Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,714, Nathaniel Cook, Navy R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Navy
R.I.
Cook, Nathaniel
or Cooke
NUMBER
S.21.714
CONTENTS
[blank]
Page 2

15.675
Rhode Island
Nathaniel Cooke of Providence in the State of a Mass [sic] who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Jones of the Rgt. commanded by Col Peck in the Rhode Island line for 7 months Private
9 [months] Mariner
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 59 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of July 1833 and sent Benj'n Cowell Providence R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $118.66
Sem-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep't 29.67
[total] $148.33
{Revolutionary claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2nd Page 104
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Nathaniel Cooke
18855
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United States of America.
Rhode-Island District, sc. August Term 1832
County of Providence
On this 17th day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session - Nathaniel Cooke a resident of Cumberland in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 84 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born April 15th 1748 in Cumberland as by the records of that town will appear & has always resided there except about six years which he lived in Franklin Mass from 1792 to 1798 and this applicant further states that in June 1775 he was drafted & served one month as a Private on Rhode Island in a Company of Minute Men commanded by Col George Peck and this applicant further states that in the fall of 1776 he served one month on Rhode Island in Col Pecks company as a private - 
and this applicant further states that in October 1776 he entered on board the Frigate Alfred as a marine a vessel in the employ of the United States commanded by Paul Jones Esq when he entered on board the ship she lay at a place called Holmes Hole, she put to sea immediately & cruised to the Eastward & took seven prizes one of which was the British ship Mellish one of the richest prizes ever taken, she had on board Ten or Eleven thousand stands of arms & the same number of suits of clothes destined for the British Army in this country - he was on board of the Alfred nine months, during the cruise she came into Boston and some of the men were discharged. The Frigate afterwards continued the cruise until July 1777 before she came back - 
and this applicant further states that in October 1777 he was in Spencers expedition in Col George Pecks company one month a Private at Warwick. In August 1778 was in Sullivans expedition one month a private in same company & was in the battle - in the fall of 1779 was a private & served one month at Providence in same company - & also in the fall of 1780 one month at Newport when the French were there under Gen Rochambeau in the same company - & also one month at Bristol in the same company as a private soon after the British burnt some of the houses there - those houses were burnt the 25th of May 1778
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and this applicant further states that in October 1777 he was in Spencers expedition in Col George Pecks company a private & in December following was in the same company one month a private at Warwick. In August 1778 was in Sullivans expedition one month a private in same company & was in the battle - in the fall of 1779 was a private & served one month at Providence in same company & also in the fall of 1780 one month at Newport when the French were under Gen Rochambeau in same company - & also one month at Bristol in the same company as a private soon after the British burnt some of the houses there - those houses were burnt the 25th day of May 1778
All of which he served out & was honourably discharged
He has no documentary evidence, nor does he know of any person living except John Fisk who was deposed on his behalf was on board said Frigate Alfred with him he recollects that a few years ago he gave his deposition for one Nathan Tucker (who has since died) who was with him on board of the Alfred, who procured a pension upon the strength of his deposition
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
[signature] Nathaniel Cook
Attes B Cowell Clk.
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[The contents of this page are a repeat of the previous document down to the attestation signature of B Cowell Clk]

Aug 23rd 1832 Sworn to before me by the above named Abner Ballon - 
Benja. Cowell
Comm for Dist Court
R I Dist
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 Daniel Sayles Levi Lee and John Fisk who have testified for the said applicant are resident as they state and credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Benjamin Cowell, Clerk of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Cook for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 12th day of November 1832
[signature] Benjamin Cowell Clk.
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No 18855
Nathaniel Cook Providence
County Rhode Island
Private - 7 mos
Mariner - 9
24
12
[total] 36
23.33
36.00
[total] 59.33
B Cowell Providence
Rhode Island
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Brief in the case of Nathaniel Cook
County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 84 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[Table follows]
[Column Headings] / Period. / Duration of Service. / Rank. / Names of General and Field Officers under whom he serve. / 
[Line 1] / Drafted - In 1776 June / 1 month / As a private / Cap [blank] Col George Peck /
[Line 2] / 1776 Fall / 1 month / private / Col. Peck /
[Line 3] / Entered - 1776 October continued on board to 1777 July / Frigate Alfred & was on board 9 months / Marine / Capt. P. Jones /
[Line 4] / Vol - 1777 October / 1 month / private / Col Peck, Spencer's expedition / 
[Line 5] / Vol - 1778 August / 1 month / private / Sullivan's expedition & the battle / 
[Line 6] / 1779 fall / 1 month at Bristol / private / same Company / 
[Line 7] / 1780 Fall / also 1 month at Bristol / private / same Company]
[End of Table]
5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Cumberland Rhode Island.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary, 3 living witnesses certified credible no clergyman
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached certificate
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signature] Rich'd Keywatts Examining Clerk.
Page 9

