Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18307, Israel Webster, Continental Conn.
Page 1

(3--1776)

SERVICE
Continental
Conn.

Webster, Israel
               Mary Sophia

NUMBER
W. 18307
------------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

[printed form with handwritten responses]
Vermont 30.318
====================
Israel Webster
of Orleans Co in the State of Vermont 
who was a Sgt & Ensign in the company commanded  
by Captain Field of the Rgt (regiment) commanded 
by Col Harket in the Connecticut 
line for 
1 year Sergeant
1 year Ensign
Increased from $120
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont 
at the rate of 180 dollars 00 cents per annum,
 to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
====================
Certificate of pension issued the 9 day of May 
1836 and sent John Kimball Esq. Barton Vt.
====================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $900.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 90.00
=====
$990.00
=====
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by DD Addison Clerk,
[Book] 2 vol [illegible] Page 109
Page 3

[Handwritten Letter]

[large tear at top of page. Thick vertical handwritten lines]
3521
====================
Mary Sophia Webster
3521
widow of Israel Webster decd.
a pensioner Act of June 1832
 who died on the 3rd May 1838, 
of Orleans Co. in the State of Vermont 
who was a Sgt & Ensign. in the Compy commanded
by Captain Field Conn of the regt commanded 
by Col Tucker in the Continental 
line for 1 year Sergeant
& 1 year Ensign
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier 
at the rate of 180 Dollars 00 cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of May 1838.
====================
Certificate of pension issued the 3rd day of March 
1841, & sent to Hon. H. Hubbard, 
Senate, U.S (at home).
["and" written over]
====================
Arrears to the 4th of May 1841 $510.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Sept '41 90.00
=====
$600.00
=====
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4 1836, Section 3d }

Recorded by D McCurdy Clerk
Book C. Vol 1. Page 47
Page 4

[handwritten]
Laban Webster
Page 5

[Handwritten letter]

I Laban Webster of Hartland in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Seventy two years, Certify and say  that at the time of the Revolutionary War, I lived in Lebanon Connecticutt with my Father Jonathan Webster, and my brother Israel Webster then resided at home with us, and I well recollect that in the year 1778 he was out in the service and continued in service about three years and I am not certain  but some longer, when he returned home and I should think in the year 1781 was married to Mary Sophia Carpenter daughter of Ephraim Carpenter then residing in said Lebanon aforesaid, and the said Israel and wife resided at said Carpenter for about one year. About this time being a year or more after their said Marriage I well  recollect that Col Wells of Colchester Ct. [Connecticut] was raising a Regiment of what was called Connecticut State  troops for one year and he the said Wells came to  my brother Israel aforesaid and told him if he would enlist in said service he should have an Ensign commission and accordingly my said brother Israel did enlist as aforesaid for one year and held the office of Ensign as aforesaid and was gone one year while his wife remained at her fathers in sd [said] Lebanon when he returned home and further say not.
[signature] Laban Webster

Sworn and subscribed at Woodstock in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont this 25th day of September AD 1839
Before me [signature] Oel Billings Justice Peace
I further certify that the deponent above I am well acquainted with and I know him to be credible witness
[signature] Oel Billings Justice Peace
Page 6

State of Vermont,
Windsor County, ss ⎬I Lyndon A. Marsh, Deputy Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Oel Billings is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 7th day of November 1838 and will expire on the last day of November 1839 and that his signature within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County, this 25 day of September 1839.
[signature] L A Marsh, Deputy Clerk
Page 7

Frances Matson's
Deposition


Mrs. Matson's
Afft. [Affidavit]
Page 8

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,
Concord, N. H. April 2t 1839.

I hereby certify, that from the Records in this office it appears that on the Twenty Eighth day of March A.D. 1839. Aaron Matson was duly in Commission as a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cheshire, and that his signature as such to the annexed Instrument is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said State.
[signature] Josiah Stevens Jr. Secretary of State.

[illegible State Seal and ribbon affixed at left]
Page 9

I Frances Matson of Stoddard County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged sixty seven years depose and say that I am the Sister of Mary Sophia Webster who I am informed has applied for a pension under the act of Congress of July 4th 1836. I further say that we were the children of Ephraim Carpenter who during the Revolutionary War and long after resided in the town of Lebanon in the State of Connecticut. I further say that in the month of March in the year 1781 or 1782 my sister Mary Sophia was married to Israel Webster, by my Father Ephraim Carpenter who at that time was a Justice of the Peace, at his the said Carpenters dwelling house in said Lebanon and I was present and saw them married that soon after their Marriage the said Webster received a Commission and enlisted soldiers at my Fathers house - and it was said at the time that he belonged to the State troops and went to Stamford in Connecticut I Remember he was gone about one year leaving his wife at my Fathers House his dress was that of an officer wearing an Epaulette
[signature] Frances Matson

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss } Be it Remembered that on the twenty Eighth day of March 1839 Frances Matson a Credible person, personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by her subscribed
before me [signature] Aaron Matson Justice Peace
Page 10

Eber Robinson
Deposition
Page 11

[handwritten letter]
I, Eber Robinson of Holland in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont, a Revolutionary Pensioner aged seventy eight years, depose and say that during (and previous too) the war of the Revolution I was acquainted with Ephraim Carpenter Esq., who kept a public house in Lebanon Connecticut that in the Spring of the year of 1782 I put up at his house several days as a Recruiting officer and well remember his daughter Mary (as she was then called) told me that she was the wife of Israel and she said her husband was going out in the same Regiment in which I was expecting to go and did go. I did not see Israel Webster & Mary Carpenter married nor do I know how long they had been married, but I know that she, the said Mary, was called Mrs. Webster and I know that in May following the time above stated the said Israel Webster did join said Regiment as an Ensign and served one year after I was informed of the marriage, and I further state that the said Israel Webster wrote to his wife (who remained at her Father's house), by me as I was going from Stamford (where we were then stationed) to Windham, and I know that she, the said Mary, is the same woman who has lived with the said Webster as his wife. I having been at their house in Canaan about three years ago where I saw them both who were then living together, but I have been recently informed that the said Israel is dead.
[signature] Eber Robinson

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss ⎬
Holland July 26th 1738, then Eber Robinson a man well known to me as a man of good character and a credible witness, personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me [signature]  John Kimball, Judge of Orleans County Court.
Page 12

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office
Montpelier, Aug 11, 1838.

I, Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said state, do hereby certify that the Honorable John Kimball, whose name is subscribed in his own hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of the subscribing the same one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Orleans in said state, duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations full faith and credit ought to be given.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Montpelier this eleventh day of August in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
[signature] Chauncey L Knapp,
Secretary of State

[left margin, on edge]
Eber Robinson
Declaration
Page 13

Hon. H. Hubbard
Senator  U.S.
Page 14

I Israel Webster (formerly Israel Webster Junr) of Compton in the Province of Lower Canada depose and say then I was son of Israel Webster (late of Ascott & the Province of Lower Canada deceased) and Mary Sophia Webster now a resident of said Ascott. I further state that I was the first child of my mother as I was always informed that my (age according as I have always kept the reckoning) will be 59 fifty nine years on the 15th fifteenth day of March next (1841) I further certify that I have always been informed that I was born at the house of Ephraim Carpenter. My Grandfather in Leabanon [Lebanon] Connecticut and that my Father served in the War of the Revolution one year after my birth. I further say that my mother has often told me that I might know her age by my own as she was twenty years old when I was born.
[signature] Israel Webster

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss ⎬ At Derby on the 11th day of February Eighteen hundred and forty one Israel Webster the signer of the above affidavit and a person reputed to be a credible for truth and who I believe to be such personally appeared and made oath that the same was true
Before me [signature] John Kimball Justice Peace

I Horace Webster of Ascott in the Province of Lower Canada aged forty two years depose and say that I am a son of the Widow Mary Sophia Webster of Ascott aforesaid that my Father Israel Webster died on the 3 day of May 1838. I further say that I have often heard my mother say that my oldest Brother (Israel) was born at my Grandfather Carpenters house in Leabanon [Lebanon] Connecticut and that my Father served one year in the war after my said Brother Israel was born
I further state that about six years ago Eber Robinson Esqr of Holland Vermont came to our house to visit my Father and Mother and I well remember hearing said Robinson ask my Mother if the babe was livin, or what had become of the babe or boy or to that effect, that she had that he saw at my Grandfathers house when he brought letters to her ["was residing there" lined thru].  he also mentioned fetching letters to my Mother from my Father when he was in the army
[signature] Horace Webster

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss ⎬at Derby on this eleventh day of February 1841 Horace Webster the signer of the above affidavit and a person known to me as a credible witness personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the same.Before me Jo[signature] hn Kimball Just. Peace
Page 15

Israel Webster's Declaration for a Pension.

