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Human skeletal remains possibly belonging to Revolutionary War soldiers
have been discovered under an 18th-century house being renovated in
Danbury Connecticut. |
| From the Pratt Morse Photo Album |
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| Photos still in the beautiful Pratt Morse Family album |
. I believe, but have not yet proven. that 2 other Williams photos are of wives of two of the brothers. 
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| Closeup of period handwriting on Cabinet Card F. A. Pratt |
Numbers 16. Report of Captain Franklin A. Pratt, Battery M, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, of action at Kelly's Ford.
KELLY'S FORD, VA., November 12, 1863.
SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by my battery in the action of the 7th instant at Kelly's Ford:
In compliance with orders from headquarters Army of the Potomac, the battery moved from the camp of the Artillery Reserve, near Catlett's Station, at 4 a. m. of the 7th instant, reporting at the headquarters of General French, near Germantown, at daybreak, from which place it moved at the rear of the First Division, Third
Corps, by way of Morrisville, to Mount Holly Church. When near the latter place I was ordered to move at once to a position on the road about 500 yards to the left of the church, and 1,500 yards from Kelly's Ford, which it commanded with the plains beyond. As I came up there was a scattering musketry fire at the ford, and the enemy were throwing forward infantry from the woods into the rifle-pits and buildings on the opposite bank. Being directed by General Birney to "open on them as soon as possible," the battery was soon in position, and the second to open fire.
The enemy being under cover, General Birney directed me to fire on the brick store in which their riflemen were sheltered. My first shot struck the building between the second-story windows, passed through the roof of the one intended. My fire was then directed at a battery of brass pieces the enemy were using on our infantry from the edge of the woods, distant from me about 2,500 yards. They effected, the enemy advanced a line of infantry from the edge of the woods to oppose the advance of our forces. I threw three shells at them that apparently struck their line, which broke in much confusion, so much of it as was not covered by rising ground.
The ammunition used was Schenkle percussion shell. I expended but 15 rounds, but its effectiveness was very evident. They carried with great precision, few failing to explode.
In closing the report I have to express my belief that the merit of the 4 1\2-inch rifle for field service is not properly considered, and that if more generally into action, they would add much good to the result.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. A. PRATT,
Captain, First Regiment Conn. Arty., Commanding Siege Battery M.
P. S. JASTRAM,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.[Source: Chapter XLI. ADVANCE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK, VA]
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| Verso of Cabinet Card |
| Name: | Franklin A Pratt |
|---|---|
| Residence: | Hartford, Connecticut |
| Enlistment Date: | 23 May 1861 |
| Rank at enlistment: | Qtr Master Serg |
| State Served: | Connecticut |
| Survived the War?: | Yes |
| Service Record: | Enlisted in Company S, Connecticut 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment on 23 May 1861. Promoted to Full 2nd Lieutenant on 06 Nov 1861. Promoted to Full 1st Lieutenant on 13 Feb 1862. Promoted to Full Adjutant on 01 Mar 1862. Promoted to Full Captain on 08 Aug 1862. Mustered out on 11 Nov 1864. |
| Sources: | Connecticut: Record of Service of Men during War of Rebellion. Source: Ancestry.com |
