Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11421, for Robert Smith, Connecticut
Page 1

SERVICE
Continental (Conn)

Smith, Robert

NUMBER
S. 11421

carded

CONTENTS
b. 1761 in Haddam, Middlesex Co. Conn, there at enl [enlistment]
In 1832 in Meriden, New Haven Co. Conn
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State of Connecticut ss New Haven County July 31st AD 1832 
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Cheshire in said County of New Haven said Court being a Court of Record Robert Smith a resident of the Town of Meriden in said County also seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress- passed June 7th AD 1832.  That in May 1778 he took the place of Joshua Smith late of Haddam in the County of Middlesex State of Connecticut now deceased as a substitute in the Continental line of the United States.  That  he served as Artificer in said line from said May 1778 untill June 1779 at West Point and Fish Kill in the State of New York. The name of the officers according to his best recollection were as follows viz Colonel not recollected,  Berder was Major, 
Willcox [Wilcox] was Captain Jabez Sizer of Middletown in the County of Middlesex aforesaid was Lieutenant. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension as an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state sworn to and subscribed
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the day and year aforesaid                 Robert Smith

And the said Court - do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states

Silas Hitchcock Judge
of Probate for the District of Cheshire

I Clement Peck Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Cheshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Smith for a Pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 31st day of July 1832.

Clement Peck Clerk
Page 4

I John Smith of Haddam in the County of Middlesex and the State of Connecticut [unreadable] depose and say that Joshua Smith late of said Haddam deceased enlisted as an Artificer into the Continental Line of the United States Troops in October AD 1777 to serve in that capacity during the Revolutionary war,  that he served in that capacity until I think in same time in May 1778 at which time the became sick and unable to perform this duty as Artificer and in said May the said Joshua Smith procured Robert Smith then of said Haddam but now of the Town of Meriden in the County of New Haven in the said State of Connecticut as a substitute for him, and that the said Robert Smith served in that capacity for the period of one year and I think some longer.  The Officers names I have almost forgotten,  The Majors name was Brewer,  the Captain Willcox [Wilcox]  and the Lieutenant Jabez Sizer of Middleton in said County of Middlesex, The said Robert Smith served aforesaid at Fishkill and West Point in the State of New York. I was with the said Robert during the whole time and therefore have personal knowledge of all the foregoing facts.  Further the Deponent saith not.   Dated at Haddam this 26 day of July AD 1832 
John Smith
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State of Connecticut 
Middlesex County Ss  Haddam July 26th 1832 
Personally appeared John South subscriber to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.   And I do certify that the said John Smith is a credible Witness.  
Before me 
Smith Clark Justice of Peace 
State of Connecticut 
Middlesex County ss }  I John Fisk Clerk of the County Court for the County of Middlesex do certify that Smith Clark Esq was on the 26th day of July AD 1832 and now is a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Middlesex as per commission on file in my office & that his name subscribed to the above certificate is his proper hand writing and Signature.   
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Middletown in said County this 22 day of March AD 1833.
Jno Fisk Clerk
Page 6

F M Niles 
Certif. issued 
M. Niles, Senate 
13 Jany. 1837 
Letter to Hon W. Booth Jan 12. 50 
[unreadable] Certificate 
Connecticut – 
Robert Smith 
of Private in the State of Connecticut who was in the company commanded in Wilcox of the  - commanded by – in the *Conn line for 1 year
*Continental Line 
Records corrected Apr. 20, 1905. JB 
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 40 Dollars. per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.   
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Dec 1836 and sent to Hon John Niles Senate U.S.
Arrears to the 4th Sept 1836 220.00   
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. 37  20.00
$240.00 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk 
Book E. 2. Vol. 3 Page 40
Page 7

In answer to the queries of the Department Applicant says first- That he was born in Haddam County of Middlesex State of Connecticut in the year 1761 
Second my age is recorded in the town Records of Haddam 
third I was living at Haddam when called into service.  Since the Revolutionary war I have lived in New York City, [unreadable], Middletown, Bethany, Waterbury, Oxford & Meriden where I now reside, my occupation being that of a Ship Carpenter led me into different places.  
4th Question is answered in the body of the declaration 
5th Question answered as fully as able in body of my declaration 
6th I never had a commission or a written discharge 
7th I refer for testimonials of my character for veracity & my reputation for service in the Revolution To the following gentlemen,  Elias Ford Esq & Jared R Ford Waterbury, Noah Hall Benajah Andrews Esq & Thomas Baldwin, Meriden.   In testimony of the foregoing amended declaration in and to the several queries of the department hereunto set my hand this 27th day of March 1833 
Sworn & Subscribed Robert Smith the day & year aforesaid
Robert Smith
Page 8