I.  F. Redfield Agent & Atty.
Page 16

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss ⎬Be it remembered that at a Probate Court holden at Boston on the 6th day of November A.D. 1833 Personally appeared Israel Webster of Ascott in the Province of Lower Canada aged seventy seven years who being duly sworn doth make and subscribe the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress passed June 7 1832 That he enlisted in the army of the United States during the revolutionary war and served in manner herein after stated. He first enlisted in the month of April or May in the year 1776 at Lebanon in the State of Connecticut, where he then resided, for the term of [underlined] one [/underlined] year in the company commanded by Daniel Tilden in the regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army as a private. He served his full  term of one year and was discharged in the State of New Jersey but without writing. He next enlisted at Norwich in the State of Connecticut on the 13th day of April 1777 for the term of three years in the company commanded by Captain Jedediah Hyde in the regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee in the Connecticut Line as a corporal. He rendezvoused at New Haven in the State of Connecticut; he then marched to Robinsons Farm on Hudsons river; then into New Jersy & Morristown; he was in the battle at Germantown New Jersey also in the battle at Monmouth
Page 17

He was appointed Sergeant in said company before the expiration of the first year of his enlistment and served as Sergeant in said company not less than [underlined] two years [/underlined] but some thing more. He served the full term of said enlistment and received a written discharge signed R T Meigs Colo. Comd. dated Westfield N. Jersey April 13, 1780, which is hereunto annexed. He next entered the service with the commission of Ensign for Jonathan Trumbull  Governor of the State of Connecticut in a company of Militia commanded by Captain Miles in a regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Canfield raised by the State of Connecticut and stationed at Horse neck and Meridan Connecticut for the purpose of protecting the property and lives of the inhabitants from the outrages of Tories  in the month of [underlined] April 1782 [/underlined] At this time he enlisted for [underlined] one [/underlined] year.
He assisted in building a fort at Stamford and the remainder of the time he was [?] [?] in camp and drill and guard services. Parties were frequently sent out on scouts. At one time he was out with about forty men and his captain and Lieutenant. A company of Dragoons from the enemy came upon them surrounded the house where they were lodging and killed and wounded many and took the captain and Lieutenant prisoners. At the Expiration of this year the news of peace having
Page 18

[?] he was discharged but without writing. The enclosed fragments of papers are all that now remains of his commission [of Ensign?]
If the department requires for the proof of the last term of service he thinks he could procure it but not without great expense. He resides thirty miles from the line of Vermont is the reason he cannot procure the certificate of a clergyman. Since the revolutionary war he has resided in said Ascott twenty two years; in Hartford Vermont seven years and the remainder of the time in said Lebanon Conn. He was [underlined] born [/underlined] in said [underlined] Lebanon 24th day of May 1756 /[underlined] where there is a record of his age. 
He has no other documentary evidence. He hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension except the present and declares his name is not on the pension list of the roll of the agency of any State.
Subscribed and sworn to this day and year first above written.
[signature] Israel Webster
Page 19

✓ ["4110" lined thru] 4460
Mary Sophia Webster
Vt
Act A July 36
7,       38

Some family rec'd
reg'd

Married 13 March 1781
Husband 3 May 1838 [deceased]
Page 20

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss⎬ At a special Court holden at Derby within and for said County of Orleans on this 12th day of October A.D.1838 by the Hon John Kimball the Judge of said Orleans County Court personally appeared Mary Sophia Webster a resident of Ascott in the Province of Lower Canada (who by reason of old age and fair health could not without great inconvenience attend at the usual terms and place of holding said Court) aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed on the 4th day of July A.D. 1836.
That previous to her Marriage her name was Mary Sophia Carpenter and that she resided in Lebanon in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut and that she was united in Marriage to Israel Webster of said Lebanon on the thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and eighty one by (her Father) Ephraim Carpenter Justice of the Peace (at Lebanon aforesai)d - That her said Husband the said Israel served in the war of the Revolution one year after their Marriage from May 1782 to May 1783 as an Ensign in Col Canfields Regiment and that he served as Corporal one year & Sergent three years (as she believes) before marriage. But for a more accurate statement of his service she would refer to his declaration made by himself for a pension which is at the War Office to which services he received a pension or will be seen by his pension certificate - she further states that the said Israel Webster her said husband died at said Ascott (being their place of residence for the last twenty seven years) on the 3d day of May 1838 since which time she has remained his widow 
[signature] Mary S. Webster
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written
Before me [signature] John Kimball Judge
Sworn to and

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss ⎬ I, Samuel C Crafts, Clerk of Orleans County Court, do certify that the foregoing Declaration of Mary S. Webster was taken, subscribed and sworn to in open Court, in the day and year above written. 
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court.
[signature] Saml C Crafts, Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 21

Frances Matson
Afft. [Affidavit]
Page 22

[illegible State Seal and ribbon affixed upper left]

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
-----------------

I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Aaron Matson is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Cheshire duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the twenty five day of May 1839 and will expire on the twenty five day of May 1841 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.

Given under my and the Seal of said State this ninth day of September 1840

[signature] Josiah Stevens Secretary of State
Page 23

I Frances Matson of Stoddard in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged sixty nine years depose and say that I am sister of Mary Sophia Webster  who is the widow of Israel Webster deceased lately of Lower Canada and I am informed also a United States pensioner that some time in the month of March 1781 or 1782 Israel Webster and my sister Mary Sophia Carpenter whose name is now Webster were joined in wedlock by my father Ephraim Carpenter who was then a Justice of the Peace, at his the said Carpenters dwelling house in the Town of Lebanon in the state of Connecticut, and I was present and saw them married soon after they were married, my father had been out into town and had seen Governor Kimball, who was then Governor of the State of Connecticut and when he came home he informed Mr Webster that if he would join the Army again he would get him a commission - which he did. I was then young but it is all fresh in my memory. he staid at home some short time and enlisted soldiers and then went as it was said and joined the Army at Stamford, and while Mr Webster was gone I often slept with her in the same bed we both living at our Fathers house and some time in the month of March one year after they were married her first child was born and he had not returned from the Army
[signature] Frances Matson

State of New Hampshire 
Cheshire County ss } On this fifth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty personally appeared Frances Matson and made oath that the above deposition by her subscribed is true 
before me [signature] Aaron Matson Justice Peace

Said deposition was taken at the request of John Kimball for the purpose of obtaining a pension for the above married Mary Sophia Webster - this is the 2d deposition
Page 24

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

O. W. & N. Division.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C.

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Israel Webster, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[following info is in table format with the column headings of]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED (CAPTAIN & COLONEL.)
STATE.

[first row)] Apr 1776, 1 yr., Pvt., Capt. Daniel Tilden, Col. John Durkee, Conn.
[second row] Apr 1777, 1 yr., Corpl., Capt. Jedediah Hyde, Col. John Durkee, Conn
[third row] Apr 1777, 2 yr., Sgt, Capt. Jedediah Hyde, Col. John Durkee, Conn
[fourth row] Apr 1782, 1 yr., Ens, Capt. Miles, Col.  Sam. Canfield, Conn

Battles engaged in, Germantown & Monmouth.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lebanon, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 6, 1833
Residence at date of application, Alcott, Lower Canada
Age at date of application, Born in Lebanon, Conn, May 24, 1736
Remarks: Married Mary Sophia Carpenter of Lebanon, Conn, Mch 13, 1781, and died May 3", 1838.

Very respectfully,
[signature] Prentiss Webster
Lowell, Mass

Commissioner

13603 b─3 m
Page 25

           23
           10
         -------
            00
          23
        --------
19/   230     /12
         19

     40
     3[]
     ----
      09

Lebanon Conn

Webster. Israel
Cont - Conn
W18307

✓ September

E   14
      1
    87
  -----
    18
     87

      86
      18
   ------
      88
Page 26

[printed appointment form, folded over]
JO[  ]  RUMBULL, Esquire,
Captain [  ]  Chief in and over the State of Connec-
in America.

To                   GREETINGS.

Y[   ] [  ]  ly of this State appointed to be Ensign [  ] Company in a Regiment  [      ] for defence against the [        ] of the Enemy and  [    ] the Enemy

re [     ]n  your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct,
ID[       ]  me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you 
to [    ] our Care and Charge as their Ensign
car[   ] Office and Trust, exercising your [     ]
Officers
and [     ] ording to the Rules and Discipli [    ] War or- 
State, k
[bottom half missing]

[An example of a form taken from another appointment]
JOHNATHAN TRUMBULL, ESQUIRE.,
Captain-General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of CONNECTICUT in
AMERICA.

