Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,563, for Elisha Prentice, Connecticut

SERVICE
Conn.
Prentice, Elisha
NUMBER
S. 15563
carded
CONTENTS

Let to Hon. A. S. Judson. 30 December 1835
130300
Wm. Lloyd
Elisha P. Pritchett
of the State of who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Morgan of the Conn. by in the line for six months private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Dec 1835 and sent to Hon. N. Barber H. R. Stanton
Arrears to the 4th of March 33 $80 — Sem. ant. allowance ending Sept 10 —
$91 —
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk, Book 82 Vol. 3 Page 34

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of Connecticut
County of New London & City of Norwich.
On this 27 th day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court of the District of Norwich Present John Hyde Esq. Judge now sitting Elisha Prentice now residing in the Town of Griswold (formerly Preston) in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, aged Sixty seven years on the last day of August 1831. 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. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the year 1779 in the month of May of that year, and in the early part of the month (the precise day not being recollected) he was living with Mr Wheeler Coit in the Town of Preston, County of New London & State of Connecticut, and enlisted under Captain James Morgan of said Preston of the Connecticut Militia, as a Minute man & volunteer to repair to & guard the coast at & near New London; that he thinks the Regiment was commanded by Col. Samuel M c Clellan, but does not recollect who commanded the Brigade - that some time in said month of May 1779, he was ordered to Fort Griswold by Capt. Morgan, it being expected that the Fort

or New London would be attacked by the British fleet then supposed to be off New London Harbour, & that the object of this enlistment was to protect the seaboard. That he remained in Groton Fort so long as the alarm continued, being as near as he recollects, from a week to a fortnight, and then returned to Preston the distance being twenty miles — That in about three weeks, he was ordered to Groton Fort again, on an alarm — and went and remained there about a week, and the alarm being over returned again to Preston. That in this manner he was ordered out into actual service every few weeks, that he & the other members of the company to which he belonged, were ordered to sen  sen  at  at a place appointed March, whenever three guns were fired at Groton Fort in quick succession & repeated three several times — That they did so assemble at the parade ground near the meeting house in Preston & repaired on horse back as speedily as possible to Groton, when such guns were heard. It was said afterwards when Arnold attacked New London, that he fired guns in the same man- ner to prevent the alarm in the country & prevent assistance from being afforded — This state of things continued, until the month of June 1781. That a small portion of this time he was at New London, and also was once marched from Groton to Stonington a distance of fourteen miles, and was during the whole time under Capt. Morgan. That the longest period he was out at any time was about two months, in the months of August, September & October 1779, at which time he was at Groton Fort — that the alarms were frequent on that part of the coast, and he thinks he was never absent but turned out & marched to the coast at every alarm from May 1779, to June 1781. and it is impossible to state the actual period of his service more particularly.

That the period for which he enlisted was so long as he continued to live within the bounds of the company, that on enlisting he received five dollars bounty. That he served as a private - that his Regiment was the 8 th to the best of his recollection, but the number of the company he does not recollect. That he thinks Col. Ledyard commanded in Groton Fort most, or all the time this applicant was there. That Capt. Morgan was there an elderly man & is long since dead. He recollects no officer in the regiment that is now living - That in the latter part of June 1781, he enlisted under Captain Joseph Carew, of Norwich, County of New London aforesaid, for the term of three months to go to West Point as a private soldier, and immediately marched to West Point with the company under Capt. Carew, and remained there at the North Barracks about half a mile North of the Grand parade till his time expired, when he took his discharge & returned home to Preston. That while at West Point, they were under continental orders, but who commanded the regiment to which Capt. Carew's company belonged, he does not recollect. That on the 27 th of September 1781, a few days after his return from West Point, he served under Capt. Eliezer Prentice in Col. M c Clellan's Regiment of the Connecticut Militia for the term of two months as a private in Groton Fort - that for this last period of service he was drafted. That he has no documentary evidence of his service before stated, except that

as to the last period, there is in the possession of Frederick Prentice of Norwich Landing an original Roll of Capt. Elisha Prentice's Company, 2 of this applicant's service - That he was born in Preston aforesaid) - that he was born the 30 th day of August A.D. 1754 and that his birth is re- corded in the Records of the Town of Preston afo- resaid; a certificate whereof is herewith annexed under the hand of the Town Clerk of said Preston, keeper of the records: That he has once since resided in Preston aforesaid: That at West point he received a written discharge which he has lost and has received no other discharge in writing That he is known in the neighborhood where he lives to the Reverend Spafford D. Jewett the Nearest Clergyman to his residence and to Thomas Stewart Esquire Doctor Bishop Tyler the principal Clergyman of said town of Griswold, who will testify to his character for veracity & to their belief in his having been a Revolutionary Soldier. That while at West Point he heard of the Attack on New London by Arnold & the Massacre at Fort Griswold in Groton. That while at West Point the Main Army under the Command of Gen. Washington crossed the North River from the East Side side, on their way to the South, as was afterwards ascertained - That he did not hear of the Capture of Cornwallis till after his return from West point & After he was drafted into Capt. Prentice's Company - At West Point he remembers to have seen General Washington for the first time

That he was in no battle - That he enlisted under Capt. Bearew at Norwich aforesaid & marched from thence to West Point through the towns of Lebanon, Hartford, Litchfield and many others not now recollected.
That he knows of no testimony which he can procure as to his services except that which accompanies this application.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any Pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Elisha Mentrue
Before me John Hyde Judge

We Spafford D. Grewett a clergyman residing in Griswold, and Thomas Stewart residing in the same, in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Captain Elisha Prentiss who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing Declaration; that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighbour- hood where he resides to have been a follower of the Revolution; and that we concur in that opinion,
S. D. Grewett. Thomas Stewart
Sworn & subscribed this 27 th day of August 1832.
Before me John Hyde
Judge of Probate
I certify that Pious S. D. Grewett & Thomas Stewart by above named are credible witnesses

Phillip Dyer of the Town of Greenwood in the County of Sack- Sack and State of Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby say that Elisha Prentice at May Term in 1779 at Preston in said County turned out as a volunteer so long as he remained in Capt. James Morgan's Compa- -ny, I was with said Elisha Prentice on alarm at Stony- -ton Point in the same year, I was afterwards at Newbedford on alarm with said Elisha Prentice, Subse- -quently knew of his being called out on alarm for more than two years. The said Prentice afterwards became Captain of a Militia Company in said Preston, I have known Capt. Prentice from his infancy, and know him to be the same man that I have disposed of. His char- -acter is that of an honest and industrious man. I have always resided in the same Town with Capt. Prentice and in the same Company. In 1780 in the sum- -mer season we were often called to Groton and New Bed- -ford on alarms, the British often made their appearance off the harbor, I believe the minutemen of which Capt. Prentice was one and the Militia were stationed at one time for about two months the minutemen were sometimes called when the Militia were not. In the month of June 1781 if I mistake not the said Elisha Prentice resided in the Capt. Joseph Loomis of Norwich on a three months alarm to West Point, what make me remember I was drafted myself to go to Horn Brook about the same time and further the Deposition says not
Dated at Greenwood July 28 th 1832 Sworn & subscribed in open court Before me
Phillip Dyer
John Slyde Judge

57 2 1/2 I certify that Philip Olin within one year has been a credible witness -

State of Connecticut ss City of Norwich
On this 24 th day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared Frederick Prentice residing in Norwich aforesaid who being duly sworn deposes and says that he is grandson of Captain Elisha Prentice late of that part of the Town of Preston, New London County in said State, which is now the Town of Griswold; that his said grandfather & his father are both dead; that this deponent has in his possession a paper, in the hand writing of his said grandfather & found among his papers, which purports to be & is entitled "A Pay Roll of Capt. Elisha Prentice company in Col Samuel M c Clellan's Regiment of Militia, State of Connecticut" - that the name of Elisha Prentice is on the same as a Private as having joined the Company Sept 27 th and been discharged November 25 th - that the No year is named - and said Pay Roll, which he presumes to be a copy has no signature - that he retains the same in his possession as there are the names of other persons on it and further the deponent saith not
Frederick Prentice
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid I certify that Frederick Prentice above named is a credible witness Before me John Hyde Judge of the Court of Probate
Preston July 23 rd D 1832
This may certify that Elisha Prentice Son of Elisha Prentice was born the 30 th day of August D 1764 as appears from record
Attest Charles Meach Brown Clerk

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 it appears to them that Spofford D Jewett who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Hinsdale, County of New London, State of Connecticut and that Andrew Ciger Thomas Stewart Esq who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place, a respectable a Justice of the Peace for New London County physician, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Burrill Lathrop clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Eliza Prentice for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 27 th day of August A.D. 1832
Burrill Lathrop Clerk

Connecticut
Rev Oct 7 June 1832
Elisha Prentice
Rejected
Letter to
Hon Noyes Barber
Nov 15th 1833
1st Hon N. Barber 18 June 1834 — let Hyde 2 April 1835 " " " 6 May 1835

P
15563
INVALID.
File No. 15563
Elishe Prentice
Pr. Rev. Wm
Act: June 7" 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 303
[Arrangement of 1870.]

