Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,258, John Henshaw, R.I.
Page 1

Henshaw, John
Susanna

W.23.258
Page 2

311
Rhode Island
Susanna Henshaw dec'd
Widow of John Henshaw
who died on the ____
of ---- in the State of R.I.
who was a Lieut and Sergt. Major in the Rev 
line for 2 years.
Inc'd from $242.22

Iscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 295 Dollars 23 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March 1831.
Ending 9 August 1834

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of July 1832 and sent to A Ray

Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semi-annual allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the }
Recorded by H. E. Robinson Clerk,
Book D Vol. 2 Page 350
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John Henshaw
2 Lieut.

Dec. 30 March 1818

It does not appear that the applicant served on continental establishments

Rejected
20 May 1819
Page 4

I John Henshaw of Newport in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations on solemn oath declare & say that I enlisted as a private in a Company commanded by Cap't Spalden. Said Company was attached to a regiment commanded by Col Henry Babcock and served in said company fifteen months, the time for which I had enlisted having expired I was discharged, about the middle of Jany 1777. I enlisted in a company commanded by Cap't. Joshua Sayer, attached to Col. Robert Elliott's Regiment of Artillery. I served in said Company until the sixteenth day of march 1779 when I received a commission as second Lieutenant in the aforesaid Regiment commanded by Col. Elliott and served in a company commanded by Cap't. John Warner, and in Gen'l Cornell's Brigade. I was ordered to join Col. Cranes Regiment then at Providence. Soon after  (blank) take charge of a Fort at Field Point near the town of Providence. I continued at said Post until the British troops left Rhode Island. I then joined Col Elliott's Regiment and proceeded to Rhode Island and continued with said Regiment following until it was discharged, which was some time in the spring or summer. I further state that from my reduced circumstances I need the support of my country. Newport March 30th 1818.

John Henshaw

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Js
Personally came before me Nwh Taylor Chief Justice Court of Common Pleas County of Newport John Henshaw who subscribed the above declaration in my presence and on his solemn oath declared the same to contain the whole truth and nothin but the truth in Testimony where of I have here unto subscribed my name & caused the seal of the Court to be affixed this 30th day of March 1818
Nwh. Taylor
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Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
County of Newport 23d April (illegible)

I hereby certify that Nicholas Taylor Esquire whose signature is affixed to the within certificates is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Newport in Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said court.

Robert Rogers, clk.

Henshaw, John
RI W23258
Page 6

Depo
Thos. Mumford & 
John Williams
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Ss. On this twenty sixth day of August AD 1836 Personally appeared before me Daniel C. Denham a Justice of the Peace for the town of Newport Susanna Henshaw a resident of the town of Newport and County aforesaid and State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, aged seventy nine 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836: That she is the widow of the late John Henshaw who was a Sergeant and Lieutenant of Artillery in Col. Elliot's Regiment. I became acquainted with John Henshaw in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five he was then an apprentice. his master released him and he entered the army and joined a company then stationed at the Dudley house about the commencement of the War. My impression is Col. H. Babcock commanded at this station then. He was a sergeant and afterwards raised to a Lieutenant in Col. Elliot's Regiment and my impression is that he belonged to Capt. Warners Company a part of the time. In the winter after the British evacuated this place I returned to Newport. I believe that my husband was part of the stationed at Bristol or Warren, he obtained a furlough while there and came to Newport one night and returned the next morning at sunrise. He came down to make some arrangement for myself & my child. I also recollect that he was on duty here at one of the ports at the time that the French Fleet and troops left here, as I distinctly recollect that I sent him a cot bedstead and furniture while there. My impression is that he served a large proportion of the time during the war having repeatedly heard him say that he had served his Country seven years which included two short cruises in a privateer. He was induced to go out in a privateer on account of his superior skill and knowledge in gunnery. His commission and all the documentary evidence we could obtain at that time were forwarded to
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Washington at the time of his making application for a pension under the act of 1818 and his commission has never been returned. He did not receive a pension and I understood the reason assigned was that he had possession of a small house and would not swear that he was poor and needy. He was very much disappointed in not receiving a pension as many who served much less than he did had obtained one, it preyed on his spirits injured his health and actually shortened his days. She further declares that her maiden name was Susanna Covey and that she was married to the said John Henshaw on the ninth day of June (1779) seventeen hundred and seventy nine by Elder Joseph Snow of Providence R.I. and that her husband the aforesaid John Henshaw died March the eighth eighteen hundred and twenty five, and that she still remains his widow, as will more fully appear by documentary evidence hereto annexed, and that she is aged and infirm and unable to attend in open court to make her declaration.
her
Susanna X Henshaw
mark

Sworn to and subscribed this twenty sixth day of August A.D. 1836 before Daniel D. Denham
Justice of the Peace

Newport Sc Newport August 26th A.D. 1836 Then personally came Susanna Henshaw whose character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Declaration before me
Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace

