Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15578, for Nathan Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Pratt, Nathan
S. 15578
carded
CONTENTS

O. Billings July 17, 1855 The same Jan 29/56 same Feb 18/56 Jan July 21/56
N o . 18424 Vermont
Nathan Pratt
of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wade of the Regt. commanded by Col. Cotton in the Mass. Troops time for 11 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of August 1833 and sent to R. W. Southgate Bridgewater Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 73.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep. 1833 18.33 $ 91.65 5
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk. Book E. Vol. 3 Page 84

~ Nathan Pratt ~ Declaration ~

STATE OF VERMONT, } WINDSOR COUNTY, ss. }
On this 29 th day of June A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Windsor District now sitting, Nathan Pratt , a resident of the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged Eighty 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In 1775. he lived in Middleburyough Mass in the month of April 1775. he enlisted as a soldier into the first Eight Months service under Capt Wadsworth & Shipman Col's Lieut and Samuel Wood Ensign marched to Plymouth to guard the stores in that vicinity and remained there untill some time in June and then marched to Roxbury and was em- ployed in building fortifications during most of the season and remained there untill his eight months had expired which was in December and then returned home does not recollect having a discharge a discharge but recollects that while there he was attached to Col Theophilus Cuttons Regt Lieut Col Helen & Maj Elmer Sprout was inspected while at Roxbury by Gen Washington Putnam & Thomas in July 1777. he enlisted for three Months under Capt Hooker Lieut James Hurlbut was marched to Bennington Vermont and joined Col Woodbridges Regt & marched to Schenobora Landing now called White Hall N.Y. remained there awhile & then marched back to Bennington Vt and there remained untill discharged Oct 4 th 1777. which discharge accompany his Declaration he was born in Middleburyough Mass July 9 th 1752 has a record of his birth at home in his Bible he removed to Woodstock Vermont soon after the war where he remained about four years and from there removed to Bridge water adjoining and has there remained ever since he has proven the testimony of Nathaniel Samson who served with him in the eight months service and whose affidavit accompanies this Declaration

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 the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid. }
Edwin Hutchinson Register,
Nathan Pratt
We, Jasper Hazen a Clergyman residing in Woodstock Vermont and Charles Dana residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Pratt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid, }
Edwin Hutchinson Register,
Jasper Hazen Charles Dana
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 Jasper Hazen who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Woodstock Vermont and that Charles Dana who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same Woodstock and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Edwin Hutchinson Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford , do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Pratt for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29 th day of June A. D. 1833.
Edwin Hutchinson Register,

78424.
Vermont. Contra Nathan Pratt, dec d
of _____ in the State of _____ who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution line for 15 mos & 13 days
Increased from $36 66 / 100
Inscribed on the Roll of Westport at the rate of 51 Dollars 64 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. and end 12th August 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of August 1856 and sent to O. Billings
Arrears to the 4th of Woodstock, Semi-annual allowance ending Verm.
(Signature) { Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by _____ Clerk Book 16 Vol. 1 Page 80

STATE OF VERMONT,
WINDSOR COUNTY, ss.
I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that George W. Tophiff — was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a
Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signatures, five in number on the papers attached — is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 7 day of July A. D. 1855.
Norman Williams, Clerk.

State of Vermont Windsor County
On this 6 th day of July A.D. 1855, before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared John S. Pratt a resident of Bridgewater in said County of Windsor. Aged 77 years, who being sworn upon his Oath, makes the following declaration for the purpose of obtaining the full benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th , 1832, to wit:
That he is the son and the only child living of Nathan & Betsey Pratt late of said Bridgewater deceased, that his father said Nathan Pratt was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, under said act of June 7 th 1832 and drew a pension in his life time of $36.66. per annum to his death, which took place at said Bridgewater on the 14 th day of August A.D. 1840, leaving no widow, child or children, except himself John S. Pratt, as will appear by evidence herewith presented, and also the certificate of the length of his father's service.
He further declares, that when his said father first went into the Revolutionary Service in 1775  1775 as he always told of, he resided in the town of Middleboro Massachusetts, and some time in the year of 1776, he removed with his wife to the town of Pelham Mass., where he was called into said service several times but how long he served he cannot tell, and after said war his father and mother removed to Woodstock Vermont, but he was born in said Pelham before they removed to Vermont, and for 50 years he has resided in said Bridgewater.
He further states that he has been advised and fully believes, that by virtue of said law, his father, said Nathan Pratt, did not receive in his life time the full amount of pension to which he was entitled under said act, according to the length of time he served, and now makes this application for the arrear of pension due his said father in his life time which he never obtained and which is now due to him said John S. Pratt.
Witness Minerva Pratt
John S. Pratt
Melissus S. Lord
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written.
Before Me
J. W. Topham Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } Hartford District }
I Lyndon A Marsh Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford aforesaid, hold at Woodstock in and for said District: do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court by the testimony of Peter Dimick and Charles Babcock, persons known to said Court as of good character for truth, that Nathan Pratt late of Bridgewater in said District died, was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $36.66 per annum, was a resident of the said district, and died at said Bridgewater on the 14 th day of August 1840: that he left no widow, and but one child only, and his name is John S. Pratt the signer of the foregoing declaration, now a resident of said Bridgewater.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Woodstock this seventh day of July in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Five
L. A. Marsh, Register