State of Connecticut 
Fairfield County. } ss  Probate Court District of Norwalk June 10th 1834 Personally appeared Samuel Smith of Wilton in said District aged Seventy Nine years and being duly sworn according to law in open Court depose and say that he is Brother and well acquainted with Robert Smith of Bethany in the County of New Haven in said State and knows that in the year 1778 said Robert Smith belonged to the Continental Army,  was an Artificer, a Carpenter and  took the place of my oldest Brother Joshua Smith who was taken sick while in the Army of the  Revolution, and am confident that said Robert Smith was in the Continental Army stationed at West point and Fishkill in the State of New York as the deponent verily believes for more than one year.  The deponent was an Artificer, a Soldier and belonged to the continental Army at the same time the said Robert was in said Service.   
Samuel Smith
Sworn and Subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid and that I am well acquainted with said Samuel Smith and that he is a credible Person.  Witness my hand and seal of said Court 
Benj Isaacs Judge
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Robert Smith
Rev Conn
C. Storrs
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AFFIDAVIT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY,  
STATE OF Connecticut 
COUNTY OF New Haven } ss  
Be it remembered, That on this 19  day of January A. D. 1853, I Kelly Smith, do make known and declare that I am the and heir-at-law to Robert Smith a Revolutionary soldier, who served some years, under the command of Connecticut in the forces raised by the State of and that he died about the month of A. D. 1842 and that a pension of about 48 dollars a year was drawn by said Soldier on account of said services, and so continued until the year A. D. 1842, since which time nothing has been received by either, or the heirs of either of said parties. It is believed his said father served as an artificer.  
And that claimant is now 62 years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of Pension, and other claims due for said services; NOW, THEREFORE, the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower ALFRED J. WORKS, of New Haven City and County, State of Connecticut, as my Attorney, with power of substitution, to investigate, substantiate, demand, and receive the avails of said claim or claims, and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as I might do: hereby ratifying every thing said or done by my said Attorney, or his substitute, in virtue hereof; ALSO, revoking all Powers of Attorney, or other authority previously given for any such purposes. 
Attest, Wm Goodwin 
James H. Conklin   
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, day and date first above named. 
Kelly Smith [L.S.] 
Subscribed, sworn to, and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above indicated. 
Wm Goodwin Notary Public
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Honored Sir, I must again beg your attention that your honor would once more look over my papers, and if there be any defect now please to state it, your honor will in reviewing my declaration and witnesses find in the first place the testimony of John Smith and Thomas Church stating that I served as a substitute for Joshua Smith one year and they think more that I took his place in May 1778 and served till June 1779, had my council had known his duty my case might have been decided without any difficulty, for they were men brought up in the same neighborhood with myself and were in the same service with me at the same time, So much truth my brother James Baldwin testify their personal knowledge of my service, and as the veracity of my statements have been substantiated by the best of characters. I am very sure Congress cannot censure your honor for granting a claim supported by such a [unreadable] of witnesses. I do not know that I can possibly obtain one more witness. If I can it will be attended with such expenses I am not able to bear it, However sir, as I have never presumed to claim on any other act, Why may there not be such relaxations on my case as stated in your kind regulations that one credible witness stating his personal knowledge of my service.  
N. B. I cannot see why my witnesses does not come within your regulations. Do hear my prayer.
Robert Smith by his wife 
Honorable J.L. Edward 
Bethany October 30 1834
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State of Connecticut 
Fairfield County. } ss  Probate Court District of Norwalk in said County and State Oct. 16th 1834 Personally appeared Samuel Smith of Wilton in said County and State aged Seventy nine years and being duly sworn according to law in open Court depose and says that he is well acquainted with Robert Smith of Bethany in said State and knows that in the year 1778 cannot recollect the date, Joshus Smith belonged to the Continental Army an Artificer & Carpenter in Capt. Wilcox Company under Major Pointer in the Connecticut line and he was taken unwell at the Camp at West Point and the foresaid Robert Smith came there on horse back and took the place of said Joshua in the same company in the Continental army as an Artificer & Carpenter and served according to my best recollection for more than one year and said Joshua recovered his health and returned to the army and took his place again and the said Robert went home some time in June 1779.  The deponent belonged to the Continental army and was in the same service at the same time.   Samuel Smith 
Sworn and Subscribed in open Court the day and year our aforesaid and that I am acquainted with said Samuel Smith and that he is a credible person.  Witness my hand and of said Court 
Benj Isaacs Judge
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Please to direct whatever you send back to Bethany Post office New Haven County to Robert Smith, care of Adonijah French 
8 
Robt Smith
Connt
Page 14

Rev. and 1912
Wars Section

AWF/HMM

May 19, 1930

Mrs. Ruth Harlow
608 E. Ellsworth Street
Midland
Michigan.

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pen-sion claim S. 11421, it appears that Robert Smith was born in 1761 at Haddom, Middlesex County, Connecticut.

While residing in Haddom, Connecticut, he enlisted in May, 1778 and served as a substitute for his brother Joshua Smith as an artificer in Captain Willcox's Connecticut Company in June 1779.

After the Revolution he lived in New York City, Middletown, New Haven, Bethany, Waterbury and Oxford.

He was allowed pension by a special act of Congress dated June 29, 1835, at which time he was living in Meriden, New Haven County, Connecticut. 

In 1834 his wife Eunice is referred to, There are no further details as to her.

The soldier died in 1842.

In 1853 the son, Kelly Smith was sixty-two years of age.
There is no further reference to children.

This history is furnished free of charge.

Very truly yours,

E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
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                                          June 18, 1930 
Mrs. Ruth Harlow
605 E. Ellsworth Street
Midland, Michigan 

Dear Madam:
    I advise you that the history furnished you May 1, 1930 of Robert Smith Who received on hundred acres of bounty land Warrant No. 1267, on account of his services in Colonel Heman Swift's Second Connecticut Regiment , and the history furnished. You May 19, 1930. of Robert Smith (S. 11421), who received pension on account of his services in Captain Willcox's Connecticut Company, were the histories of the only soldiers named Robert Smith found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau, who served with the Connecticut troops. 
 