Newport Sc. Newport August 26th A.D. 1836 Then personally came Susanna Henshaw who being aged infirm & feeble in heath was visited by me at her residence she being unable to appear before a Court of Record and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration before me
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace
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Depositions
Declaration (struck through) of
Mrs. Patience Viall
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State of Rhode Island
Newport Sc. Newport August 16 1836. I Patience Viale, of Newport, in the County of Newport, in the State aforesaid, being duly cautioned, and sworn, according to law, do testify and say. That I was intimately acquainted with John Henshaw, of said Newport, from his childhood, and that I was also acquainted with Susanna Covey a short time previous to her marriage, with John Henshaw, which took place as near as I can recollect, in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine. I am well satisfied on this subject, as I was at the time a near neighbour, and they being both Newport people, and the said Susanna having visited in Providence in consequence of the British having possession of Rhode Island, and I also will recollect that it was well understood, that they were legally married by Elder Snow a Baptist minister of the Town of Providence, and that they were received and respected in society generally. And I also well recollect the death of the said Henshaw as I closed his eyes, myself, and my husband was at and about him constantly during his last sickness, there being a strong attachment existing between them in consequence of their being companions in the aactuary struggles for American Independence. But the exact time of said Henshaw's decease I cannot exactly state, but believe it to be some ten or twelve years past, not having charged my mind with the circumstances, I cannot state any thing as positive facts, relative to the day of his death, and I also well recollect that said Henshaw belonged to Col. Elliott's regiment of artillary, and that he was a Lieutenant, and well recollect that he belonged to said regiment at the time of his marreage, and I recollect of their having one child born in Providence, previous to our return to Newport. I do not distintly recollect whether he served or not during the war, I have lived for upwards of fifty years within ten feet of the widow of Susan Henshaw, have known her well, she has always been highly respected for her good moral character and for truth and veracity, but from her age, infirmities, and troubles, having lost her husband, and six out of seven of her children, her mind has become enfeebled, but under all the circumstances, I have no reason to think she would testify to any thing but what was substantially true, and correct, as I know her well, and I also know, that she still remains the widow of said John Henshaw, Patience Viall
witness Wm. R. Noyes
A Thurston

States of Rhode Island &c.
Newport Sc. Newport August 16 1836 Before me personally came Patience Viall subscriber to the above instrument, the said Patience from feeble health, and infirmity of age, was visited by me at her residence, and after being duly sworn to give
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the whole truth in her testimony, and after the testimony having been given, as within stated, the said Patience having solemnly sworn, that the statement by her subscribed, was true and correct in all its parts. I hereunto affix my hand and seal, at Newport aforesaid, the day and year before written.
A Thurston Jus. Peace
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Declaration 
of Susanna Henshaw
&
Dep'n of Nath'l smith
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State of Rhode Island &c. Newport August 26 1836
Newport Sc. I Nathaniel Smith of the Town and County of Newport on solemn oath do testify and say that I am in my seventy fourth year and am a Revolutionary Pensioner and that I was well acquainted with John Henshaw. I knew him in Providence and have seen him frequently on duty as a Lieut. of Artillery and attached to Col. Elliotts Regiment and was a high minded smart active Officer and that he was in the service all the time the British had possession of Rhode Island and how much before I do not recollect but I well recollect when I was sent off under a flag of truce that I was landed at Providence and that he was then on duty at Providence and have understood that he belonged to the army before the English came here. I am sure that he was on duty before the English came but in what capacity I do no distinctly recollect. He applied for a pension but being a proud spirited man would not swear that he was poor and needy if had to live on two meals a day. that he depended on his services not on his poverty to obtain him a pension he was very much grieved to think he did not obtain it and I have doubt it was the cause of his death as it worried him very much to think he had served so long and should not receive a pension because he was in possession of a house which was valued at from three to four hundred Dollars
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written before
Daniel C. Denham
Justice Peace
Nathaniel Smith

Newport Sc. Newport August 26th 1836 Then came Nathaniel smith whose character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me,,
Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Planatations
Newport Sc I Thomas Coggeshall of the Town and county of Newport on oath do testify and say that I am in the seventy eighth year of my age. That I knew John Henshaw to be an officer I believe a Sergeant on Fort Adams as it is now called in the spring of seventeen hundred and seventy six I recollect it particularly as I had a brother in the same company at that time. I belive that Henshaw remained at the Fort until the British came here. I have understood that he obtained a commission afterwards in col. Elliots Regiment. My impression is that Col. Henry Babcock commanded on this station at that time. I have since the war been acquainted with John Henshaw and always considered him as a proud spirited high minded and honourable man. Sworn to and subscribed this thirtieth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six before me
Daniel C. Denham
Justice of the Peace
Thomas Coggeshall

