Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11268, for Levi Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Pratt, Levi
S. 11268
carded
CONTENTS

Albany N. York
Ser. Paul 30,158
of Niagara in the State of N. York who was a private in the camp commanded by Captain Kingman of the regim o commanded by Col Brewer in the Albany line for 8 months and 12 days
* Mass. Line Apr. 30/35. Records corrected. f.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N. York at the rate of 28 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Sep r 1835 and sent to Messrs Gardiner & Morse, Stockport
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1835 $114.64 Sem-ant. allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Frank Boyd Clerk, Vol. 4 Page 54
out w & c rec 10 Nov 1835
New Certificate issued
30. Nov. 1836 sent to Pension Agent, Albany, with a letter.
Got L A Spalding Feb 21. 1837
" to J. Carter 25. Sep. 1838
to same 12. Oct. 1838
" same 13 Dec. 1838
rate of 28 not shown on agency book - 2

State of New York
Monroe County ss:
On this thirteenth day of September 1822 personally appeared in open court (being a court of common pleas in and for said county and constituted a court of record by proceeding according to the course of common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings, and recognized as such court by the laws and judicial decisions of said State) Levi Pratt aged sixty two years five months and nineteen days resident in the town of Clarkson in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows; that the said Levi Pratt enlisted in the month of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy six into the service of the United States in the town of Bridgewater in the State of Massachusetts for the term of three years in the company commanded by Captain Hamilton (the Christian name of said Hamilton this deponent does not recollect,) in a regiment commanded by Colonel Bailey (his Christian name this deponent does not likewise recollect,) of the regular service belonging to the Massachusetts line, that he continued in the service of the said corps until the month of April 1779 when he was discharged from service at Trenton in the State of New Jersey - that he is old and infirm and subject to the rheumatism - that he is by occupation a farmer but cannot work much - that he has a wife who is a very weakly woman not able to work much that they have both been sick for the season past - that

he has two children who are out at work for their own support - that they are not in a situation to contribute to the support of this deponent. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen - And that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of any property or any part thereof with an intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the eighteenth day of March 1818. And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities contracts or debts due to me, Nor have I any other income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed -
  One loom at  $12  cts    Two Pigs  1  50    Three old chairs  "  50    One old Table  "  75    one chest  "  75    one set of tea      Cups and Saucers  "  25    one old Pitcher  "  12 1/2    Two Bowls  "  25  

  One old Tin Pot  $  "  12  cts    One pair Tongs  "  "  5  0    One Iron pot  "  "  1  25    One print Deamter  "  "   25    One Darden Pail  "  "   93     $  18  "  55 1/2  
Sworn to and declared in open court on the thirteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty two before -
Elisha B. Strong Powell Carpenter J. Barnard Jr.
Luci Pratt
State of New York Monroe County Clerks office 3p.
I Attilio T. Rochester, Deputy Clerk of said County do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copies from the record of the said Court; and I farther certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is, Eighteen dollars fifty five & a half cents - In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Rochester this 4 th August 1823
A. T. Rochester 

1 State of New York
2 County of Niagara ss. On this third day of January A. D. 3 1855. personally appears in open Court before the Judges of the 4 Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Niagara now 5 sitting Levi Pratt, a resident of the Town of Cambria in 6 said County of Niagara and State of New York aged 7 seventy two years the twenty third day of March last. Who being 8 first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make 9 the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the 10 act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
11 That he entered the service of the United States under the following 12 named Officers as served as herein stated - That he first entered 13 such service under Captain David Kingman who commanded a 14 uniform Company in the Town of Bridgewater State of Massachusetts 15 - That Allen was Lieutenant and King was Ensign 16 of said Company - That he entered the service in said Company 17 in the Month of April 1775 and was at the time he so entered 18 the service 16 years of age as he has since been informed by his 19 parents - That the first time he was actually called into service 20 was on the 19 th day of April 1775 - When he with his Company 21 commanded by said Kingman went to Lexington Massachusetts 22 when they met the British and fought a Battle called The 23 Battle of Lexington - That as he understood at that Battle There 24 were no Officers of the American Forces of a higher grade than 25 Captain - That after the Battle he with his Company went home to Bridgewater where he then resided - That Deponent and his Company went into the service at that time as Volunteers That the latter part of May in the same year Deponent again entered the service of the United States in a Company commanded by Captain John Parkard, Lieutenants Jonathan Allen and David Brewer. That Deponent was a Fourth Sergeant in said Company - That Gail Newton was the Orderly or first Sergeant - King was second Sergeant and Kinney was third Sergeant of said Company -
That Deponent at the time had a Sergeant's Warrant which was burnt in his father's house when said house was burnt in Bridgewater aforesaid - That Deponent and the Company to which he belonged entered the service aforesaid by enlistment as volunteers - That he enlisted for the term of eight Months - That said Company belonged to the Regiment commanded by David Brewer Colonel (who was the father of David Brewer Jr the second Lieutenant of Deponent's Company) and David Putnam Major - and to the Brigade commanded by General Warner.

That deponent and his Company joined their Regiment at Roxbury Massachusetts where they were stationed during said term of Eight Months for which he enlisted - That during said term of Eight Months the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought - That deponent with his Company was engaged in said Battle - That according to deponent's best recollection said Battle was fought about the middle of June 1775 - That all the officers above named were engaged in said Battle but he does not recollect the names of any other officers that were so engaged - That deponent was engaged in no other Battle during said term, but he with his Company remained all the time at Roxbury which was in sight of Bunker Hill - That at the expiration of said term deponent and his Company were discharged and deponent went home to Bridgewater aforesaid - That deponent received a written discharge from his Captain which was burnt with his Sergeant's Warrant in his father's house - That deponent then remained at home with his father from one to two months after which he again enlisted in the same Company and under the same officers last aforesaid - That it was some time in the fall of 1775 and he thinks in the month of November that he so enlisted as he recollects the ground was frozen very hard at the time - That he at that time enlisted for the term of two months only - That during said term of two months deponent with his Company were stationed at Dorchester Hill Massachusetts and were engaged in building a fort there - That the Regiment to which deponent's Company belonged was commanded by said Colonel David Brewer during said term and he thinks General Ward commanded all the American forces stationed at Dorchester during said term - That he does not recollect the names of any other of the officers - That he served during said term as fourth Sergeant - That at the expiration of said term deponent with his Company were discharged and he deponent went home to Bridgewater - That at this time he received no written discharge as he now recollects but thinks his Company were discharged verbally by their Colonel telling them they might go home - That deponent then remained at home until the spring of 1776 when and as he now thinks in the month of April he again enlisted under Captain Abram Washburn - but he does not recollect the names of the other officers of the Company - That he joined said Company at Bridgewater and was marched from there to New Haven Connecticut on foot and from New Haven went by water on board of a Sloop to New York where they landed he thinks some time in May 1776 - That on their arrival at