15363 Elisha Prentice bound in
No 17448
Abner Green
5563

Norwich March 18 th 1835.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir. Herewith you have, additions, explanations and more proof respecting the application of Capt. Elisha Prentice for a Pension. He does not know that he can obtain any more, but if this should not be satisfactory, you will be good enough to inform me, and he will make trial to obtain it, he rendered the service & feels that he ought to have his pension. If found correct please send the certificate to me.
Respectfully Yours. &c,
John P. Lyde

War Department Pension Office Nov 15 th 1833
Sir
The claim of Elisha Prentice to a pension has been examined. He alleges that he was born in August 1764 and that in May 1779 he enlisted as a minute man under Capt Morgan for a period so long as he should continue to live within the bounds of the company and was called out on various alarms from May 1779 to June 1781 and that it is impossible to state his actual service during that period particularly. The only other services contained in his declaration is three months under Capt Grew and two months under Capt Prentice. As his service under Capt Morgan is most evidently of a character which does not come within the act, the company not being embodied and called into actual service by the proper authority, this claim must be rejected as five months actual service will not bring him within its provisions. The papers have been placed on file
I am respectfully Your Obedient Servant J. L. Edwards
Hon Woyes Barber Groton Conn

War Department Pension Office January 25 th 1834
Sir
On comparing the statement of service in Captain Morgans company made by Elisha Prentice in his original declaration with that set forth in his new declaration it is impossible to reconcile them excepting as to a term of two months in August 1779. which upon either statement it is impossible to allow without further proof. He alleges that Captain Morgan commanded a company of Militia Minute men. How the claimant became a member of such a company before he was 16 years of age requires explanation. In his original declaration he states that he marched at every alarm from May 1779 to June 1781 and served various short terms which it was impossible for him to state particularly except the longest which was for two months in August September and October 1779. Mr Prentice in his new declaration does undertake to particularize that he served during that period, three terms of two months each, and one term of one month. In support of this last statement he produces the deposition of Abner Greene who alleges that he belonged to the same

company of Militia and served in it in 1779 - but states that Nathaniel Herrick was drafted to serve in this company in April 1780 for two months and he served as his substitute and that he was drafted himself in June 1780 for the term of two months, and that in all these services the claimant served with him. Now it is obvious that either the claimant or this witness is entirely mistaken as to the character of the service. If Captain Morgans company was one of Militia minute men who were bound to march at every alarm at a moments warning as the claimant expressly alleges and undertook to prove by Philip Olin, it was not made up of men who were drafted for a definite term at each service as appears by Mr Greens statement. The character of this corps is essential in order to enable a decision to be made upon this claim. If a permanent corps of Minutemen were ordered to be raised, the journals of the council of safety or the state records will shew it, and the payments to this corps, or to the militia in actual service may also be shewn by the books of the pay table. The age of the claimant and the conflicting statements as to this service forbid any allowance for the service under Captain Morgan upon the present papers. The other services only amount to five months and do not of course bring the claim within the act as was pointed out in my letter of the 15 th of November last. The papers are returned to the files. The letter

of John Hyde Esq respecting this case is herewith returned
I have the honor to be Your Obed. Servant J. L. Edwards
Hon N. Barber House of Representatives

Washington Dec. 29. 1835
Sir,
I have not yet received the pension certificate of Elisha Prentiss.
Allow me to enquire if it has been sent to him.
Yours ob t serv t
Andrew J. Jackson

ct. Dec 14 Mr. Attention
J. S. Edwards Esq Com. of Public Washington
Ans. A. P. Gordon H.R.

Washington Dec r 12.
Sir,
You may complete, and forward me the pension certificate of Elisha Prentiss, for 6 m s as stated in your note, of the 8 th inst. Yours ob ly serv t .
Andrew S. Seddon

I David Main of North Stonington in the county aforesaid aged 82 years and upwards a privet soldier & sergeant in the war of the revolution and a prisoner of the united States after being sworn do hereby say that according to the best of my recollection I was drafted as a minuteman in the winter of 1779 to serve at New London Groton bank & at Stonington that I held myself in readiness to march agreeable to the draft. That I was at Groton bank at every alarm in the years 1779 & 1780 & in 1781 I sometimes stayed three or four days at others longer and about the last of July or the last of August 1780 there was an alarm for the militia at New London and were there assembled forthwith at the alarm the militia were employed for about ten days as a fortnight when a part of the militia were discharged and the remainder were kept in service until about the middle of September 1780 I was one of the number who were detained in the service and served at this time at least one and a half months that there was a guard kept up at this place by the militia all of the time during the aforesaid years that Elisha Prentice of Griswold in the county and state aforesaid is now at my house and I have had conversation with him and although I do not particularly recollect his being at New London in 1779 & 1780 and 1781 yet from the conversation which he has related that took place at New London while I was there in the service as a sergeant I believe he was there and served as he has stated; he has related many circumstances

among which was one of Oliver Brown who who could go on to the platform in the Fort and lift one of the carriage wheels of the guns and of the noted bully in the fort by the name of John Davis which could not be thrown by any other in the garrison except David Main to wit my self and of climbing the liberty pole at a certain time and of building or labouring on the redoubt on the north side of Fort Griswold among many other incidences which he related which I know he could not tell unless he had have been there at that time.
I recollect perfectly well that when I was there at said Groton bank there was a Lieutenant there by the name of Asa Partridge but do not recollect what company he belonged To D M
Bishop Tyler's . . . . . Affidavit.
I state —
That I have been well acquainted with Elisha Prentice of Griswold in the town where I reside and have been well acquainted with D Prentice since we were boys together — That Capt James Morgan commanded a Company of Militia in 1799 & 1800 and he also lived near us that Capt Morgan Company was was during the foursaid years frequently been called to Groton Stand and that Elisha Prentice aforesaid was frequently called out during the aforesaid years under Capt Morgan to Groton Bank and that the D Prentice was often gone to Groton on tours of military duty during the years aforesaid but I cannot tell how long he was there

that when the militia were called out they generally repaired to Pauchaug meeting house which was our usual place of rendezvous and would from thence proceed to Grotonbank or where they might be called that my father then lived near the aforesaid meeting house & I lived with him and kept a tavern that I used to see the militia when they were there assembled to march on their several towns of duty
B D
I George Crary of North Stonington in the County of New London an State of Connecticut Aged 74 years a soldier in the war of the revolution after being duly sworn according to Law do testify and say that according to the best of my recollection in the year 1779 I lived in the town of Preston County and State aforesaid and had a brother by the name of George Robert Crary in the same town who enlisted as a private soldier in Col t William Whitney's company of States troops for 6 months & other officers not recollected in the month of May 1779 Col t Whitney's company soon after the enlistment were called to Newport R. I. and their or in that vicinity was in service about 3 months and was then marched to Groton Ct. and on or about the last of August or first of September of said year I took my Brother's place as a substitute in Col t Whitney's Company at Grotonbank and there served and at New London in said company Wm Ledyard always commanded until last of Novm or last of Decemr 1779 making about 3 months that I served for my brother as his substitute.

during this tour of duty I was actually engaged in keeping a guard at the City of New London and at Groton Bank. That I was well acquainted with Capt James Morgan of Preston during his life time. Capt. Morgan commanded a Company of St militia during the revolutionary war that Capt James Morgan's Company was called to Groton Bank about the first of September 1779 and there served two months or until first November of said year. Capt. Morgan's Company was actually engaged at said Groton Bank in the duty of keeping a guard at that place that I am well acquainted with Elisha Prentice of Griswold formerly Preston of said and have been well acquainted with said Prentice ever since a boy that the said said Prentice was at said Groton in said Company commanded at that time by said Capt James Morgan and performed a tour of duty or two months in said company as aforesaid stated to wit from about 1 st of September 1779 to first of Nov 1779 that Elisha Prentice & myself both always lived in the same town and within a few miles of each other until within about 12 years past that when we both lived in Preston of said stated I used to frequently hear the said Prentice tell of being at New London and Groton a number of times as a soldier during the revolutionary war besides the one he performed while I was there that he always used to say that he served seven months & upwards under Capt Morgan besides the many claims he was called there on that Elisha Prentice is now present and I know that he is the same identical Elisha Prentice who served in Capt Morgan's Company as aforesaid and who related in former years his services in Capt Morgan's Company to me as aforesaid stated and I believe the said Prentice to be upwards of 70 years of age — G — C

Oct 11 1861
recto
Free
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Sir
Wotton 20 Nov. 1833.
I have enclose to you the Sticks Particular of Giovanni B. Scapini who claims a pension in Italy due him I desire that you may examine his papers as early as it is convenient to you and furnish me with an answer.
I am Sir with Respect Yours
Joyce H. Scarb
J. L. Edwards Esq. Board of Pensions Washington D.C.