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc I john Tompkins of the Town and County of Newport on oath do testify and say that I have been acquainted with John Henshaw from seventeen hundred and ninety six to the time of his death. we worked under one roof from eighteen hundred & eleven till he became diseased and unable to work, our families lived near to each other and we were very intimate and of course I had an opportunity to learn from his conversation with revolutionary officers and soldiers much relative to his service. From what I could learn from them I have no hesitation in believing that he entered the service about the commencement of the war, in the year seventy six as a Sergeant and was raised to a Lieutenant and I am satisfied from what I have heard that he served several years during the war. I am well acquainted with the hand writing of John Henshaw and have no hesitation in saying that the book with John Henshaws name wrote on the cover at each end of the book
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bearing date "December 1 Providence" also "John Henshaws orderly Book Janu'r 4th 1778" and on the first page of said book "Head Quarters Providence May 5th 1778" and on the last leaf of said book is written "Head Quarter Jany 27th 1779" is the hand writing of John Henshaw.
I was knowing to John Henshaw's applying for a pension under the act of 1818 and understood that he did not obtain it on account of his having possession of a small house worth not more than three hundred dollars and I was knowing to his owing money at the same time.
He was a man that had a very high sense of honour and could not bear the idea of doing any thing that was dishonourable to obtain a pension. I have frequently heard people say you had better give your house away or set fire to it and burn it up in order to obtain your Country's gratititude to which he would reply that was not good advice and would not be honourable and I believe he would sooner suffer than be guilty of a wrong or dishonourable act. I am well acquainted with Susanna Henshaw the widow of John Henshaw and the present applicant for a pensions and know that she still remains his widow.
A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six before me
Daniel D. Denham
Justice of the Peace
John Tompkins

Newport Sc Newport August 30th 1836 Then came Thomas Coggeshall and John Tompkins subscrubers to the foregoing affidavits whose characters for truth and veracity are good and made solemn oath to the turth of the foregoing affidavits before me
Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc. I Thomas Mumford of the Town & County of Newport on solemn oath do testify & say that I am in my seventy ninth years. I know by repute that John Henshaw was a Lieutenant in Col. Elliott regiment in the years seventeen hundred seventy eight and seventy nine. I also recollect of seeing John Henshaw on duty at Fort Adams (now so called) I was drafted and well recollect John Henshaw the husband of the present applicant was there the month that I was on said fort, and I left him there on duty at said Fort on Brentons point. At that time the french had possession of our part of the Fort and the Americans the other. I was there at the time the french left the Fort and took their heavy ordinance away. The had on thirteen and a half inch mortar there. I well recollect that the french went off and abandoned the same in the garden and that Mr. brenton the owner of the land claimed it. My impression is that the French fleet sailed soon after the troops left us at the Fort. I have been acquainted with Susanna Henshaw ever since that time, and know that she now still remains his widow. I also was well acquainted with John Henshaw and knew him to be an honourable high minded man. I have no doubt that John Henshaw would have obtained his pension under the act of 1818 if he had not stnading in his name a small house, and at that time, not worth more than three hundred dollars. He was an industrious man and too proud spirited to acknowledge himself poor and needy depending solely on his services to obtain a pension.
Sworn to and subscribed this twenty ninth of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six.
Before Daniel C. Denham
Justice of the Peace
Thomas Mumford

Newport Sc Newport August 19th 1836 Then came Thomas Mumford whose character for truth & veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me,
Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace
Page 17

State of Rhode Island &c.
Newport Ss Newport Nov.
28th A.D. 1836

I do hereby certify that I have this day called at the residence of Mrs. Susannah Henshaw, she being credibly represented to me as infirm & of feeble health, where from her personal appearance and other evidence I could not coubt the fact. & that the said Susannah at the time aforesaid after being duly cautioned, sworn & carefully examined upon every part thereof by itself, did declare on oath that the annexed Declaration, as made & sworn to by her before Daniel C. Denham Esq. on the 26th of Aug. 1836, is true in all its parts, before me
Joseph Josler
C. Just C.C. Pleas,
Newport

Newpr Sc 
{Clerks Office, Court of Common Pleas
{Newport, November 29th 1836
I George C. Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, Do hereby certify that Joseph Josler who subscribed the above written certificate, is the Chief Justice of said Court, duly elected commissioned and qualified and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Newport this day and year above written
Geo. C Shaw Clerk
Page 18

State of Rhode Island &c,}
County of Newport} Sc
I George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Daniel C. Denham before whom the declaration of Susanna Henshaw was sworn to and the depositions of Nathaniel Smith, Thomas Coggeshall, John Tompkins. Thomas Mumford and John Williams where sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport in the County aforesaid was appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and that his signatures aforewritten are genuine. And I further certify that Abraham Thurston before whom the deposition of Patience Vial was sworn to, is also a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport in said County, duly elected by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature is genuine.
I do further certify that it is known to me that Thomas White is a Justice of the Peace in the City of Providence in the County of Providence duly elected by the General Assembly &c. and I believe his signature appended to the deposition of Theophilus Saliburty is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Newport on this thenth day of September. One Thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Geo. C Shaw Clerk

Newport Septemr 10 1836
It afforda me much pleasure to add my certificate to the statements made by the several affiants, relative to the good character of John and Susanna Henshaw. I have been acquainted with Capt. John Henshaw (so called) for about twenty years before his death, and always considered him an upright highminded honourable man, and know he was so considered by other. I have also known Susanna his widow for about thirty years, as a respectable worthy woman whose declaration is entitled to full credit 
Geo. C Shaw. C.C.C.P
Page 19