New York they first joined their Regiment which was commanded by Colonel Cary Lieutenant Colonel Putnam and Major Stephens - That Deponent remained at New York with his Company and Regiment until the American forces evacuated New York which Deponent thinks was in July or August - That at the time of the evacuation of New York - Deponent and his Company were among the last who left the City, and their retreat was cut off by the British forces just before crossing Kings Bridge when they were obliged to cut their way through the British forces in order to reach the Main Army - That General Israel Putnam commanded the detachment whose retreat was thus cut off - That after crossing the Bridge they joined the Main Army commanded by General Washington at when they retreated to White Plains being pursued all the way by the British forces - That as soon as they arrived at White Plains the American forces halted and a battle was fought called the Battle of White Plains - That General Washington commanded in that battle - That the Brigade to which Deponents Company belonged was commanded by General Nixon - That they remained at White Plains from three to four weeks as Deponent now recollects and then they retreated to Harlem Heights where another battle was fought, in which battle Deponent was wounded by a musket ball in the calf of the leg, but it was not sufficient to prevent Deponent from doing duty - That so far as Deponent knew the same Officers commanded at the Battle of Harlem Heights that did at White Plains - That they remained at Harlem Heights from one to three weeks but how long Deponent cannot now recollect when the term for which he enlisted expired and Deponent was discharged and went home to Bridgewater Massachusetts - That he received no written discharge at this time - That Deponent served during the last aforesaid term one year that being the term for which he enlisted and that he held the office and did the duty of a fourth Sergeant - That after he returned home at least aforesaid he remained at home until the spring of 1777 when he again Volunteered by enlisting

Col G 6000 into the service of the United States in the same Company and Commanded by the same Officers as last aforesaid That deponent joined his Company in Bridgewater aforesaid and was moved from thence to Rhode Island where his Company joined their Regiment and Brigade. That said Regiment to which deponents Company belonged was Commanded by Colonel Sprout and the Brigade by General Sullivan. That they remained upon the Island about six months that being the term for which deponent enlisted. That as deponent understood their object in remaining on the Island was to cooperate with the French Fleet which was expected to arrive, in taking New Port then in the possession of the British. That as deponent understood the expedition was called Sullivan's secret Expedition . That during said battle from they were engaged in no battle except when leaving the Island the British Soldiers attempted to cut off their rear guard. That about the time the Army commanded by General Sullivan left the Island, the term for which he enlisted expired when deponent was discharged and went home to Bridgewater aforesaid. Deponent All the time which deponent served he served as a Militia man and entered the service by Volunteering and he supposes that he during all the time belonged to the Massachusetts line of Troops. Deponent was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He has a record of his age made as he supposes by his father in the family Bible which Bible deponent now has at his residence in the Town of Cambridge but he does not now recollect precisely what that record is and has no means of obtaining said Record during the sitting of this Court. That he is acquainted with Hiram McNeil Esq. Sheriff of the County of Niagara and has been acquainted with him for about ten years last past. That he is also acquainted with William Hough  Stephen Hough and has been so acquainted with said Hough  Hiram for about twenty years. Either of whom can testify as to deponents character for truth and veracity and also their belief of his having been a Revolutionary Soldier.

That deponent is also acquainted with the Reverend Mr. Halsey the Minister of the First Congregational Church in the Town of Cambria where deponent resides who also can testify as to deponent's character for truth and veracity - but that said Halsey is at this time out of health and unable to attend the Court - That after the Revolution deponent resided with his father at Bridgewater aforesaid for about one year and removed with his father to the Town of Comington Massachusetts where he resided about twelve years - and from thence moved to Middlebury in the State of Vermont where he resided with his father about twenty years when his father died - From thence he removed to Washington County State of New York where he resided about four or five years and from thence removed to the Town of Cambria in the County of Niagara where he now resides - That he has no documentary evidence of his service as aforesaid, nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to said service - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity for said service except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
Subscribed & sworn to in open court the 3 d of January 1833
Levi Pratt
State of New York } County of Niagara } p Hiram Allen, Vice Sheriff of said County of Niagara being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has been acquainted with Levi Pratt above named for about seven years past and deems and believes him to be a man of truth and veracity and has no doubt but that said Pratt was a soldier of the Revolutionary War -
Hiram McNeil
sworn in open court the 8 d of Jan. 1833 - Henry Allen Clerk of the Common Pleas of Niagara County

We Hiram McNeil Sheriff of the County of Niagara residing in the Town of Lockport in said County of Niagara and William Hornell residing in the Town of Cambria in said County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Levi Pratt who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be over seventy two years of age. That he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
William Hornell
Hiram McNeil
Subscribed & sworn in open court this
3 d of January 1833 - John Austin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County
And the said Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states - and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Hiram McNeil who resides in Lockport and William Hornell who resides in Cambria in said County and who have signed the above certificate are both entitled to credit and are both credible persons signed in open court this 3 d 1833
R. Fleming
J. W. Colburn
Judges of said court present in open court