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Nathaniel Cook a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
File 21,714
[Table follows]
[Column Headings] / Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. / Length of Service. / Rank. / Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered. / State. / 
[Line 1] / June 76 / 1 mo / Private / Capt. Geo Peck / R. I. /
[Line 2] / Fall 76 / 1 mo / [Private] / [Capt. Geo Peck] / [R. I.] /
[Line 3] / Oct. 76 / 9 mos / Mariner / Capt. John Paul Jones Frigate "Alfred". Captured seven prizes including the Br. ship "Mellish" loaded with arms & clothing one of the richest prizes ever taken - / Navy p. 43 / 
[Line 4] [footnote mark] 77 / [check mark] / Priv / Capt. Geo Peck / R.I. / 
[Line 5] / Dec 77 / 1 mo / [Pri.] / [Capt. Geo Peck] / [blank] /
[Line 6] / Mch 78 / 1 mo / [Pri] / [Capt. Geo Peck] / [blank] / 
[Line 7] / [footnote mark] Aug 78 / 1 mo / [Pri] / [Capt Geo Peck] / [blank] / 
[Line 8] / Fall 79 / 1 mo / [Pri] / [Capt Geo Peck] / [blank] / 
[Line 9] / Fall 80 / 1 mo / [Pri] / [Capt Geo Peck] / [blank] / 
[End of Table]
Battles engaged in, Spencers Exped. Sullivans Exped & Battle R. I.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Cumberland, R.I.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 17, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Cumberland, R.I.
Age at date of application, Born Apl. 15, 1748 at Cumberland, R.I.
Remarks: No data as to family.
No and for date of death and names of beneficiary
Very respectfully,
Page 10

Revolutionary Service.
O. W. & N. Div.
Memoranda
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Nathaniel Cook
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible)
Cumberland RI
Date of death (as near as possible):
He either secured a pension or applied for one 1841
Christian name of widow:
Amey
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Don't know
Remarks: Nathaniel Cook was on the ship Alfred Paul Jones commander
Your name and address:
Frank A Williamson
Providence R. I.
6-870
[oval date stamp] Second Deputy Commissioner Feb 15 1898
Page 11

WM
C
Albert J. Adams, Jr.
Counsellor-at-Law
120 Broadway,
New York, Feb. 25th 1897.
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly have the proper officer search the pension lists for the name of Ananias Cook of Cumberland, R.I. for military service rendered during the Revolution. Ananias was a brother of Nathaniel Cook, Jr. whose name is probably on your lists. Ananias died in 1846.
If you will certify the result and state the fee I will remit.
Ananias Cook is supposed to have acted as substitute for Nathaniel during Aug and Sept. 1778 in Capt Amos Whipple's company, Col. John Matthewson's regiment. Second Division under General Sullivan.
Yours truly,
Albert J. Adams, Jr.
Page 12

This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls
of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary
War may also be found on file in the
archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
L. W. B.
I. 21714.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
March 2, 1898.
Sir:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Nathaniel Cooke, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, made an application for
pension on September 17, 1832, at which time he was 84 years of age
and residing at Cumberland, R. I., and his pension was allowed for
seven months' actual service as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary
war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Jones and Col.
Peck. He also served nine months as a mariner under Capt. Paul Jones.
Names of vessels not stated.
He enlisted at Cumberland, R. I.
Mr. Frank Williamson
Providence, R. I.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Frank A. Williamson
Providence, R.I.
Page 13

This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services,
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the
archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
L. W. B.
I. 21714.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
March 30, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning the military
record of Ananias Cook and Nathaniel Cook, soldiers of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that a very careful search has been made and
from the data given name of Ananias Cook has not been found upon
the Revolutionary War pension records on file in this Bureau.
Nathaniel Cooke made an application for pension on September 17,
1832, at which time he was 84 years of age and residing at Cumberland,
R. I., and his pension was allowed for seven months' actual service as a
private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time
he served under Capt. Jones and Col. Peck.
He also served nine
months as a mariner under Capt. Paul Jones. Name of vessel on which
he served not stated.
He enlisted at Cumberland, R. I.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner,
Mr. Albert J. Adams, Jr.
120 Broadway, N. Y. City.
Page 14