J. Hyde P.M. Norwich Ct.
Capt. Elisha Prentice
Griswold
Ct.

Post office Norwich Ct. April 29 th 1835.
Capt. Elisha Prentice
Dear Sir, I have rec d . from the Comptroller certificates of payments made to Capt. James Morgan in 1779. one for £80,,11,,10. & one for £287,,7,,10.
And to Capt. Joseph Carew for his company at West Point in 1781. for wages £677,,18,,7. subsistence £25,,12,,8. bounty £101,,16,,0. expenses £2,,1,,10. commissions £20,,2,,7. amounting to £827,,11,,8.
And to Capt. Eleazer Prentice in Augt. 1782. £25,,12,,5 & in October 1782. £16,,12,,7.
And I have sent the same to Mr. Edwards retaining a copy yours very respectfully John Hyde

State of Connecticut Comptroller's office Hartford 15 th April 1835
On examination of the books of this office, it appears that on the 9 th day of September 1779 Captain Samuel Morgan received two orders on the treasurer for the amount of two payrolls for his company in service at New-London Farms, one for £80. 11. 10 and the other for £287. 7. 10-
That there appears on the Journal of the Governor & Council of Safety under date of 23 rd July 1781. The following entry (viz) "orders given Select-men of Norwich for six cattle waggon to carry Captain Joseph Carew's company to West-Point, and for provisions to Hartford."
That on the 13 th day of November 1781. Captain Joseph Carew received an order on the treasurer for his company militia to West-Point for wages 677. 18. 7- Subsistence 25. 12. 8- bounty 101. 16. 0- Expenses 2. 1. 10- commissions 20. 2. 7- amounting to £827. 11. 8- which sum was charged to the United States-
That on the 22 nd August 1782 Captain Eleazer Prentice rec d an order on the treasurer for a part payroll his company at Gnoton £25. 12. 5- and on the 16 th October 1782 he rec d an order for the amount payroll company at New-London £16. 12. 7-
Certified by Roger Huntington Comptroller of Public Accounts

to — May 4
FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
NORWICH April 29. CON.
Washington City D. C.

Norwich Ct. April 29 th 1835.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir, On the Rec d . of yours of the 2 d . instant with respect to claim of Capt. Elisha Prentice for a pension under the act of 1832. I addressed the comptroller of this state on the subject and gave him times of service as claimed by Capt. Prentice and under whom & enclose you his certificate.
Yours very respectfully
John Hyde

J. Hyde P.M. Norwich Ct.
Capt. Elisha Prentice
Griswold
Ct.
April 10.

Newick April 10 th 1835.
Capt. Elisha Prentice
Dear Sir, I have received from the Pension office a Letter from Mr. Edwards in which he says "The new declaration conflicts so materially, with his former statements of service in 1779 and 1780, that, before a decision is made upon his claim, it is desirable, that proof from the office of the Comptroller of Public Accounts, be produced, shewing by the charges made on the Books of the Paytable, whether the companies, in which he now claims to have served those years were paid by the state, for actual service, at the several times stated - When this evidence shall be furnished, a re-examination will be made of his papers, which, in the mean time, remain on file."
As soon as you can conveniently call here we will prepare proper enquiries of the comptroller to ascertain the proof wanted. I shew the Letter to Mr. Huntington the comptroller but not being able to specify the different periods of service the search will not be made until we forward a proper statement - It had better be done before the Session of the Legislature as at that time they will have less leisure
Yours respectfully John Gloyde

Correspondence -
FREE
J. Hyde P. M. Norwich Ct.
Capt. Elisha Prentice
Griswold
Ct.

Post Office Norwich May 13 th 1835.
Capt. Elisha Prentice
Dear Sir, I have rec d . a Letter from J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, in which he says.
"It appears, by the Comptrollers certificate from the book of the Pay table that Capt. Morgan's company was called out for very short terms upon alarms in 1779. in accordance with the original declaration of Elisha Prentice - That officer is not shewn, by the certificate to have been in service afterwards.
The several terms of two months service each, stated to have been performed by Mr. Prentice under that officer in his recent declaration, cannot be recognized as actual service within the act of 1832. unless further proof shall be furnished
Three months service under Capt. Carew and two months under Capt. Prentice may be recognized. If Mr. Prentice served in the alarms on which Capt. Morgan's company was ordered out, the actual service may have amounted to a month. - Upon the papers the allowance to which six months service will entitle Mr. Prentice will be granted him. more than this cannot be, unless more satisfactory evidence shall be furnished. The papers remain on file awaiting the expression of the wishes of the claimant, or further proof of actual service
I am respectfully
Your obt st servant
J. L. Edwards"
So you see how the matter stands at the department and as soon as you can make it convenient to give us a call & let us know what you would wish in the premises, we will be ready to give you our assistance
Yours very respectfully
John Hyde
7 under Morgan 3 Capt Carew 2 Capt Prentice 12 Months
his roll is there

Elisha Brewster of Groesbeck in New London County on application for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 personally appeared before me John Hyde Justice of the peace for said County & gave of the bank of Providence to the District of New York who being duly sworn with on his oath made this further declaration in relation to his services during the War of the Revolution - That the whole of the service which he performed was as a private soldier - that all the service which he performed prior to the month of March 1781 was in a company of Militia of which James Morgan of Preston was Captain Asa Partridge Lieutenant & Benjamin Morgan ensign that Samuel McMillan Esq was Colonel & commander of the Regiment but while he was on duty in the fort (he was under Lieut. Sedgwick who was shot at Groton prior to that massacre) that the second service was as stated in his Declaration was informed under the command of Captain Joseph Crary of Norwich of which company Joseph Sheldon was Lieutenant Samuel Ellis ensign we marched to West point & served three months & then moved principally in guarding points upon Hudson River & never having joined the Grand Army our company was much affected with sickness having lost according to my best recollection about thirty seven of our number in that short period by sickness - That after his return from West point he was drafted from the Militia & served at New London & Groton about two months - the company in which he served was commanded by Capt. Elisha Brewster - Lieut. Gallup and and Sarah Miller was ensign - Col Sedgwick at the

has been killed by Col. Samuel Mitchell common law the Argument to which he belonged Elisha Prentice Subscribed Sworn this 28 th Day of October 1783.
Before me John Hyde Justice of the Peace & Judge of the court of Probate
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace for New London County who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that by reason of age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades - for one year, eight Months & twenty two days as a private & for such service I claim a pension.
Elisha Prentice
Subscribed
Sworn this 28 th Day of October 1783
Before me John Hyde
Justice of the Peace for New London County and Judge of the court of Probate for the District of Norwich

Elisha Preston
adm d
6 m o p m
20 th
Send the Pension Certificate to
John H. Hyde
Strickland
N. Barlow
H. R.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Connecticut ss Court of Probate District of Norwich.
On this first day of January A. D. 1834. personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the state of Connecticut now sitting present John Hyde Esq. Judge holding said court Elisha Prentice a resident of Griswold in the county of New London and state aforesaid aged sixty nine 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 under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
In the month of August 1779, he entered into the service at said Preston as a private soldier in the company of Captain James Morgan of said Preston of which company Asa Partridge was Lieutenant & Benjamin Morgan was Ensign & to which company the declarant belonged and said company was ordered out and met at the green in front of Pachaug meeting house in said Preston (then now Griswold) that from thence we were marched to Groton & stationed at Fort Griswold and were continued in military duty there doing garrison duty for two months and in the month of October of the same year were dismissed & went home to said Preston Col o Samuel M c Clellan & Col o Ledyard were both in command there at that time he was under the particular command of Col o Ledyard. as he cannot state the precise day that this service commenced or ended yet he does not hesitate to say positively that this tour was full two months
Soon after that, but as to the precise day he cannot state positively, but believes it to have been some of the last days of October, but it might have been some of the first days of November of the same year 1779. he marched again in the same company & under the same officers to the same Fort

and remained there a while, some where between two and three weeks, having been ordered in consequence of a British Fleet being in the Sound, but the Fleet having sailed Eastward we were marched to Stonington Point about fourteen miles from Groton Fort where we remained about a week as near as he can recollect and the said Fleet were in sight for a while and after it had disappeared and as was supposed gone off, we were then marched back to the Fort in Groton and soon after we were dismissed & returned home having served in this tour the full term of one month and the declarant believes it to have been about the first of December 1779, when he arrived home as aforesaid it might have been a day or two before or a day or two after, but he has no hesitancy in saying positively that he served at this time the full term of one month. Col d Ledyard & Col d M c Clellan were both in command at the time.
And he further declares that in the month of April 1780, he again went into said Fort Griswold and served a term of two months under the same Capt. Morgan, and was dismissed and returned home.
And in June of the same year 1780, he was again called to said Fort under the same Capt. Morgan, & served another term of two months and was then dismissed & went home to said Preston, and in all his services aforesaid he served as a private soldier, and Col d Ledyard commanded at said Fort all the time. He knows of no person living that can testify to the foregoing services except Abner Green whose deposition he has obtained and would also refer to Philip Olin's deposition to the same services accompanying his declaration of the 20 th of July 1832, on file in the war department, the said Olin being now dead.
That in the latter part of June 1781, he enlisted at Norwich as a private soldier into a company of