Depo
Thos. Mumford &
John Williams
Page 20

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc. I John Williams of the town & County of Newport on oaoth do testify & say that I am in my seventy seventh year. I became acquainted with John Henshaw in the early part of my life and recollect when he was an apprentice having frequently not him at my schoolmaters Capt. Caleb Corey, where he was a visiting the present applicant for a pension, who afterwards became his wife at Providence. I went out in one of the first Privateers, when we returned we attempted to come into Newport but found it in possession of the Enclish and bore away for Stonington where we dismantled and I went to Providence and there I saw John Henshaw frequently on duty in Col. Elliots regiment having frequently seen him at and about Col. Elliots house, and am well satisfied he was an officer but in what capacity I cannot at this time state. Col. Elliots house & headquarters was directly opposite the house where my mother and sisters lived and I have no hesitation in stating that he served in said regiment of artillery all the time the English had possession of Rhode Island. Between my cruises I was not idle I was once drafted and once served as a substitute which was in Sullivans expediction in the place of my brother in law Thomas Stevens Jun. in the boat service and from all the circumstance am well satisfied that John Henshaw served in Col. Elliots regiment all the time the British had possession of this Island. He was a proud spirited high minded man and I have understood that Mr. Hensaw did not obtain a pension on account of having a small house and that he sould not convey it away or do any thing improperly to entitle him to a pension, I have frequently heard the question asked why does not Henshaw get a pension and I never heard so much as a doubt expressed but what he was justly and honourable entitled to it I have no knowledge of any services that he rendered after the English went away from here, as I went away myself.
Sworn to and subscribed this twenty sixth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six.
Before Daniel C. Denham
Justice Peace
John Williams
Newpor Sc Newport August 26 1836 Then came John Williams whose character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the turth of the foregoing affidavit before me, 
Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace
Page 21

No. 110
Susannah Henshaw
Widow of John Henshaw
Page 22

"John Henshaw & Susannah Covey both now resident in Providence, were lawfully joined together in marriage on the ninth day of Jun AD 1779 G. Joseph Snow Pastor"

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record of John Henshaw & Susannah Covey's a srecorded by Joseph Snow in a book now in the possession of Rev. Tho Waterman pastor of the Richmond Street Congl Church in Providence the same having been compared and examined by me Theophilus Salisbury

Providence Sc. In Providence this 3d day of September A.D. 1836. Then personally appeared the above named Theophilus Salisbury and made solemn oath to the truth of the statements contained in the aforegoing certificate by him subscribed
Before me
Thomas White
Jus. Peace
Page 23

Revy Widow, &c.

File No. 23258
Susanna Henshaw
Wid of
John Henshaw
Lieut Rev War

Act of July 4th 1836
Index: Vol A,, Page 327
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

1897 Feb 4 Hist to
Louis E Cady Prov. R.I.
Page 25

See page 80 Rign

John Henshaw,
Newport, R.I.

Suspd Elliott's Regt.

See letter to Claimant,
2 May 1823

In Let to Wm R. Noyes
Oct. 8. 1836
to same 24 Nov. 1836
Page 26

Newport Ss. Newport 19th October 1818, I hereby certify that John Henshaw of said Newport is a poor man & needs the assistance of his Country
Daniel Denham Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Clerks office Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Newport:
I hereby certify that daniel Denham whose signature is affixed to the above certification is a Justice of the Courts aforesaid duly commssioned & engaged under the seal of said State.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of our said Courts this Seventeenth Day of October in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred & eighteen & forty third of American Independence. 
Hy Cranston Clk
Page 27

Rhode Island 311
Susanna Henshaw
of Newport in the State of R.I.
who was a in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the widow of John Henshaw dec'd late Lieutenant of Artillery in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll of R.I.
at the rate of 42 Dollars 22 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Decr. 1836 and sent Wm K. Noyes Newport R.I.

Arrears to the 4th Sept. 1836 $1332.21
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 37 121.11
$1453.32

act 4 July 1836
[Revolutionary Claim,}

Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk
Book A. Vol. 1 Page 105

Let. to A Roy June 11 /52
Page 28

Ap'd May 16. 1778
2d Lieut.
Resigned 2d Aug. 1779

14 Mo & 16 days

Admitted
2d Lieut Artillery 14 mo & 16 days

Wm R. Noyes Esq.
Newport 
R.I.
Page 29

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc On this eleventh day of October A.D. 1836 Personally came before me Daniel C. Denham a Justice of the Pease for the twon of Newport & County aforesaid Susanna Henshaw a resident of the town & County of Newport and State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make a further declaration in amendment of and addition to a former declaration made by her the said Susanna under date of August 21st 1836. in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is infirm and unable to appear before a court of record not having been able to attend at any Church or public meeting for the last six years that she has not been farther from home than to the adjoining building for the last twelve months. She further declares that she is subject to an afliction of the heart which reders it unsafe for her to go where she would be liable to agitation
her
Susanna X Henshaw
mark
Witness E Bowen
Wm R Noyes