I Peter Dimick a resident of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 68 years. Depose testify and say: that I was intimately acquainted with Nathan Pratt late of said Bridgewater deceased, having lived his nigh neighbour for many years before his death and was personally knowing of his being a Revolutionary prisoner of the United States, for some years before his death by reason of his services in the Revolutionary War.
I further testify and say, that said Nathan Pratt died at said Bridgewater on the 14 th day of August A D 1840. and left no widow and but one child, (and no more) whose name is John S Pratt, now living in said Bridgewater aged about 77 years, I have been acquainted with said John S. and know him to be the son of said Nathan Pratt and, and I have understood that said Nathan and wife Betsey never had but one other child, and that a son, who died a long time before his said father.
Said Nathan Pratt and wife lived in harmony together, were reputable and respected as husband and wife in the neighbourhood. Witness \frac{1}{2} Hiram Pratt \frac{1}{2} Col Billings Peter Dimick
State of Vermont } Bridgewater July. 6 th A D 1855; Personally appeared Windsor County, } Peter Dimick and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, and further certify and I personally know that that said deponent is undoubted for truth and a credible witness
G. W. Trefiff — Justice of the Peace

I Charles Babcock a resident of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 46 years, depose testify and say, that I was well acquainted with Nathan Pratt late of said Bridgewater deceased, living a neighbour to him for more than thirty years before his death, and was knowing of his being a Pensioner of the United States, and was drawing a pension at his death in consequence of of his service in the Revolutionary War.
I further testify and say that said Nathan Pratt died at said Bridgewater on the 14 th day of August A D 1840, and I was present at his house when he died, and I personally know that at his death he had no wife living, for his wife Betsey died some years before said Nathan did, and he had but one child or children living, at his death and that ones name is John S. Pratt now residing in said Bridgewater and has lived there for more than thirty years past and is now about seventy seven years of age.
Said Nathan Pratt and wife were people of good character, having the confidence of the neighbourhood and of the people generally, as husband & wife Charles Babcock witness Oel Billings
State of Vermont } Windsor County } ss Bridgewater July 6 th A D 1855; Personally appeared Charles Babcock, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed; and I personally know that said deponent is of good character for truth and a credible witness.
I further certify that I am not concerned in the prosecution of this Claim, nor interested in its result. G. W. Phelps Justice of the Peace G. W. Phelps Justice Peace

STATE OF VERMONT, WINDSOR COUNTY, ss.
I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Charles S. Raynolds was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a
Notary Public in and for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signatures are in number on the paper attached are  is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 11 day of January A. D. 1854.
Norman Williams,
Clerk.

I Hiram Pratt of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged forty six years testify and say that I was well acquainted with Nathan Pratt in his life time late of Bridgewater deceased and he lived for many years before his death and died at my House and I have often heard him relate about his being out in the United States Service during the Revolutionary War and for which service he drew a pension in his life time
I have heard him say often that he did not put into his declaration when it was drawn & applied for by Hon Israel Raymond all the Military Service he did in the Revolutionary war for the reason that he could not obtain evidence to prove it as the soldiers who served with him were all dead but one as he supposed or at least he could not find any one but Nathaniel Sanborn who was with him & who was living who could testify for him and also supposed there was no records of his service and therefore did not put it into his declaration only such service as he could prove and he was never satisfied with the amount of pension which he did receive because he served much more than was allowed him and always said he ought to have had more
Hiram Pratt
State of Vermont of Bridgewater the 25 th day of December A D 1855 Hiram Pratt personally appeared and made oath to the above deposition and I certify that he is a Credable Witness
Before me Chas S. Raymond Notary Public