1821.864 Levi Pratt Niagara Co N.Y.
14 38 72
e
Very doubtful
1833
72
Messrs Gardner & Horse Lockport Niagara Co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 Levi Pratt Niagara Co NY
   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     Vol 19 th April 1775 Private Capt Kingman 72 years Traditional Evidence stated credible by Court No witness stated   Last May 8 Sergeant Capt Packard   Fall 75 2 Col Brewer Major   Spring 76 1 Capt Washburn   Vol Spring 77 a bout six months Private Col Cary   1775 Col Sprout   15 th April to 25 th 7 Private Capt Kingman Col. Howard   25 th May to 25 th Decr 1776 8 Capt Packard   March 1776 2 Do. Same officer   May to May 1777 12 Do Capt Washburn   Spring & fall 1777 6 Do. Capt Washburn Col. Sprout   Fall to Fall of 1780 3 Private  
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
It cannot be admitted for the service alleged that no proof can be and the regulations require the best to be produced.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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, and the names of the 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 _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , 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 place-where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John R. Ashton

Levi Pratt Application for a pension
Affidavit

State of New York
Memo County Jr: Silas Pratt being sworn this day at October 1822. deponent says that he is a brother of Levi Pratt; that he this deponent will recollect that sometime in or about the year 1776 the said Levi Pratt enlisted into the continental army in Col. Bailey's regi- ment for the term of three years according to the best of this deponent's re- collection; that this deponent recollects it more particularly from the circum- stances of his father's being displaced because the said Levi had enlisted And this deponent further says that he this deponent resided in Bridgeport with his father when the said Levi enlisted; that the said Le- vi was absent from home about six years during the revolutionary war, that he this deponent always understood that the said Levi was in the continental establishment & service about three years, and in the militia about three years. And this deponent further says that the said Levi was at home two or three times on a furlough while in the continental service as this deponent understood, that he was dressed in continental u- niform; that when the said Levi returned he had a discharge, which according to this deponent's recollection was signed by Col. Bailey that it was an honorable discharge according to the best of this deponent's recollection. And this deponent further says that he this deponent has been for several years absent from this state engaged in business on the St. Lawrence river, and the Mississippi and elsewhere during which time he has had no per- manent place of residence, that he did not come into this part of the country until some time in the month of Febru- ary last
Subscribed to, sworn this 7th of October 1822 before me, D. D. Barnard, - Silas Pratt
Commissioner under the act of 1818. I hereby cer- tify that I am satisfied from the oath of Ashley Samson & Richard Hile, that the above named Silas Pratt is a cred- ible witness, entitled to belief under oath - Oct. 7. 1822.
D. D. Barnard. Comr. &c.

State of New York Monroe County Clerk's office Sp:
I. Nathaniel Rochester Clerk of the County of Monroe do hereby certify that Daniel D Barnard are before whom the within affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same a Commissioner in and for the County of Monroe in said State, duly Commissioned and sworn - and that he as such Commissioner is duly authorized by Law to take the acknowledgment of Affidavits and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Daniel D Barnard and verily believing that the signature to the certificate of affidavit be within, to be his proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said County at Rochester this Eleventh October 1822
N. Rochester CLK
By N. F. Rochester Deputy Clerk

Rev. War Section.
June 22, 1916.
Levi Pratt P, 11268
Frederick M. Pederson, 452 West 144 Street, New York City.
Sir:-
In response to your letter dated the tenth instant, you are advised that from the papers in the claim of Levi Pratt, Sur. File No. 11,268 Rev. War, it appears that he was born March 23, 1760 at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where he resided and volunteered in April, 1775, in Captain David Kingman's company, and marched to the battle of Lexington.
Enlisted in May, 1775, as a Fourth Sergeant, in Captain John Packard's company, Colonel David Brewer's regiment; (date of discharge not stated) and he continued to serve at various times in the Massachusetts troops under Captain Abram Washburn and Colonel Cary, Captain Eleazer Hamlin and Colonel Bailey; he was in the battles of Bunker Hill; Long Island; Harlem Heights where he sustained wound of leg; battle of White Plains where he was wounded in the arm; Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island; and in the battle of Monmouth.
In 1822, he referred to his wife and two children, but did not state their names.
After the war he resided at Bridgewater with his father (name not stated) one year; Covington(?), Mass. with his father

twelve years; Middlebury, Vermont, about twenty years when his father died; Washington County, New York four or five years, at Jackson, in said County in 1818; Monroe County, New York in 1821; and at Cambria, Niagara County, N. Y., when he applied for pension in 1833, in which year he applied for pension under the Act of June 7, 1832. His claim was allowed
For the date of his death, and last known residence, application should be made to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U. S. Treasury Department, giving him all of the following data:
"Levi Pratt, Certificate No. 30,158, issued September 9, 1835, for $28.66 per annum from March 4, 1831, under the Act of June 7, 1832 at the Albany, New York Agency."
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

REJECTED Consolidated with S. B. file 11,268 1423 1423
P. O. Levi Pratt
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

1821
not in Mass book.
Res. Clarkson, Monroe Co., NY.
Pondgewater Hpl. 76 } 3 yrs. Pri. Capt. Hamilton, Col. Bailey - Mass di. Trenton Hpl. 79 }
Retreat from NY.
Long Is. Harlem not in leg White Pl. " arm
Witnesses: 1780 Capt. Hamlin, 1780 Col. Bailey Witnesses: Capt. Hamlin Col. Bailey
Monk As Mass book shows Capt's regt for 1776 - Continental service is not proved
1822 ref. to wife — + 2 ch. —
(Sol. bro. Levi Pratt alive 1822 (Sol. sister Priscilla Pierce alive 1821)

This service was by a man from Hadley, Mass. see Mass. Book.
Scty. Mass Ctf.
Mch. 16, 1777 - Dec 31, 79 Bn. Capt. Renson Col. Putnam
Jan. 1, 1780 1 year " Lt Inf Co. "