                         Very truly yours 

                                       E. W. Morgan 
                                         Acting Commissioner
Page 16

1930 May 19 - Hist to Mrs. Ruth Harlow awf 
1930 June 18 – Mrs Ruth Harlow adv. Only 2 Robert Smiths with Conn Service
11421
Rev War INVALID. 
File No. 11,421
Robert Smith 
Pri Rev War 
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:--Vol. A, Page 348 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

Jushua Smith [unreadable] Co
12 6th 177 he the man deserted 1 march 1780 
[unreadable] 12 May 1781
Page 18

Midland Mich. May 26, 1930
[stamp] REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS SECTION MAY 26 1930 BUREAU OF PENSIONS
 Bureau of Pensions 
Washington 
Dear Sir:- 
Am sure this second Robert Smith of whom you wrote is not the right one. If you could find a Robert Smith who served as private in Capt. Ebenezer Hill's company in the 7th regiment, Col. Heman Swift commanding or in Col. Seth Warner's regiment which served in Northern Department or in the 2d Continental Regiment which he joined in 1779 he might be the right one. His wife was Mary Eastman.   
Thanking you for the trouble you have taken, 
I am yours respectfully Mrs Ruth Harlow
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of   Robert Smith which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?  
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? 
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? 
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?    Court have not investigated this matter under the regulations
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?   No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?   No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?   No
XIV.  +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who has administered the oath certified that he, she or they are persons of credibility?   NO 
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?  
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? 
XVI. + Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?    No Vide Quere 16
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 
EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
#QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For – year -  months and - days, I served as a - .   For - months and  - days, I served as a  - and for such service I claim a pension."
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Hon. S. A. Foot
House of Reps
Mar 15, 1834
Page 22

War Dept. P. O. Mar. 19th 1834 
Sir
Unless the evidence required by the regulations in such cases is produced in support of the claim of Robert Smith to which the letter of Silas Hitchcock Esq herewith returned refers, it cannot be admitted.  The roll of artificers in this office is very complete and explanatory.  As it does it support - but as / in as negative proof goes, contradicts the allegations of the claimant that he served for Joshua Smith in 1778,  the vague and general statements forwarded cannot be considered as satisfactory.  A copy of my letter to dated the 21 Nov last notifying you of the rejection of this claim is herewith inclosed .  
Hon S. A Foot
HR
Page 23

Mr. Smith's letter
Page 24

Honored Sir   Having received your letter of May 1st 1834 and being somewhat surprised at your statements I take the liberty to submit a few considerations unto you, The first time you sent back my papers. for more evidence you sent blanks to be filled which were every one filled without any difficulty and supported by the Rev Hershal Lane a methodist preacher &c,  Judge Hitchcock  &c, I have also stated under oath that I served for one year or more, and that my brother was of a feeble constitution but not a sufficiently sick man to procure a lengthy furlow [furlough],  I have also proved by these unimpeachable men that I actually served for one year or more and by one other man of the same truth and veracity that I served for a quite a length of time. It is impossible for these witnesses to recollect my answering to my brothers name at all all but they say that must be the case, for it was not a solitary case for one friend to take the place of another and answer to his name for a particular space of time, I think I can now recollect (by having my mind agitated on the subject so much)  the conversation which passed between Capt Wilcox, myself and brother that it made no difference if I answered to my brothers name at roll call and let his name remain on the roll as it was
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In your letter of Nov 21st 1833 you stated that Joshua Smith enlisted 12 Oct 1777,  was marked on the roll as a deserter March 11th 1780, you say, probably has afterwards showed that his not joining his corps was occasioned by ill health, and that his inability to served continued, he was discharged on the 12 May 1781, his discharge evidently proves him no deserter, no we were true men firm for liberty willing to cure hardships in support of our county’s cause, the service I claim I did, was begun May 1778 ended June 1779.  The reason of my not applying for a pension on the act 1818 is [unreadable]  to my ignorance for I never new it embraced my case until you informed me in your letter of Sept 27 1834,  as I was a substitute served as neither enlisted nor discharged, only served as I have before stated, am however, on the ground of my ignorance, shall my declaration and witnesses be thrown aside as perjury and not the least collar of truth in all that has been done in my support, such disrespect to our grey heads just slept and stepping into the grave appears strange to me and my friends around me, my counsel are men which is thought understand language they tell me I have fully established my claim according to your regulation
Page 26

Mr Edwards, I beg your honor to examine all my papers and give them a thorough investigation once yourself and if you can in concience send me a  certificate I shall be heartily glad for it will be the means of supplying the wants of the [unredable]  for I know I deserve it more than thousands that have obtained it.   I can do no more, yours respectfully in haste.  
Eunice Smith for Robert Smith wife of the applicant 
Hon J.L. Edwards 
N.B. Pleas to send whatever you send  back to me to Bethany  Post office to the care of Adonijah French 
Dec 24th 1834 New Haven County State of Connecticut
Page 27

Middlesex County ss Haddam July 26 1832 
Personally appeared John Smith signer of the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth in therein contained 
Before me Smith Clark Justice of Peace 
I Thomas Church of Haddam in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say with that I served with Robert Smith the person named in the foregoing Deposition of John Smith during the whole period therein mentioned and thereon do say that all the facts set forth in said Deposition are true.  Further the Deponent saith not 
Dated at Haddam this 26th day of July AD 1832 Thomas Church 
Middlesex County ss Haddam July 26th 1832 
Personally appeared Thomas Church signer of the above Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same 
Before me Smith Clark Justice of Peace
Page 28

I James Baldwin of Meriden in the County New Haven and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that I served with Robert Smith the person herein named some time in West Point but dont new how long.  Said Robert Smith served as a Artificer in the Continental Line of the United States, think it was some time in AD 1778, the officers names I do not recolect which said Robert Smith served under,  further the deponent saith not.  
James Baldwin  
New Haven County Meriden July 30th 1832 
Personally appeared James Baldwin Signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath of the same before me 
Ashbil Griswold Justice of Peace
Page 29

We Herschal Sanford a Clergyman residing in the town of Waterbury and Adonijah French a resident of the town of Bethany both of said town in the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Robert Smith now a resident of the town of Meriden in the County of New Haven and formerly for one or two years a neighbor of ours and who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is reputed and believed, in the Neighbourhood where he resides and in our immediate Neighbourhood to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion and I the said Adonijah French Certify that I have been well acquainted with said Smith for about twenty years & during this period he has lived with me & in much of the time my own house.  
Herschal Sanford 
Adonijah French
Sworn & Subscribed  the day & year afresaid Cheshire March 27th 1833 
And the said Court do hereby certify & declare their opinion, after the investigation and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he
Page 30

