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

Mass. Pratt Nathan
S 15-5-78

P 155 4 /8 INVALID.
File No. 15.578  ms
Nathan Pratt
His Rev Mr
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. / , Page 353
[Arrangement of 1870.]

30/89
2,29
85 61 28
to 1 May 36 1 June 31 , 61 28 June 28 9

Woodstock Vt. July 9. 1855
Sir,
I forward the application of John S. Pratt - the only child living of Nathan & Betsey Pratt late of Bridgewater and in order to obtain an arrear of pension.
Said Nathan Pratt was a Soldier in the Revolution, and drew a pension in his life time under act of June 7. 1832 - of $36.66 - when he should have recd a larger pension, as will appear by the certificate of the Secretary of War herewith enclosed, which shows as follows to wit
He served in 1775 - 8. Months in Capt Wadsworth's Co. - Col. Cotten's Reg. ✓ do " 1777 - 89 days in " Bells " - " Robinsons Reg. do " 1777 - 1. Month 22 days, " Hookers " - " Woodbridge - do. ✓ do " 1780 - 3 Months & 5. days, " Alvords " - " Murrays do (Corporal)
Please give an early reply, in the mean time I remain Respectfully your Obt. Serv. Ozias Billings
Hon. L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

I Isa. Raymond of Bridgewater in the County of Maine and State of Vermont aged sixtyfour years do hereby testify and say that some time in the fall of 1832 from the best of my recollection Nathan Pratt then a resident of Bridgewater appeared before me who acted then acting as a Judge of Probate for the District of Hartford in said State of Vermont and made a declaration for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832 I cannot recollect what amount of pension he inserted in his declaration for I think he had but one witness to testify for him and that if I recollect was a Mr. Sanderson but am confident that he insisted on having some more pension than he was able to prove by parole testimony and did not know where to go to find proof evidence I recollect he received $36.66 a year during the remainder of his life and further say that from my best recollection Mr. Pratt did not insist in his declaration all the services that he did in the Army for the reason that he could not find those who were with him to prove it, and allways complained when I allowed his pension (which I usually did) being a neighbor that he was not getting as much as belonged to him and further saith not Isa. Raymond
over.

State of Vermont } Windsor County } On this 11 th day of January A.D. 1856. at Woodstock in said County; personally appeared Hon. Isaiah Raymond the subscriber to the within affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same; and I further certify that the deponent is of good character for truth. and an undoubted 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 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 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 14 th day of January A. D. 1856.

Woodstock Vt January 19. 1856.
Sir,
Your favor of July 17 th 1855 was duly recd, in relation to the Claim of John S. Pratt, son of Nathan Pratt deceased, late a pensioner of the U.S., claiming increase of pension in right of his said father's service, under Act of June 7. 1832.
It appears in your said communication, that, "the additional service rendered by a man named Nathan Pratt on account of which you ask an increase of the pension of Nathan Pratt deceased of Vermont, under Act of June 7. 1832, as certified by the Secretary of State of Mass, is not included in the service claimed by the pensioner Nathan Pratt, to have been rendered by him, and it does not therefore afford any ground for the increase of his pension."
I now enclose the affidavits of Hoseaiah Johnson - Heiram Pratt and Judge Raymond, the Magistrate or Judge of Probate, before whom said Nathan Pratt, made his declaration which explains & gives the reasons, why all the service he did, was not included in his said declaration, which was because he could not find persons that was out with him, to give evidence to sustain some of his service, as certified by the Secretary of Mass, and it was left out - as he thought it would not be allowed, without evidence, and he did not know then, of any record evidence, but always complained that he was not allowed as much pension as he ought to have recd for the service he did.
It will be noticed that he was out in service first, from the town of Middleboro, County of Bristol, and State of Massachusetts.