I. Hezekiah Johnson of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged sixty five years (65), testify and say that I was well acquainted with Nathan Pratt in his life time late of said Bridgewater deceased and lived a long time in the same neighborhood with the said Pratt previous to his death and have often heard him relate about his being out in the United States Service during the Revolutionary War, and for which Service he drew a pension in his life time.
I have heard him often say that he did not put into his declaration when it was drawn & applied for by Hon. Isaac Raymond all the military Service he did perform in the Revolutionary War for the reason that he could not obtain evidence to prove it as the soldiers were all dead but one as he supposed or at least he could not find any one that was living but Nathaniel Sampson who could testify for him and also supposed there were no records of his Service and therefore did not put into his declaration only such Service as he could prove and he was never satisfied with the amount of pension which he did receive because he served much more than was allowed him and always since he ought to have had more.
Hezekiah Johnson
State of Vermont } at Bridgewater this 25 th day of County of Windsor } December A.D. 1855. Hezekiah Johnson personally appeared and made oath to the above deposition and I certify that he is a credible Witness
Before me Chas. Raymond Notary Public

No 1
Middleborough the account of Nathan Pratt and his Wife and Children of them all the account of all their ages and their names Nathan Pratt the 19 th 1723 Born November he Deceased February 1787 26 Margaret Pratt the 15 th 1728 Born April and She Deceased the 15 th 1777 September
Ephraim Pratt the 24 th 1748 Born October
She Deceased the 12 th 1749 January
Jerusha Pratt the 4 th 1750 Born January
She Deceased the 22 nd 1751 February
Jerusha Pratt the 10 th 1751 Born July
She Deceased May the 19 th 1790
Betty Howland Born July the 9 th 1752
Nathan Pratt the 21 st 1755 Born July
Betty Pratt the 14 th 1758 Born June
Micah Pratt the 23 rd 1761 Born February
Silvanus Pratt the 7 th 1766 Born May
He Deceased July the 30 th 1766
Betty Pratt the 14 th 1754 Born July
Pellham born 1777  the 30 th 1777
John Pratt the 23 rd 1782 Born July
Howland Pratt - 1813 Deceased March the 27
Howland Pratt Born October

1772 Drawn at Pellham September the 2 nd Day
1501

5542-
Nathan Pratt-
✓
R. W. Southgate

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 10 th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of (Nathan Pratt)
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     in 1775 8 Private Cpl Cotton 84 Years by the Affidavits of Nathaniel Samson & Discharge signed by J Winchester   1777 3 11 Lieut Col Helen May Sprout Col Woodbridge Middleborough Mass  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. Nathan Pratt

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

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

Pen Off. Aug 28 1856
Pa
Please state when Nathan Pratt of Var Act 1832 was last p? at #36 66 a year,
Respectfully W. Cole
R. S. Atkinson Esq 3 and
Diplett
Act Commr.
Rev! Nathan Pratt, Amherster St, Var 1832, on #36.66, died 14 August 1848, this pension has been paid in full to that date. Very Respectfully J. B. Dyer J. B. Dyer Acting Commissioner 3? Mains Office August 29. 1856

Mustered then in the Sixteenth Regiment of Troops in Continental Army Commanded by Col Thos Cotton and in Capt Wadsworth Company the Capt 1 Lieutenant 1 Ensign 4 Sergeants 44 Corporals

no Davis
6-11-8 F
5-11-2 F 18
Solomon Islands
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1 1 1

Walter L. Pratt
Pratt
Nathan Pratt S.F. 15578 Mass

Permit Nathan Pratt of Middleborough to pass home, to Return to Roxbury Camp within Eight or ten Days from this 1 st Sep r 1875 by order of Gen l Thomas — D. Athley

Mathew Pratt S.T. 15378 memo
A Discharge
Discharged
A Discharge From the same

Bensington Oct. 4 th 1877
Nathan Pratt a private soldier in Capt Hooker's company of 60 th Woodbridge Inf ty is Discharged from the service to whom it may concern
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Company at Bensington Oct. 4 th 1877

no 1
Spelun March 24 1819
To Christopher Roberson Capt.
Sir please to Deliver to Nathan Pratt the whole of our Wages and Sause Money and Bounty that is Due to us the subscribers after you have paid your Self for your trouble and the fifty Dollars that We Bored of you and send all the Wuest that is Due to Us and in so doing you will oblige your friends
John Hall Micah Pratt Silvester Pratt
Decorative flourish signature

