Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 43402, John Cowen, Navy. R.I.
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(3-1776)
Service Number
Cowen, John  S. 43402
Contents
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To New York
240 free Rhode Island John Cowen Gloucester in the state of Rhode Island who was a marine in the Boston frigate commanded by Capton Tucker of the United States Navy during the revolutionary line for the term of nine months from October 1779 to July R. I. Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 10th day of July 1818 Certificate of Pension issued the 5 of March and sent to Henry Remington Esqr. Tulling Mills, Kent Co. R. Island Arrears to 4th of March 1819 $54.7 semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819 48. $102. [Revolutionary Acts March, 28, 2828 and May 1, 1820.
letter to H Parsons 26 Oct. 1832 Oct. 2d 33 certif. of transfer sent care of Thos. Wheeler, Conewanger N.Y. Letter to Arad Joy Octr 30/51 same ap 29/53 same May 20/53 New certificate filed 8 October 1827 and a notification of [illegible] name having been transferred to the Connecticut agency sent to Benjamin Cowell Providence Rhode Island old certificate canceled. see old envelope filed within.
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Application, John
Cowen for Pension 
Ensign
---
2d Regr R. Island
Line
1776- 1 year
10 July 1818 [unclear]
Admitted
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation King Ss] To the Honorable Henry Reminton Esq. one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court. I John Cowen of Gloucester in the County Providence a Resident Citizen of the United States do Hereby for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an act of the Congress of the United States of American Entitled an Act to provide for Certain Persons Engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war make application and State to your Honor on oath that I entered the service in said War against the Common enemy of the twenty sixth day of August 1776 in the capacity of an ensign in the eight copany in the second regiment of the brigade named by the state of Rhodoe Island and Providence Plantations aagreeable to the commission now before your honor and under capt. Benjm Hoppin of Providence. I was honorably discharged in 1777 and that I entered in the navy the last of Sepr. of first of October 1779 on board of the frigate Brton commanded by capt. Tucker in the company by [illegible] given and saild from Boston to Bermuda & from there to Charleston in South Carolina and remained there until we were captured by the British and from there were sent by the British in a [illegible] to Philadelphia and then exchanged and honorable discharged some time in July 1780. I further represent to your honor that owing to the frequent and various changes of my evidence line that persons and to the common casualty of time and accident the above mentioned ischarge has been lost. I also represent to your honor that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life I have need of assistance from my country for support being far advanced in life and entirely destitute of property without provision or pension from the Government and principally dependant on my friends for support John Cowen Warwick July the 10 1818
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Kent Sc/ I Henry Remington a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of Rhode Island do Hereby certiry to the secretary at War of the United States that John Cowen Susbcreiber to the foregoing application and statement personally came before me on the day & year above written and made solemn oath to the truth of all the facts therein stated according to his best recollection and I also certify that it appears to my satisfaction from the evidence before me that the above named applicant served in the revolutionary war on the Continental establishmen against the common enemy in the land service and in the navy in the several capacity and for the length of time as is required by said act of congress passed in April last, and I further certify that from the evidence to me addressed and from the representation of others I have full belief that the aforesaid applicant has real need of assistance for support from his country according to the true intent and meaning of said act of Congress
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In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and found the seal of said court to be thereto affixed
Henry Remington J.S. J Cort
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State of Rhode Island & Providence
Plantations County of Kent [illegible]
Clerk Office Supreme Judicial Court
I hereby certify that Henry Remington
Esqr the preceeding subscriber is an
Argonate Justice of the Supreme Judicial
Court
duly
authorised and quallified and that the
Preceeding Attestation by him subscribed 
is in due form agreeable to the laws and
usages of said State
at Warwick August 7th 1818 Caleb Gerald
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John Cowen 7240
Sept. 1819
c
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Providence, sc. District Court, Special Term, June Twelfth A. D. 1820 On this Twelfth day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for said District John Cowen aged 64 years, residing in the town of Gloucester in said District [illegible] who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: [illegible]] he served as an Officer in Col. Lippcott's Regiment of the Rhode Island Line about six months and on board of the Boston Frigate about six months that he made a previous declaration on the sixth day of July 1818, and that he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 7240 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the last and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what s contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. John Cowen. A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of John Cowen [illegible] 2 small Iron pots, 1 small iron kettle, 6 old knives and forks [illegible] pewter plates, 6 pewter spoons, [illegible], 1 old [illegible] description [illegible] saith that he is [illegible] that he is by occupation a Labourer that owing to infirmity he is unable to do but little work, that he has a wife and six children, that his wife is a very weakly woman, and that his wife and three of his children depend upon him for support and who [illegible] he not have his pension continued to him he mst depend upon the charity and kindness of others for support. John Cowen
Rhode Island District District Court Sworn to and declared in open Court on the twelfth day of June 1820 before David Howell District Judge
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT. Clerk's Office of the District Court, A. D. 182. I, Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoin oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is sixteen dollars and cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this seventeenth day of July 1820. Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court.
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APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