States.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Herschel Sanford who has signed the preceding certificate is a  Clergyman of the Methodist Denomination resident at present in the town of Waterbury in said County and that Adonijah French Esquire who has also signed the same is a resident of the town of Bethany in said County and is a credible person. That they have had opportunities of being acquainted with the facts which the State and that their statement is entitled to credit.  
Silas Hitchcock Judge of Probate for the District of Cheshire  
I Clement Peck Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Cheshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Smith for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of this probate of her this 27th day of March 1833 
Clement Peck Clerk
Page 31

State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven 
District of Waterbury } SS. Probate Court
Personally appeared before said Court on this 4 day of February 1835 Miles French who being duly sworn deposes and says that he has been acquainted with Robert Smith who has applied for a pension for about two years and have often heard him relate circumstances of his having served in the war of the Revolution as a substitute for his brother Joshua Smith while he was sick in the army, and frequently heard him relate these circumstances before the passage of the act of Congress of 1832 granting pensions
Page 32

And from my knowledge of his character and from his relation of the circumstances I verily believe that he did serve in the place of his brother as he has stated in his declaration 
Miles French
Sworn in court
R. S. Hinman Clerk
This Court certifies that it is Personally acquainted with the said Miles French who signed the above and that he is a man of credibility.   In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal of Office the day & year aforesaid
R.S. Hinman Clerk
Page 33

House of Reps 
Washington Jany 9th 1850 
J L Edwards Esq 
Comr of Pensions
 Sir
 I am requested to enquire whether the account with Robert Smith to whom the enclosed pension was granted is closed, if not please inform me to what time the pensioner has been paid, and whether there is any thing due to him or his heirs in any way in consideration of his services.   
Very Respectfully Yours 
Walter Booth
Page 34

War Department 
Pension Office 
16th March 1835 
Sir
The additional evidence in the case of Robert Smith and the explanatory letter of the claimant, have been examined The claim is founded upon an alleged service of 12 months as a substitute for his brother Joshua, commencing in May 1779. Now it is established by the rolls that Joshua Smiths engagement was fulfilled by his own person, as far as it was fulfilled, and the discharge credited to him. It is not admissible, by the established rules of evidence, to contradict an ancient record by parol testimony. The Department therefore is construed to adhere to the decision heretofore communicated.   
I am Respectfully Your Obt Servant 
J. L. Edwards
R. S. Hinman 
New Haven Conn
Page 35

House of Reps Feby 9 1836 
Sir
Will you be kind enough to forward me the papers of Robert Smith of the late of Connecticut who has applied to the Dept for a pension - & his claim rejected – 
Yours 
D Wardwell 
Ny 
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 36

Washington Jany 12 ’36  
Sir 
I have your letter of the 10 Inst & in reply, do hereby state that I have not rec’d the Pension Certificate what you say was issued on the 13 Dec for Robert Smith & presume it must have been destroyed in the burning of the PO as you suppose.  You may consider this as my certificate that Pension certificate for Mr Smith has been rec’d by me.
Respectfully 
Yours &c
J. M. Niles
Page 37

Washington H of  R
May 25th, 1836. 
Sir
Will you please inform me if Robert Smith of Connt has ever made application for a pension & if so, whether the papers are now in your office. I suppose it was under the act of ‘32 & within a very few years past. 
With very great respect 
I have the honor to be Your Obt Servt 
Samuel Ingham 
Honorable J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Page 38

Saml Ingham. 
Mem Cong’ss 
Washing City
Dist Columbia
Robert Smith
[unreadable] Pensions
Revolutionary Pension
Ingham 35 Rev Pens
Page 39

Middletown 29 Jany 1836 
Dr Sir
Inclosed you have a Ptn [petition] which I have been requested in behalf of the parties concerned to have entrusted to your care. The Petitioner resides in Bethany, N. Haven County, and his wife (who drafted the Petn!!) resides in Wallingford. The Petitioner is so poor, that he and his wife are not able to live together in the winter. I believe he is now an inmate of the poor House. His wife has been indefatigable in her efforts to procure a pension for her husband and continues to prop the subject with a devoted determination worthy of all praise. She is maticulous in her appearance; but a woman of supernatural abilities. Though strangers to me, and my [unreadable] and are gratuitous, yet I confess I feel an interest in the affair and I hope, if any thing can be done for this worthy and needy couple, it will be done.  This matter was formerly entrusted in the hand of the Hon. Nathan Smith dec’d.  People in Meriden & have offered 50.00 toward her expences if the will go to Washington and intercede in behalf of her Husband, so she informs me. I have no doubt you will bestow every attention on the case which it deserves and here I leave it. 
Elisha Barnes of this Town, has requested to say your Honor that he would be wonderfully we pleased to receive from you, now and then a speech, a public document, &c &c. He is the same man who wrote you the singular letter some time ago. He is no fool, but is what perhaps might be termed an ultra democrat. His notions of Salaries, execution patronage, &c &c are of the severest character. He is an odd democrat; but in theory and in most respects in principle politically, is doubtless right. I hope you will now and then notice him in this way: it will please him, of course you will Judge what kind of documents to send him if you can at all. He hates Priests-- He has just written a comical letter to Mr. Haley which I presume no one knows but myself.  Yours truly, S. K. Wightman
Page 40

Washington Dec.7 ‘36 
Sir
At the last Session of Congress a special act passed authorizing the payment of a Pension annuity to Robert Smith of Conn & I am informed that his name has not been returned to the Pension Agent at Hartford Ct and that his pension or the arrears of it have not been paid.  I have to request your attention to this subject. 
I am very respectfully Yr Obt Svt.  
J. M. Niles
Page 41

