Sheweth,

flourishing way of way of [sic] Business was from his attachment to Government oblig'd to leave that place, and was soon after appointed by Sir William HOWE to an Ensigncy in a Provincial Corps Commanded by Brigadier Genl. DELANCY, in which he Serv'd on the Expedition to Savannah at the Siege of which place he was unfortunately kill'd, leaving your petitioner and two Children without means of Support being entirely unconnected in this Country and haveing been refused permission by the rebels to return to her native home, in which her property is not inconsiderable.

She is therefore reduced to the necessity of Comeing to England to Solicity Some Share of his Majesty's Royal Clemency to be extended to her as a relief to her distresses.

Your petitioner begs Leave to represent that had her Late Husband been less attached to Government he might probably have had Considerable appointments under the rebels- His Brother was appointed Quarter Master General to the Army at Boston and Aid de Camp to General Heath, but her late Husband prefered the Commission in his Majesty's Service to the first place the rebels Could give him: the younger Brother is now an oficer in Admiral Rodney's fleet in which he has Served ever since the Admiral has had a Command.

From these Circumstances your Petitioner humbly requests such allowance from Government as may relive her from her present distress and afford her a decent Support.

As in duty bound your petitioner Shall every pray
Hannah POLLARD

New York October 2d 1781

Mrs. POLLARD arrived in England in Feby. 1781-

Sam. SPARHAWK

London 2d May 1781

These may Certify that Ensign Benjamin POLLARD Served under my Command at Savannah with Zeal and Gallantry and was kill'd on that Service. I also strongly recommend his widow (the above mentioned petitioner) as an object deserving of his Majesty's Royal Bounty

A PREVOST

Great Britain, Public Record Office, Audit Office, Class 13, Volume 75, folios 241-242.

Click here for ---> More Massachusetts & Maine Claims

                               Top of Page

The On-Line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies
For information please contact Todd Braisted

Updated 5/01/00