County of Tolland ss. Tolland State of Conn. On this 19th day of March 1827, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Tolland personally appeared John Cowe who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Boston Frigate commanded by Catpain Samuel Sucker in the Fleet commanded by Comd. Abr. Whipple in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Rhode Island from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the state of Connecticut where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future; and that his reasons for removing to the state of Connecticut are that his sons on whom he is dependent removed here & that he lived in a family with them. Sworn and subscribed to, before me the day and year aforesaid,} Jonathan Barnes Justice of the peace. 
Notes.- The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be authenticatd by the certificate of the proper officer, setting forth that the person taking the testimony is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also have the authentication as above required.
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State of Connecticut SS County of Tolland March 10th AD 1827. 
Personally appeared Eddy Cowen of said Tolland & made solemn oath that he well knows that the John Cowen described in the foregoing affidavit is the same person who formerly resided in the town of Gloucester County of Providence & State  of Rhode Island by the name of John Cowen and stands on the pension roll for said State for services performed agreeable to said affidavit. Before me Jonathan Barnes Justice of Peace I also certify that the above named Eddy Cowen sustains a fair character for truth & veracity Jonathan Barnes Justice of Peace
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Tolland County SS Clerks office} I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of Tolland County Court do certify that Jonathan Barnes Esq before whom the foregoin affidavits of John & Eddy Cowen have been this day authenticated is a Justice of Peace within & for the County of Tolland legally appointed & sworn and that the signature to the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of sd Court at Tolland this 10 day of March 1827 Jeremiah Parish Clerk
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Elijah Armstron of Glocester in the Rhode Island District being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he was Administrator of James Cowen late of said Glocester deceased, said James was the father of John Cowen, a pensioner of the United States who removed to Connecticut a few years since said James died thirteen years ago in the year 1814 aged about 92. When he died what property he had was personal property & that was divided among his daughter the said Johns sister, the said John having received his portion before his fathers death by a deed of gift subject to a life lease of his father, and this deponent further saith that to his knowledge the said John did not receive any property whatever upon the death of his father and he futher knows that what property he did receive from his gather before was all expended in the support of his family which was a large one, & whose wife had always been a very infirm & weakly woman unable to assist in the maintenance of his family. The right and title which he did receive from his father was given him about thirty years ago & to this deponents knowledge was sold before his fathers death so that
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on his fathers death he did not receive any thing all these facts are within this deponents knowledge he having been administrator as aforementioned and this deponent farther states that said John is now poor & has been supported by his children except what assistance he has received by way of a pension and he removed to Connecticut for the purpose of living with a relation. Elijah Armstrong
Rhode Island District Sc In Providence Oct 1st 1827 personally appeared before me the above named Elijah Armstrong & made oath to the truth of the facts set forth in the above declaration by him sined. And I further certify that said deponent is personally known to me & he is a man of truth and veracity. Benja Cowell Commissioner of the District Court R.I. Dist.
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Rhode Island District  Clerks Office U. S. District Court In Providence Oct 2d 1827 I certify the preceding to be a true copy of the original deposition reduced to writing by me as commissioner of said Court & was on file in this office duly composed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court on the day and year above written. Benja Cowell Clerk of said Court
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State of New York County of Chautauqua} SS John Cowen being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is a child of John Cowen a pensioner deceased to whom a pension was probably due as office, who was an applicant for a pension from the State of New York that this deponent is directly interested as one of the claimants in said claim a balance due as a Sergeant & officer John Cowen. 
Sworn and subscribed before me this 21 day July 1851 and I do hereby certify that the said John Cowen is a respectable person, and that I have full faith in the truth of the above statement sworn to by him as being directly interested in said claim. C A Spencer J.P.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I John Cowen Chautauqua Co. deceased, to whom a pension was probably due as Sergt an applicant for a pension from the State of New York do hereby constitue and appoint Arad Joy of Ovid, N. Y. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name as one directly and personally intereted as also for and in behalf of all other interested in the claim on application for a pension as above mentioned. Witness my hand and seal this 21 day of July 1851 John Cowen. SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF Alexander Bentley
State of New York County of Chautauqua} Be it known that on the 21 day of July 1851 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State duly authorized by law to administer oaths and also acknowledgements, personally appeared John Cowen above named, and duly acknoweldged the above Power of Attorney and affidavits to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and date above mentioned. C. A. Spencer J.P.
take the same, and that duly believe his siganture to said certificate to strument is executed and acknowledge New York. 1851. Witness my hand and official seal at Maybelle this 22d day of July R. O Greene Dist. Clerk.
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STATE OF New York
County of Chautauque Be it known that on the 27 day of July 1851
before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State duly authorized by law to administer oaths
and take acknowledgements, personally appeared John Cowen