in 1775 & 76. — 8 Months, and immediately after he removed from said Middleboro to Pelham in the County of Hampshire in Mass. where he was out again three times in service, in all between 7 & 8. Months, and for which the increase of pension is Claimed.
I trust the evidence herewith forwarded, will explain satisfactorily to you, the justness of this Claim, and the increase will be allowed.
I am Respectfully your Obt. Serv Oz Billings
Hon. J. Merriot Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 6. 1856.
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Pratt is borne on pay roll of Capt. Joseph Hooker's Comp. Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's Regt. from Aug. 27. to Oct. 4. 1777, 1 month 12 days, as private, when he was discharged. Roll dated Greenwich Dec. 22. 1777.
Capt Joseph Hooker was from Greenwich and on the alarm of April 19. 1775. he marched with his Company raised from Greenwich & Pelham in Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's Regt. Pelham joins Greenwich on the West, in Hampshire County. Mass.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Francis DeWitt Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Pension Office January 29 th 1856
Sir
Before deciding upon the claim for increase of allowance demanded by the surviving children of Nathan Pratt, who was a revolutionary pensioner, a Certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts is required, stating from what town the soldier of that name entered the Army, who performed the service in Captain Joseph Hooker's Company Co. Woodbridge Regiment between the dates of August 27 th and October 11 th 1777
Very Respectfully
Your O b Servant
R. M c Rae
for Comm r .
Col Billings Esqr Woodstock Vermont

Woodstock Vt June 24. 1856
Sir
Your favor of February 18 th /56 - was duly recd in relation to the claim of John S. Pratt, son of Nathan Pratt, late a Revolutionary pensioner of the U. S. claiming arrears of an increase of pension.
And now in answer, please find the affidavit of Hiram Pratt, and sundry old ancient papers found in the possession of said Revolutionary Soldier at his death - numbered from 1. to 11 which cannot fail to convince any man of the honest, reliable and equitable claim to said increase, and which fully meet the requirements of your letter before named.
I am Respectfully your Ob d S er W ill Billings
Hon. J. Minot Comm d of Pensions Washington D.C.

Woodstock Vt August 22 d 1856
Sir.
Your favor of the 21 st of July last, was duly reciv d . in answer to mine of June 24 th 1856. covering the affidavit of Hiram Pratt and sundry old letters and papers found in the possession of Nathan Pratt (a soldier of the war Revolution) at his death.
In your communication aforesaid, the following statement is made to wit. " I am at a loss to understand the relevancy of the Old papers which accompanied " your letter of the 24 th ult, to the question in issue in the case of Nathan Pratt dec d . — " Pratt claimed two tours of service only. one of 8 months in 1775. and one of 3. months " in 1777- commencing July 1777 and ending on the 4 th of October of the same Year. It " is now attempted to identify him with a Soldier of his name who according to the " certificate of the Secretary of War. served 89 days from Jan y . to April 1777. and " 3 months and 5 days from July 13. to October 10. 1780. — There is not even a Colorable " of pretext for the claim set up for said tours H. Vt.
In relation to said old papers being sent, you will find the reason by reading the contents of a letter to me, by the commissioners of pensions, dated 18 th of February last, relative to this case, of which an extract reads as follows viz.
" The books of the Town Clerks of Middletown (by which I suppose he means " Middlebury) and other towns where it is never contended he lived during " the war must be examined and such information as they afford of the evidence " of such a man must be furnished this office."
Now Sir instid of going or sending to said Town Clerks to ascertain whether any evidence could be found, these old papers were searched for, and found as per affidavit of Hiram Pratt and show the facts as required, that Nathan Pratt

resided in Middleboro Mass. in 1775. when he did the 8 months service and then he removed to Pelham in the County Hampshire Mass. as stated by John S. Pratt (the Claimant) in his declaration, which was some time in the years 1776 or 1777 where said John S. Pratt was born July 20 th 1777 as be bible leaf record. which I sent with said Old papers will show. and when the other service was done. and I refer you to Hiram Pratts affidavit sent with said Old papers to explain the same.
You have also the affidavits of the Hon. Isaiah Raymond the Judge of Probate who made Nathan Pratts declaration for his pension and obtained his certificate and drew his pension during his life. who says that he claimed more service than he declared for at the time, and always said his pension was not as large as his service entitled him to, at the time. and the affidavits of Hiram Pratt and Hoseariah Johnson, to hearing him frequently say that he did not receive a pension for what service he did do. You further say in yours of 8 th July 24. " It is not the service under Hooker that is disputed, but the service under " Capt John Wells and Capt John Alvord whose companies were detached from " Hampshire County Mass."—that is what I supposed. and Nathan Pratt at said time, resided in Pelham in said Hampshire County as before stated. and how could Nathan Pratt be placed on the pension roll at the rate of $36. 66 per annum, if he was not allowed some of the service of either that of Capt Wells or Alvord.
You say again—"there is not even a colorable pretext for the Claim Set up for the said terms"—after all the evidence mentioned by me in the foregoing statement with the affidavits and papers in your possession.
There has been cases heretofore, similar to this, where the amount of pension was not allowed at the time, that the Claimant was entitled to, and yet afterwards have been allowed and paid, and I have yet to learn

