Pennon. In former times was something like a banner, but with the addition of a triangular point, charged with arms, and borne before knights-bachelors.
Pennsylvania. One of the Middle States of the Atlantic slope, the second in population in the Union, and one of the thirteen of the original confederacy. The earliest settlements were made in 1627 by a colony of Swedes and Finns, who established themselves on the Delaware River, going as far northward as the locality of Philadelphia. In 1665 a Dutch expedition from New Amsterdam took formal possession of the country. The Dutch in their turn were superseded by the English after the capture of New York in 1664; and in 1681 the territory was granted by Charles II. to William Penn, who with his co-religionists of the Society of Friends established a Christian government “founded on peace, reason, and right.” Having purchased the lands of the Indians, and conciliated them by kindness and good will, he secured their friendship during seventy years. Previous to the French and Indian war in 1755, the contests waged between the French and English colonists had not reached Pennsylvania; but in that year occurred the disastrous defeat of Braddock, near Pittsburgh, in which Washington, then a young man, distinguished himself. Pennsylvania took an active part in the Revolutionary contest, and on her soil occurred the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, September and October, 1777, the massacres of Wyoming and Paoli, and the suffering winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-78. The most prosperous of the colonies, and in a central position, it became the seat of the congress held by the colonies both before and after the decision of the struggle. Independence was proclaimed here, and it remained the seat of the general government until 1800. No State in the confederacy has been more loyal to the Constitution. During the war of 1812 she promptly furnished her quota of troops, and during the civil war she sent nearly 400,000 men into the field. During this trying period her territory was three times invaded: in 1862, when [Chambersburg] (which see) was captured, and in 1864, when it was burned; and in 1863, when it was invaded by Lee, and the battle of Gettysburg fought on its soil.
Penobscots. A tribe of Indians, of Algonkin stock (numbering about 500), who reside on an island in the Penobscot River, about 8 miles north of Bangor, Me. They were allies of the colonists in the war of the Revolution, and received for their services a large tract of land, the greater part of which has been from time to time disposed of.
Penon de Velez. A fortified town, built on a high and steep rock, lying off the north coast of Morocco, 75 miles southeast from Ceuta. It belongs to Spain, and was founded by Pedro of Navarre in 1508. It was taken by the Moors in 1522; but recovered by the Spaniards in 1664.
Penrith. A town of England, county of Cumberland, 282 miles north-northwest of London. On a knoll to the west of the town stand the ruins of a castle, which was built by the Nevilles during the wars of the Roses, and dismantled in the civil war by the Parliamentary party. The town is a place of considerable antiquity, and it formerly played a conspicuous part in the border warfare. It was taken by the Scots several times in the 14th century, and in 1715 and 1745 was occupied by the insurgents.
Pensacola. City and capital of Escambia Co., Fla., situated on the west shore of Pensacola Bay, about 10 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, has an excellent harbor, and is one of the safest in the Gulf. Pensacola was settled by the Spaniards, occupied by the British in 1814, and acquired by the United States in 1821. It contains a navy-yard, and is defended by Forts Pickens and McRae. During the civil war, 1861-65, it was the scene of several military and naval operations. The navy-yard was surrendered to the Confederates in 1861, but was recovered by the Union forces in the following year.
Pension. Specifically, a stated allowance to a person in consideration of past services; payment made to one retired from service, for age, disability, or other cause; especially a yearly stipend paid by government to retired officers, disabled soldiers, the families of soldiers killed, etc.
Pensioner. In the British army, is a soldier maintained in Chelsea Hospital.
Pensioner, Out-. In the British army, is a soldier receiving a pension, but not maintained in Chelsea Hospital. Those who are capable of bearing arms are available for military service when required.
Pensioners, Gentlemen. See [Gentlemen-at-arms].