STATE OF NEW YORK.
CHAUTAUQUE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. SS.
I hereby certify that Charles C Spencer Seq
before whom the annexed acknowledgement & affidenit purports to have been taken,
was at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace
in and for the said County, and duly authorized to
take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and
verily believe his signature to said certificate is genuine: And that said 
instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of
New York. Witness my hand and official seal at Mayville this 22d day of July 
1851
R O Greer Clerk.
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OVID Nov. 18 N.Y. (postmark)

FREE

Nov 234852
Rel. to case of 
Mr. Cowen

Arne Jay
Ovid
NY

Hon. J E Heath
Court of Perch
Washington DC
Page 18

John Cowen
Pensioner
Law 1818
N York
from
Arad Joy

[illegible] Sergt. $60
10 [illegible] Man 33.33
$-93.33 1/3
96
$2.66 2/3

too much under the 
Act 17 June 7 1832.
so write to Joy - 
His book shows him
a Sergt July '76 & that
that he was in Reserve 
July '77. -

[illegible] as Ensign
75 [illegible] 76 but tried
by after that he is
acting as Sergt.
Page 19

Same case as yesterday
Ovid July 19 '51

Sir
I find on B Cowells book, relating to the soldiers
of Rhode Island, page 37 of the company in which
John Cowen served, I wrote you yesterday in the
care of John Cowen, + I mentioned of his having
been call Ensign in his D journal, you
will notice he is called Ensign in Sept 1776
please examine this letter with the one of yesterday
I refer to John Cowen a pensioner of
New York, as a private when he seems to have
served a Sergeant + Ensign
most Respectfully
Your Obd Serv
Arad Joy

Hon Jas E Heath
Count. of Prvd.
Page 20

Revolutionary Claim
John Cowen
Pensioner of NY

Sir
May I be allowed to respectfully
ask, + beg for a report in the case
of John Cowen late a pensioner of NY
I filed the proof with an D journal last
Feby. when I was there, I know it was
then put into Capt Tripplitts hands
do please excuse me for asking for a 
report
Respectfully
Your Obd Serv
Arad Joy

Hon J E. Heath
Count. of Prvd
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Ovid NY Dec 9. '51
Sir
In yours of the 30th Oct, you seem to
admit, that John Cowen alledged service as
an Ensign, now if you admit, that he served
as he states he did, I ask if he was not entitled
to pay as an Ensign - I beg leave to refer
you to Judge B Cowell's book, containing the names
of Officers + Soldiers + R.D. See 37 Page, John
Cowen stands there as an Ensign - I have in my
hands the purported journal of John Cowen, + if
I understand it, he entered the Serve as Orderly
Sergeant 26th Jany, 1776,  of course he may have
been promoted to Ensign in Augt. '76
You will probably allow that he served
from Jany. '76 to Augt '76 as orderly segt. +
augt '76 after it, as Ensign, if you do so
admit, I ask then if now pension is not
due, I'm [illegible] Count. [illegible]
Respectfully
Your Obd Serv
Arad Joy

Hon J. E. Heath
Court. of Prvd
Page 22

Revolutionary Claim
State of New York
John Cowen a prisoner
Case in hands of
Capt Triplette

Ovid March 11. 52
Sir
I left in the care of Capt Triplette
the old papers of John Cowen a prisoner
of the Revolution of New York, accompanied by an old manuscript book, purported
to have been written in + 76 during the war.

I am confident Capt. T. will examine 
the case at once, if his mind is called to it
I ask therefore respectfully, if this letter 
cannot be put into his hands, without the 
usual entry + delay
Respectfully
Your Ob servant
Arad Joy

Hon. J. [illegible]
Court. of Pvd
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Ovid N. Y. Nov 12. '51
Sir
Yours of the 30th Ultimo in the case of 'John Cowen"
you say he alledges he entered as Ensign, I refer you to
B. Cowells book (page 37) on R. J. you will see he stanes
so noted    I believe he recd privats pay
only, + I ask if $96. pr annum was all that he
could claim as Ensign, or Orderly Sergeant, I don't
see as my "speculations" were out of the way, as
it would seem that one or the other honr could be held
onto, as either Ensign or Sergeant    I suppose 
you admit that he served as Ensign, or you don't seem
to deny it, + if you do admit it, pray is there not
now pension due. Will you please refer to Judge
B. Cowells book
Respectfully
Your Obd Serv
Arad Joy