State Troops commanded by Capt. Joseph Carew of said Norwich of which company Sheldon was Lieutenant & Callis was Ensign, their christian names not recollected, for the term of three months, and marched from Norwich to Lebanon, to Hartford, to Litchfield, to Bulls Bridge and so on to West Point on the North River in the state of New York, where we were stationed in Barracks about half a mile north of the Grand Parade, till his time expired, when he was discharged by a written discharge, but which is lost & cannot now be found while he was stationed at said West Point as aforesaid in the month of August as near as he can recollect, four boats were sent down the North River loaded with fatigue tools, pick axes, crow bars &c. & he the declarant went in one of said boats, and while down there he saw Genl. Washington for the first time, he crossed the North River with his Army to go to the South, we returned up the River to our station. He recollects perfectly of being informed by Capt. Carew while at West Point, of the massacre at Croton Fort, & the burning of New London and when he had served out the term of three months as aforesaid the greater part of Capt. Carew's company were sick with the camp distemper & if he mistakes not thirty seven of the company died there with said disorder he has taken much pains to find some one living that was in said company at the time, but he believes that all are dead excepting himself and he is unable to procure any more or other proof of this service & he is unable to state more particulars of the officers he was young at that time, and it was a great while ago, but he is confident that he served the full term of three months, it being the time he had enlisted for.

That on the 27 th day of September 1782, he was drafted for a tour of duty in said Groton Fort for the term of two months and served the same as waiter to Ensign Josiah Witter in Capt. Ebenezer Prentice's company in Col. M c lellan's Regiment, as will appear by the pay roll, recently forwarded to the department, with the declaration of Doct. Bishop Tyler of said Griswold. He can give no more proof of this service, than said Tyler's deposition & the pay roll as aforesaid.
He was born in Preston August 30 th 1764, as will appear by the certificate of the town clerk of said Preston herewith sent. He has always lived in the same place where he was born and lives there now it being now Griswold. His four first terms of service were under Captain Morgan, he was an enlisted soldier of said company and the whole company went but whether they were drafted or went as volunteers he does not know, in his fifth tour under Capt. Carew he was an enlisted soldier, and in his sixth and last tour he was drafted & served under Capt. Prentice.
He answers to the fifth interrogatory, that he can state no more circumstances or particulars than what he has already done. He received a written discharge at West Point, but it has been lost a great many years. He is acquainted with the Rev. Spafford D. Jewett & the Hon. Alexander Stewart, both of said Griswold who can & have testified as to his character & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
He claims to have served seven months, in four different tours, under Capt. James Morgan, three months under Capt. Joseph Carew & two months under Captain Ebenezer Prentice making in the whole the term of twelve months or one year for which he claims a pension.
He rendered other services of short terms, being

He rendered other services of short terms, being
called out by alarms, which he detailed in his former declaration, but for which he now makes no substantive claim. and he knows of no more proof of his said services but what he hereby adduces.
He hereby 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
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Abraham Prentice
Before me
John Hyde
Judge of the Court of Probate

We Spafford D. Jewett, a clergyman, residing in the town of Griswold in the county of New London & state of Connecticut, and Alexander Stewart residing in the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Captain Elisha Prentice, who has subscribed and sworn to the above & foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; and 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.
S. D. Jewett,
Alexander Stewart.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Before me John Hyde
Judge of the Court of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above & foregoing named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Rev. S. D. Jewett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Griswold in the county of New London & state of Connecticut, & that the Hon. Alexander Stewart who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place and is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Burrel Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Elisha Prentice for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court this first day of January Anno Domini 1834.
Burrel Lathrop Clerk

This may certify that Elisha Prentiss was Born August 30 th 1764 in the Town of Preston and State of Connecticut as appears from Record
Preston January 1 st 1834
Attest Henry Husbands Town Clerk

We Spafford D. Jewett, a clergyman, residing in the town of Griswold in the county of New London & state of Connecticut, and Alexander Stewart residing in the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Captain Elisha Prentice, who has subscribed and sworn to the above & foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; and 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.
S D. Jewett
Alexander Stewart
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Before me John Hyde
Judge of the Court of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above & foregoing named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Rev. S. D. Jewett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Griswold in the county of New London & state of Connecticut, & that the Hon. Alexander Stewart who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place and is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Burrel Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Elisha Prentice for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of this Court this first day of January Anno Domini 1834.
Burrel Lathrop Clerk

called out by alarms, which he detailed in his former declaration, but for which he now makes no substantive claim. and he knows of no more proof of his said services but what he hereby adduces.
He hereby 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
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Phoebe Prentice
Before me
John Hyde
Judge of the Court of Probate

That on the 27 th day of September 1782, he was drafted for a tour of duty in said Groton Fort for the term of two months and served the same as waiter to Ensign Josiah Witter in Capt. Ebenezer Prentice's company in Col. M c Clellan's Regiment, as will appear by the pay roll, recently forwarded to the department, with the declaration of Doct. Bishop Tyler of said Griswold. He can give no more proof of this service, than said Tyler's deposition & the pay roll as aforesaid.
He was born in Preston August 30 th 1764, as will appear by the certificate of the town clerk of said Preston herewith sent. He has always lived in the same place where he was born, and lives there now it being now Griswold. His four first terms of service were under Captain Morgan, he was an enlisted soldier of said company and the whole company went but whether they were drafted or went as volunteers he does not know, in his fifth tour under Capt. Carew he was an enlisted soldier, and in his sixth and last tour he was drafted & served under Capt. Prentice.
He answers to the fifth interrogatory, that he can state no more circumstances or particulars than what he has already done. He received a written discharge at West Point, but it has been lost a great many years. He is acquainted with the Rev. Spafford D. Jewett & the Hon. Alexander Stewart, both of said Griswold who can & have testified as to his character & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
He claims to have served seven months, in four different tours, under Capt. James Morgan, three months under Capt. Joseph Carew & two months under Captain Ebenezer Prentice making in the whole the term of twelve months or one year for which he claims a pension.
He rendered other services of short terms, being

State Troops commanded by Capt. Joseph Carew of said Norwich of which company Shelden was Lieutenant & Callis was Ensign, their christian names not recollected, for the term of three months, and marched from Norwich to Lebanon, to Hartford, to Litchfield, to Bulls Bridge and so on to West Point on the North River in the state of New York, where we were stationed in Barracks about half a mile north of the Grand Parade, till his time expired, when he was discharged by a written discharge, but which is lost & cannot now be found while he was stationed at said West Point as aforesaid in the month of August as near as he can recollect, four boats were sent down the North River loaded with fatigue tools, pick axes, crow bars &c, & he the declarant went in one of said boats, and while down there he saw Genl. Washington for the first time, he crossed the North River with his Army to go to the South, we returned up the River to our station. He recollects perfectly of being informed by Capt. Carew while at West Point, of the massacre at Croton Fort, & the burning of New London and when he had served out the term of three months as aforesaid the greater part of Capt. Carew's company were sick with the camp distemper & if he mistakes not thirty seven of the company died there with said disorder he has taken much pains to find some one living that was in said company at the time, but he believes that all are dead excepting himself and he is unable to procure any more or other proof of this service & he is unable to state more particulars of the officers he was young at that time, and it was a great while ago, but he is confident that he served the full term of three months, it being the time he had enlisted for.