To Israel Webster GREETING.
You being by the General Assembly accepted to be Ensign of a Company [missing] for defence against the Incursions of the Enemy and [missing] the Enemy.
reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and Good Conduct, I DO by virtue of the Laws of this State, thereunto enabling, appoint and empower you to take the said [Troop] into your Care and Charge as their Ensign carefully and diligently to discharge that Office and Trust, exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the use of their Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War ordained and established by the Laws of this State, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey them as their Ensign and you are to obey all such Orders and Directions as from Time to Time you shall receive, either from me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby imposed in you.
Given under my Hand and the Public Seal of this State, at New Haven, the [?] Day of [?] A. D. 18[??].
By His Excellency's Command,
[?] Secretary.

[signature] John Trumbull

[illegible State Seal affixed upper left]
Page 27

sion on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.
CAPTAIN. COLONEL.
[Illegible] May 1776. 1 [year?]. Pvt. [illegible]. John [illegible]. Conn.
[illegible[ 1777. 1 year. Corpl. Jedediah Hyde. John [illegible]. ".
2 years. Sergt. Jedediah Hyde Robertson Holland.
Apr 1781. 1 year. [illegible]. Charles Miles. Samuel [illegible].
Battles engaged in, [illegible]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [illegible]
Date of application for pension, Sept 1829 [illegible]
Residence at date of application, Ascot [illegible]
Age at date of application, 77 [illegible]
Remarks: [illegible]
Page 28

 30318
Vermont    
=================
Israel Webster
of Orleans Co in the State of Vermont
who was a sergeant in the company commanded 
by Captain Field of the regt. commanded 
by Col Durkee in the   _____________ 
line for two years sergeant
=================
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 120 Dollars __________ Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=================
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of January 
1836 and sent to I F Redfield Derby, Vt
=================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836      600.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept      60.00
=====
$660.00
=====
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832 }

Recorded by Dan'l Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 99


See letter  23 March 1836
to Hon. S. Prentiss
Letter to Hon Saml Prentiss
March 23, 1836.
Page 29

S. Prentiss
Page 30

I John Adams of Boston in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont aged seventy three years next December and a Revolutionary pensioner depose and say that I was well acquainted with Israel Webster in the year 1779 (if I am not mistaken in the year) that he was then a Sergeant in Col Durkees Regiment in the Continental line (the name of the Captain under whom he served I do not recollect) but well recollect that he was called a three years man and as I then understood it was the last of his three years service  I then being in the same Regiment and served in Capt. McGregor's (or McGregory) company - In the month of April 1782 he the said Webster joined Col. Canfields Regiment Regiment in the Connecticut State Troops as an Ensign in Capt. Miles Copany [Company] and that the other Ensigns at that time belonging to said Regiment were Eber Robinson - Russel Bissel and Joseph Butler, that about the commencement of that year service there was a difficulty with one of the Lieutenants by the name of Nicholas Coguein or Caguein or Cagueine who resigned his commission and left the Regiment and the said Russel Bissel was promoted to a Lieut. and took the place of Caguein and one Sergent Tibbets (whose given name I do not recollect) was promoted to an Ensign to fill the vacancy occationed [occasioned] by the promotion of Bissel (from an Ensign to a Lieut) And head quarters during both periods of the above mentioned service was at Stamford in the State of Connecticut and I know that the said Webster served one year as an Ensign as I was a soldier in said Regiment the same year and in the same company. The said Israel Webster is now living in Ascott Lower Canada
[signature] John Adams
Page 31

[printed heading, typed or printed form, with blanks filled by hand]

[right corner] 1773

Revolutionary Claims.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
9 Dec 1829

Israel Webster of Ascott in the ["county of" lined thru] Province of Lower ["in the State of" lined thru] Canada has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Sergeant in captain Holland's company, in the fourth regiment of the Connecticut line ; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778 ; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing

The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By Order of the Secretary
[signature] F A Dickins.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
10th December 1829
["It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to ________ in the ____" lined thru]

It further appears that Israel Webster is not now on the pension list of ["the" lined thru] any agency, and has not been so since the 3d March 1826 ["at the rate of _dollars per month." lined thru]

The name of Israel Webster cannot be found among those of the Connecticut line to whom Certificates for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars were issued. It appears from the Register of Musters of the Connecticut line that Israel Webster enlisted for the war on the 18th May 1777. That he was made a Sergeant on the 20th November 1778 and that he was discharged on the 20th April 1780.
[signature] Peter Hagner Aud [Auditor]

correct
Page 32

John Days Rations to the
bearer Agreable to the with[sp]
Ower[sp]
[signature] John Ha?? C?
J W Butler
April 19 1780

[on edge]
Israel Webster (Continental Service)
W.18307
Page 33

Sergt. Israel Webster of the 4th Connt. [Connecticut]Regiment having served faithfully three years, the term for which he enlisted is discharged from the Army. The Commissaries on the road to Connecticut will please furnish him with eight days provisions.
Westfield, N. Jersey
23th April 1780

R J Meigs Com'dt [Commandant]
1st Conn. Brigade
Page 34

J Haight
X
Henry Jn Bas [illegible]
attached D L of this
[illegible]
Page 35

I, Israel Webster of Ascott in the Province of Lower Canada depose and say that I was appointed Ensign by Gov. Trumbull of the State of Connecticut and received my commission from his hands in the forepart of the month of April AD 1782 and was ordered by Gov. Trumbull to enlist a sargent, one Corporal and a number of privates, I think, 10 or 15 and with them to join Capt Miles in his company who had marched to Stamford Horse-neck from Lebanon Conn.  I accordingly enlisted the men as ordered and joined Capt. Miles about the first of May following accordingly to the best of my recollection.  The appointment of myself and the enlistment of the men by me as directed by Gov. Trumbull was to fill vacancies then existing in Capt Miles Company, but whether these vacancies had occurred since the formation of the Company or whether the Company had never been full & was first completed by these enlistments with myself I am not able to state.
[signature] Israel Webster

State of Vermont  
Orleans County ss ⎬ Derby March 5th 1834
Sworn to and subscribed this 5th Day of March 1834
Before me [     ] A Hadfield  Justice of Peace
Page 36

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss. ⎬ I, Ira H. Allen Clerk of Orleans County do hereby certify that Peleg Redfield who has affixed his name to the within is a magistrate duly qualified and that I believe the same to be his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe  my name and affix the seal of said court this 18 day March 1834.
[signature] Ira H. Allen Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 37

1773

For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution" approved on the 13th of May 1828.  I, Israel Webster of Ascott in the Province of Lower Canada, do hereby declare that I enlisted in the continental line of the army of the revolution for and during the war, and continued in its service until its termination, at which period I was an orderly sergeant in Captain Robert Holland's company in the fourth regiment of the Connecticut line.  And I also declare that I was entitled to receive, but did not receive, a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars to which I was entitled under a resolve of Congress passed the 15th of May 1778.
And I further declare that I was not on the 15th of March 1828 on the pension list of the United States.
[signature] Israel Webster

Before me Luther Newcome, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orleans in the State of Vermont, personally appeared this day Anthony Pease of Ascott and Pliney V. Hubbard of Stanstead in the Province of Lower Canada, who did severally make oath that Israel Webster by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the army of the revolution in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand this 7 day of November in the year 1829.
[signature] Luther Newcomb

I, Ira H. Allen, Clerk of the Court of the County of Orleans in the state of Vermont do certify that Luther H Newcomb, before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was at the time a Justice of the Peace for the County of Orleans aforesaid and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 10 day of November in the year 1829.
[signature] Ira H. Allen Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 38

ow wid
#18.307
Page 39

Israel Webster -- Sergt
Conn. line

Not allowed  Act 1828

Canada
Rej. File No. 11.261

#18307  [    ]
OK

no record of  [    ]
Page 40

Barton Orleans County Vermont September 24th 1840
James L. Edwards Esqr
Sir enclosed is the second deposition of Frances Matson (the wife of the Hon. Alen Matson) to be used in the case of Mary Sophie Webster for a pension whose claim has long been in the pension office and often refused by saying that the evidence of Marriage was not sufficient.
Where no record of Marriage or childrens ages can be found I find it difficult to establish the marriage satisfactorily, such is the case of Mrs Webster as to proof there is no record of Marriage nor record of the ages of the children of Israel Webster and Mary Sophia Webster his widow to be found in any place although every means has been used to obtain it but as yet all has been in vain.
When I was at Washington I remonstrated with Mr Sylvester for being too particular but observed if I had been present when Mrs Matson gave her deposition I should have had me circumstance named which was omitted which was Mrs. Matson said to me-- [underline] that while Israel Websters was in the war after he was married to her sister, that the usually slept in the same bed with her Sister Webster [/underline] - to which Mr Sylvester replied that he was  acquainted with Mrs Matson (or the character of Mrs Matson) and said that such an expression would add much to the weight of her testimony, and
from what he said I have no doubt had the circumstance of Mrs Matson often sleeping with her sister while he was in the war been mentioned in her deposition that Mr Websters pension would have been allowed- I now enclose the second deposition of Mrs Mation in which she mentions often sleeping with her sister also their first wild being born before Webster returned home &c.
You have Eber Robinsons testimony who was a man with whom I was well acquainted he was a respectable man and more often held the first Office in the gist [sp] of the Town in which he lived more than any other man.
Mrs Matson's character is known to Mr Sylvester.
Mr Webster who has testified brother to Israel I know nothing about by personal acquaintance - he is said to be a respectable man.
I hope for a favorable return-- Yours &c [signature] John Kimball
Page 41

Sept 29 1840
Vt

add'l proof
Mary Sophia Webster

Barton Vt Free
Sept 25

James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 42

Vt

July 29, 1834
Pension Office


Pension Office
Page 43

Hon. B. G. Deming

Sir

Upon W. Redfield's release from Washington, I informed him that I was acquainted with a person who served in Capt. Neil's company & I thought, in Caufield's Regt.  I called upon him, and was informed that he served in Waterbury's Brigade in 81 & not in Caufield Regt. in 82.

