David Settinger, probably Quartermaster

David Settinger. David Settinger’s service is recorded in the following letter from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743-1804) of Hartford, CT to General William Smallwood (1732-1792); “Baltimore, Aug. 18,1782. Just as I am setting out for Philadelphia, the bearer, Mr. Daniel Settinger, informs me he has enlisted in the Maryland line, under your Honor’s command, and calls on me for a character. Having felt for his situation, and in justice to his former conduct, I can’t help interesting myself for him. He deserted the British service (I believe through principle), in the year Seventy-six. I employed him to write in the Quarter Master’s Department; he continued in my employ two years, and his conduct was such, as to induce me and other gentlemen to advance him a sum of ‘money to employ in trade. He followed that business, in the town of Hartford, for some years, but proving unsuccessful, he left Hartford, and entered on board the Continental Frigate Confederacy, got taken prisoner in her, carried to New York, and the poor fellow had a narrow escape with his life from there; he informs me he has met with a good many misfortunes since. I can only say, I am really sorry for him, and from my knowledge of him, I believe him to be a good man ; therefore, I beg leave to recommend him to your Honor’s protection and notice. I am, Sir, with esteem and regard.” This person may be the David Settinger who is listed in the 1810 Census as residing in Blockley Township, Pa. Blockley Township is a defunct township that was located in Philadelphia County. The township was incorporated into the City of Philadelphia following the passage of the Act of Consolidation in 1854. Blockley Township was located on the west side of the Schuylkill River, north of Kingsessing Township; bounded on the east by the Schuylkill; extending south from the county line, opposite to, but a little below, the mouth of the Wissahickon, down to the Nanganesy or Mill Creek, below the Woodlands; then by the same creek up to Chadd’s Ford Turnpike, known in later years as the Baltimore Pike; along the same to Cobb’s Creek; then by the courses of the same to the county line adjoining Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County, and along the same to the Delaware River.