Sworn to and subscribed this eleventh day of October A.D. 1836 Before Daniel C. Denham, Justice Peace
Newport October 11th 1836
Newport Sc Then personally came Susanna Henshaw whose character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration.
Before Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Newport Sc. Newport October 11th 1836 I further certify that I visited the aforenamed Susanna Henshaw at her residence she being aged infirm and too feeble in health to appear before a Court of Record.
Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Page 30

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc. I Elizabeth Bowen of the town & County of Newport on solemn oath do testify and say that I have been acquainted with Susanna Henshaw for the last thirty years and have lived in the house adjoining to the one she lives in for the last four years and that I know her to be an infirm woman and I do sincerely belive that it would be improdent for her to go to the Court house much more to appear befoe a Court of Record as she is frequently violently affected with a palpitation of the heart and a nervous affection and has been under the care and avice of a Physician for the last six months, and further that she is a woman whose character for truth and veracity is good. Elizabeth Bowen
Sworn to and subscribed this eleventh day of October A.D. 1836 Before Daniel D. Denham Just. Peace

Newport Sc. Newport October 11th 1836. Then personally came Elizabeth Bowen whose character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit before Daniel C. Denham
Just. Peace
Page 31

State of Rhode Island &c} Sc
County of Newport}
I George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
in the County of Newport aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby
certify that Daniel C Denham before whom the Declaration of Susannah
Henshaw and the Deposition of Elizabeth Bowen was sworn to
and William Ennis, before whom the Certificate of Doct David King Jr
was sworn to, are both of them Justices of the Peace in the Town
of Newport, where appointed by the General assembly and commissioned
by the Governor of this State and are fully authorized to act in
said capacities, and that their signatures aforewritten are
Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at
Newport on this fifth day of November One thousand
eight hundred and thirty six
Geo C Shaw, Clerk
Page 32

S. Henshaw
-  "  -
Depositions
of S. Cahoon
N. S. Ruggles
& Wm Bless
Page 33

I, Stephen Cahoone of Newport in the State
of Rhode Island sc. of lawful age, do testify and
say that I have in my possession a book presented
to me by the heirs of the late Col. Robert Elliott
of the Rhode Island line, during the revolutionary
war, purporting to be a copy of orders received from
Head Quarters, and copied, as I have good reason to be
lieve by John Henshaw a Lieutenant of Artillery
in the State service of Rhode Island at that time.
The said book is imperfect, a number of leaves
having evidently been lost therefrom. I further
certify that the first page of said book commences
at the first date, as follows: Head Quarters July 10,
79, Field Officer Coll Jackson. Details as usual
Coll Jackson's Regt to furnish the main Guard
& Coll Tyler's Regt to furnish " sc. On the second
leaf of said book many leaves being wanting between the
first page & that which is now the second leaf, the
first page commences as follows. "Head Quarters
Providence Augt 1st 1779. Field Officer Coll. Tyler
D' as usual. Artillery orders " sc. Near the centre
of said book is written as follows. "Head Quarters
Newport Oct 29th 1779. Field officer for the day
tomorrow Major Huntington"sc for on the fourth
page in order from that containing the last of
the above extracts is written "Capt Carlieles'
company agreeable to Genl orders to take charge
Page 34

of Fort Island tomorrow morning. The late Capt
Warners Compy to be stationed at Bristol Point
under the command of Lt. Henshaw." Further or in
said book it is written "Newport Nov. 17. 1779, Field
officer of the day tomorrow Col Topham Details as
usual." and on the rest page of the same
book it under the order so dated as last mentioned
is written. "Col. Elliotts after orders. Lt Henshaw
of the late Capt. John Warners compy will immed
diatly repair to the Park with all the men
under his command & take charge of the same."
The last date in said book is "Head Quarters Dec 18.
1779. Parole sign at a General
Court Martial whereof Major Flage was presi
dent "sc. I further certify that the said book ap
pears to be in the same handwriting throughout;
and that I am satisfied that it is in the hand
writing of said Henshaw
Stephen Cahoone
State of Rhode Island sc
Newport, Newport Nov 14, 1836. This day
personally appeared before me, Stephen Ca
hoon, Cashier of the Newport Bank, a per
son of truth & respectability, and made oath
to the truth of the above statement by him
subscribed. I further certify on request
that I have compared the extracts, in the
Page 35

above affidavit with the book from which they were taken, & find them correct (illegible) cpied there from.
Wm Ennis, Justice Peace

Newport Sc State of Rhode Island &c.
I Nathaniel Sweet Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Newport do hereby certify that William Ennis before whom Stephen Cahoon testified & William Gilpin before whom Nathaniel S. Ruggles testifies are both of them Justices of the Peace in & for said County of Newport & are duly Qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of November In the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & thirty Six.
Nathaniel Sweet Clerk of Supreme Judicial Court
Page 36