There is not any evidence to be obtained here that I can discover.

Perhaps some light may be shed upon W Webster shown by comparing his application with Eber Robinson's.

James Stoddard who was one of the Captains in Waterbury Brigade in 1781 and in Caufield's Regt. in 1782, I believe is now living. He was alive in May 1833 & has lived in or near Lisle, Broome County, State of New
Page 44

If you can get of the New York delegation to write & procure his affidavit, I think the conflicting claims of Messers Webster & Robinson can be rightfully determined.
In ha[???]
Yours very
respectfully
[signature] E Phelps

I wrote at request of W Redfield
Page 45

It appears by the records of the State, that in November 1780, the General Assembly of Connecticut ordered a corps to be raised for defence of Horseneck & appointed Baratal Beebe Lt. Col. Com'dt Edward Shepman Major Jaber Fitch Lt. Com'dt of a company of Cavalry, Andrew Mead Q [Quarter] Master; Samuel Granger, Nathaniel Edwards, Charles Miles, David Amstead, James Dana & Mathew Smith Captains; Benjamin Smith, Samuel Ackley, Davies Peck, Ezra Benedict Nicholas Kegwin & Charles Goodwin Lieutenants; Daniel War or Wor Henry Ball Joshua Gates Jus., Jesse Hait or Hart, John Phelps and Timothy Finley Ensign.
This corps in February 1781 was increased to eight companies of Infantry & one of Cavalry ordered to be commanded by a Brigadier General & two Majors.
Comptrollers Office
April 23rd 1834

I Elisha Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Conneticut, do certify that it appears by the journal of the Council that on the 21st of April 1781 Frederic J.
Page 46

Whiting was appointed Lt. of a company at Horseneck & Joseph Calder Ensign and Whiting "Lt Whiting promoted."
That under date July 11th 1781 James Stoddard was appointed Capt. in the Regt ordered by the "Assembly in November last to be raised for defence of the State in the room of Capt. Grant resigned." & on the same day Ezekiel Lewis was appointed Lt. of the same regiment and Lt  Frederic J. Whiting resigned.
Under same date the Council of Safety ordered that the men raised for the two State regiments on the West side of Connecticut river should "be sent on under the command of Capt. Stoddard & Lt Lewis & Capt Moulton, Lt Boot & Ens. Colter on the East side of said river."
And that Eber Robinson was appointed Quarter Master of Gen. Waterbury's Brigade.
[signature] E. Phelps
Page 47

In Gen Waterburys Brigade in 1781
Captains
Granger, Edwards, Niel, Olmstead, Dana, Smith, Stoddard, Moulton 8

Lts.
Smith, Aiken, Peak, Benedict, Heigwin, Goodwin, Lewis, Boot 8

Ens.
War, Ball, Gates, Hait, Phelps, Gridley, Cutler 7 vacant
[original list of men was in three columns]

Gen Waterburys Brigade was ordered to be raised in November 1780, & to serve until the first of March 1782.
Col. Canfields Regt was ordered to be raised in January 1782, & to serve untill the 1st April 1783.
From the above list of Capts. & Subalterns it appears that one vacancy of Ens. excited [existed] Gen. Waterburys Brigade in 1781
By the list of officers which I before sent you it appears that a similar vacancy appears in Col Canfields Reg't in 1782.
Page 48

War Department
Pension Office,
Nov. 2d 1839

Sir,

The pension certificate of Israel Webster under the act of 7 June, 1832 is herewith again returned to you as the amount accruing and due thereon must be drawn under said Act.  The testimony is entirely unsatisfactory to prove that the marriage of Mary Sophia Webster took place in 1781 which is necessary to bring the claim within the provisions of the Act of 4th July, 1836.

I am, very respectfully, 
Your obt. servt.
[signature] J. L Edwards

John Kimball, Esqr.
Barton, 
Orleans Co., 
Vermont.
Page 49

Certificate of the Secy. [Secretary]
of State of Conn. [Connecticut]
in Is. [Israel] Webster's case
Page 50

I, Thomas Day Secretary of the State of Connecticut and keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby certify that I have made diligent search in the public records of said State in the Secretary's Office for the appointment of Israel Webster as an Ensign during the Revolutionary War, but have not been able to find any such appointment on said records.
I further certify that the Governor and Council of Safety were authorized in certain cases during the recess of the General Assembly to make appointment of military officers, especially to fill vacancies occurring such relists; and when this was done, no entry or record thereof, was made upon the books in the Secretary's Office.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, the 23rd day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
[signature] Thomas Day
Page 51

Payments to be made at Burlington 
by E T Englesby Esqr. 
Agent for  paying Pensioners, 
in the Agency of Vermont

Issue new certificate
for 12 mo Sergt
for 12 mo Ensign
     ------
      180$~

deduct what has been recd

Recorded in the Pension Office, 
in Book E   Vol. 3
Page 99  by Dan'l Boyd Clerk.

John Kimball Esq
Barton 
Vt.
Page 52

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Israel Webster of the State of Vermont who was a Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive One hundred & twenty dollars ["and ------ cents" lined thru] per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this thirteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty-Six
[signature] Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and
Countersigned ⎬
[signature] J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

[in large letters across the page]
Cancelled
Page 53

Washington Feby 12th 1834
Hon. Lewis Cass
Sir,
I herewith send you the claim of Israel Webster for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 1832 with the accompanying documents and testimony upon which the claim is founded and in Edwards letter assigning his reasons for rejecting the claim so far as the years service as ensign is concerned. The decision of Mr. Edwards if I rightly understand it is based upon this principle of evidence
1st. That the appointment of ensign of Militia in the State of Conn. at the time this person claims to have served was matter of record.
2nd. That being matter of record it is not competent to show the fact of the appointment by any parol evidence unless the loss or desstruction of the record in that particular care be first shown.
3d. This loss or destruction not being shown by them the Secy of State [illegible] of Conn. in this case, the claim is rejected without weighing the evidence offered.
The questions which I wish to submit as arising on this case and which I beg for the justice of my claim, you will consider and determine are these.
1st. Whether the original commission is not the best and the only Competent Evidence of the appointment and acceptance of theoffice of Ensign or of a similar office in the circumstances.
Remark 1 Altho the records of the reg. might show the appt. they could not show the acceptance or service as there is acknowledged to be no recds of that Corps.
2 Whether it be not competent in all cases to prove the Existence and the contents of an original Document, by showing the less or total or partial destruction of such document and producing a sworn copy or parol evidence of its contents.
Page 54

3d. Whether the fragments of the commission inclosed and the testimony of the applicant and of the Witness Anthony Pease on the page following the declaration with the certificate of the Court showing his credibility, do not make out the existence of the commission of Ensign issued by the proper authority to this applicant, in a far more satisfactory manner that any parol evidence of a copy or of the contents of the com. [commission] could do:
4th. Add to this the testimony of two other credible witnesses, one a soldier in the same company and the other an officer in the same corps, that this claimant did de facto execute the duties of Ensign in the company and for the term he claims; And I have only to submit to your Reuse of right whether it do not savour a little of the Ex maxima cautela to reject the claim and whether you might not imagine that one, who had faithfully served his country, five tedious years, in the day of her utmost peril, would have some reason to consider himself the object of a rather rude abouts, in having his claim for the last year of that service, in an honourable capacity, Rejected, upon the ground of an alleged attempt to substitute in his own behalf, a commission issued to another.
Sir, my client intends no reflection upon the administrations of the government of his country in her day of prosperous pride; he intends no insidious Comparison between the anxieties and affections, the sensibility and sentiment of those, who partake a feast; but as his attorney, you will permit me to say, that I know Mr Webster too well; and the know the character of those, who have testified in his case too well, not to know that the clause in Mr.
Page 55

Edwards letter to me of the 12th Feby. Which I am not at liberty to construct in any other sense, but in containing a direct charge upon my client and the witnesses of fraud and perjury; I know them too well I say not to know that this suspicion is a mere spectre of the imagination, a mere hallucination of the brain. I know [illegible] is have been condemned upon such suspicion, but I could take no such course of inquisition would  be again revived. How long would it be tolerated that an advocate before a jury of this district, upon the foregoing state of Evidence, should argue the position that these fragments of a commission were not what the claim to be, but the fragments of a commission issued to some body else. How came he to serve without a com's [commission]? How came he by these presents and for what purpose? When and from whom?