Midland Mich 
May 12 1930
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE X MAY 15 1930
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington 
Dear Sir:- Am enclosing a letter from the Adjutant Generals office stating the military service of the Robert Smith I was enquiring about. The date of enlistment, the name of the captain and time of death do not agree with your data.  And as he says there were eleven Robert Smiths enlisted think perhaps you might have the wrong Robert Smith as his date is exactly as we have it in our family records.   Please forgive me for being so persistant but have been trying
Page 42

for several years to find these dates and you are the last resort. Would be glad to pay for this service.   
If you cannot find information of a Robert Smith to coincide with that of the adjutant general would it be possible for you to tell me where this one hundred acres of bounty land was located. 
Thanking you in advance, I am yours respectfully 
Mrs Ruth Harlow 
P.S. Please return enclosed letters with your answer. 
R. H.
Page 43

Honored Sir 
I must again crow myself up on your under taking courage by your conversation with Esq. Hinman showing your readiness to favor my cause so far as consistent with your rules, but finding by your letter March 16th 1832 I cannot obtain my right by my former statement.   I beg your honor to my importunity, my cause is just & righteous and will ask your honor why I may not make my [unreadable] in the name of Joshua Smith in whose place served,  for by collecting every circumstance possibly retained in the memory I will affirm that when I took the place of my brother by the leave of Capt Wilcox I took his name also and in his name I answered roll call and in all military duty I answered and served as Joshua in person and I do now Solemnly declare I am the very man that supports and bears the name of Joshua Smith on your records for more than one year and I think for more the both taking the name and place of the enlisted Joshua May 1778 and serving in this very capacity until my brother returned June 1779 and to his own place again, with this statements my witness corroborates stating there personal knowledge of my serving in the place of the said Joshua. In the room in which I did this service I pray for the benefit of the act of 1832 for actual service.  To the above declaration I can make out if necessary with a clear conscience yours respectfully – Eunice Smith for Robert Smith   
Bethany April 1st  1835
Page 44

28.356
Robert Smith
Connt 
Rejected
All of these letters are with the claim.
Let Hon S. A. Foot  21 Nov ‘33
Let Hon S. A. Foot 19 March ‘34
Let S. Hitchcock 4 Sept ‘34
Let to Claimant 27 Sept ‘34
Let R. S. Hinman 16 March ‘35 
Let Claimant 4 Apl ‘35
Let Hon D. Washwell 22 Feby ‘36
Let Hon D. Washwell 18 March ‘36
Let Hon S. Ingham  30 May ‘36
Let Hon S. K. Wightman 25 Sep ‘36
9839
1832
Page 45

Pri 165
24th CONGRESS, 
1st SESSION. 
H. R. 537
APRIL 27 1836. 
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow. 
Mr. WARDWELL, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill: A BILL  
An Act for the relief of Robert Smith, 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War be required to place the name of Robert Smith, of Connecticut, on the list of revolutionary pensioners, and that he pay him forty dollars per annum, commencing on the fourth of March, eighteen hundred and thirty-one, and to continue during his natural life. 
Approved 28th June 1836 
A true copy compared with the Roll in this Office 
Dept of War 
June 30th 1836 
Ashery Dickins Chief Clerk
Page 46

HR No. 537   
24th CONGRESS 
1st Session. 
[Rep. No. 547.] 
Ho. of Reps.  
ROBERT SMITH. 
[To accompany bill H.R.No. 537.] 
APRIL 7, 1836. 
Mr. WARDWELL, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following 
REPORT: 
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions have had under consideration the application of Robert Smith, and report as follows: 
The applicant alleges that his brother, Joshua Smith, enlisted into the army in the year 1777 for the war; that in May, 1778, he took his brother's place as a substitute, having rode more than 100 miles for that purpose; that his brother took the same horse which he rode, and returned home to his family. They were stationed at West Point, and employed as artificers; that he served more than a year until his brother returned. 
It appears by a letter from the Commissioner of Pensions, that Joshua Smith enlisted into the corps of artificers on the 12th day of October, 1777, for the war; that he was marked on the roll as a deserter on the 1st of March, 1780, but that he was discharged on the 12th May, 1781, on account of ill health. The Commissioner states that, as no notice appears on the roll that Robert Smith served as a substitute during the sickness of Joshua Smith, the claim must be rejected. 
The applicant states that he answered in the name of his brother, and for this reason his own name does not appear on the roll. To substantiate his claim, the applicant produces the affidavits of John Smith, Thomas Church, and Samuel Smith, of the State of Connecticut, who swear that they were with the said Robert Smith at West Point in the same service for one year or more, and in every important particular corroborate the statement of the said Robert Smith.  James Baldwin swears to the same service, but does not recollect the length of service. 
The committee think that it is satisfactorily proved that Robert Smith, the applicant did serve in the army of the revolution as an artificer in the years 1778 and 1779 for more than twelve months; they report a bill accordingly. 
Blair & Rives, printers.
Page 47

This may Certify Adonijah French of Bethany in New Haven County State of Connecticut having been personally acquainted with Robert Smith for twenty years and often heard him Relate of his being in the war of the Revolution as a Substitute for his Brother Joshua Smith during his stay at Home, which was during his Brothers Illness previous to the act of Congress granting Pensions to the Revolution Soldiers and further I have ever believed him to be a man of truth.  
Bethany May 2 1834 
Adonijah French 
New Haven County Bethany May 28th  1834 
Personally appeared Adonijah French and made Sallom oath to the above statement by him subscribed 
Before me  Elias Lord 
Justice of Peace
Page 48

Cheshire 18th Agard 1834 
Adonijah French & Elias Ford one well known to me as men of truth & veracity & respectability
Saml A Ford
Page 49

