truth & a credible witness.
State of Vermont Royalton July 28 th AD 1832 Windsor County ss. Personally appeared Jacob Collamer of said Royalton and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him signed. Before Col. Billings Justice of the Peace
John H. Allen Billings Attorney for Thomas Smith
State of Vermont Windsor County ss
Woodstock County Clerk's Office 24 th August 1832 I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court do hereby certify that Col Billings is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County and that the above & foregoing signatures are his - In Testimony whereof I here to subscribe my name & affix the seal of said Court, the day & year last above.
Benj in Swan

I John Billings of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of the age of Eighty years testify and say, that in August 17777 I lived in the dwelling house of Captain Nathaniel Cornstock in the north Part of New London in the state of Connecticut now called Montville, and was then well acquainted with Thomas Prentis who lived with said Cornstock to learn the trade of a Tanner and Shoe Maker, Said Prentis is now present at my giving this Deposition. At the time before mentioned I was personally knowing that said Prentis was drafted to serve two months in the company commanded by Capt Thompson of said New London otherwise Montville. The said Prentis was ready to perform the service but Capt Cornstock wished him to stay at home and he would hire a substitute if it cost a hundred Dollars, but said Prentis insisted upon going, and did go contrary to the wishes of said Cornstock and with a declaration to not return again to his service. I had a brother in law, (that is, my present wife's Brother) Jeremiah Noble now dead and gone who went out at the same time and in the same company, who has told me that they served the above time out and I have no doubt the service was faithfully performed the time before specified. John Billings
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss Royalton July 24. 1832
Personally appeared John Billings the signer of the above and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before Col Billings Justice of the Peace

I Jacob Collamer of Royalton in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont of lawful age do hereby depose and say that I am personally acquainted with John Billings the foregoing deponent and say that he is a person of truth & veracity & is a credible witness - Jacob Collamer
State of Vermont, Royalton July 28. 1832 Windsor County ss, Personally appeared Jacob Collamer of R. Royalton and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him signed before -
Chas Billings Justice of the Peace
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

F. J. KINGSBURY, PRESIDENT.
791.
F. L. CURTISS, CASHIER.
CAPITAL $300,000.
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK,
WATERBURY, CONN., June 2 - 1899
Dr Sir: —
Kindly oblige me with the Revolutionary record of Thomas Prentiss, who enlisted from Mass, — or Vermont, and who is in the Pension list of 1840. I should esteem it a favor for a copy of his application, —
Very truly yours,
Jesse Minor.

Resolution
21931 INVALID.
is to
File No. 21,931
Thomas Prentiss
Rev. Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1821
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 327
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 14 '99 Jesse Minor Waterbury Conn
Feb'y 4, 1904, to Mrs. Ino. C. Mack Newton Kas
1916 Feb. 23. Hist. to Katharine L. Prentiss letter in S. 5949 Samuel Prentiss. *

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Prentice a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( or his widow's ) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
S. 21,931
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1776 6 mos. Elijah Bingham Selden Latimer Conn.   Aug. 1777 2 mos. Calkine  
Battles engaged in, none. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enl. at New London, Conn. Date of application for pension, July 30, 1832. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Weathersfield, Windsor Co., Vt. Age at date of application, 72 on Jan'y 19, 1832. Remarks: No family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.