There is another view of this case, which I consider equally conclusive in favour of Mr. Webster's claim.
1st The Certificates of Mr. Day Sec'y of State and of Mr. Phellp's Comp' [Comptroller] of Conn. [Connecticut] if they are to be construed with reference to their subject matter, and they must be unless these officers have  undertaken to practice a fraud upon this Department, for both those officers certify that their search was with reference to Mr. Webster Claim for a yearss pay as Ensign in Capt Nile's company in Colo Caulfield's regt. and they duzio of C[illegible] for what purpose these Certificates were asked and to be used, 
then to have made these Certificatse, which were false as to this period but true of another, would be making them approvers of the hand and subomations of the applicant; if then they are to be considered as true with reference to the subject matter
Page 56

they show such deficiencies in the Comm. [Commission] records, as to render it highly probable some number would have served as officers in that corps, whose names would not appear of record. If the persons first named as Ensigns had all declined serving & had not resided in Mr. Websters vicinity, he would not have known when a commission came to him from the Gov. [Governor]. Whether he was
designated by the legislature or the Council of safety or by a Colo. or Capt. and if he had known, he would not have thought it necessary for him to name at the time of making his declaration at and new for me to go back to him (if he should recollect that fact) and make oath to it, it will be but in furtherance of the original alleged fraud. I should regret very much to [illegible] and left Mr. Webster, the Nov[sp]  office had refused under the State of the evidence to allow his claim.
If of the records are shown or admitted to be imperfect, it has always been a rule it admit parol evidence and the rule applies as well to this case in
the case of these records & rolls in the Nov office
I beg Sir you will give the case a patient Consideration and I cannot doubt your determination.
Very respectfully yours
[signature] J.F. Redfield
Page 57

Barton  Vt
Ap'l 30th

Free

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington City

Ct May 7
Page 58

Barton 29th April 1836

J. L. Edwards

Sir Some time in Jany last was forwarded by me to the War department some additional proff [proof] in favour of Israel Webster serving one year as Ensign in the Revolutionary War also one year (as formerly satisfactorily proved years) as a Sergeant - Webster has received ["a certificate" lined thru] a Certificate as Sergeant which is herein enclosed.
The additional evidence of Robinson and Adams was forwarded by me to Mr Prentiss Senator in Congress for the reason  that he was acquainted with one and I believe had knowledge of both of the Witnesses and by him forwarded - I received a letter from Mr Prentiss stating that by this certificate being returned a new one would issue and be forwarded allowing Webster for one years service as an Ensign and one year as a Sergeant making an addition of sixty dollar a year to his pension-- You will please to forward the new certificate to me Respectfully Yours
[signature] John Kimball

You will please to direct to [underline] John Kimball Barton Orleans County Vermont [/underline]
Page 59

Israel Webster's 
case
Page 60

Mr Webster claims to have been an Ensign in Canfields Regt
This regt was raised by the Assembly & all its officers appointed by name - among whom was not the claimant.
If he was afterwards commissioned to fill vacancy that explanation should be made
The commission produced has lost the part which contains the name of the person appointed
The Commission states in general terms that blank commissions were sometimes issued.
It is belied that none such were given out unless the  object to which they were delivered was stated on the minutes of the Council of safety - besides this commission appears to have been filled up by the Secretary of the State.
Page 61

War Department
Pension Office
July 24 1839
The additional evidence in the case of Mrs Mary S. Webster, widow of Israel Webster decd, is not sufficient to establish the alleged date of the marriage. Parol proof in relation to a distant date is very uncertain and the absence of record or documentary evidence of which the fact is so universally susceptible will justify the Department in requiring very credible and precise testimony. The certificate is returned to draw the arears due upon it
Very respectfully
Your [illegible]
J L Edward
John Kimball Esq.
Barton
Vermont
Page 62

Proof of marriage & date thereof see Afft. of Mrs Matson wife of the Hon Aaron Matson of [illegible] and also Mr Eber Robinson of Vermont also Laban Webster of Vermont
I have known Laban Webster of Woodstock
Vet. since 1810 been often at his House he
is a respectable man and a man of wealth
Aaron Mason late Member of [illegible] from
N H & his wife are also known to me - their standing is highly respectable. I also knew agent Capt Ephrm Carpenter late a [illegible] of of [illegible] N.H. when I was a child
Henry W. Hinch
Clk Pen Off
Feb 20 1841
Page 63

4460
Mr [illegible] Webster
4110
[illegible]
Israel
[illegible]
Act July 4 1836 -
Married 1781
died 3 May 1838
Allow $180 per ann
from May 3. 1838
[illegible] Hubbard
U S. Senate
Page 64

Lebanon Vt
Apr. 5

18 0/4

John Kimball Esq
Barton
Orleans County,
Vermont,
Page 65

Lebanon April 5, 1839
John Kimball Esq
Sir I received your letter to
day requesting a certificate of the birth of
Israel Harry & Mary S. Webster, children
of Israel & Mary S Webster and have examined
the records of this Town and cannot find
as they have ever been recorded. Parents have
always been very negligent in getting their child
rens births recorded is the cause of the failure.
Yours Respectfully
John Wattles Town Clerk
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Page 66

28.362
Israel Websters declaration for a Pension
J. Hetcher Redfield
agent Atty. Derby. Vt
domd 2 years
Sergt
---
120$
-
J. Redfield Esq
Derby
Vt
Page 67

Derby Vt.
9. Sept.
Frer.
Revolutionary Claims for the leg.
in person, the Commiss having
refund to act or reply
Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington
City
Aut CMD Sept 29.35
Page 68

Derby H. September 5th 1835
the Clerk into whose hands the falls in the distribution will permit it to--- to the secretary in person
To Hon Lewis Cass Sec of War, Sir, The claim of Israel Webster of the Ascott Town Conada for a pension in the rank of Ensign under the act June 7th 1832 was
you may possibly recollect submitted to you on
appeal from the decision of Mr. Edwards, while I was
Washington in the winter of 1833-4. You then held that this testimony was sufficient to entitle
the claimant to his pension as claimed. Mr Edwin
thought him only entitled to pay as Sugcont and wished
the parties of routing the Comptroller of Conn. in which
State Mr. Webster served. By a letter recd soon after
that I was informed that there was only ones
in the corps to which Mr. W. claimed to belong in
the names of Ensign, and that Eber Robinson was now
drawing a pension for that front which rendered it doubtful
that which was entitled to that pay, since that time
I have written often and can get no reply. This to say
the least is very kind to Mr. W. who is now very feeble and cannot survive many months it is believed.
I think myself that both Robinson
and Webster served for each declares the other served.
In addition to this, Mr. W shows that payments of his old
commission which is admitted to be filled
in the house of Mr. Willis who is known to have
be hay of them at that paid and
testimony that this commission when
Signed by Geo Humbrell and act to
him a high in that Corps. M. W. Still the
show by the testimony of Eben Robinson aforesaid and a
Adams of Boston who record as a fund under
him and a man of most unpretending
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Page 69

he actually served one whole year as ensign in sent
Col Cornfield Regt. To this there is nothing opposed it
that the Corps consisted of only four companies and
three of the Ensigns are found on record in the benefits
office in come. This surely should not raise even a
Suspicion against such or any of testimony. Mr. W.
might have filled the soconcy, or another soconcy might
have occurred in a few weeks such were this of opinion
 you entertained when the case was before you &
such I doubt not will be your present opinions.
In addition to this he produced his misplaced
discharge as Sargent after the years Served in the
Continental Army. This term of service is also shown
both by the rolls at the Pension office and by the
records in the Compt office in Conn. This part of his
claim was not object to while at Washington and the
Commissioner of pensions urged me to accept a certificate
of Sergeants pay for me to which I declined doing
until his claims as ensign could be definitively passed
upon, thinking it might lead to greater delay should
such a certificate issue. I have repeatedly solicited
that this claim should be judged upon and the certificate
forwarded but not one arrd from the Commissioner
upon the subject.