Washington Jany 9 ‘36 
Sir 
Some weeks since, I rec’d a Letter in behalf of Robert Smith of Ct. stating that he was entitled to a Pension by a special act of last session of congress, & that the Pension Agent at Hartford declined to pay the pension, on the ground the name of Robert Smith had not been forwarded to him as inscribed in the Pension roll, I either forwarded the Letter to you or addressed you a note in the subject, & not hearing from it, concluded that the necessary instructions has been given to the Pension Agent at Hartford. Today I have another Letter in behalf of Mr Smith saying that the Pension Agent still refuses to pay him, his pension find that an act did pass for the relief Mr Smith & would respectfully call your attention to the subject. Mr. S. is a very poor man & being kept out of his pension money is a serious grievance to him & his family. 
Yours respectfully 
J. M. Niles
Page 50

Middletown 9 Sept 1838 
Sir will you have the goodness to forward the Pension Certificate in favor of Robert Smith of Bethany, New Haven County State of Conn, to the care of S. K. Wightman Esq Middleton Conn.
Very Respy 
Yours &c 
Robert Smith
Page 51

State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven 
District of Waterbury } ss Personally appeared Elias Ford Esqr of said Waterbury before said Court this 5th day of January 1835 and being that he is 63 years of age that I have been acquainted with Robert Smith who has applied for a pension, for about six years, that he has labored in my service for about one year in about the year 1830 and 1831 and I have always found him to be a man of strict truth and veracity, that his general character is good, as far as I have known him, and I believe that he served as Substitute for his brother as stated in his declaration,  
Elias Ford
Sworn Court 
R. S. Hinman Clerk
Page 52

This Court certifies that Elias Ford who has subscribed and sworn to the within Deposition a respectable man and intitled to full credit and is a credible Witness. 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal of Office this 7th day of January 1835 R.S. Hinman Clerk
Page 53

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Will you have the goodness to review  the case of Robert Smith for a pension. He has obtained the deposition of his brother Samuel Smith, which together with the evidence already in your department I hope will prove satisfactory.  Being personally acquainted with the records of Robert Smith to wit Adonijah French and Elias Ford Esqr I have no hesitation in saying that I verily beleive that Robert Smith served his country as he states, and I further State that Messers French and Ford whose depositions accompanied this are Gentleman in whose statements full confidence may be placed.  
Very respectfully yours 
Silas Hitchcock Judge of Probate for the district of Cheshire
Page 54

Robert Smith
The printed list gives cause of rejection, as “Not on the rolls of artificers to which he claimed to have belonged.” But The pension was afterwards allowed by a Special Act of Congress dated “June 28. 1836.
Page 55

Can Your Honors be so uncharitable as to believe I should have formed up such a fraudulent falshood to impose on your honors and procured so may respectable men to have perjured themselves to support me in it, Thomas Church and John Smith both of Hadam, Samuel Smith of Wilton made sollom oath that I served for one year or more.  James Baldwin of Meriden which was tent mate with me cannot state the time I served,  Maid Solomn oath that it was quite a length of time. I think my veracity has been supported by the best of characters, therefore admitting those Declerations to be truth. I must have served as a substitute for Joshua Smith for some cause, the cause and my reasons I have endeavored to show.   Thomas Church is by reason of fits [unreadable] is incapable, so that I can obtain no further evidence from him and John Smith is dead.   
I served one tower [tour] as a carpenter in a Privation, save one tower on a draft stationed on the sea board for, which I make no plea having no living witness.   
Honored sir I pray your honor to deal favorably with me for I am a neady old man.  
From your humble supplicant 
Robert Smith 
To the Honorable J L Edwards
Page 56

Honored Sir Having examined your letter Dated Sept 4th 1834 stating that a soldier taken sick in the line of his duty was never required to provide a substitute, this fact I have ever perfectly well understood and why my former declarations have not been more explanatory I cannot account.   Joshua Smith was a man of a delicat constitution, but he in the spirit of enthusiastic heroism enlisted for the war, left a young family in my care, as I was a younger brother and has no family, he joined the army but being unable to indure the hardships he fell into a state of debility, but not sufficiently sick to procure a A lengthy furlow [furlough] They would not suffer him to leave without procuring a,  as his family was a hundred miles or more from him, therefore being anxious to see and be with his family and try to recover his health, he requested me to come and take his place, excited by brotherly sympathy I rode to the army and found my brother at West Point then I did agree to take his place and was excepted as a substitute in Captain Wilcox company of Artificers trusting only to my brothers fidelity there was no bargain or set time for his return only this he was to return as so as his health would admit, consequently on those conditions I served my country faithful one year or more until his return to the army and released me, if my name is not on the role as my impression is that it is not for I believe I answered to my brothers name at roll call, for this reason as I did not expect to serve any great length of time expecting him to return and answer to his own name,  another reason I have to show why I think my name was not on the roll for had it been on the roll. Joshua name must have been [unreadable] and  as I was a healthy strong man they never would have been willing to swopt my name for his (a hypocondrial feeble and debilitated man) he did not live long after the war but could he speak from the dead he would testify to the truth of my statement.   
Robert Smith
Page 57

State of Connecticut New Haven County ss. Cheshire 22d September 1884 – 
Personally appeared Robert Smith the signer of the foregoing statement and made oath that the facts stated in said Statement are true 
substitute 
Before me 
Silas Hitchcock Judge of Probate for the district of Cheshire
Page 58

Hon S. A. Foot 
Cheshire 
Nov 21st 1833 
O. C. 
Recd vol 29 p 152
Page 59

War Dept
PC
Nov 21 ‘33
Sir
The papers in support of the claim of Robert Smith to a pension have been again cancelled. On examining the rolls of Capt Willcox’s company of artificers in this office it appears that Joshua Smith for whom he alleges he served as substitute enlisted into that corps on the 12 October 1777 in the war. He was marked on the roll as a Deserter on the 1st March 1780 but probably having afterward observed that his not joining his corps was occasioned by ill health, and that his inability to serve continued, he was discharged on the 12th of May 1781. As no notice appears that Robert Smith served as a substitute during his sickness this claim must be rejected. The paper are placed on file 
Hon Samuel A Foot Cheshire Ct
Page 60