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Connecticut } County of New London }
On this 17 th day of March A D 1835. Personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut now sitting Elisha Prentice a resident of the Town of Griswold in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged seventy years who first being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration - as an amendment and explanation to his former declaration made before this court on the day of D
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That I entered the service of the United States and served as herein stated.
That in the year 1779 I lived in that part of the Town of Preston (now Griswold) in the County of New London and State of Connecticut and in the fore part of the month of May of said year (I then being in my 16 th year) I enlisted as a private soldier in Capt James Morgan's Company of Lt. Militia St in said Company Asa Partridge & Ensign Benjamin Morgan - Sergeants Daniel Morgan, Elisha Rose & Daniel Bates, and I think John Wheeler Piper, in Col Oliver Smith's Regiment.
Capt Morgan was a man considerable in years when I enlisted
The following are the reasons and the general circumstances of my enlistment. - That at the aforesaid time and place I lived with a Mr Wheeler Coit who was a member of Capt Morgan's Company. That while I lived with Mr. Coit, He was drafted or called out on alarms at New London & Groton Ct -

and I at the request of Mr Coit took his place as a Substitute at two different times at New London & Groton of about one week each. From what little experience I had I liked the business extremely well, and being well acquainted with Capt Morgan he solicited me to as he said " enlist " into his company and hold myself ready to turn out at any alarm and also to stand the term of any draft which might be ordered; as it was at that time very difficult to raise as many militia as was wanted especially to defend Groton & New London which was considered a very dangerous place.
During the aforesaid time I was living with a Mr Wheeler Coit on a verbal contract made between Mr Coit and my Father which was for me to live with Mr Coit, who then lived in the limits of Capt Morgan's company, until I should arrive to the age of 16 years, but my Father did not call me home as I anticipated from said contract and I continued to live or make it my home with Mr Coit until I arrived at the age of 21 years. —
That my enlistment (as I have always called it) into Capt Morgan's company was under the following contract with Capt Morgan (to wit) — That I should hold myself in readiness to march at the shortest notice and when drafts should be made or ordered in said company, to turn out & serve the full term of the drafts without being drafted, to help make up the number which might be required of said company, so long as I should remain with Mr Coit on said contract between him and my Father. —
Zebediah Tanner of West Greenwich in the State of R.I. enlisted at the same time I did at said Preston to serve as long as he should remain in the limits of said company & upon the same contract with Capt Morgan which I made, said Tanner was then engaged to labor for Mr Coit aforesaid at the business of farming for 6 months said Tanner was about my age — Phineas Sats who lived with his Father in the limits.

of said company also enlisted at the same time I did and under the same contract. He was a young man about my age & served as long as I served.
They have both been dead a number of years. That I was called out on alarms soon after I enlisted. In the fore part of May of said year I was called out and continued frequently to be called out on alarms until August 1879. That I then served as follows, That in my former statements on this point and in the officer commands ing the militia at Groton in 1879 & 80 I verily believe I was in part mistaken, and did not know that there was any person then living who served with me in Capt Morgan's company except Mr. Olin who is now dead. I after this learnt that Mr. Almon Green of Canterbury Ct was living who served with me & by conversation with Mr. Green I have had many things brought to my recollection which I had forgotten.
That in the forepart of August 1879 there was a draft for a part of the militia to serve at Groton Bank Ct for 2 months. —
1 st Tom That according to the best of my recollection on or about the 22 d day of August 1879 Capt Morgan's company assembled at Pachaug Meetinghouse so called which was in that part of Preston which is now the Town of Griswold and was the usual place of rendezvous for said company and from said meetinghouse or the Tavern near the meetinghouse, we were immediately marched on the aforesaid day under Capt James Morgan's officers in said company who marched with us St. Cha Partridge, Sergeant Daniel Morgan, Elisha Rose, to Groton Bank aforesaid and was engaged at said place, in keeping guard.
A most of the time during this tour we were engaged in Garrison duty and a part of the time we were engaged in guarding the Eastern shore of the River down round to Stonny Point in said Groton a distance of between one and two miles. —

I was here actually engaged in the service of the United States at least two months, to wit, from on or about the 22 d of August 1779 until on or about the 22 d or 23 d of October 1779 when I was honorably discharged and came home. —
2 d Tour That as near as I can recollect on or about the 10 th of November 1779 There was an alarm at New London & Groton aforesaid & Capt James Morgan's company was Immediately assembled at their usual place of rendezvous and as quick as assembled forthwith Marched to Groton Bank under Capt James Morgan Lt Asa Partridge, Ensign Benjamin Morgan Sergeant Daniel Morgan Daniel Gates & Elisha Rose. We remained at Fort Griswold about 2 weeks in keeping Guard. The British shipping now hauled off to the Eastward and we were ordered to Stonington Point, to which Place we marched and remained about one week and was then Marched Back to Groton Fort, and then remained about one week in keeping guard and was then Honorably Discharged and then returned home, we were here actually engaged as aforesaid stated from on or about the 10 th November to on or about the 10 th or 11 th of December 1779 Making at least one month That I was actually engaged in this Tour of duty. During a part of the time while at Groton aforesaid there was a cannonading kept up. —
3 d Tour of duty That in April and as near as I can recollect on or about the 12 th day in the year 1780, Capt. Morgan's company or those of them, who were drafted, assembled on the aforesaid 12 th day of April 1780, — Together with those who had voluntarily enlisted or agreed to turn out, at any time without being drafted, at our usual Place of rendezvous and I together with the remainder who were assembled immediately Marched under Capt Morgan, officers in sd Company on this Tour, Ensign Benj Morgan — Sergeant Daniel Morgan &

Daniel Gates, To Groton Bank Aforesaid and was there actually engaged in keeping a guard as aforesaid and a part of the time we were employed in building a redoubt upon the north side of Fort Griswold. we were here actually engaged as aforesaid stated from on or about the 12 th of April 1780 to on or about 12 th or 13 th of June 1780 making at least 2 Months we were here actually engaged in this tour of duty and was then Honorably Discharged -
4 th Tour of duty That in the fore part of July 1780 there was a Draft in Capt Morgan Company for a part of them to do a tour of duty of 2 months at Groton Bank aforesaid. That on or about the 15 th of July aforesaid I together with those who had been drafted assembled at our usual place of Rendezvous and immediately marched under Capt Morgan, Ensign I think did not march with us & Lt Partridge went Sgts Daniel Gates Daniel Morgan & Elisha Rose - To Groton Bank aforesaid and was there and along the shore actually engaged in keeping a guard upon the Eastern side of the River for a considerable distance down the River and round to Stony Point. We quartered at the guard House. British shipping then lay off down the River a short distance part of the time during said tour. And there was some of the time cannonading during this service. I recollect that one night there was a white horse and a Goose killed by a large shot. I was here actually engaged from the aforesaid 15 th of July until on or about the 22 nd September 1780 when I was Honorably discharged I was here actually engaged at least 2 Months or a little upwards in this tour of duty. and making in all the aforesaid tours of duty under Capt Morgan in 1779 & 1780 at least 7 Months actual service, besides the many alarms we were called out on which it is impossible for me to now set forth
That during the aforesaid service at Groton Bank Col Wm Ledyard had the command of the Troops in Garrison under whom we served during the most of the time -

and Col Joshua Huntington the command of the Militia and in my former Declaration I was mistaken in part on this point Col - Maclellan commanded during the last tour of duty I performed at Groton Bank & from this I presume it was that I had the impression that Col McClellan commanded in 1779 & 1780.
In Proof of the aforesaid service I refer to the affidavits of Homer Green of Canterbury who served with me during each tour as aforesaid set forth , and to the affidavits of Capt David Maine, George Crary Doctor Bishop Tyler Simeon Jones.
I had forgotten to state that at one time when on Guard (in my 3 d tour under Capt Morgan), near Stony Point on Groton Shore, there was a man, who was on Guard also by the name of Thomas Brown, found asleep by the side of a very large rock by Sergeant Daniel Morgan the Sergeant of the Guard; and said Brown was court martialled. — Always after this the rock was called "Tommy Rock"
5 th Tour That on the last of June 1781 there was a draft to raise Militia for the defense of West Point and that Capt Morgan notified me that he had to raise a certain number of men from his company (I am not now positive how many but think it was five) and that I was one of the number to march under Capt Carew
That Capt Carew's company assembled at Norwich Green near the Court House on or about the day of June 1781 St. Sheldon and immediately moved from there to Lebanon Ct. Then to Hartford and from Hartford directly to West Point and was there stationed in the North Barracks about half a mile north of the Grand Parade. We were here actually engaged in guarding the western shores on the North River until on or about the day of Sept 1781 making 3 months at least I was here actually engaged during this tour of duty — while here we were under Continental orders, and.