Obediah wacker in Berr Deckin Page Repesito Ivan hardwick to Boston

I am in Debt to Thomas Harlan for money 24 Dollars the 3 rd day of May - D 1790 Credit to Nathan D. S. for one hundred Dollars Recd it May the 4 th day D 1780

Credit to Father for money
50 Dollars to him.
Robert Selfridge me for paid 50 Dollars Debet to money - 51 Dollars August the 30 Day 1780
July 27th 1780

No 4 Bridgewater July 27 Day 1788 Received in Full of all accounts I say Received By me.
N o 4
Bridgewater July 26 Day 1788 Received in Full of all accounts I say Received By me.
4 May the 14 th 1790 Bridgewater I for value Received promes to pay to Betty Pratt three bushels and a peck of good merchantable wheat to be considered at five shillings per bushels to be delivered at the house of Nathan Pratt in Bridgewater here of with Lawfull interest till paid as witness my hand Abraham powers declared sent Nathan Pratt sent

0-2-3 0-1-4 0-0-0 0-10-6 0-7-6  0-6-0  £ 2-7-7
Bridgewater may 1790 To a felt hat Price Three Bush and one Peak of good marchentel wheat with Entrust tell Payd Abraham Power
Ephim Eddy Crto £0-6-6  Eddy Dtr. £0-2-6 6-0

Mr
To
nathan pratt
in
Ro. bury Comps
this with love and speed

482
Middborough November the 10 1775 Loving brother I take this opportunity to write to you to let you know that I am well and hope that these will find you so. all our folks are all well as common I have no strange news to write to you at present only that Jabez Thomas was married a third day night Geryna Bordin and Mercy Pratt is Courted in every study brother her folks are all well and our neighbours are all well about here but Eben White and he is very sick: as Samuel Thrasher and Elie West has been to our house this week and staid all night and they said that they should be very glad to see you and their are some folks here are more deceitful then the d---l is for I have found them out - I would have you write to me at every opportunity that you have and I will to you I cant write you many more letters for the want of paper I have nothing more to write to you at present but I remain your loving sister til death
the folks at David Thomases are Betty Pratt are well but bad cooks
give my service to Zokeriah Adcock

I Hezekiah Johnson of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont. depose testify and say that I was well acquainted with Nathan Pratt late of Bridgewater deceased and I have often heard Mr. Nathan Pratt say that he moved from Middleborough Mass. to Pelham Mass. and from Pelham to Woodstock Vermont. and from there to Bridgewater Vt where he lived until he died the reason why I so well recollect of his telling about living in Pelham is the circumstance of his being in Pelham at the time one Stephen Burroughs preached there to the Pelhamites which story I have often heard him relate during his life time
Hezekiah Johnson
State of Vermont, Bridgewater May 3 rd Windsor County ss. A D 1856. Then Hezekiah Johnson personally appeared and made Oath to the foregoing deposition Before me
Notary Public
STATE OF VERMONT, WINDSOR COUNTY, ss.
I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Charles S. Raymond was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a
Notary Public
in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature
foregoing is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 23 rd day of June A. D. 1856.
Norman Williams Clerk.

Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
4 m @
11 m
$ 36.66
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Bridgewater Vermont July 1 - 1833 Hono J. S. Edwards
Sir I. herewith send the Declaration of Nathan Bate together with the Papers in support of his claim for a Pension
Respectfully yours
at B sent
RM Southgate

Colonel Nathan le Nathan & Sylvanus Pratt —

Know all Men by these Presents that I Nathan Pratt of Pelham in the County of Hampshire and State of the Massachusetts Bay am holden and stand firmly bound by these Presents unto Nathan Pratt junior and Sylvanus Pratt both of Grafton County and State above named Yeoman and my Sons in the just sum of five hundred Pounds Lawfull Money to the Payment of which sum without Even Straked or Delay I bind my self my Heirs Executors and Administrators firmly by these Presents signed with my hand and sealed with my Seal at Pelham July the twenty eight in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one
The Condition of the above Obligation is such that whereas the Farm of said Nathan Pratt is mortgaged to John Halbert Gentleman as Guardian to the Children of my Brother David Halbert as collateral security for the payment of a Note of eighty Pounds If therefore the said Nathan and Sylvanus Pratt shall pay said Summe and take up said Note and Mortgage then the said Nathan Pratt senior for their Security shall under the above Seal give them a Mortgage of said Farm to the performance of the above Condition if they fail then this bond to be void and of no force otherwise if they perform to remain in full force and Virtue witness my Hand and Seal Day and Year above
Signed sealed and delivered in Presence of ABERCROMBIE Mary Abercrombie
Nathan Pratt