Silas Hitchcock
4 Sept 1834
OC
Page 61

War Sect 
P.C. 
Sept 4  1834 
Sir
Nothing but of the positive testimony required by the regulations will be sufficient to establish the claim the situation at of Robert Smith. The ground taken in the new testimony furnished only increases the difficulty.  When a person was overtaken with sickness while in the line of his duty it never was required that a substitute should be furnished. That the claimant should have served as substitute his brother for this reason cannot therefore be recognized. as was heretofore stated in the letters to the Hon. S. A. Foot which have herewith returned. Evidence which will give rise to a strong presumption that there is an omission on the Rolls in this office which bear the name of Joshua Smith must be produced. The other papers remain on file.  
Silas Hitchcock Esq Cheshire Ct
Page 62

[stamp] CITY OF WASHINGTON APR 5
J L Edwards 
Comr of Pensions 
Robert Smith 
care of R.. S. Hinman Esq 
Naugatuck Connecticut.
Page 63

(copy)  
War Department 
Pension Office 
Nov. 21st 1835 
Sir
The papers in support of the claim of Robert Smith to a pension have been again examined.   On examining the roles of Capt Willcox’s Company of artificers in this Office it appears that Joshua Smith for whom he alleges he served as substitute enlisted into that corps on the 12 October 1777 for the war. He was marked on the rolls as a deserter or the 1 Mar 1780 but probably having afterwards shewed that his not of joining his corps was occasioned by ill health, and that his inability to serve continued, he was discharged the 12 May 1781, as no notice appears that Robert Smith served as substitute during his sickness this claim must be rejected. The papers are placed on file.  
I have the honor to be 
J. L. E. 
Hon. S. A. Foot Cheshire Ct.
Page 64

War Department 
Pension Office 
May 19th 1834 
Sir
Unless the evidence required by the regulations in said cases is produced in support of the claim of Robert Smith, to wit the letter of Silas Hitchcock Esq. herewith returned, refers it can not be admitted. The roll of artificers in this office is very complete and explanatory. As it does not support, but so far as negative proof you contradict the allegations of the claimant that he served for Joshua Smith in 1778 the vague and general statements forwarded cannot be considered as satisfactory. A copy of my letter to you, dated the 21 Nov. last, notifying you of the rejection of this claim is here with inclosed.   
I have the honor to be yr Obt Svt
J. L. Edwards 
Hon. S. A. Foot 
Ho of Reps}
Page 65

War Department 
Pension Office 
Sept 4 1834
Sir 
Nothing short of the positive testimony required by the regulations will be sufficient to establish the claim of Mr Robert Smith. The grounds taken in new testimony furnished only increases the difficulty. When a person was taken with sickness while in the line of his duty, it never was required that a substitute should be furnished. That the claimant should have served as substitute for his brother for this reason cannot therefore be recognized as was heretofore stated in the letter to the Hon. S. A. Foot which are herewith returned, evidence which will give rise to a strong presumption that there is an omission on the Rolls in this Office which bear the name of Joshua Smith must be produced. The other papers remain on file  
I am  Respectfully Yr Obt Svt
J. L. Edwards
Hon S  Hitchcock Esqr Cheshire Ct
Page 66

War Department 
Pension Office 
Sept 27. 1834 
Sir
This Department in the decisions of claims under the Pension Laws must be governed by general rules.   That insisted on in your case has been in force ever since 1818; it is that when a person claims to have belonged to a corps of which the rolls are in this Office on which his name not borne, that he has prove his service by two credible witnesses, who will state the time of his entry into the service as well as the time and manner of his discharge and the company regiment, and line to which he belonged. This has never been complied with in your case. If it is difficult  now; it was not so in 1818, under the act of which year your claim would have been embraced, had you Served as you now state. Besides, if you served as the substitute of your brother how is the entry of his desertion on the roll of his corps to be explained. The rolls of the corps of artillery Artificers are among the most perfect in this Office.  Your Service in that corps cannot be recognized only upon proof which will bring you within the rules of the Department. A claimant must bring his case within the law, and the regulations recognized by Congress, or this Department has no power to admit it.  There is no opportunity for the exercise of charity or generosity in the execution of its legal duties.
Page 67

I am respectfully
Your Obt Svt
J. L. Edwards
Mr. Robert Smith
Care of Silas Hitchcock Esqr 
Cheshire Ct.
Page 68

Elias French & Miels French have been authenticated and declared.
War Department 
Pension Office 
December 1st 1834 
Sir
The additional evidence transmitted in support of your claim has been examined. Nothing is found in it which obviate the directions pointed out in my letter of the 27th Sept last which is again returned to you with the deposition of Miles French which is not authenticated and cannot be received as evidence.   
During the period for which your claim is made, the rolls show that Joshua Smith personally served and soon afterward deserted. That you should have been his substitute of an entire year is not reconcilable with the manner in which they were made . And the fact of your not making a claim under the act of 1818 when numerous survivors could have established the circumstances beyound doubt, affords a very strong presumption against the claim and prevents my relaxation of the regulations as applicable to your Case.
I  am respectfully your Obt Sert 
J L. Edwards 
Mr Robert Smith 
care of Adonijah French Esqr Bethany Ct
J L. Edwards
Page 69