I cannot now recollect who commanded said Regiment —
That on the last of August or in September, I mostly think in September, There were a number of flatbottomed Boats Loaded with Fatigue Tools, consisting in part of Shovels, Peck-axes, spades, Iron-bars, sledges &c. &c. ordered down to Kings bridge, the distance being 10 or 12 miles.
I rowed down one of the boats, and the fatigue tools were landed on the shores near the bridge, When down at Kings Bridge I saw General Washington for the first time I ever saw him in my life.
Soon after we arrived at West Point Thomas Malaby a member of Capt Carew's company deserted and was pursued by corporal Nathanial Kingsbury and 4 Privates. Soldiers, he was overtaken or found in a barn about 10 miles from our quarters. He was found concealed in a mow of hay & was taken back and returned to the Grand Parade and confined there a number of weeks, was then brought out on the Parade and received 99 stripes from the continental Drummer. The same night after he received his punishment he again deserted, and the next morning at roll call was found missing. The Capt. stated to the company that Malaby might probably be taken but thought not best to pursue him, for he said his punishment would be more than he could bear, as he would have to be returned to the grand parade we then being under continental orders.
That while at West Point the company was confined with the camp distemper so called and at some roll calls we could muster not more than 10 or 15 fit for duty out of the whole company consisting of (as near as I can recollect) about one Hundred. Out of said company if I am not mistaken we lost 37 who died with the camp distemper.
I have been to Lebanon where corporal Kingsbury and a number of others resided and to Franklin, to Norwich to Lisbon & to Preston where the

most of the members used to reside and to Rhode Island and can find no person who is now living that served with me under Capt. Cane -
I have made the most diligent search and can't find no person a living - nor hear of any who was in this town at west point
6 th Tom That on the last of September 1782 - I was called to Groton fort under Capt. Eleazer Root by draft of Amos Gallup. At p. Whittier Ensign That on the 27 th Sept aforesaid I joined the company at Groton fort and was there engaged in Garrison duty for the term of Two Months - In Proof of this Tom of duty I refer to the affidavit of Doct. Bishop. Tylar -
Owing to the great length of time elapsed and the consequent loss of memory since I rendered those services to my country I cannot state now any more fully my services than I have done.
Elisha Prentice
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid viz. the 17 th day of March 1835. Before me
John Hoyle Judge of the Court of Probate
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states.
I Burrel Lathrop Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Norwich do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of amendment & explanation of the application of Elisha Prentice for a Pension. And I further certify that Setham Hull, Henry Palmer and William C. Stanton Esquires are Justices of the Peace and that their several signatures are genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of this court this 17 th March 1835.
Burrel Lathrop Clerk

I George Crary of North Stonington in the county of New-London and State of Connecticut aged 74 years and upwards a soldier in the war of the Revolution, after being duly sworn according to Law do testify, and say, That according to the best of my recollection in the year 1779 I lived in the town of Preston County and State aforesaid, and had a brother by the name of Robert Crary living in the same town who enlisted, as a private soldier in Capt. the Whitneys company of the State Troops for 6 Months, (See Miles) other officers not recollected in the month of May 1779.
Capt. Whitneys company was soon after the enlistment called to NewPort R.I. and there or in that vicinity he was in service about 3 Months and was then marched to Groton Ct. and on or about the last of August or first of September of said year I took my Brothers Place as a substitute in said Capt. Whitneys company at said Groton Bank and there served and at NewLondon in said company, Wm Ledyard Esq. Commandant until last of Nov or first of Decemb. 1779 making about 3 months that I served for my Brother as his substitute.
During this time of Duty I was actually engaged in keeping a Guard at the City of NewLondon and at Groton Bank.
That I was well acquainted with Capt. James Morgan of Preston (during his life time). Capt. Morgan commanded a company of the Militia during the Revolutionary war.
That Capt. James Morgans company was called to Groton about the first of Sept 1779 and there served two Months or until first November of said year. Capt. Morgans said company were actually engaged at said Groton Bank in the duty of keeping a guard at said place.
That I am well acquainted with Capt. Elisha Prentice of Griswold formerly Preston aforesaid and have been well acquainted with said Prentice

ever since a boy. That the said Prentice was at said Groton in said company commanded at that time by Capt James Morgan and performed a tour of duty of two months in said company as aforesaid stated. (To wit) from about 1 st Sept 1779 to first Nov. 1779
That the aforesaid Elisha Prentice & myself both always lived in the same town & within a few miles of each other until within about 12 years past.
That when we both lived in Preston aforesaid as aforesaid stated I used to frequently hear the aforesaid Elisha Prentice tell of being at said New London and Groton a number of tours as a soldier during the Revolutionary war besides the one he performed while I was there as aforesaid stated. He always used to say that he served seven months & upwards under Capt James Morgan besides the many alarms he was called there on.
That the said Elisha Prentice is now present and I know him to be the same identical Elisha Prentice who served in Capt James Morgan's company as aforesaid stated, and who related in former years, his services in Capt James Morgan's company to me as aforesaid stated and I believe the said Prentice to be upwards of 70 years of age.
George Crary
State of Connecticut } at North Stonington Nov 29 th 1834 New London County }
Personally appeared Mr George Crary signer to the foregoing affidavit who is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled full credit & belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Latharn Hull Justice of the Peace

I Simeon Jones of Preston County of New London a State of Connecticut aged 72 years and upwards, after being duly sworn do Testify and say, That I was born, "as people tell me" in the town of Preston aforesaid, and have always resided in said town until the present time.
That I was well acquainted with Capt James Morgan of said Town who in 1779 - 1780 & 1781 commanded a company of Militia. That Capt Morgan aforesaid & his company were called out during the aforesaid years many times.
That I am well acquainted with Elisha Prentice of Windham county & state aforesaid and have been well acquainted with s d Prentice since we were boys. That Elisha Prentice aforesaid has formerly told me that he served as a Private soldier under Capt James Morgan at Groton & New London in 1779-1780 That he was there several times. but do not recollect of hearing s d Prentice state until recently how long time he served.
That Capt James Morgan aforesaid was during the revolution a very aged man
Simeon Jones 1-
State of Connecticut } New London County } ss Preston Octobr 28 d 1834
Personally appeared Simeon Jones signer to the above affidavit who is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
Henry Palmer Justice of the peace

State of Connecticut } New London County } I David Maine of North Stonington In the County & State aforesaid aged 82 Years and upwards a private Soldier, and a Sergeant in the war of The Revolution and a Pensioner of The United States, after being duly sworn do Depose and say That according to the best of my recollection I was drafted as a Minuteman in the Winter of 1779. to serve at New London Forton Bank & at Stonington.
That I held myself in readiness to March agreeable to the Draft. That I was at Forton Bank at every alarm in the years 1779 in 1780 & in 1781 I sometimes stayed three or four days, at others longer. And about the last of July or first of August 1780, there was an alarm for the Militia at New London and were there assembled forthwith at the alarm Notice. The militia were here employed for about ten days or a fortnight when a part of the Militia were discharged and the remainder were kept in service until about the middle of Sept 1780. I was one of the number who were retained in the service and served at this time at least one and a half months.
That there was a guard kept up at this place by the Militia all of the time during the aforesaid years.
That Capt Elisha Prentice of Griswold in the County & State aforesaid is now present at my house and I have had conversation with him, and although I do not particularly recollect his being at New London in 1779, 1780, 1781, yet from the circumstances which he has related that took place at New London while I was there in the service as a Sergeant I believe he was there and served as he has stated. He has related many circumstances among which was one of Oliver Brown who would go on to the Platform in the fort and lift one of the carriage wheels of the Guns and of the noted Bully in the fort by

name of John Davis who could not be thrown by any other man in the Pavilion except by David Main (So wit) myself. and of Climbing the Liberty Pole at a certain time, and of Building or laboring on the redoubt on the North side of Fort Griswold among many other incidences which he related, which I know he could not tell unless he had have been there at that time.
I recollect perfectly well that when I was there at said Proton Bank there was a lieutenant there by the name of Ira Partridge, but do not recollect what company he belonged to David Main
State of Connecticut } at S. Stonington November 3 d 1834 County of New London }
Personally appeared Capt David Main signer to the above and foregoing affidavit who is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
— Nathan Hull Justice of the Peace.