I Nathaniel Sanson of Brattleborough in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged 78 years do depose and say that in the year 1775 I was a Soldier in Col Goffs Regiment and that I well knew Nathan Pratt who belonged to the same Regiment and as I was told belonged to the Eight months Service I noticed his having enlisted in April and I have no doubt but what he served the whole time as I was with him most of the time of which I have not Nathaniel Sanson
State of Vermont } Brattleborough June 21. 1833 Windham County ss } Personally appeared before me Isa Raymond one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County Nathaniel Sanson a Credible Witness and made oath that the above affidavit by him sub- scribed contains the Truth By me Isa. Raymond Justice Peace
State of Vermont } Windham County Clerk's Office 21 June A D 1833 Windham County ss } I Benjamin Swan Clerk of said County Court do hereby certify that Isaac Raymond is one of the Justices of the Peace within said County, and that the above is his Signature — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court & subscribed my name the day above Benjamin Swan

I Hiram Pratt of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged 47 years. depose testify and say. that I am the Grandson of Nathan Pratt late of said Bridgewater dec d who was a pensioner of the United States in his life time at the rate of $36. 66 per annum and who lived with me for many years before his death and died at my house in said Bridgewater on the 14 th day of August 1840. aged 88 years.
I further say. I have given my affidavit in the case of John S Pratt son of said Nathan Pratt. in order to obtain the arrear of pension due said Nathan in his life time. which ought to have rec d but never obtained for services he performed in the Revolutionary war.
I further say at the death of said Nathan Pratt my Grandfather I found the following papers in his possession with many others which I am confident is partly in his hand writing of early date one of which apparently was a leaf from an old Bible, relating to the birth of my Gr d . Gr d Father, and of his wife Margaret and their children, among which will be found my Grandfather Nathan Pratt the Revolutionary Soldier and his wife Betty Howland, and the last two on said paper, or record, are the two children of said Nathan & Betty Pratt my Grandfather & Grandmother and against the name of said John S. Pratt is stated, he was born in Pelham 1777 & this is an other paper being an order given by John Hall. Micah Pratt and Sylvanus Pratt to said Nathan Pratt the Soldier, dated Pelham March 29 th 1779 upon Capt Christopher Robinson and said Micah & Sylvanus Pratt were the brothers of said Nathan Pratt the said Soldier, and these two papers are marked No 1. herewith sent. and also a mortgage deed of Nathan Pratt to his son Nathan dated at Pelham all showing that said Nathan lived in Pelham 1777 & 79. and that his son John S. Pratt the claimant was born in Pelham and that his mother's name was Betty Howland before marriage.
I further depose and say. that attached you find two letters No 1. & 2 - of Betty Pratt to Nathan Pratt her brother then in the Army at Roxbury dated November 10 th & 17 in 1775 dated Middleboro Mass. No 2. showing that said Nathan Pratt the Soldier was on service in the war of the Revolution from Middleboro in 1775
No 3. I further depose and say, that you find herewith the

letter of Lydia Howland who was the mother of Betty Pratt, wife of Nathan Pratt the Soldier, dated Middleboro Jan'y. 26. 1786. and directed to Nathan Pratt Woodstock, showing that in 1781, said Nathan resided in Woodstock St. which paper is No 3.
I also say, that you find the letter herewith of John S Pratt, the Claimant for the arrear of Pension, written to Nathan Pratt his father and Revolutionary pensioner, while he was in the Western States dated June 11 th 1808 and directed to Bridgewater Vermont, and also a piece of paper torn from an old account book, No 4 both of which show that Nathan Pratt aforesaid resided in Bridgewater in 1788 and 1808, and all of which papers identifies the said Nathan Pratt as residing in Middleboro 1775 in Pelham 1777 to 81 - in Woodstock in 1786, and in Bridgewater St in 1788 to his death, which took place at said Bridgewater on the 14 th day August 1840 aged 88 years as before stated.
In presence of Oel Billings
Hiram Pratt
State of Vermont } County of Windsor }
Woodstock May 6. 1856; Personally appeared Hiram Pratt the signer above and Oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said deponent and know him to be of good character and entitled for truth and a credible witness
Oel Billings Justice of the Peace
STATE OF VERMONT, WINDSOR COUNTY, ss.
I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Oel Billings Esquire was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature
foregoing is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 23 rd day of June A. D. 1856.
Norman Williams Clerk.