By what name such conduct may pass at
Washington, in this last execution in and ot this formation of honor, and the centre of Courtesy
and civility, I cannot say, but here, on this extreme ange of civilization, we should call it by
any other name than that of profiteerness or infidelity. I do not feel disposed to accuse any one of
intentional wrong, but Mr Edwards evidently should himself signed by your old-- of decision at the time we will before you, and so the
handsomely and then thought and still think bigger
of you to surping the case, until he could write Mr
Phelps upon the subject, which he knew would delay
Page 70

20
the business till I must leave the City. And if
he had any higher notion, those to save his pride
from a threatened infliction, I could not discover it
that Mr. E's. notion of Mr. Websters claim may but
know not. The disbursements during the last five
or two may have led him to suspect every more
of being a man of throw" Such suspicions  are
not I suffer to & first to bar all claims.  If so, we may as well stop
all judicial proceedings.
If men doubt of Mr. W.J. claim under such proof, he might well doubt  
of every thing sixty or seventy certificates have been paid to claimants in
this county and no one I presume produced as satisfactory evidence
before the Court as true.
I trust the claim will be froford upon
--- this certificate forwarded, if not, I shall feel bound to take the next affront. For a closing of this choractor often lying suspended for almost two years is of sufficient consequence to be @smih
when as can a hard and it is one
which will be a investigation 
Truly yours
I. F. Redfield
Page 71

Derby W.
Nov. 13
Revolutionary claim.
tree
Hon. Samuel D. Ingham
Secretary of the U. S Treasury
Washington City

Revolutionary claims
Page 72

Rcd 21, Nov 1829.
Sir
Derby Vt. Nov. 21, 1829
Enclosed is the application of Israel Webster for a pension
claimed in pursuance of the provisions of the Act of May 1828.
If any additional evidence shall be deemed necessary please
intimate the fact to us without delay and it shall be
procured. You will please direct any communication which
may be directed to Mr. Webster to him at Derby,  Vermont  with our care, otherwise they may not so soon be received.
Very respectfully your obt servt
Camp S Marsh
Page 73

Hartford Apts.
pro-
John Kimball Esq
Dartow,
Orleans County,
Vermont
Page 74

Hartford March 3d 1840
Sir
Being Town Clerk of Hartford, yours of the 30th
of March was delivered to me by the Post Master
I cannot find a record of the ages of any of
Israel Websters children, I have made a thorough
examination and do not find any. I find a record of the marriage out of town of
Israel Webster and family on the 5th Sept. 1816-
The Books have been in my hands only since our last
March meeting, and altho I have examined every Book
where I can find any such record made, I cannot
find any such entry
should I hereafter discover any I
will drop
you a line
I am Sir Yours respectfully
---
George E. Wales

To John Kimball Esq
Barton
Vt.
Page 75

I John Adams a resident of Barton in
Orleans County Vermont aged Seventy one
years, a revolutionary pensioner do hereby
certify, That in the year 1782 I enlisted in the
month of April in the Connecticut State Troops as
one year and served said term in Capt
Charles Miles Company in that Col Samuel
Canfields Regiment and I further certify
That Israel Webster now of Ascot Lower Corder
and the same person who has made the above
declaration were an ensign in the corps
Miles company through the year serving from
April 1782 to April 1783-- & we were stationed
at Stanford Conn. through the year subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid
John Adams
I Anthony Pease a Resident of Afeatt
in the Province of Lower Canada aged fifty
four years do hereby certify that the fragments
of an old Commission which is herein enclosed
was an ensign commission duly made and executed
by Jonathan Trumbull Esqr then Governor
of the State of Connecticut to Israel Webster
whose declaration has this day been made before
the Hon. Probate Court of the District of Orleans
a Pension I having married a daughter of said Webster
for my wife and lived in the house with the
said Webster my Father in Law many years and
the said Commission was torn and partly destroyed
by my oldest son many years ago
subscribed & sworn to the day & year as
Anthony Peace
Page 76

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War
Department, that the above named applicant was a
Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states
And the Court further further certifies that John
Adams who has signed the preceding certificate is a

resident in said Boston and is a credible person and that it appears to
said Court that Anthony Pease who has signed
the other preceding certificate is a resident in
Ascot resident and is a credible person and
that their statement is entitled to credit
I John H Kimball Register of said Court do
hereby certify that the preceding contains the
the right original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of
Israel Webster for a pension
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
seal of office this 6th day
of November 1833
John H. Kimball Register
Page 77

I Eber Robinson of Holland in the County of Orleans and
State of Vermont aged seventy six years and a Revolutionary
Pensioner depose and say that I do know that Israel Webster
who now resides in Ascot in the Province of Lower Canada
did serve one year as an Ensign in Capt Charles Miles
Company in Col. Canfields Regiment in the Connecticut
State troops at Stamford (Connecticut), and vicinity commencing
about the first of April 1782 and ending in April 1783 and
that being informed that said Webster has been refused
his pension because there was the full number of Ensigns in said
Regiment without said Webster - The Ensign in said Regiment at the commencement of said year were Russel Bissel, Joseph Cutler
Israel Webster and
Eber Robinson, Nicholas Cain (or Cagwine) was a Lieut.
in said Regiment but there being complaint against
him when he came on he resigned his Commission
and the Ensign Russel Bissel was appointed Lieut to
fill the vacancy and Sargeant- Tibbals was promoted to
an Ensign to take the place of said Bissel-
Eber Robinson
Page 78

State of Vermont Orleans District ss

At a Probate Court holden at Barton within and for said district on the 16th day of October A.D. 1835 Present the Hon. John Kimball Judge personally appeared Eber Robinson and John Adams who have subscribed to the foregoing depositions and each of them made oath that the same is true - and the Court being personally acquainted with the aforesaid Eber Robinson & John Adams know that they are men of undoubted character for truth & veracity.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name at Barton in said district this 16th day of October A.D. 1835.

John Kimball Judge
Page 79

State of Vermont Orleans County ss

Be it remembered that before me a justice of peace within and for the County of Orleans at Holland in said County on the 7th day of November A.D. 1833 personally appeared Eber Robinson Esquire of said Holand tome personally known as a man entitled to full credit and on his oath doth make the following declaration. That in the month of April or May 1782 he resided in (illegible) in the State of Connecticut and then and then enlisted into the regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Canfield with the commission of Ensign - in said regiment. One of the companies belonging to said regiment was commanded by Captain Miles in which company Israel Webster then of Lebanon in the state of Connecticut and who now resides in Alcott in the Province of Lower Canada served as Ensign until said regiment was dismissed being April or May 1783 having served the term of one year. Said regiment was stationed at Stamford in the State of Connecticut.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of November A.D. 1833. Eber Robinson

Petey Redfield Justice of Peace

There is in same packet of pension papers one certificate of (illegible) Redfield being a magistrate &C. A renewal of this certificate will not be required, where other affidavits are taken before the same magistrate. 7th Nov. 1833

I. F. Redfield State Atty.
Page 80

Eber Robinson's affidavit
for Israel Webster
Page 81

State of Vermont
Orleans County
Ira H. Allen Clerk of Orleans
County Court do hereby certify that Petey
Redfield who has affixed his name
to the within is a magistrate duly qualified and that I believe the same 
to be his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name
and affix the seal of said Court at Hasburgh this
29 day of November 1833
Ira H Allen Club
Page 82

28.362
Israel  Webster

[     ]

ans?  S.  Haight  Mar. 19th 1834

Israel F Redfied
Page 83

(There is no information on this form.)

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in tubular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be  done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,  you will  find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:  } ).  You will,  when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
----------------------------------------------------
A Statement, shewing the Service of 
--------------------------------------------------
Period which the service was rendered

Duration of claimant's service.
Years.      Months.     Days.

Rank of the claimant.

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
---------------------------------------------------
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of pensions.
Page 84

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general
classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory or District of
County of
On this day of
personally appeared (a) before A.B.. a resident in the county of
and State, Territory or District of aged years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
allowing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and
served in the
(e) regiment of the line under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   A.B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court,
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age;  that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;  but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Each claim must be complete in itself-- the magistrate
As the fragments do not contain the name of the claimant, he
their that he was commissioned from the Executive Record
Page 85

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
G.
{To a Soldier.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer, Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
Office, has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a]The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b]The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c]The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d]The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e]Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. 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."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority
; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable
[g]The opinion of the Court is always required
[h]The Clerk must give his certificate in every
[i]The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified  by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

The notes fro [e]to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. [?] applies to continental troops only
[?] this traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
ll] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact
[m]The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
The certified
and Connecticut at Hartford
Page 86

Hon. Henry
Hubbard
Washington City
&
Senator in Congress from Newhampshire
&
Mary Sophia Webster.
W H Hubbard
Senate U.S.
Page 87