1916 June 22. History to Frederick M. Pedersen &. 1917 Apr. 6. Hist. to Mrs. C. M. Beran &.
Rev Mary
11268 INVALID.
File No. 11268
Levi Pratt
Prin. Rel. war
Act: June 3 rd 1852.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 208
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Set to Hunt 13, Feb. 1834, 24 Dec 34 " " " " " "
Rev. Act 7. June 1832
Suspended
Levi Pratt
Admitted
(See letter to
Set to Gardner & Morse
14 Nov 34 Messrs Gardner & Morse
Lockport
N. Y.
Oct. 26. 1833
Set to Gardner & Morse
14 Nov 32
" to same " " "
Set to application 4 Nov 35
Set to Gardner & Morse 20 May 1833

1833
Cambria - Niagara Co., N.Y. 10 yrs-
Vol.
Apl. 19. 1775 Capt David Kingman
May 25. Some 4 Sgt. John Packard David Brewer 8 mos. OK
  From  "  "  "  2 "    Man book Hl. 2.76   Elisha Mitchell  Linus Cary     Apl. 76 1 yr  "  Abraham Wachburn  Cary     Aug 76   John Allen  Cary     Apl 77, 6 mos.  —  " "  Forest   
  Battles  Lexington     Bunker Hill.    W in calf of leg  Harlem     White Pl.    Sullivan's Exped.  
Witness says he belonged to Capt. Eleazer Hamilton's co.
Res.
  Bridgewater with father —  1 yr. after war.  1784-1785    Corrington Mass " "  12 yrs.  1785-1797    Middlebury Vt. " "  20 yrs. when his father died  1797-1817    Washington Co. N.Y. —  4 or 5 yrs.  1817-1821    Monroe Co., N.Y.   1821-  
Cambria, Niagara Co., N.Y. 1833 Pens. allowed 1835 Niagara Co., N.Y.
grandson Chauncey Murch - 1838

H. Augustine, Fla. Mar-21 st 1917-
Commissioner of Pensions - Revo. Sec J.N.M. Washington, D.C.-
Dear Sir:
Will you please send to me a transcript of the records concerning Levi Pratt, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War - I am already a member of the D.A.R. - and wish to secure this data for a supplementary paper - The number of Levi Pratt's pension certificate was given

me as 30158, (the figures are slightly indistinct and may be 36158) -
If this Levi Pratt is my maternal ancestor, as I feel quite sure he is - his remains lie at Hullet's Landing, Washington Co. N.Y.
Thanking you, I am Sincerely -
Florence M. Hullett Bevan, (Mrs. C.M.) Bx 674 - St. Augustine, Fla.

The College of the City of New York Department of Mathematics St. Nicholas Terrace and 139th Street
N. J. G. 1- Rev. Sec.
June 10, 1916.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly give me what information you can from official records which will be legal evidence that the following two men served in the War of the American Revolution? They are David Hulett and Levi Pratt. I have found their graves at Hulett's Landing, Washington County, New York, on the shore of Lake George, and wish to have them marked with bronze markers of the Sons of the Revolution. The statements on their tombstones are not sufficient proof that these men served in the Revolution. The Adjutant General has written me that he has found the name of Levi Pratt on a Massachusetts muster roll dated December 1st, 1779, but has not been able to find any record concerning David Hulett. Any information you may be able to give me will be gratefully appreciated by,
Very truly yours,
Frederik M. Pedersen Asst Prof. Mathematics
Please address me at 452 West 144th New York,
David Hulett died 1832 aged 70 Levi Pratt " 1839 " 79yrs 11 months

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
Not identical with W. 24,911
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Levi Pratt , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. 11268.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1775 8 mos. Private John Packard David Brewer Mass.   6 mos. Abram Washburn Cary   6 mos. " " Sprout   4 years.  
organized after Lexington by Col. Brewer &amp; Putnam.
Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bridgewater Mass. Date of application for pension, Abl # 1818. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Jackson, Washington Co., N.Y. Age at date of application, born Mch. 23 1760. Bridgewater, Mass.
Remarks:
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Lackport Septm 30 th 1838
L d L d Edwards Esq m
Sir I have received your answer to the application of Levi Pratt to enlarge his pension - And can only say that he wishes if convenient that you should state what kind of proof will answer to show him the same man as the one whose name is on the navy of Col Putnam's Regt -
I enclosed on the application with his papers his present pension warrant which has not been returned - This warrant you will please return as he wishes to draw an it for pay - Please return the warrant as soon as convenient -
Yours etc Joseph Center

M. Attention D. Brink
P. March 2. 1835. Pension office answer
R

recd 2 Mar
Cambridge 19 Feb 1835
Sir,
I had the honor of receiving your letter of 26 Dec. I have since wrote the Secy of Boston at by her answer finds there are records of both Regts in which I served which. Letter I have with inclosure for your inspection I have again wrote to Boston but have not as yet got an answer, as I am now far advanced in Life I am now resolved to take the Benefit of the new Act where it is provided that Service not Life then Six months shall be entitled to pension though not to the extent as you are now in possession of my affidavits and Recommendation by the Hon J. G. Hathaway now in Congress and as the Day is now far spent with me I have to solicit your early consideration of my case - and place my name on the list of pensioners your Certificate of which will much oblige
Hon-Sir yours Most affec d Serv t
For Levi Pratt
Edward Lawrence

Cambridge N.H. Feb'y 21-
Yr
The Hon Lewis Cope
Inst. of Wards Washington

Apr. 11.
NY.
Hon. V. L. Edwards. War Department Washington D.C.

