By July 4, 1853, those days of hardship and danger were relegated to the dim past. Daniel Spencer basked in celebrity as one of the last surviving soldiers of the Revolution. He was honored for being part of that brave band of Americans whose sacrifice paid for our country's freedom. He died a year later.

"Several of our leading men gave the old patriot a hearty welcome in the 'Governor's Room,' " the New York Times noted, "and as his pension is but a mere pittance, we trust that something more substantial was awarded him."

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The daguerreotype

Taken By: Carden & Co.

293 Broadway, New York City

The daguerreotype of Daniel Spencer was taken in 1853 — the year Spencer was the guest of honor at New York City's Fourth of July celebration.

Current owner: Joe Bauman

Spencer's miltary units

4th Connecticut Regiment

Organized: May 1775

Size: 10 companies, each consisting of one captain, two lieutenants, one ensign (cornet), four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer and 100 privates

Battles: Quebec, siege of Boston, Brandywine, Germantown, Whitemarsh, Philadelphia, Monmouth and Yorktown

Sheldon's Horse

2nd Continental Light Dragoons

Sheldon's Horse grew out of a group of Connecticut mounted volunteer militia. The unit, under the command of Col. Elisha Sheldon, volunteered for service early in 1776 but was rejected because of insufficient forage for the horses and men. The dragoons entered active service after the defeat of the Continental Army at White Plains, N.Y., in October 1776. Sheldon was commissioned colonel commandant.

Why dragoon?

The name dragoon is derived from the carbine (the dragon) carried by Frederick the Great's medium cavalry. Most of their fighting was done on foot with the horses being used primarily as transport (mounted infantry). Dragoons were invaluable in reconnaissance and as messengers.

Sheldon's Horse

Unit makeup: Sheldon's Horse consisted of four troops from Connecticut and one troop each of Massachusetts and New Jersey natives. In addition there were two companies of light infantry.

Battles: Woodbridge, Brandywine, Germantown, Kingstown, Saratoga, Flockey*, Whitemarsh, Morrisania and Yorktown

Sheldon's Horse fought in numerous skirmishes and battles, including whaleboat raids.

Elements of Sheldon's Horse were personal bodyguards to Gen. George Washington.

*Site of the first cavalry charge in America