Original handwritten letter dated 18 January 1846, written in New Haven, Connecticut, by Wyllys Peck (1797–1869) to his brother Nathan Peck Jr. in Washington, D.C.
This historically interesting family letter concerns efforts by the heirs of Lt./Capt. Stephen Alling (c. 1752–1828) to recover compensation arising from his service during the American Revolutionary War.
Wyllys Peck had married Jeanette H. Alling, daughter of Stephen Alling, in 1820, making Alling his father-in-law. Peck was also involved in the administration of Alling’s estate, explaining his direct participation in pursuing the heirs’ claim.
The letter discusses correspondence from Gen. John P. Duval of Tallahassee, Florida, who stated that he possessed authenticated documentary evidence concerning Alling’s Revolutionary service and offered to prosecute the claim in Washington.
Subjects mentioned include:
- Revolutionary War military service of Stephen Alling
- Federal pension records
- Commutation pay owed to qualifying Continental officers
- 200 acres of bounty land
- The Pension Office and Treasury Department in Washington
- Duval’s proposed fee of $50 in advance plus a percentage of recovered money and land scrip
- The absence of Alling’s original military papers, believed to have been submitted with his pension application
- Alling’s pension under the Act of 18 March 1818
- His death on 30 April 1828
An especially interesting postscript states that Capt. Alling was an Artillery officer, not Infantry, and indicates that he belonged to a New York regiment, with a possible association with Col. John Lamb, commander of the 2nd Continental Artillery. This attribution is presented as it appears or is suggested in the letter and should be independently researched by the buyer.
The letter also contains personal New Haven family and local news, including references to Sheldon and Henry Edwards, Helena, and the death of John McWhirter.
Signed at the conclusion:
The integral address portion is addressed to:
Mr. Nathan Peck Junr.
Washington
D.C.
A remnant of the original red wax seal is present.
A desirable piece for collectors of American Revolutionary War-related manuscripts, early U.S. pension and bounty-land history, Connecticut/New Haven history, genealogy, Continental Army research, or 19th-century autograph letters.
Approximate date: 18 January 1846
Place: New Haven, Connecticut
Author: Wyllys Peck
Recipient: Nathan Peck Jr., Washington, D.C.
Subject: Revolutionary War pension, commutation-pay and bounty-land claim of the heirs of Stephen Alling
Guaranteed original period manuscript as shown.
Please feel free to examine the photographs closely for handwriting, condition, folds, staining, seal remnants, and other physical details.
Related Items:
1846 Wyllys Peck ALS Revolutionary War Pension Claim Stephen Alling New Haven
$293.31