War Department 
Pension Office 
April 4th 1835 
Sir
I must refer you to my former letters for a full explanation of the reasons which render it impossible for me to recognize your claim for service in the corps of artificers.   
If you are the same man who bore the name Joshua Smith as you state in your last letter, it is certain your claim cannot be allowed as Joshua Smith appears by the cotemporary rolls of the corps to have been a deserter. The discharge subsequently entered on the rolls shews that his punishment for this crime was remitted by pardon, probably or proof of mitigating circumstances but not having served six months after the desertion, Joshua Smith can establish no claim under the act of 1832, and of course you can have none, were it possible for you take his name as you now propose. This however cannot be done.   
No sufficient ground for reversing the decision has been furnished in view of the long established regulations of this Department.   
I am respectfully Yr Obt Svt
J. L. Edwards
Mr Robert Smith and R. S. Hinman Esqr Naugatuck Con
Page 70

War Dept
PO 
Sept 27. 1834 
Sir
This Dept in the decision of claims under the pension Laws must be governed by general rules that insisted on in your case has been in force ever since 1818,  it is, that where a person claims to have belonged to a corps of which the rolls are in this office on which his name is not borne that he shall prove his service by two credible witnesses who will state the time of his entry to  the service as well as the time & manner of his discharge and the company regiment and line to which he belonged. This has never been complied with in the this case. If it is difficult now, it was not so in 1818 under the act of which year your claim would have been embraced had you served as you now state. Besides, if you served on the substitute of your brother how is the entry of his desertion on the roll of his corps to be explained? The rolls of the corps of Artillery artificers are among the most perfect as in this office.  Your service in that corps cannot be recognized unless upon proof which will bring you within the rules of the Department. A claimant must bring
Page 71

his case within the law, and the regulations recognized by Congress & this Department has no power to admit it. There is no opportunity for the exercise of charity or generosity in the execution of its legal duties.  
Robert Smith Esq
27 Sepr 1834
G. C. 
Record Vol 24 page 434
Robert Smith 
Care of  Silas Hitchcock Esq 
G. C. Cheshire Connt
Page 72

War Dept 
Pension office 
Dec 1st 1834 
Sir
The additional evidence transmitted in support of your claim has been examined. Nothing is found in it which obviate  the objections pointed out in my letter of the 27th Sept last which is again returned you with the deposition of Miles French, which is not authenticated and cannot be received as evidence.  
During the  period for which your claim is made the rolls show that Joshua Smith personally served and soon after deserted  that you should have been his substitute for an active years is not reconciliate with the manner in which they were made up.  And the fact of your not making any claim under the act of 1818 when numerous survivors could have proved the circumstances affords a very strong presumption against your claim, and prevents any relaxation of the regulations.  
Mr Robert Smith Bethany Ct
Page 73

Hon Robert Muller 
Bethany Ct 
1 Decr 1834
36
Recorded Vol 37 p 17
Page 74

War Dept 
Pension Office 
Feby 1 36 
March 16 
Sir
The additional evidence in the explanatory case of Robert Smith & the letter of the Claimant have been examined - His claim is founded upon an alleged service of 12 mo as a substitute  for his brother Joshua commencing May ‘79 - Now it is established by the rolls that Joshua Smith’s engagement was fulfilled in his own person as far as it was fulfilled, & the discharge credited by to him - It is not admissible by the established rules of evidence to contradict an record by parol testimony.  The Depart’t therefore is constrained to adhere to the decision heretofore communicated. 
act 7 June
S. Hinman New Haven Connt
Page 75

Robert Smith  Ct.
4 April 1835
O. C.
Page 76

War Sect 
P.O. 
April 4th 1835 
Sir
I want to refer you to my former letters for a full explanation of the reasons on which it is impossible for me to recognise your claim to service in the corps of artificers.  If you are the sme man who bore the name of Joshua Smith as you state in your letter it is clear you have no claim, as Joshua Smith appears by the rolls made up at that time to have been a deserter.  The subsequent discharge entered upon the rolls only shews that his punishment [unreadable] crime was remitted by pardon, probably on an explanation of mitigating circumstances but not having served after the desertion Joshua Smith could establish no claim under the act of 1832, and of course you can have none were it possible for you to take the name as you propose.  No sufficient grounds for reversing my former decision has been presented in view of the long established regulations of this Department.
Robert Smith 
Care of R. S. Hinman Esq
Naugatuck Connecticut
Page 77

Hon D Wardwell
2 Feby 1836
OC
Rec Vol 32
Page 390-
Page 78

War Dept 
Pension Off
Feby 22 ‘36 
Sir
Agreeably to your request I have the honor to enclose herewith the paper in the case of Robert Smith numbered from 1 to 13 incluse of which you will be pleased to acknowledge the recpt.
G. C.
Hon. D. Wardwell 
Ho. Rep.
Page 79

18 March 1836
G. C
Record (31) page 295
Page 80

War Department 
Pension Office March 4th 1836 
Sir
In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 20th ult I herewith enclose the papers of David Walden of the State of Connecticut an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7th 1832.   The papers of Robt Smith appear to have been transmitted agreeably to your letter of the 9th ulto  
Hon D Wardwell 
House Reps
Page 81

Hon. S. Ingham
30 May '36
Rcd Vol 37 pa. 201
Page 82

War Dept 
Pension off 
May ‘36 
Sir
In reply to yours of 28 inst I have the honor to state that the papers in the case of Robert Smith were transmitted, as appears by our books to the Hon D. Wardwell on 22 Feby last to whom you are respectfully referred. 
Cont
N.Y.
Hon. Samuel Ingham 
Ho. Reps.
Page 83

15 Sep 1836
O.C.
Rec Vol 39
Page 38
Page 84

War Department 
Pension Office 
Sept. 15 1831 
Sir
It appears from a letter received from Robert Smith that you have been appointed his agent.   Mr Smith pension papers as appears from our entries were transmitted to the Hon David Wardwell in February last
S. K. Wightman Esq 
Bethany Connecticut