that the time has passed, when such claims cannot be presented, with an expectation of being examined and passed upon on the merits of the case from the evidence and papers presented, fairly construed.
I have been in the pension business ever since 1832 and have never intended to prosecute any claim without it had some "color" of merit, and when I have seen others doing so. I have reported them to the department, as in the case of Jacob Slingerland of Ft. in my county, but this Pratt case I consider one of merit,
I therefore respectfully request, that you will reexamine this case & I trust you will come to a different conclusion from that heretofore expressed, for I cannot but believe, that through the multiplicity of business which presses the pension department at the present time, that a carefull examination of the case was not made, from your last communication received.
I am Respectfully your Obedt Serv Oel Billings
Hon. J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Woodstock Vt. February 9 th 1856
Sir,
I enclose the certificate and your letter to me of January 29 th , 1856, in relation to the claim for increase of pension of Nathan Pratt deceas d . a Revolutionary pensioner, agreeable to your direction in said letter, which increase is now claimed by his son John S Pratt.
I am Respectfully your Ob dt Serv t . Oz Billings
Hon d . J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Nathan Pratt died 14 Aug 1840
John S Pratt
Only Child
8. 1775 2,287 1777 1,12 3.5  15,157 165 45 40 10 3 33 1/2 1 65  $ 54,198
4 | 40 10 1,65  51,65
10 3 33 1 65  14 58 36 66  51 64

29 June 1853- Nathan Pratt lived in Middleborough Mass and in April 1775 enlisted for 8 months under Cap t Wade of Col Theophilus Collins Reg t L t Col Alden, served out his enlistment,
In July 1777 enlisted for 3 months under Cap t Hooker, joined Col Woodbridge's Reg t and served out his enlistment,

Nathaniel Samson was a soldier in 1775 in Col Cottons Reg! Well knew Nathan Pratt who belonged to the same Reg! believes, he served the 8 months term,
Pratt received a discharge from his 3 months service in 1777,
Hezekiah Johnson often heard Pratt say he moved from Midd- leboro' to Pelham Mass. , thence to Woodstock Vt. & thence to Bridgewater where he died,
Isaac Raymond before whom he made his first declaration swears he insisted that he rendered more service than he was able to prove & always complained that his pension was not enough for his services.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 3 rd 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Pratt is borne on return of 8 mos. men in Capt. Amos Wade's Comp. Col. Theophilus Cotton's Regt. Name borne on Coat roll, dated Middleboro Dec. 1. 1775. as private from Middleboro. Also on pay roll of Capt. John Wells Comp. Col. Timothy Robinson's Regt. detached from Hampshire County from Jan'y. — to April 1. 1777 89 days. as private. Also on pay roll of Capt. Joseph Hooker's Comp. Col. Ruggles Woodbridge's Regt. from Aug. 27. to Oct. 4. 1777 when he was discharged, 1 month 12 days travel included. Roll dated Greenwich Dec. 22. 1777. Also on pay roll of Capt. Job Alvord's (Comp. Col. S. Murray's) S. Murray's Regt. to reinforce the Continental Army, from Hampshire County, from July 13. to Oct. 10. 1780. 3 mos. 5 days travel included, as Corporal. from Ware or Pelham.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of the commonwealth of Massachusetts at Boston Sir my request to you is that you send me an official Certificate of the Service of Nathan Pratt in the Massachusetts Militia war of the Revolution If you will be so kind as to answer my request I should be very glad in this letter enclose one dollar to you for your trouble plus to answer this as soon as may be March the 19 / 55 Bridgewater Vermont County of Windson
Hiram Pratt