Hon J. S. Edwards
Dear Sir
Enclosed we have forwarded you another certificate from the Office of the Sec y of State of Mass. and we hope the evidence now furnished the Department will be abundantly sufficient to entitle Mr. Pratt to his pension and consequently he will be placed upon the Pension list. Should any other a further evidence be necessary, (which we hope will not) you will please advise us of the same, though in such an event we fear it will be out of our power to furnish any thing further. Your earliest attention to this application of Mr. Pratt, and the action of your Department in the premises, will oblige Dear Sir You most obedient servant Gardner W. Morse
Hon J. S. Edwards
Dorchester April 3 d 1835

Nov 6
Mr. Boyd

Merchant & Farmers Bank Albany, Pecosin Agency Nov. 2 d 1835
James L. Edwards Esq., Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
By your letter of the 9 th Inst. last, you were instructed to inscribe the name of Levi Pratt, on our Roll, & pay him at the rate of $28 66 / 100 per annum.
He claims pay at the rate of $38 66 / 100 per annum, & it appears by the production of the original Certificate that he is entitled to that allowance. Be pleased to instruct us whether or not we shall correct our Books accordingly -
I am, Sir, Very Respectfully Your ob t Servt.
Thos M c Clusky

Payments to be made at Albany by E. Ames Esq Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Albany New York
Cancel this & issue a certificate for only $28.66 per annum. The certificate is to be sent to the P. Agent at Albany with a letter —
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E 2 Vol 4
Page 34 by David Boyd
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Ser. Pratt... of the state of New York..... who was a private in the Army of The Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty-Eight dollars and Sixty-Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this Sixth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty- five
Isaac P. [unclear] Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office —
Boston August 4 th 1838.
I hereby certify from the Books of the Army of the Revolution remaining in this Office, it appears, that, Levi Pratt, — served as a Private — in Capt. Branson's Company Col. Putnam's Regiment from March 16 th 1777 to December 31 st 1779. Thirty three months and fifteen days.
And that he also served as Private in the 2 d Infantry Company in P. Putnam's Regiment from January 1 st to December 31 st 1780 — Twelve months.
In testimony of which I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written.
John P. Bigelow Secy of the Com'tee

Levi Pratt
Answered by M. M. [unclear]
Rept. Nov. 27 1823 to [unclear] Garnsey & Gregory
Rochester N.Y.
Rept. Oct. 18. 1823 see letter to Hon. D. G. Garnsey H. R. April 3. 1828
8-1258 8-1241
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Sir Enclosed We send a copy of Lewis Pratt with a Service. We hope that Will you be so good as soon -
Respectfully
Sir
Rochester Monroe Co NY - Oct 9 1823.
15481 15482

State of New York Niagara County ss: Be it remembered that before me Henry A. Center a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Lockport in the County aforesaid personally ap- peared Levi Pratt and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in the annexed certificate That he now resides in the Town of Cambria County of Niagara and State of New York and has resided there for about thirteen years last past, and that previous thereto he resided in Salem Washington County State of New York - That he is the identical person whose name is on the books of the Army of the Revolution remaining in the office of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts - and that he learned in the translation on record in the manner designated by the certificate of the Secretary of said State or Commonwealth of Massachusetts was John P. Bigelow & dated August 4 th 1838.
Subscribed and sworn to before me - Levi Pratt me Aug 20 th 1838 - Henry A. Center J.P.
State of New York ss: Lyman A. Spalding living Niagara County ss: Lyman A. Spalding living herein says that he is well acquainted with Levi Pratt who has subscribed the above affidavit and I know him to be the person named in the annexed certificate - I further that I have been the agent of said Pratt in obtaining his pension for three years or more last past on the annexed certificate of pension I certify that on this 20 th August 1838 L. A. Spalding came before me Lyman A. Spalding who subscribed the above affidavit & made oath to the same in due form of law and I further certify that I am acquainted with said Lyman and that he is a person of credibility - Henry A. Center J.P.

State of New York } Niagara County } Bliss's office ss. }
I Ahira G. White Deputy Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry A. Carter is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Elected and sworn that his term of office commenced on the first day of January A.D. 1836, and will expire on the last day of December A.D. 1839. and that his signature within written is genuine given under my hand and Seal of said County This 20 th day of August A.D. 1838, at Lockport
Ahira G. White Clerk

July 22 NEW YORK JUL 15
Prof. J. A. D.
free War Department Pension Office Washington City

J. S. Edwards Esq. Com. Pension,
Sir,
Enclosed we find
You the papers of Levi Pratt — When the papers were returned two the only two objections that were made, were
1 st That the length of service & the different grades in which Pratt served, were not stated with precision —
2 d That the name of the Col. was not stated —
Both the above objections are now obviated. — It will be seen that Pratt served 28 months 19 days as a private in the militia — and 3 Years in the regular service — for all which time we hope the Department will be satisfied that we are entitled to pay.
Respectfully Gardner Morris
July 15. 1833
Lockport Niagara Co. N.Y.
P.S. The printed sheets are enclosed.

In the matter of the application of Levi Pratt for a pension
Declaration II.
21854
From Gardner & Moore Job Post Niagara Falls N.Y.

F. Butterfield
I Henry Catter Clerk of the County of Niagara and ex officio Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Levi Pratt for a Pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this third day of January A.D. 1833
Henry Catter Clerk of Niagara County Courts

Levi Pratt's Application for a Pension Affidavit

State of New York
Monroe County ss:
Cornelius Wright of the town of Clarkson County of Monroe and State of New York being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he was acquainted with Levi Pratt during the two years of the Revolutionary war that he was attached to Capt. Van Klief's Company in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bailey that he saw him serving in said Company & Regiment very frequently for the term of two years, that he at that time understood that the said Levi Pratt had enlisted during the Revolutionary War - that the said Levi Pratt during two years when this deponent was acquainted with him he won the United States currency - that this deponent has always believed from what he heard then during the said time that the said Levi Pratt belonged and was attached to the United States Service during the Revolutionary War on the Continental establishment
Subscribed & sworn this 23 rd Day of July 1823
Cornelius Wright his mark
before me Abner Samson first judge of Monroe County
Monroe County ss: I certify that it appears to my satisfaction from the oath of David Prigo that the above named Cornelius Wright is a credible witness
Abner Samson