I William Bliss of New Bedford, in the County
of Bristol, and State of Massachusetts aged seventy
seven years do testify and say that I was acquain
ted with one John Henshaw late of Newport in
in the State of Rhode Island, who was in the service
of the Revolutionary war and belonged to Captain
Henry Dayton's Company, he was a Sergeant, and I
was an Ensign at the same time, in said Company,
said Henshaw had a family residing at Newport
at the time he was in the service, the company
was raised to guard the town of Newport, it was
year or more after the British left or abandoned
Newport, not having any papers or comments by
me, I cannot state the year of the time Mr Henshaw
served in Capt Dayton's company: to the best
of my recollection Mr Henshaw served in said Company
about one year
William Bliss
State Massachusetts}
Bristol County} SC   New Bedford, November 3d 1836
Then personally appeared William Bliss
and made oath to the truth of the above
affidavit by him subscribed
before me
Elu Haskell Just. Peace,

I further certify, that the above named William Bliss'
character for truth & veracity is good.
Elu Haskell. Just. Peace.
Page 37

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Sc. 
I James Sproat Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Bristol do hereby certify that Eli Haskell Esq. whose signature is affixed to the written certifiate is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this eight day of November in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty six
Jas Sproat
Page 38

N. S. Ruggles
Depos
Mrs. Henshaw's
Claim
Page 39

I knew John Henshaw well from 1808 until his death. he worked all that period in a coopers shop near my counting Room & worked for me frequently. I am well & familiarly acquainted with his hand writing having seen him write repeatedly & now have in my possession several bills & accounts in his hand writing. I now have before me a book marked on the first page "John Henshaw Orderly Book Dec. 1 Providence Jany 4 11779. dated August 28 1778 & various other dates until January 27, 1779. it appears to be an orderly Book kept regular & noting the events of the day in the army at that time. From my knowledge of his hand writing I have no hesitation in saying that in my opinion the said John Henshaw wrote every word of it I am told the Book was presented to the Historical Society of this State & now belongs to them. I frequently convened with said Henshaw about hes military services & he repeatedly told me he was an officer in the Revolutionary Army  he was a man of honour & good character
Nathl S. Ruggles

Newport Sc Newport Nov. 9 1837
Then personally appeared before me Nathaniel S. Ruggles and made oath to the truth of the above statements by him subscribed the ssame being by him subscribed in my presence. I also certify that said Nathaniel S. Ruggles is a person of truth and Veracity
Wm Gilpin Just. Peace
Page 40

Newport Com Pleas  Nov. 7 1876
Mercie E. Eldredge & Edward Gray,
Page 41

Washington
Feby 21. 1852
J. E. Heath Es
Court of Pensions
Sa

In the case of Susan Henshaw decd
late of Rhode Island, widow of John, was pensioned under act 4 July
1836 at the rate of $242.22 per annum, as Liet. of Col. Elliotts
Regt of Artilley
I do not know the manner in which the pension was com
puted. But the rolls of said regiment show. John Henshaw as Segt
began from 18 May 1778 to 14 March 1779. then promoted to a Lieut.
and served unto Aug. 1780.  It is very clear therefore, the
pension should have been calculated 16 mo -   days at Lt status
and as Sgt. began ....7 "  -  this makes
two years service.
You will recd herewith, the evidence of Mrs
Susan Henshaws death and has of her daughter Hannah Henshaw
I remain
your [illegible]
Alex. Ray
Page 42

Newport R.I. Sept 10 1836
Sir,
Herewith I forward you the Decl.aration of Mrs. Susanna Henshaw widow of the late John Henshaw fo this Town a Serg't & Lieut. of Artillery in Col. Elliott's Regt. It appears by the Declaration of Mrs. H. That her husband entered the army at the commencement of the Revolution and it is supported by the Testimony of Thos. Coggeshall Esq. Which places him on duty at Fort Adams as Sergeant in '76 who says "I recollect it particularly as I had a brother in the same company" Mr. C's impression is that he remained at the Fort until the British came here. Mrs. P. Viall testifies that she was acquainted with Henshaw from childhood and says "He belonged to Col. Elliott's Reg. at the time of his marriage and states particularly relative to the character of both Mr. & Mrs. H. 
Nathaniel Smith testifies that while there he was well acquainted with John Henshaw & frequently see him on duty as Lieft. in Col. Elliott's Regt. & understood he belonged to the army before the English came here" Mr. Smith also testifies to his high sense of honnour &
Page 43

Thos. Mumford testifies that he knew J. Henshaw by reputation to be a Liet. in Col. Elliott's Regt. Served with him at Fort Adams while the French troops were here and was on duty with him when they left this place (which was in July 1781) he also testifies to character widowhood. John Williams confirms in Declaration of Mrs. Henshaw & the Depo/n of Smith. Coggeshall & Mumford served as substitute in Sullivan's expedition & ovserve "And from all the circumstances am well satisfied that John Henshaw served in Col. Elliott's Regt. all the time the British had possession of the Island". John Tompkins a kindred spirit of John Henshaw's also testifies as follows "I have no hesitation in believing that he entered the service about the commencement of the war in the year seventy six as a sergeant and who raised to Lieutenant. I am satisfied from what I have heard that he served several years during the war" and further states that he is well acquainted with the Hand Writing of John Henshaw and pronounced an Orderly Book presented to him for examination to be the hand writing of sd Henshaw, he also testifies to the character widowhood & the attested certificate of Marriage will be found satisfactory
Page 44

