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While doing a bit of research on the ancestor of my friend and neighbor, I found his name (Stephen Flanagan) contained in a letter supporting another man's application for a Revolutionary War pension, at Fold3.com. The amount of rich detail found here clarifies family relationships, as well as military service. Middle-school students might be surprised at the experiences of a 13-year-old in 1782.
I have transcribed the letter below, exactly as written:
"Philadelphia
1 May 1834
Dear Sir,
The additional
facts which can be gathered in the case of Ezekiel H. Teel, are as follows: -
The family bible of his mother shows that he was born in 1769: - The battle of
the Hyder Ally was fought in 1782, consequently at that time he was 13 years of
age: - a boy of that age may render efficient Services on board an armed
vessel.
Mr. Price (a
brother-in-law of Stephen Girard) says, that when boys, Teel was always
considered the older of the two, but from the family records it does appear
that Mr. Price is two years older than Teel. –
I have frequently
heard the late Capt. Stephen Flanagan say, that Teal was in that action, and I
have often heard him remark, that at that time, Teel was distinguished, as an
adventurous and Courageous boy.
Respectfully,
Thos. D. Grover(?) Groves(?)
Hon. I. (or J.) B. Sutherland
Washington"
A postscript is torn away from the original paper.
(Note: The battle
referred to is known as The Battle of Delaware Bay, or the Battle of Cape May,
fought in early April of 1782. The Hyder
Ally was an American privateer sloop, named for Hyder Ali, the ruler of the
Kingdom of Mysore on the Indian subcontinent, and a British enemy. The Americans were victorious over a superior
British force.)