2 State of New York
Monroe County ss
On the fifth of July 1823 came before me Ashley Samson first Judge of the County Court of said County Eleazar Moore who being by me duly sworn made solemn oath as follows viz. that he is well acquainted with Sir Pratt that in the year 1780 this de- ponent was employed in the Commissary depart- ment & in Captain Soper's company in Col. Du Mot's Regiment in the Massachusetts line on the continental establishment & that this de- ponent knows that while this deponent was there which was either ten months & six days or ten months wanting six months days & which this depo- nent cannot recollect, the said Pratt was a sol- dier in Capt Hamilton's (or Hamilton's) company in Col. Beekman's regiment that this deponent saw the said Pratt almost daily & can say from his own knowledge that the said Pratt served in the said company & on the continental establishment for more than nine months during that year
Subscribed to & sworn to 5th of July 1823 before me - Ashley Samson
Eleazar Moore

State of New York Monroe County Clerk's office }p:
I hereby certify that Ashley Samson Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken was at the several times of taking the same First Judge of said County commissioned & sworn and duly authorized by Law to take the same; And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Ashley Samson and verily believe that the signatures to the certificate of affidavits taken to be his proper hand writing In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 24 th July 1823
A. T. Rochester Dep. Clerk

In at - Dec 8. NY.
Dr.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com missioner of Pensions Pension office. Washington D.C.

J. L. Edmond Esq.
Sir. Levi Pratt requests that you forward to me a Certificate which I recently forwarded to you with a letter of his grand son - relating to his pension claim - you will recollect that I sent you his pension certificate at the same time - the pension certificate you returned but not the letter of his grand son and certificate from the Secretary of the State of Mass -
Yours in S. Leavitt
Lackport N.Y. Co N.Y. - Nov 28 th 1838.

Levi Pratt of the town of Jackson in the county of Washington & State of N. Y.
Not on Rolls
JM

State of New York. Washington County ss. Levi Pratt of the Town of Jackson in the County of Washington & State of New York, being duly sworn deponeth and saith, that in the Spring of the year one thousand eight hundred and and seventy five he enlisted into the service of the United States, in the War of the Revolution against the common enemy, in Capt. John Packards company, and in Col. David Brewer Regiment for the term of eight months and served at Bunker Hill, in the Massachusetts line that immediately after his time of enlistment was out as aforesaid, he enlisted into Capt. Abram Washburns Company in Col. Cains Regiment in the same line for six months and served at New York. That on his said term of last enlistment expiring he enlisted into Capt. Abram Washburns Company and Col. Sprouts Regiment and served for six months more in New Jersey. That this deponent actually served in Col. Sprouts Regiment in the war of the Revolution as a private, and against the common enemy for about two years, and on the Continental establish- ment; but the particulars he cannot, from his advanced age and the length of time, now recollect. Nor can he recollect the name or names of the Captains who commanded him. That this deponent served during the war of the Revolution against the common enemy for about four years and was honorably discharged but his discharge has been lost or destroyed. And this deponent further saith, that by reason of age, infirmity and poverty, he is in need of assistance from his Country for support and that he is a resident citizen of the United States of America.
Levi Pratt
Sworn 4 th April 1818.
Before Anthony J. Blanchard First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Washington in the State of New York.

State of New York, Washington County ss. William C. McLean of the Town of Jackson, in the aforesaid County and State, being duly sworn before me and said, that he is acquainted with Levi Pratt within named - That from his acquaintance with him, he believes him to be a man of truth and veracity and that from his acquaintance with his circumstances and condition in life he verily believes he stands in need of assistance from his Country for support —
Sworn 4 th April 1818 -
William C McLean
Before Anthony Blanchard
First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Washington in the State of New York —

To the honorable John C. Calhoun Secretary of the Department of war
The case of Levi Pratt of the town of Jackson in the County of Washington & State of New York
Whereas it appears to the satisfaction of me Anthony J. Blanchard first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Washington & State aforesaid that the above-named Levi Pratt hath served in the war of the revolution on the continental establishment against the common enemy for and during the periods respectively mentioned in the declaration under oath of the said Levi hereto annexed & in the manner therein specified. I do therefore hereby certify and transmit the testimony in the said case and proceedings had thereon all which are herunto annexed Dated 4 April 1818
Anthony Blanchard First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Washington in the State of New York -
State of New York Washington County ss. I Daniel Shipheard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Washington & State of New York do hereby certify that Anthony J. Blanchard is first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County and that the signature of the said Anthony to the above Certificate & annexed affidavits is of the proper hand writing of him the said Anthony. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court of Common Pleas this fifteenth day of April A.D 1818 D Shipheard

In the Matter of Levi Pratt appli- cation for Pension
Levi Pratt Priv.
Col. Bailey's Maj. the regt.
1776 - 3 yrs.
4 th April 1818.
Not found on roll.
Additional proof of service should be adduced in this case.
Messrs Sampson & Gregory Rochester, New York Let the Applicant make a schedule of his property, in compliance with the act of
May 1820 - A blank form should be sent.
1 st July 1822.

State of New York Monroe County ss.
On this Seventh day of June 1821 before me the subscriber one of the first judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Monroe and in the State of New York personally appears Levi Pratt aged Sixty two years two months and fourteen Days resident in the town of Clarkson in the County of Monroe and State of New York aforesaid who being by me duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons enga- ged in the Land and naval Service of the United States in the revolutionary war". That the said Levi Pratt in the month of April 1776 enlisted at Bridgewater in the State of Massachusetts as a private Soldier for the term of three years, in the Company commanded by Captain Hamilton (the Christian name of the said Hamilton this depo- nent does not recollect) in the regiment comman- ded by Colonel Bailey. (The Christian name of the said Bailey this deponent does not know or recollect) in the Massachusetts line, that he continued in the Service of the said Corps until the month of April 1779 when he was discharged from Service in Trenton in State of New Jersey, that he

was in the battles of White Plains Harlem & Monmouth and at the retreat from New York in 1778. and at the battle previously fought on Long Island - That he was wounded in the leg at the battle of Harlem in his own at White Plains That he had a Discharge signed by Colonel Bailey, That in the year 1785 or 86 his father's house was burnt, That the Discharge was burnt at the time of the said fire - and That he is in reduced circumstances and actually stands in need of the assistance of his country for support - And the said Levi Pratt further saith that the names of the officers named in the first application of this deponent for a pension were all militia officers, That the attorney who made out his first Pension declaration informed him that it was only necessary to recite out nine months service, That the said attorney did not enjoin of him the particulars about the names of the officers & the services in the above declaration mentioned, Nor did this deponent distinctly recite at that time the names of the said officers - Soom to and declared to before me the day and year aforesaid -
Subscribed to Elisha B. Strong first Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas in and for the County of Monroe State of New York
Levi Pratt