I Bishop Dyer of Griswold County of New London and State aforesaid aged 67 years a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, after being duly sworn, do Testify and say, that in the year 1781 I lived in that part of the town of Preston which is now Griswold and have always resided there in sa Preston & Griswold
That I entered the service of the United States and served as follows as a private soldier
That I enlisted in the service of the United States about the first of March 1781 under Capt Charles Miles, Nicholas Keigwin Lt. Lewis Hewett Ensign and joined the company at Preston Ct. and Marched by way of New Haven and there joined the Regiment.
Then marched to Horse Neck, to White Plains & there remained in service until the term of my Enlistment expired. I was discharged about 1 st March 1782 — That in April and May 1782 I performed a tour of duty at Fort Griswold Ct. of two months under Capt Cobb.
That the next tour was at Groton Ct in the year 1782 There was a draft in Capt Morgan's company of Ct Militia. Some time in the latter part of Sept. of said year. That Barton Cook was drafted from said company and he hired me to be his substitute. The draft was for two months. I joined Capt Elisha Prentiss company of drafted militia Lt Amos Guller Ensign John Witter at Fort Griswold in the town of Groton and was there stationed and actually engaged in guarding that place the full term of two months and was then discharged and came home.
That I am well acquainted with Elisha Prentiss of Griswold in the same town where I resided and have been well acquainted with said Prentiss since we were boys together

That Capt James Morgan Commanded a company of Militia in 1779, 1780. and he also lived near us
That Capt Morgans company was During the aforesaid years, frequently called to Groton Ct and that Elisha Prentiss aforesaid was frequently called out during the aforesaid years under Capt Morgan to Groton Bank and that the said Prentiss was often gone to Groton on military duty during the years aforesaid, but I cannot tell how long he was there.
That when the militia were called out they generally repaired to Pachaug Meeting House which was our usual place of rendezvous and would form their march to Groton Bank or wherever they might be called. — That My father then lived near the aforesaid Meeting House (I lived with him) and kept a Tavern. That I used to see the Militia when they were there assembled to march on their several tours of duty
That during My last tour of duty Elisha Prentiss aforesaid was then with me and served under Capt Elisha Prentiss as aforesaid stated during the whole time I served which was Two Months
That since the Revolutionary war Elisha Prentiss aforesaid has commanded the same company as Captain which Capt James Morgan aforesaid commanded during 1779, 1780, & 1781. The aforesaid named Elisha Prentiss is the same Elisha Prentiss who served as above stated B. W. H. S. J. S.

State of Connecticut } at Griswold Dec. 1 st 1834 New London County }
Personally appeared Doctor Bishop Tyler signer to the foregoing affidavit who is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace

I Abner Green of Canterbury in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 78 years & upwards a Soldier in the Revolutionary war and a pensioner of the United States, after being cautioned and sworn according to law do depose and say, That according to the best of my recollection I entered the service of the United States and served as follows. That from recent conversation with those who served with me I have had my memory refreshed, and by telling the circumstances, which happened during my service, to others, I think I can state my services more fully than I have done formerly.
That in the year 1779 I lived in that part of Preston which is now the town of Griswold and belonged as a Private Soldier to a Company of the State Militia commanded by Capt James Morgan.
That sometime in the forepart of August 1779 I was drafted to do a tour of duty of two months at Groton Bank & in the town of Groton. — That on or about the 21 st or 22 nd day of August aforesaid Capt Morgan's company assembled at Pachaug Meeting house so called, which was in that part of Preston now Griswold and was the usual place of rendezvous, and immediately from that place marched, together with the rest of the Company which were drafted, under Capt James Morgan to said Groton Bank and were there actually employed in keeping a Guard — A part of the time we were employed in Garrison duty, and a part of the time in guarding the Eastern Shores of the River, and so round to Stony Point a distance of about one & a half miles. We were here actually employed as aforesaid in keeping Guard until on or about the 25 th of October 1779 making 2 months or upward that we were actually employed in this tour of duty.
That on or about the 9 th or 10 th of November 1779 as near as I can recollect, the alarm guns were fired at Groton Fort and we immediately repaired to Pachaug Meeting House our rendezvous, and as quick as assembled forthwith marched to Groton Bank under Capt Morgan and remained at Fort Griswold about 2 weeks in keeping Guard. The shipping which had during this time been lying off near to the lighthouse (which stood upon a point south of New London); hauled off to the

Eastward, and we were then ordered to Stonington Point to which place we repaired and there remained about one week and was then ordered back to Groton Fort and there remained one week in keeping guard and was then honorably discharged and came home. We were here actually engaged from the 9 th or 10 th of Nov to the 11 th or 12 th December 1779. Making at least one month or a little upwards in this tour of duty. There was cannonading kept some of the time during this service.
That in April 1780 I belonged to Capt James Morgan's company aforesaid and on or about the 7 th of April 1780 Nathan Herrick of Preston aforesaid now Griswold was drafted to do a tour of duty in the same company (of which he also was a member) for 2 months. That said Herrick hired me to take his place as a substitute. I joined the said company at the usual place of rendezvous aforesaid about the 12 th of said month and then immediately marched to Groton Bank aforesaid and were there actually employed in keeping a guard as aforesaid and in building a redoubt upon the north side of Fort Griswold. We were here actually engaged as aforesaid stated from on or about the 13 th of April 1780 to on or about the 14 th or 15 th of June 1780 — Making at least two months or upwards that we were actually engaged in this tour of duty.
That on or about the 15 th of July 1780 I was drafted to do a tour of duty at the aforesaid named place for 2 months and immediately repaired to our usual place of rendezvous and from there marched to Groton Bank, and was there actually engaged under Capt Morgan in keeping up a guard along said shores upon the east side of said river for a considerable distance down round by Stony Point. I was here actually engaged until about the 22 nd or 23 rd of Sept 1780 — Making at least two months that I was actually engaged in this tour of duty.
During this tour there was British shipping laying off down the river a short distance from the light house, and there was frequent cannonading kept up during a part of this time. I recollect of a white horse & a goose being killed one night by a large shot.

That I am well acquainted with Capt Elisha Prentice Then of Preston (now Griswold) and during the Revolutionary war we lived near each other & I have been well acquainted with Capt Prentice aforesaid from his youth to this time.
That Capt. Elisha Prentice aforesaid assembled with us at the place of our rendezvous at the Meeting House, every time I was as aforesaid stated.
That said Prentice marched with me in said Capt. Morgans company every time I marched as I have above stated, and served as a private Soldier with me in said Capt Morgans Comp. the full term of each Tour as I have stated aforesaid and returned home with me when we were discharged at the end of each Tour. That we were engaged in actual service in the aforesaid Four Tours at least Seven months or upwards
That more Particularly makes me recollect sd Prentice who was then a Private in sd Capt Morgans company, are that at one time at roll call James Partridge was absent a sergeant Daniel Gates, Elisha Prentice, James Freeman, myself and Two others were ordered to pursue, find, and take the said James Partridge back to quarters.
I also recollect said Prentice Gun which was different from any other Gun we had, being a piece which had a bayonet fixed in a curious manner for those days (Towit) a Spring Bayonet. His drum was also different or rather singular for those times
The said Elisha Prentice is now Present and I know him to be the same Identical Elisha Prentice who served with me as I have aforesaid stated.
Alner Green

State of Connecticut } Windham County } ss Voluntown November 29 th - 1834
Personally appeared Abner Green signer to the foregoing affidavit who is known to the subscriber as a witness from general report and from his appearance whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
William C Stanton Justice of Peace

That I Entered the service of the united States and served as herein stated That in the year 1779 I lived in that part of the Town of Preston now Griswold in the County of NewLondon and State of Connecticut and in the four part of the month of May of said year I then being in my 16 th year I enlisted as a privet soldier in Col James Morgans Company of Ct militia Lt in said Company was Partridge & Ensign Benjamin Morgan Serjeants Daniel Morgan Elisha Rose & David Gates and I think John Wheeler fifer in Col Oliver Smiths Regiment.
Col Morgan was a man considerable in years when I enlisted.
The following are the reasons and the general circumstances of my enlistment that at the aforesaid time and place I lived with a Mr. Wheeler Coit who was a member of Col t Morgans Company that while I lived I lived with Mr. Coit he was draughted or called out on alarms at NewLondon & Groton Ct and I at request Mr. Coit took his place as a substitute at two different times at NewLondon & Groton of about one week each from what little experience I had I liked it extremely well and being acquainted with Col t Morgan he solicited me to enlist into his company and hold myself ready to turn out at any alarm and also to stand the turn of any draft which might be ordered as it was at that time very difficult to raise as many militia as was wanted especially as was wanted to defend Groton & NewLondon.