O. W. & N.
C
[circular date stamp] O. W. & N. Div. Files May 14 1907
80 Clyde Street
Pawtucket, R.I.,
May 11, 1907.
The pension Office,
Department of the Interior,
Dear Sirs, In looking up my ancestry I find a statement which I should like to have verified from the official records. Will you inform me if there is a statement to the effect that Nathaniel Cook of Cumberland, R.I., (b. Apr. 4, 1748, d. Sept. 27, 1846) was a "landsman on the Alfred" and served under John Paul Jones.
Are these facts exact?
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Where was the "Afred" engaged or stationed & did she see active service?
I shall be greatly obliged for information along this line.
Very truly,
(Miss) Mary L. Rogers.
[circular date stamp] U.S. Pension Office A May 13 1907
Page 16

Revolution 
21714 
Invalid.
File No. 21,714
Nathaniel Cook
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th [18]32
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 77
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[right facing page]
Mch. 30 1897-History
Mr. Albert J. Adams
120 Broadway, N.Y. - 
Mar 2, '98
F Williamson
Prov R.I.
1907 May 23 Hist. to Miss Mary L. Rogers
[partial left facing page] 
to 
Jr.
City.
Page 17

I John Fisk of Northborough in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts on oath do testify & say that in the month of October AD 1776 I entered on board the Frigate Alfred a vessel in the service of the United States under the command of Paul Jones Esq, as a marine - to go on a cruise against the enemy. The Ship lay at a place called Holmes hole when I entered on board - Soon afterwards we sailed & took a number of prizes among which was a prize having eleven thousand suits of clothing & with number of stands of arms & brass field pieces - she was bound to Quebec - but when we took her we ordered her to Newport but she went into New Bedford the British having taken Newport at that time - we continued the cruise in Boston & discharged - 
and I further testify that during all this cruise Nathaniel Cook of
[continued]
Page 18

Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island was on board of her, as a marine also - said Cook went on board at the same time I did at Holmes hole, but I do not know whether he left her at the same time I did or not - The above facts, are within my perfect recollection I understand the frigate made cruises afterwards. During this cruise we took seven prizes - 
[signature] John Fisk
August 23rd 1832 The above deposition was sworn to before me at Providence - 
Benja Cowell
Commissioner of Dist. Court for R. Dist.
I Abner Ballou of Cumberland in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island on oath do certify & say that I have been acquainted with the above named John Fisk - & know & believe him to be a man of truth & veracity I have known him for the last fifty years
[signature] Abner Ballou
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I Levi Lee of Cumberland County of Providence State of Rhode Island sc - Being 73 years of age do depose and say - 
That Nathaniel Cook of Cumberland in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island - was in the Revolutionary Service in the Independent Company Commanded by Capt. George Peck in the year 1776 about one month according to the best of my recollection - he afterwards Served about one month on Rhode Island in the latter part of the year 1779 in the above named Pecks Company, I further recollect that the Company Commanded by said Peck was frequently called upon during the Revolutionary War
[signature] Levi Lee
Providence sc. in Cumberland Sept. 10th AD 1832
Then Levi Lee above named Subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition.
I further certify that I am acquainted with said Lee and he is a creditable witness in the premises
Before Arnold W. Jenks Justice of the Peace
[typed page attached to bottom of this document]
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence sc.
I, William R. Watson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Arnold W. Jenks is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Cumberland is said county and State:- that he is by the laws of said State, authorised to administer oaths and take depositions: and that the signature - to the annexed document, purporting to be his, is in the proper hand writing of said Arnold W. Jenks
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Providence, this twelfth day of November in the year of out Lord
[remainder cut off. Seal affixed to the left]
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[A copy of the preceding document with the remainder of the attached page that was cut off]
on thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
[signature] Wm. R Watson
Page 21

I Daniel Sayles of Franklin in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being 74 years of age do depose and say - 
That Nathaniel Cook of Cumberland in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island was in the actions that took place on Rhode-Island in Sullivans Expedition, in the Revolutionary War, I do not know how long he was there, whether he served two tours or only one - but I am sure he was in the action. The Independent Company commanded by Capt. George Peck of said Cumberland were frequently called upon during the Revolution. - 
Said Cook is now before me and I am sure as to his identity - 
[signature] Daniel Sayles
Providence sc. in Cumberland September 7th 1832
Then Daniel Sayles above named subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition
I further certify that I am acquainted with said Sayles - and he is a credible witness in the premises
Before Alex. Ballou Justice of the Peace
[printed paper attached to bottom of page]
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence sc.
I, William R. Watson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Alexander Ballou is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Cumberland in said County and State:- that he is by law of said State, authorised to administer oaths and take depositions: and that the signature to the annexed document, purporting to be his, is in the proper hand writing of said Ballou
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Providence, this twelfth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Wm. R. Watson
[seal affixed to the left]