State of New York Monroe County
Anthony Pierce of the town of Penfield county and State aforesaid being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he knows Levi Pratt enlisted in the year 1776 as a private soldier in the company of Captain Hamilton the Christian name of the said Hamilton he this de- ponent does not recollect, in the Regiment, comman- ded by Colonel Bailey (his Christian name this de- ponent likewise does not recollect). And this deponent further says that the said Levi Pratt enlisted in the year above mentioned under the said Captain Ham- ilton for the term of three years in the Continental army and that he says the said Levi Pratt once during the said three years, while he was at home on furlough and that he saw the said furlough which was signed by Colonel Bailey and that during the said three years he saw several letters from the said Levi Pratt to his friends informing them that he had enlisted for three years in the Continental Service, that he knew the handwriting of the said Levi Pratt and has no doubt but that the said letters were written by the said Levi Pratt and that after more than three years had expired, he the said Levi Pratt returned home and showed this de- ponent his discharge and that he has several times seen and read said discharge and believes it to have been a regular discharge, signed by Colonel Bailey

And this deponent further says that he has always understood and believes and has no doubt but that the said Levi Pratt served in the Revolutionary army of the United States on the Continental establishment during the term of three years  and that he is not prepared to say what he believes to be the above off David three years. And further this deponent saith not.
Subscribed and sworn this Seventh Day of Jan
Anthony Pease
1821 before me
Elisha B. Strong First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Monroe and State of New York
State of New York Monroe County ss:
Russilla Pierce of the town of Pen- field County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that she is a sister of Levi Pratt, that the said Levi Pratt enlisted in the year 1776, as a private soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Hamilton, (his Christian name not recollected by this Deponent) which Com- pany was attached to the regiment, of which Colonel Baily was the colonel, that the said Levi Pratt enlisted for the term of three years in the conti- nental army, that the said Levi Pratt was during the said three years at home once on a visit with a furlough, that she this deponent recollects

having seen his discharge, and that it was signed by Colonel Bailey, and this deponent further says that he wore upon a suit of clothes with the U.S. S.A. on each of the buttons. And this deponent further says that after he had been absent about three years he returned home and showed her his discharge, and that the said discharge was signed by Colonel Bailey and that she has seen the discharge and heard it read, several times since - And this deponent further saith that sometime in the year 1785 or 86. her father's house was burnt, and that almost and that almost everything was at that time consumed, and that the said Levi Pratt then lived with his father - and that the chest in which the said Levi Pratt kept his discharge was burnt and that deponent has always understood and verily believing that the discharge of the said Levi Pratt was burnt at the time of the said fire - And this deponent further says, that she has always under- stood from her father's relatives and acquaintances generally that the said Levi Pratt served in the revolutionary army of the United States on the Conti- nental establishment during the term of three years - And that she is not certain in what she testifies in the above affidavit - And further this deponent saith not -
and further this deponent Subscribed and sworn this Popella her mark Pierce Seventh Day of June
1821 before me Elisha B. Strong First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Monroe and State of New York

State of New York
Monroe County ss:
I Elisha B Strong first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the said County of Monroe & State of New York do hereby certify that it appears satisfactory to me on the oath of Anthony Pierce and Priscilla Pierce — credible witnesses that the within mentioned Levi Pratt is in indigent circumstances and actually stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support — dated 20 th May 1822.
Elisha B. Strong First Judge of Monroe Com. Pleas
In the Hall of Levi Pratt an Application for a Pension

State of New York Monroe County ss. Clerk's Office
I, Nathaniel Rochester Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for the county of Monroe, do hereby certify, that Elisha B. Strong Esquire before whom the foregoing Declaration, and affidavits were taken, is first Judge of the said Court of Common pleas - and that the said Court is constituted a Court of record by proceeding according to the course of Common Law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount - and keeping a record of its proceedings - and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Elisha B. Strong, and verily believe that the signature of "Elisha B. Strong" subscribed to the foregoing Declaration, affidavits and certificate to be his proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of the Court of Common pleas of said County this twenty first day of May 1822
N. Rochester Clerk By N. T. Rochester Deputy Clerk

State of New York
Chautauqua County ss.
Be it remembered that on this sixth day of July 1833. Personally came before me William James a Judge of the court of Common Pleas in and for said County Thaddeus Wright of the Town of Murry in said County and to me personally known to be the person described by me being duly sworn Deposed and saith that he is personally acquainted with Levi Pratt who now lives in the Town of Cambria in the County of Niagara and State of New York That he first became acquainted with him in the Year of Our Lord 1776 in the City of New York he was then a Regular enlisted Soldier in the Army of the United States in the Massachusetts line he afterwards knew him in the Year of Our Lord 1778 at Fishkill and White Plains and other places at which time he was a Regular enlisted Soldier in the same line in Brigadier General Nixon's Brigade and Colonel Carr's Regiment and, as this Deponent then understood and verily believes was enlisted during the War he also knew him in the Year of Our Lord 1779 in the Summer in the State of New Jersey with the Army as a Soldier - he marched through the State he was at Monmouth battle - The whole time inclusive that this Deponent knew him to be in the Army of the United States was one Year and six months - he further states that the said Levi Pratt a part of the time and he thinks in 1776 belonged to Eleazar Hamiltan's Company and that during the several periods he served as a private in the Army When this Deponent knew him