8 which was considered a very dangerous place during the aforesaid time I was living with Mr. Sheckler Coit on a verbal contract made between Mr. Coit and my father which was for me to live with Mr. Coit who then lived in the limits of Capt. Morgans company untill I should arrive to the age of 16 years but my father did not call me home as I anticipated from said contract and I continued to live or make it my home with Mr. Coit untill I arrived at the age of 21 years
That my enlistment as I have always called it into Capt. Morgans Company was under the following contract with Capt. Morgan to wit that I should hold myself in readiness to march at the shortest notice and when draughts should be made or ordered in said company to turn out & serve the term of the drafts without being drafted to help make up the number which might be required of said company so long as should remain with Mr. Coit on said contract between him and my Father.
Zebulon Tanner of West Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island enlisted at the same time I did Phineas Gates enlisted at the same time under the Col.
They have both been dead a number of years That I was called out on alarm soon after I enlisted in the first part of May of said year I was called out and continued frequently to be called out on alarm untill August 1779 that I served as follows that in my former Statement on this point and the

3 The officer commander in the militia at Groton in 1779 & 80 I veryly believe I was in Part mitaker and did not know that there was any person then living that served with me in Capt Morgan's Company except Mr. Olm who is now dead I after this learnt that Mr. Abner Green of Canterbury was living who served with me & by conversing with him I have many things brought to my recollection which I had forgotten - That in the four part of august 1779 there was a draught for a part of the militia to serve at Groton bank for 2 months
1 I know that according to the best of my recollection on or about the 22 day of august 1779 Capt Morgan Company assembled at Patchang meeting house so called which was in that part of Preston which is now the town of Griswold and was the usual place of rendezvous for said company and from said meetinghouse or the Tavern near the meetinghouse we were immediately marched on the aforesaid day under Capt James Morgan officers in said company who marched with us Lt Asa Partridge Sergeant Daniel Morgan Elisha Rose to Groton Bank aforesaid and was there engaged at said place in keeping guard a most of the time during this tour we were engaged in Garrison duty and a part of time we were engaged in guarding the eastern shore of the river down round to Stonepoint in said Groton a of between one and two miles I was here actually engaged in the service of the united states at least two months to wit from or about the 22 of august 1779 untill on or about the 22 or 23 of august 1779 when I was honorably discharged and came home
2 I know that as near as I can recollect on or about the 10th of November 1779 there was an alarm at New London and

5 the 12 or 13 of June 1780 making at least 2 months we were here actually engaged in this tour of duty and was then discharged a tour of duty that in the four four part of July 1780 there was a draft in Capt. Morgan's Company for a part of them to do a tour of duty of two months at Groton bank aforesaid that on or about the 15 of July aforesaid together with those who had been drafted assembled at our usual place of rendezvous and immediately marched under Capt. Morgan Ensign I think did not march with us & Lt. Partridge went Ser't Daniel Gates Daniel Morgan & Elisha Love to Groton bank aforesaid and was there and along the shores actually engaged in keeping a guard upon the east side of the river for a considerable distance down the river and round to Stonepoint we were quartered at the guard house the British shipping then lay off down the river a short distance part of time during said tour and there was some of the time cannonading during this service I recollect that one night there was a white horse and a geese killed by a large shot I was here actually engaged from the aforesaid 15 of July untill on or about the 22 Septem r 1780 when I was discharged I was actually engaged at least 2 months or a little upwards in this tour of duty and making in all the aforesaid tours of duty under Capt. Morgan in 1779 & 1780 at least 7 months actual service besides besides the many alarms we were called out on which it is impossible for me to now set forth that during the aforesaid service at Groton bank Col. William Ledyard had the command of the troops in garrison under whom we served during the most of the time

and Connl Joshua Huntington the command of the militia and in my former declaration I was mistaken in part in this point Col Macdellon commanded during the last tour of duty I performed at Groton bank & from this I presume it was that I had the impression that Col Macdellon commanded in 1779 & 1780
in proof of the aforesaid servit I refer to the affidavit of Abner Green of Canterbury who served with me
Capt Daniel Main
George Crary
Doctor Bishop Tyler
Simeon Jones
Abner Green I entered the service of the of Canterbury in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 78 years & upwards a Soldier in the revolutionary war and a pensioner of the United States after being cautioned and sworn according to law do depose and say that according to the best of my recollection I entered the service of the United States and served as follows that from recent conversation with those that served with me I have had my memory refreshed and by telling the circumstance which happened during my service to others I think I can my services more fully than I have done formerly
That in the year 1779
I lived in that of Preston now called Griswold and belonged as a private soldier to a company of the state militia commanded by Capt James Morgan that sometime in the fourth part of August 1779 I was drafted to do a tour or duty of 2 months at Groton Bank Ct in the town of Groton that on or about the 21 or the 22 day of August

7 aforesaid Capt Morgan company assembled at Pachaug meetinghouse so called which was in that part of the Preston now called Griswold and was the usual place of rendezvous and immediately from that place marched together with rest of the company which were drafted under Capt James Morgan to Groton bank and were there actually employed in keeping guard a part of the time we were employed in garrison duty and a part of the time in guarding the eastern shores of the river and so round to Stonepoint a distance of about one & half 1 1/2 miles we were here actually employed as aforesaid in keeping guard until on or about the 25 th of October 1779 making 2 months or upwards that we were actually employed in this tour of duty. That on or about the 9 th or 10 th of November 1779 as near as I can recollect the alarm fired at Groton Fort and we immediately repaired to Pachaug meetinghouse our rendezvous and as quick as assembled forthwith marched to Groton bank under Capt Morgan and remained at Fort Griswold about 2 weeks in keeping guard the shipping which had during this time been lying off near to the lighthouse which stood upon a point south of New London hauled off to the eastward and we then ordered to Stonington Point to which place we repaired and there remained about one week and was then ordered back to Groton Fort and there remained about one week in keeping guard and was then discharged and came home we were here actually engaged from the 9 th or 10 th of November to the 11 th or 12 th of December 1779 making at least one month or a little upwards in this tour of duty there was cannonading kept up some of the time during this service

That in April 1780 I belonged to Capt James Morgan's Company aforesaid and on or about the 7 of April 1780 Nathan Herrick of Preston aforesaid now Griswold was drafted to do a tour of duty in the same Company of which he also was a member for 2 months that said Herrick hired me to take his place as a substitute I joined the Company at our usual place of rendezvous about the 12 of P th month and then immediately marched to Groton bank aforesaid and were actually employed in keeping a guard as aforesaid and in building a redoubt upon the north side of the Fort Griswold we were here actually engaged as aforesaid from on or about the 13 of April 1780 to on or about the 14 or 15 of June 1780 making at least 2 months or upwards that we were actually engaged in this tour of duty ————— That on or about the 15 of July 1780 I was drafted to do a tour of duty at the aforesaid named place for 2 months and immediately repaired to our usual place of rendezvous and from there marched to Groton bank and was there actually engaged under Col. Stonga in keeping guard along the river shore upon the east side of the river for a considerable distance down round by Storo point I was here actually engaged until about the 22 or 23 of September 1780 making at least 2 months that I was actually engaged in this tour of duty during this tour of duty there was British shipping laying off down the river a short distance from the lighthouse and there was frequent cannonading kept up during a part of this time I recollect there was a white horse and a goose killed one night by a large shot That I am well acquainted with Eliza Prentice then of Preston now Griswold and during the revolutionary war we lived near each other & I have been well acquainted

with Elisha Prentice from his youth to this time that Elisha Prentice aforesaid assembled with us at the place of rendezvous at the meetinghouse every time I was as aforesaid stated That E. Prentice marched with me in S d Capt. Morgans Company every time I marched as I have a bove stated and served as a privet soldier with me in S d Capt. Morgans Company the full term of each tour as I have stated aforesaid and returned home with me when we were discharged at the end of each tour that we were engaged in actual service in the aforesaid towns at least 7 months or upwards
That more particularly makes me recollect E. Prentice who was there a privet in C d Capt. Morgans Company are that at one time James Partridge was absent & Sergant Daniel Gates & Elisha Prentice James Freeman my self Two others were ordered to pursue and bring him back to quarters I also recollect E. Prentices gun which was different from any other gun it had a spring bayonet fixed in a curious manner his dress was also different or rather singular then times times.
Yhe S d —
Elisha Prentice is now present and I know that he is the same identical Elisha Prentice who served with me as I have stated

William Jones of Preston in the County of New London State of Connecticut aged 72 and upward after being duly sworn do testify and say that I was born as Depot tell me in the town of Preston aforesaid and have allway resided in P town until the present time that I was well acquainted with Col n James Morgan of P town who in 1779 & 1780 & 78 commanded a company of Militia that Col n Morgan aforesaid this company were called out during the aforesaid years many times.
That I am well acquainted with Elisha Prentice of Griswold county & State aforesaid and have been well acquainted with P d Prentice since we were boys That Elisha Prentice aforesaid has formily told me that he served as a privet soldier under Col n Morgan at Groton & New London in 1779 & 1780 that he was there several town but do not recollect of hearing P d Prentice state until recently how long town he served That Col n James Morgan. aforesaid was during the revolution a very old man
S J