Barton Orleans County Vermont Feb. 13th 1844
Jean Henry Hubbard
Dear Sir-- I now address you in behalf of the
Widow Mary S. Webster widow of Israel Webster and enclosed is some
additional evidence of her ??? and in her case as you will perceive
7
There has been the affidavit of Eber Robinson now dead) also a brother
of Israel Webster and two affidavit of France Matson wife of the Hon. Aaron
Matson (with whom no doubt you are acquainted.) all of which has
been deemed insufficient to show the Marriage of Israel Webster and
Mary Sophia Carpenter satisfactorily as set forth in her declaration
so as to give her a pension under the Law of 1836 -
When I was at Washington after Mr Sylvester had decided against
allowing Mrs Webster's pension upon the evidence presented I said
to him that had I been present at the taking of Mrs Matson's affidavit. I should have had one circumstance mentioned which was omitted
that was she Mrs Matson said she often slept with her sister Webster while her husband was in the war (I having seen her Mr M.
(in October 1839) when she mentioned that circumstance to me)
to which Mr Sylvester replied that had that been mentioned it
would here added much to the weight of her testimony and then
replied that if Mrs Matson would so state he thought her pension
might be allowed. Mrs Matson's affidavit has again been taken
and forwarded in which she not only said the slept some
part of the time in the absence of Webster with her sister but also
said their first child was born at her Fathers house (and I recollect
right said while Webster was in the war) I have since seen Mrs
Webster and asked her if her first child was born while her husband
was in the war to which she replied he was not but said
he was at at home when the child was born but went into
the war soon after and served one year after the child was born
but says the first year after Marriage her husband did not
go into the war but remained at home until after her oldest
child (her son Israel) was born, but went into the war soon
after and served one year, I never heard it mentioned (to my
recollection)
Page 88

recollection) that the first child of Mrs Webster was born at her
Fathers house until I saw it in Mr Matson's deposition, since
which I have seen Mrs Webster and she stated the birth of her
child and her husbands service as above written according to
the testimony of Israel Webster the son of the widow he
must have been born in March 1782 which if the marriage was one
year previous it must have taken place in 1781
No record of Marriage or birth of children's ages can be found
neither in the Town Clerks Office of Lebanon Connecticut nor
Bible or family record although Mrs Webster says they formerly
had a family record in the old Bible which has been worn out
and destroyed many years ago.

It is possible that there may be some discrepancy between the statements of
Mrs Webster and her sister Matson (if so) I think it reconcilable
I hope sir you will afford us your assistance in the case and examine
the papers which have been forwarded and also the enclosed affidavits
and if possible have the pension allowed under the act of 1836 as
I am fully satisfied that Mrs Webster is justly entitled under that
act-- I think the evidence in the case must be sufficient
reason the evidence of Eber Robinson alone would have been sufficient to convince any one with whom he was acquainted as he was a man in good standing and a Magistrate many years & representative
of the Town in which he resided I believe Mr Prentis & Mr
Fletcher were acquainted with him
If possible I hope a certificate will be allowed and forwarded previous to
the rising of the present Congress
Samuel Webster whose affidavit is herein enclosed said to me that 
he once lived at his grandfather Carpenters in Charleston and went
to the same school with you when he was a boy two or three months
and that in Corner Brother lives of his Grandfather
you will perceive that there is no certificate showing the Letter
enclosed
to be such before whom the
acts and taken but Mr Prentis
of the Senate and Mr Fletcher of the house are both acquainted with
with me & my hand writing-- Your compliance with this (not the
first) request will much oblige your Friend & humble servant John Kimball
Page 89

Derby Vt.
29  Dec.

Revolutionary Claims
------------------------
 Free

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.

Vt - Jan 4

Israel Webster
Page 90

Derby Vt.   Dec 26, 1835

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Dr. Sir, 
The letter accepting of a certificate for sergeants' pay to Israel Webster was written by my clerk in my absence and written at the request of the claimant's son, Horace, and the son's name used mistook for the fathers.  If the mistake has lead to any [            ] or loss of time, I regret it.  Will your forward the certificate for Israel Webster, about which so much has been said & written.  And oblige.     
Yours truly
Isaac F Redfield.
Page 91

War Department
Pension office
July 16th 1834

Sir
I have the honor in obedience to your order to state that the claim of Israel Webster to be allowed (to a year's service as an Ensign in Col. Canfields Regiment) which has been rejected at this office in February last, was laid before you by I. F. Redfield Esq the agent who then had it in charge, and the appeal was understood to have resulted in a recommendation from you that further evidence of his rank be procured from the archives of the State of Connecticut, a certificate was accordingly procured from the Comptroller of that State relative to the officers of the Regiment during the term which Mr Webster claims to have served in that rank, upon which the letter a copy of which is herewith transmitted marked No 1 was addressed to S Haight Esq the present agent for this claim. This letter is supposed to point out
Page 92

out distinctly the objection to the allowance of this part of the claim of Mr Webster. Dince its transmission no further proof or explanation respecting this case has been received at this office.

John Taplin claims to have been commissioned as Captain of Militia at Corinth Vt in the summer of 1778 - that he was in actual service six months in the year 1779 - that in 1780 he was in actual service eight months - being from the time of the alarm occasioned by the burning of Royalton to the middle of the winter following. In 1781 he claims to have been in actual service nine months and in 1782 six months. The particular services not being sufficiently specified the papers were returned and on being again transmitted to this office, they were sent back on the 30th July 1833 with a letter relating to this and some other cases of which the following extract refer to this claim 

"The papers in support of the claim of John Taplin are again returned. It abundantly appears from the papers that the great age of Mr Taplin has impaired his memory. In my letter of the 10th April relative to this claim it was suggested that each term of his actual service should be"
Page 93

"be stated, and the best proof adduced. The nature of this claim makes it imperiously necessary that the regulations be adhere to. If the whole male population of Corinth were called into actual service under the command of Mr Taplin as is stated in some of these papers it is almost certain that his service can be proved by better testimony than any which has yet been produced by applying to the old setelers of that town. As the frontier of Vermont during the negociations carried on by some of her leading citizens with the British commander in Canada were unmolested, there would seem to be great want of probability in the actual service of minute men during a portion of the time stated. If Mr Taplin was called into service with his company in the years 1779, 1780, 1781, & 1782 and was held in actual service with his company the greater portion of those years, having himself lost his memory it is extremely desireable that a detailed statement of these years be obtained from one or more of those who served under him."

Mr Taplin appears to have resided at
Page 94

at the place where he claims to have been in actual service. During the existence of danger on that frontier a garrison of State troops was kept up commanded by Col Wait. No reason is given why a militia garrison should be kept up afterwards, or why militia should be kept in garrison at the same time with the State troops. Subsequently to the foregoing letter, for the evidence was transmitted tending to bear in general terms that Mr Taplin commanded the militia company of the town of Corinth, and was in actual service in the garrison upon which a letter pointing out the necessity of procuring evidence from some of the surviving inhabitants of that town was addressed to Mr Haight on the 26th December last. Since that time two affidavits have been furnished which are alluded to in my letter of the 10th April last, a copy of which is herewith enclosed marked No 2, to which you are respectfully referred as showing the difficulties which have prevented the allowance of their claim. No further explanation or evidence has since been furnished.

Joseph Waller claims to have served six
Page 95

(2)

six months in the spring, summer and fall of 1780 as a drafted militia man - a part of the time as a teamster and a part patrolling the roads. He states his last service that year to have been the transportation of provisions on the Tuesday previous to the burning of Royalton. His alleged service in 1780 must of course have ended previous to the middle of October. As he arrived at the age of 16 at the beginning of that month, his service as a drafted militia man before that time cannot upon the principle constantly recognized be allowed. His service during the two following years, at Bethel under Capt Benjamin who he states belongs to the regular army cannot be reconciled with various claims which have been allowed. There are many survivors of that period in Royalton and Bethel, and if Mr Waller performed such actual service as will bring him
Page 96

his claim within the act of 7 June 1832 the facts very probably be established in a manner which will enable a decision to be made upon this case more satisfactorily than can be done upon the loose and inconsistent statements contained in the present papers.

The papers in support of the claims of Messr" Webster, Taplin & Waller are returned to you herewith

I have the honor to be respectfully
Your most Obt. Servt
Geo Wm Crump

Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Page 97

Nov. 1, 1839
Vt.