he further states that he has known the said Levi Pratt since the close of the Revolutionary War he knew him in the town of Sweden in Monroe County and in Clarkson same county and State of New York and that the said Levi Pratt has always been reputed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and served in the army of the Revolution and that he is a man of truth and veracity and that his statements may be relied on
Sworn to and subscribed before me the Day and Year above Writin William James a Judge of Orleans County Courts
Thaddeus Wright
Mc Pileg Sisson Charles Patten and Charles Patten of the town of Murray State of New York in the County of Orleans Do certify that we have been personally acquainted with the above Deponent Thaddeus Wright for Eighteen Years Who now resides in the neighborhood with us and we do further certify that he is a man of the strictest truth and veracity and sustains a good moral character and that his statements may be relied on as true -
Charles Patten
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6 th Day of July 1833 William James a Judge of Orleans County Courts
Deley Sisson Seeley Patten
State of New York Orleans County
I Abraham P. Mills Clerk of said County do certify that William James before whom the within affidavit was taken was at the time of signing the same a Judge of the County Courts in and for said County duly appointed and sworn and that the same was acknowledged with the hand writing of the said Judge & I hereby believe that the signature of William James subscribed to the above affidavit is genuine
Witness my hand and seal of Office This 8 th Day of July 1833 A. P. Mills Clerk

W. M. [unclear] Aug 27.
Genl. Pratt for increase,
30.158
FREE
1848
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Pension Office Washington D.C.
89449 14017
28647 145240

Lockport Aug 20 th 1838.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir Enclosed I send the enclosed papers in support of the application of Oliver Pratt for an increase of his pension - by referring to his papers & application on file you will see that he claimed for services as a regular soldier under Col s Putnam & Shelburne under Col s Burlyp and he was required to furnish proof from the rolls of the Revolutionary army - he caused search to be made and could not then procure it - and the reason was that he named Burlyp as his Col s & they search the rolls of his regiment only - since the old man received his pension certificate which is small (the service in Col s Putnam's Regt being omitted for want of proof) he has been persistently engaged in searching for proof - and at last his grandson went to Boston & has found his name on the rolls and procured the the Revolutionary certificate enclosed - I send you the letter of his grandson enclosing the certificate to the old man from Boston - The letter is of no other use than that it may be satisfactory to you to know that the name came to be found - I also return you Pratt's old certificate which you will want before you issue a new one - I have got the aff t of the pensioner & also of another respectable man to satisfy you that Pratt is still living - And is the same identical pensioner named in the certificate - This being a new case I thought it would be proper to furnish you with the same proof on changing the certificates as would be required to draw money from a pension agent - If I am not right in this proceeding you will correct me - I hope you will not delay, as the old man is very impatient - And I wish you would advise me at the shortest time concerning the result of this application - The old gentleman claims full pay as a Private that is $96. - per annum from March 1831 - deducting the amount he has recd on his old certificate -
Yours & I. Keeler

Mr Stephen Nurch Lockport Niagara County N.Y.

Boston Aug 3 1838
It is with pleasure that I improve this opportunity to write to you, I am well and in good health, altho I am in a distant land far from you yet I can converse with you. I received your letter last not night I was glad to hear from you and that you were all well it seems like a healing balm to her from home it calls to mind by gone days, I was very much pleased with the composition of Harvey's letter that's write Harvey I like to hear about farming, tell Hais that I am coming home to morrow, tell Hiram that I a lady gave me a little flaggolet for him tell Delonzo that I have got him a tin whistle flute , a rattle bone for Harvey, a razor dog for his Hais and the girls this is that the last letter that I shall write to you unless that something takes place until I come home I have not time to write to you any thing about my studies here
Glorious News For The Old Pensioner.
1776
Liberty
I have succeeded in getting the Song sat for pension! I have wiped the Sawyer! I gained the Victory! I have gained the certificate and all that grandfather will have to do will be to send to Washington and draw his whole pension from the time he first made application to the present day.

You wrote that you wanted me to inquire the price of tea I have done so and the price of tea by the break-gail is as follows viz for young hiran tea from 30-40 cents per lb. block 25 cts old hiran 40-50 cts special 50-60 cts the above tea is good and that is the least that it can be bought for tea can be delivered at Dockport for about 2 3/4 cents per pound but I should think it best to buy your tea at Newyork for several reasons if you buy tea in Boston you will have to pay the freight to Newyork and pay the insurance for it costage to Newyork and I think that it can be bought there for the same that it can here I now come to tell you something about my wants I shall want $50 sent to me the first of September if you can can let me have it I can not leave her here without it I hardly no what money to tell you to send if you send me Newyork state fund they will not take it without a discount and that will be one objection to buying tea per but if you send me money on any of the bank city of Boston I can get the silver on it except the commonwealth is not good but if can not get it send some good bank Newyork state you had better send it in one bill and do it up as I do up this letter and no one can tell that there is money in it send it so as to have it get here about the first of Sept say the 4th or 5th for I shall be looking for it about that time if there is any thing more that you want of me write and let me know and what you want you must judge whether you think it best to send a check or the money I have more that I want to write but I have not room yours respectfully Chauncy Murch

In the first place I went down to the pension office in state street and inquired if the rolls were kept there they told me they were not, that only kept the names of those that drew pensions, but that I find the names of those that served in the war at the state house I then went to the state house and inquired what part of the house the records were kept they told me that they were kept in the fourth story. I went up and found a small boy and an old man in the room I asked if they could find Levi  Pratt  name  there on the rolls in capt Jacob Allen camp cornel Baileys regiment under the command of general Dixon they went and got their books and found the above officers but no Levi Pratt, they then told me that there was no such mans name on the rolls here I told them that there was, in some of their papers for he served during the whole of the war, and that his name must be in some of their books and they must let me look them all over, they then went and bro't forward General Putnam's reg't and the first name on the roll was Levi Pratt they then told me to come in tomorrow and they would give me a certificate I went and got it you write to me if I found his name at on the list to write back and you would tell me what you wanted me to do but they told me that the certificate was all that I wanted so I took it and sent it on, if there is any thing more that you want you must write and let me no they have not put all the time that he served in the certificate but they have sent enough to secure his whole pension 30 months is all that is required, I paid $5 for reaching and writing. Tell grandfather that he must not in his glory forget the man that saved the city.