HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Dec. ls.
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MIR. Miller presented the petition.--0f John |
Blake, Revolutionary officer. who entered the ser
vice in April l775; who was in the battles Of Long
Island. Iarlaem Heights East cheser W bite Plains
Trenton Saratoga, Saltwater, Stoney Point, besides
ia score Of skiimshes.
The following is an extract from the petition:


"When in the Jerseys, captured several small
detaehments Of refugees, which 50 irrtated their
commander, Col. Delanca, that he offered a reward
of sixty guneas to any person who might bring mel
to him, dead or alive. General Washington, then
at Crumpond. in the State of New York wrote me
ii letter TO repair to his quarters. When arrived.
he SAYS, Friend Blake, have a pleasant tour Of
duty for you, which,. to take a detachment of men,
and make Col. Deanca and his guard prisoners


have heard he has offered bounty for you !;
therefore give you this opportunity to rctaIae.'
i Accordingly, the following night. repaired to lis
quarters but before arrived took two Of his men
who gave me the comdersiga, by which means |
was enabled to take the scntncls without alarming
the guard found the door boltcd and went to the
window, where | saw several officers playing at
cards, one Of whom inquired Uhm 1caS trumps? |
Immediately answered, Biack Jack. Of MeNh hfg.
i. imcat? at the same time ordering the window bro
ken. The guard OI 36 men and officers were made
prisoners, but the T. lionel was absent and escaped


Il have at last attained to my 14tb year, without
receiving the compen> ,on due for my services. and
have lately had the misfortune OF having one OF my
arms broken yet am under the necessity, even de-
bilitated and disabled am, of tutoring to support
life But soon will the vital spark expire, and free
my country from my pressing opportunities. Shall
! Congress be rcproached with partialityP Why
r them do some who served only nine months receive
their pensions as many years. whilst others. because
they have, by persevering industry obtained scan
ty pltance are remanded from their country's gen
erosity9 sincerely hope that, while she so liberal
y rewards meritorious foreigners, who entered The
service at the eleventh hour She will not be unmind
Iul of the ireeborn sons of America, who bore the
heat and burthen of the day. My countrymen,
reckon upon your justice and generosity.
\ The petition was referred to the Committee oil
Pensions.