[                ]
[            ]

Hon. James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department 
Washington
Page 98

Barton  24th October 1839

James L Edwards

Dear Sir

Your letter of the 21st July last in relation to the case of Mary Sophia Webster, Widow of Israel Webster was duly received, in which say the additional evidence in her case is not sufficient to entitle her to a pension.  You also returned the pension certificate of her husband to enable her to draw what would be coming from 4th March 1838 to the time of her husband's death, as  the widow is confident that her husband served as an Ensign one year after Marriage and has full faith that she shall obtain a pension under the Law of 1836.  She did not wish to be at the trouble to come to the Line of the State to make her power to draw that sum, the arrearage of her husband's pay, as she resides between 30 to 40 miles from the line of the State and is of feeble health and it is quite a task for her to perform such journey.  I enclose the additional evidence of John (Laben)  Webster which was obtained by a son of the widow, who said he showed it to one of the Clerks of the Pension Office who he saw at Charleston.  There is no record of marriage or the children ages, which can be forwarded, but I hope the additional evidence will be sufficient.  I also enclose the pension Certificate of Israel Webster, you please make return to John Kimball, Barton, Orleans County, Vermont, as soon as convenient.
Respectfully Yours        John Kimball
Page 99

No 1

War Department
Pension Office
March 19th 1834

(Copy)

Sir,
The certificate of Mr Phelps having in detail the officers of Col. Canfield's Regiment of Connecticut State troops while in the service so far as can be found by the documents in his office has been received.  On comparing the facts therein [    ] with the declaration and testimony produced in support of the claim of Israel Webster this difficulty is presented:  On the 2d July 1782 the Ensigns of the Conn Company composing the corps are stated to have been Cutler, Hendee and Tibbals, leaving one vacancy.  Mr. Webster alleges that he was commissioned as Ensign in April 1782.  Eber Robinson the witness who testifies to the service of Mr. Webster, alleges that he was himself commissioned as Ensign in the same corps in May 1782 and has been allowed for a years service in that rank.  As there appears to have been but one place which could have been filled by these two persons it is impossible to determine upon the present evidence which of them actually held the rank of Ensign which is claimed by both.  The papers remain on file for further proof and explanation.

I am [  ]
J. E. L.

Stephen Haight Esq.
Present
Page 100

No 2. (Copy)

War Department
Pension office
April 10th 1834

Sir
The affidavit of Jeremiah Virginia and of Robert Lovewell do not obey the actual service in the field a garrison of Capt John Taplin in the mode required in my letter of the 26th December. From a great number of claims for service at Corinth, the conclusion is irresistable that while a garrison was maintained there it was composed of State troops. The local militia do not appear to have been required to perform permanent garrison duty., and unless they were in actual and constant service during specific periods the claim of Capt Taplin does not come within the act, as the holding a commission in the Militia from the beginning to the end of the war, affords of itself no grond for a pension. This subject has heretofore been coplained so much at length that it is not necessary to recapitulate the principles laid down in my former letters. The papers remain on file.

I am &c
J.L.E.

Stephen Haight Esq
Present
Page 101

J L Edwards Esq
Commisioner of Pensions
Page 102

Senate Chamber
June 25th 1840

J L Edwards Esq
Sir,
I have long been acquainted with Mrs Matson the lady of the said Aaron Matson of Stoddard New Hampshire - She is a person of great respectability and of the most undoubted character for truth 

Very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Henry Hubbard

See Mr Prentiss for E Robinson on other side of the (illegible)
Page 103

I know the character of Eber Robinson late of Holland in the County of Orleans and state of Vermont. He was the representative of the town in the legislature several years, was a justice of the peace, and sustained a good character.
Saml. Prentiss.
Page 104

[      ]  N H                                   129
April 21st


John Trumbull Esq.
Barton
Orleans County
Vermont
Page 105

Stoddard NH   April 21st 1840

John Kimball Esq.

Sir

I recd a line from you directed to our postmaster stating that you had wrote to me in relation to the claim of the widow of Israel Webster to a pension.  I received that letter,  I was very sick and confined to my bed and my health is very poor.  The letter was mislaid and I have not seen it since. Since receiving your letter from the postmaster, I have conversed with my wife upon the subject and she says that she can say nothing more upon the subject than what she said that is ,that in the month of March of 1781 or 1782, soon after he was married to her sister, he received a commission and enlisted Soldiers and it was said that he went to Stanford. She knows that he went into the service after they were married for they lived in the same house.

I am so [     ] that I cannot do your business concerning Miss [            ]

If the Commissioner of Pension does not believe the story of my wife, Mr. Hubbard of the Senate or Mr. Burke can certify the Commissioner of Pensions as to her character.

Yours Respectfully 

Arron Matson
Page 106

O. W. & N. Div.
W 18307
L. W. P.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.

November 17, 1893.

Sir:
Replying to your communication of recent date you are advised that the attached is a tracing of the signature of Israel Webster, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, as it appears on his application for pension.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mr Prentiss Webster
Lowell, Mass.
Page 107

See Letter to Stephen Haight,
March 3, 1837
Page 108

Israel Webster
Vermont, act 1832
Suspd. See letter from S. 
of War Sept. 29, 1835 to I F Redfield
Page 109

Vermont
Israel Webster
Suspended

Amd. S. Haight
Mar 19, 1834
Let Secty War 16th July 1834
11201
Page 110

It is believed that the certificate issued in this case makes the residence of the Pensioner to be of Vermont, which be of Lower Canada
Page 111

Israel Webster   Vermont

Act June 7 1832 .  When
paid.   d. 1838  $180  per ann
H H [  ]
feb 20 [  ]

[  ] 4 March 1838
JH

W Hary
Page 112

W

Lowell, Mass    March 19, 1894

Dear Sir,

I wish to ascertain the following.  Israel Webster was a private in Captain Ebenezer Webster's company in Colonel Stichneg's  regiment in General Stark's Brigade, formed from the New Hampshire Militia in 1777 and fought at Bennington and Stillwater. He subsequently  received a grant from the Government in Maine and by tradition as I informed, drew a pension from the Government, going annually to Augusta Maine for the same. Can you instruct some person to look up his sum from his files in your office and send the same to me.
Page 113

with copies of such papers relating to the same as are on file.  Any expense or fees for the same, I will remit to your office.  I trust I may soon hear from you and have the honor to be,
most truly your obedient servant,
Prentiss Webster

To the Hon.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 114

John Wattles
Certificate
Page 115

State of Connecticut

New London County  of Town Clerks Office 

Lebanon August 20, eighteen hundred thirty eight,  I, John Wattles, Town Clerk of Lebanon do affirm and certify that I have carefully and diligently searched the Town records in this office & the church records in this Town and do find that the marriage of Israel Webster and Mary Sophia Carpenter is not recorded in the Town or Church records.
Certified by me,
John Wattles  Clerk of the Town of
Lebanon
Page 116

11,261
Israel Webster

(ALL BLANK)

Duplicate 
[  ] admitted
[     ] as file no. 18,30]
Mary Sophia  Webster
wid of Israel
------------------------
For papers see 
Admit Oft  Wid
File #18.307
Page 117

V
Letr  Hon. S Prentiss
Feby. 28th  ' 39

to John Kimball,
July 24th   '39

Todo.  Nov. 2d 1839
to same 3 Oct. 1840
Page 118

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
--------------
File No.   18307
Mary Sophia Webster
Widow of
Israel Webster
Segt  Rev War
------------------
Act:  July 4th 36
Index:---Vol.   M,    Page 322

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 119

March 30/94    Ma'd Hist. to              C
Prentiss Webster    Lowell, Mass.

Nov, 17, 96   Tracing to
Prentiss Webster
Lowell  Mass.

1908 Dec 5  Hist. to 
Jessie H. Tuttle   V. L. M.
Letter in wid File  18303
Page 120

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War department
Washington

4110 
M. S. Webster    Dec.1
Declaration  [ ]
Vt

Jonit Reso
Mary Sophia Webster
Page 121

Hon. James L Edwards

Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration  of Mary S Webster, widow of Israel Webster, for a pension under the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.  There is no Record of Marriage as you will see by the Certificate of the Town Clerk of Lebanon  Conn.  The deposition of Eben Robinson, who was an officer in the same Regiment with Webster goes to show the marriage to have been prior to the last year of service.  The both being Ensigns in Col Canfields Regiment (if the widow is not mistaken).
The pension Certificate which is enclosed with the declaration of the widow and also the statement of Robinson will (under the present circumstances) no doubt be satisfactory as to the death of Webster.  Please make return to as soon as convenient.
Respectfully Yours,     John Kimball

Benton, Orleans County Vermont
-------------------------------------
November 23d  1838
Page 122

Benton Vt
April 16
Free

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War department
Washington


Vt    Apl 22
[    ] proof
Mary Sophia Webster 

4460
Page 123

Benton, Orleans County, Vermont
16th April 1839

Hon. James L Edwards

Dear Sir enclosed is the additional evidence in support of the claim of Mary Sophia Webster for a pension.  Mrs. Matson whose deposition is enclosed is the wife of Aaron Matson, who are both person of the first respectability.  He (as I have been informed) has formerly been a Representative in Congress from New Hampshire. Ebor Robinson (now dead) whose deposition was forwarded with the declaration of Mrs. Webster was a respectable man and was an officer in the Army as will appear by his declaration for a pension.  When Mrs. Webster made her declaration she informed me that she no family record of her children's ages, but once had a record in her bible which had been wore out and destroyed many years ago, but she believed her three oldest children's ages had been recorded in Lebanon, where application has been made of late, but there is no record to be found as you will see by the letter of Town Clerk which I also enclose.
I cannot but hope that the evidence will be satisfactory.

Respectfully yours, John Kimball