The orderly Book presented to Mr. Tompkins for examination was Mr Hs orderly book and forwarded to Mrs. Henshaw by a sister of Col. Elliott and is not the property of the Antiquarian Society of this State.
Mr. Henshaw forwarded his Commission & sundry documents to Washington when he made application for a pension under Act of 1818 the Com/s was not returned & the papers that was received were place in the hands of some person to draw a pension to to Congress & are lost we must therefore beg leave to refer you to the Muster Roll, Commission & the declaration of J. Rawson of Providence who served as 2d or 3d Lieut. under J. Henshaw in Col. Elliott's Regt.
With sentiments of esteem
Your Obt. Servt.
W. R. Noyes
Agt for S. Henshaw
James L. Edwards Esq.
Com/r of Pensions
Page 45

Newport R.I. Oct. 15 1836
This is to certify that Mrs. Susanna Henshaw is aged, infirm, and afflicted with disease of the nerous system, attended with palpatation of the heart, and is, thereby rendered unfit to go into open court, and make her declaration
David King

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Newport Oct 15 1836 This day personally appeared before me D. David King Jr. well known to me as a practicing physicion in said Newport and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him susbscribed and I further certify that the said David Kin Jr. is a man of truth &  respectability
Wm Ennis Justice Peace.
Page 46

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis

Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "Henry Bowen" to the afore-written attestation subacribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation, full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this twenty eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six and of Independence the fifty-first.
John Brown Francis

BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 47

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office Oct. 28 AD 1836.
At a Council of war holdn on Tuesday July 13th AD 1779 
Present
His Excellency William Greene Esq.
The Honorable Jabez Brown Esq.
Esch Hopkins Esq. Preserved Pierce Esq.
John Jenkes Esq. Johnathan Hazard Esq.
Gideon Comstock Esq. John Northrup Esq.

John Henshaw was elected second Lieutenant in Capt. Thos Warner's Company in Col. Robert Elliott's Regiment of Artillery. Commission to be dated the sixteenth of March 1779.
True Copy - Witness
 Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 48

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport}ss
On this fifth day of February A.D. 1851 personally appeared before me Theophilus Topham Judge of Probate for the town of Newport County and State aforesaid, Daniel C. Denham a resident of Newport who being first sworn according to law doth on his oath State: That he is the administrator on the estate of Susan Henshaw deceased who during her natural life was a Pensioner under the act of 1836 at the rate of 242.22 per annum on account of her husbands Revolutionary services and which amount she received up to the day of her death which took place on the ninth day of August 1837 leaving an only surviving child to wit: Hannah Henshaw.
Now the object of this declaration being made in the right of the said Susan Henshaw decd and in favor of the heirs of her surviving child is to claim an increase on her pension for the services of her husband as Sergeant Major in Elliot's Regiment in the Rhode Island Artillery from the Fourth of March 1831 to the ninth of August 1837 when she died. David C. Denham Administrator on the estate of Susan Henshaw
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written
Theophilus Topham Judge of Probate
for the Twon of Newport
Page 49

State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport Sc.}
I Benjamin B. Howland, Clerk of the Court of Probate, of the Town of Newport in said County and State, and being a Court of record, do hereby certify that at a Court of Probate holden at said Newport on the sixth day of November AD Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, satisfactory proof was adduced before said Court to prove that Susan Henshaw was the widow of John Henshaw, late of Neport deceased, at the time of her death, and that she died the Ninth day of August AD Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, and she was a pensioner of the United States, under the act of the 4 July 1836, and agreeably to the third section thereof, and that Hannah Henshaw was the only surviving child of said Susan Henshaw, and certificate was ordered to issue accordingly, as appears of record. Since which time I certify that Daniel C. Denham is the duly appointed administrater with the will annexed of said Susan Henshaw, all which appears of record. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Newport aforesaid this sixth day of December AD Eighteen hundred and fifty one.
Benj. B. Howland
Probate Clerk
Page 50

Brief in the case of Susanna Henshaw dec.d wid of John County and State of Rhode Island
act 4 July 1838

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proff exhibited

Is it documentary, traditionary or supported by rools? If either, state the substance.
This claim was originally allowed for 14 mos. & 16 days as Lieut of Artillery. There is evidence on the rolls in this office, Binder 17 that he had previously served nearly a year as Sergt Major of Act. I therefore increase it 9 mo. 14 days as such.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so what?

Name and residence of Agent
Alex Roy
Present

Kirby
Examining Clerk.
Page 51

Increase
Susanna Henshaw decd
wid of John 
Rhode Island
Act 4 July 1836
14 mo 16 days Lt. Artillery
$242.22
9mos 14 days
Sergt. Major  53.01
$295.23
per an: to 9th Augt. 1837
when she died. Former
payments at the rate of $242.22 per ann: to be deducted.
Payable to 
Danl. C. Denham Adm.
for the benefit of Hannah 
Henshaw dec. only only surviving child.
Alex Ray
Present.
Page 52

Newport October 28, 1819
Hon. Wm Hunter Esq.
Dear Sir.
Sensible that your attention is called to many pieces of important business, I take the liberty of addressing you, in order that your memory may hereafter be refreshed concerning that which you have been so kind as to undertake for me.