Sir I have taken a good deal of pains to hunt up all the information from Nathan Pratt's papers his father Recard of his family represents him to have been in Middleborough July the 9 - 1772 and was a resident of that place until June where between 1775 and 1777 which then according to his papers he and his father moved to Pelham his father was of the same name Nathan Pratt Thence to Vermont where he spent the remainder of his I find my letters which he received while he was stationed in Roxborough Camp but not how long he was to inform where he went and what his officers names were but I don't remember not thinking I should ever be called upon to ascertain he was in form me in scouting parties and other places he was out a little short of a little over two years in the hole but I have nothing to show when he enlisted nor how long he was out other ways than what I have written I found amongst Nathan Pratt's papers a permit and another paper containing officers names which I thought I would in close and send to you mentioning of his old papers were destroyed I wish you to look to this as soon as may be Bridgewater Vt March the 31 1855
1855 Yours with respect Hiram Pratt
N. Lyman Strong

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Brief in the case of Nathan Pratt dec'd County and State of Vermont act June 7 1832
Claim, (" original " or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
He was allowed for 11 months service in Mass $36 66 a year under the act of 1832 & died in 14 Aug t 1840.
Recd evidence is furnished showing that he served 15 1 / 2 months, The case is, therefore, (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
increased to $57 64 deducting $36 66 His death & the handwriting of the claimant shown agreeably to our Regulations
Name and residence of Agent
Col Billings Esq Woodstock Vt
Thornton D. Dipp Examining Clerk.

Nathan Pratt dec. Vermont
Inc. June 7, 1832
15 months 150s pr $57 64
A year from Allen 1831 to May 1840
When he died
13 Deciding $36 66 / 9
Open
Pay to John Pratt only child.
Cash m
del Billings Esq Woodstock Verm

No 2
To Nathan Pratt Mr in Rosebury Camp this with coin unrecalled

Middlesbrough November 17 1775 No 2 Loving brother these lines I send to you to let you know that I am well and hope that these will find you so I have no remarkable news to write to you at present only that Phoebe Leonard hath worked the card pretty craftily and hath staid with Samuel Hathaway last night I would have you tell Samuel Eaton that Susanna Bardin is well the girls are all in good health about here at present I want that should come home a thanks giving Day for certain for I will have your stockings done by that time if I can but if you do not come home by that time you shall never have them to the end of time We are all a going a thanks giving Day night to Mr Joseph Bardin's Church I shall have no more to write to you at present but remember your Loving Sister Betty Pratt remember my love to Samuel Eaton

Mr Calhan Pratt in woodstock
MS 3.

No. 3 Middleborough January 26 y r 1786
Dear Children I take this time to inform you through the blessing of god I am as well as Common for me to be I hope through the same goodness these few lines will find you in saying the same blessing as for y r Sires I dont much I will inform you that Colonel Sprout is dead but it is a general time of health among us. Deborah is not very well she is troubled with her old weakly disorders and I have heard what your disorder is and I am so concerned about you you must send word in a Letter by Nathan when you have got any better upon that a Count for Nathan will bring a Letter directly to me

I must just tell you that Patience Winslow was Published last summer to Jerimiah Cobb and he died Last august and she is Right Stoughton
Don't let any body see this

if I send you a little bundle wrapt up you may keep matters to your self you must tell John and Howland that grand mother longs to see them and I must Conclude Remaining your Loving mother till Death
Sydia Howland
your Brother Cole is to worch to wareham this winter in the fore his family Remembers their Love to you and your Brother thomas family all Remembers their Love to you and your Children

to Nathan Pratt F. Bridgewater Vermont
No 4

No 4
June 11 th 1808
Honoured Father and mother I imbrace this opportunity to inform you that I am well Hoping these few lines will find you and yours in joy the same blessing
As for knews I have nothing nothing to right now I have seen Mr Mc Culle and he is going to mara alle and I have sold my watch for fifty five Dollars and my waggon and one horse and harness and I am going with him in seven or eight days and you must write to me as often as you can and I will write to you
So remaining Your Friend
John S Pratt Mr Osgood and his folks all well as common