The date of my commission in your possession as 2nd Lieut. in Capt. John Warner's Company, in Col. Robert Elliot's Regiment of Artillery at Providence, R.I. is dated March 16 1779. I remained and served in said Regiment until some time in April 1780 having been more than nine months in the Continental establishment.

The enclosed deposition of Nathl. Viall, who was with me & who has received his pension, must I think cancel all doubt from
Page 53

the mind of the Secretary respecting my clarim. A representation of your knowledge of me & of my circumstances cannot fail of being beneficial to my intent. 

You will doubtless attend to the business as soon as convenient after your arrival at Washington; & you will please favour me with early advice of the results stating should the Secretary unfortunately for me, refuse, the grounds of the refusal.

Wishing you health during your absence from Newport, & a safe return to your friends & constituents, I am,
Your Obed. Serv.t
John Henshaw
Page 54

Newport Nov.r 29th 1836
Sir,
Your of the 24th Inst. returning a part of the papers in support of the claim of Susanna Henshaw was received in yesterday's mail. And in obedience to the requisition of the Department I immediately applied to the Chief Justice of the court of Commn Pleas for this County. Who after a close & careful examination agreeable to the directions as published has certified the declaration of Mrs. S. Henshaw. Which I now hope wil be satisfactory.

The imporant depositions of M. S. Ruggles & Stephen Cahoon Esqrs. were not returned with the other papers.

Respectfully yours
Wm R. Noyes
Page 55

Nathaniel Viall of Newport in the State Rhode Island Sc, doth upon his solemn oath depose and say.

That John Henshaw of said Newport served in Col. Robert Elliot's Regt. of Artillery from March 1779 until the Spring of the year 1780 being more than nine moths.

The Dponent (who was in the aforesaid Regiment with said Henshaw & who has received a pension from Government for his services in the Revolutionary War) further saith, that he conceives that said Henshaw and family in need & worthy of assistance from a grateful country.
Newport R.I. October 18 1819

his
Nathaniel X Viall
Mark.

Newport Ss at Newport this 18 Day of October 1819
Personally appeared the above names Nathaniel Viall residing in Newport aforesaid and made solemn Oath to the Truth of the above written certificate by him Subscribed.
And I hereby certify that he is a credible witness in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this day and year above written.
Daniel Denham Justice Court of Common Pleas
Page 56

Vol. 3 p. 62
Hon Juster  " " " 67. $5. 62 1780
" - " " "69 - 1. 46 - 1781
" - " " "73 - 0.72 1780
" - " " "81 - 4.66 1779
" - " " "83 17.10 1780
" - " " "84 0.66 1781
" - " 4 " 2 1.33 1780
" - " " " 3 2.66 "
" - " " " 8 1.55 1779
" - " " " 16 1.55 1780
" - " " " 18 1..55 1779
40.41
4.90
1.55
_____
46.86
60
26

Ms.
7 & 1
Page 57

Rhode Island

Susannah Henshaw - Widow of
John Henshaw - Suspended

John Henshaw - appeared under the act of 1818
his papers wanted

(illegible) p. 70 Vol. 3 $1.46
O.W. Wid Feb 23238
Susanna 
wid
John Henshaw
Page 58

THE YOUNG MEN'S REPUBLICAN CLUB.
OFFICE OF THE TREASURER.
263 HIGH STREET, P.O. BOX 404.

Providence, R.I. August 24 1891

Hon Greene B. Baum.

Dear Sir
Please send me copy of the certificate of the affidavit of pension, Jonathan, Cady -- Act of Congress June 1831. Pension dating January 1832 Served in the Connecticut Militia during the Revolutionary War. Aslo the same of Capt. John Henshaw who served in the Rhode Island Militia from Newport R.I. during the Revolutionary WAr, and I understand received a pension. Please send me these as soon as you can for I am eligible to become a member of the Sons of the Revolution, as soon as I can obtain these points from you.
Oblige
Yours Reps
Louis Cady
Page 59

Louis E. Cady R.I.
Augt 24 1891
Cat. John Cady Cont
Capt. John Henshaw R.I.
Page 60

His Excellency William Greene Esquire, Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
John Henshaw Gentleman. GREETING.
John Henshaw being appointed Second Lieutenant of a Company in the Regiment of Artillery in the Brigade ordered to be raised by the General Assembly of this State, held at East-Greenwich, on the last Monday in February, A.D. 1779, for the Defence thereof in particular, and the United States of America in general, are herby, in the Name of the Governor and Company of this State, authorized, empowered, and commissioned to have, take and exercise, the Office of Second Lieutenant of said Company. And to comman, guide and conduct the same, or any Part there-of: And in case of an Invasion or Assault by a common Enemy, to infest or disturb this or any other of the said States, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or any Part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill and destroy them, in order to preserve the Lives, Liberties and Properties of the good People of this and the other United States. You are also to follow such further Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either by the general Assembly, or your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant.

GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the said State, the Sixteenth Day of March in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-nine.

By His Excellency's Command,
Henry Ward Secry.

W Greene