Hon Jas E Heath
Count. of Prvd
Page 24

Ovid July 28th 1851

Sir
I inclose my authority to ask in the case mentioned 
in the closed (to wit, John Cowen late a Pensioner of NY
It would seem that John Cowen was an orderly
Sergeant in Capt Asa Kimballs 60 + Col Henry Babeacks
Regt in 1776.    I have in my hands an old book
at least it purports to be a book of antiquity made
in 1776 + I think it was then made.
This book is a general journal, regimental orders, 
and a record of the proceedings of the Regt. and others.
In this record, John Cowan [illegible] the late pensioner
as I believe seems to be the Orderly Sergt, + to have made
the record daily as things took place, the Service
seems to be for one year from Jany. 1776 to
Jany. 1777 - as also some other ancient records, he
is also noted as Ensign, but the record generly calls
him the orderly Sergt.    You may have a copy
of this same service.    The officers were
Capt Asa Kimball   Lt Benj'n Hoppen
Ensign Aram Toarletelt - Orderly Sergt John Cowen [illegible]
Sergt. Eddy Phitteplace - Joviah Black
Dudley Avery  Truman Lincoln
Capt Bercleah Bowen  Israel Raymond,  Wm Sly+ Simeon Mackintyre
Drumr. Edward Field Fifer John Dickeson
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The Journal seems to embrace every month and probably every day of the month from Jany '76 to Jany '77 Col Adam Carrshade is often mentioned Col Lippell is also mentioned Col Richmond is also named The book the family would not by willing to part with, but if you will return it, they will have no objection of your seeing it, or copying it. What do you require &c. &c. Most Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. Arad Joy Hon Jas E Heath Comms of Pens.
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Ovid N.Y. Nov. 30 1852
Sir I have Recd. yours of the 23d in the case of Marshall Dixon & John Cowen. Confident I am, that if the Hon. Comms. was fully to know, that the proof in the case of John Cowen late a pensioner of New York, was filed in January last, between 10 & 11 months since, that he would not say yours id "received and will be fully considered as soon as it can be reached in its proper order" but that he would direct at once an examination of the case, & a report to be made to me, Respectfully Your Obt Servt Arad Joy Hon J. E. Heath Coms of Pens.
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2387
John Cowen alias Kanille
See admitted Soldier File No. 
43.402
If not the identical soldier, it is
possible that the papers [illegible] as
for John Cowen alias Kanillo were
returned for informality + not
complied with as no other John
Cowen or Kanille has been
found than the above 43.402
John Cowen's pension as Ensign
was stopped + allowed as mariner
which afterwards was suspended
for a time
REJECTED
Everything searched
S. C. Ai July 11, 1911
Page 28

1818 - R. J.   Dec John Kanill 57991818-R..J.
LEt- A Robbins Jan 9. 29
Claim Kanil alias Corren
not continuitive service

No Corran
Korren
Korran
Page 29

John Cowen
Revolutioner of N.Y
Pensioner law 1818

The family ask for an
increase - Court Certificate
I filed of the
date of his death, + of
number of children

I refer to the old manuscript
book, 4 Page
he enters the service
26 Jany. '76 - 18th
page Jany. 23d. 77 he
notes as in Service, this
makes one year
 
The book is called 
Capt Kimballs orderly
book, + called John Cowen
for orderly book - It
would seem that Cowen
served the year as Ensign
or as Sergeant + Ensign
his Commission is on file
he is noted on 4 page as
Ensign, + as Sergeant
19 page notes enlisted
on board ship Barpan

From

Arad Joy
Page 30

John Cowen

Old journal + all
papers filed by me
with Capt Triplitt
in Feby. last
in his clerk in his
then room about 100
Page 31

OVID NOV 12 N.Y. 

FREE

Hon J. E. Heath
Court of Prvd
Washington
DC
Page 32

4 Aug 24
Hist to 
Geo N Chase
City

Invalid
Cowen
File No. 43402 Navy & army
John Cowen
Mariner
Frigate Boston
N. S. N. RerWar

Act Mch 18-1818.
May 1- 1820
Index: Vol. Page
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 33

REJECTED 5799 REJECTED
John Kanill alias Cowen
See admitted soldier John
Cowen File no 43.402 &
If not the identical solider, it is
possible that the papers sent -ceived were
returned for informality which was
not remedied as no other John
Cowan has been found & no John
Kanill, papers appear anywhere
on record or in files
John Cowen pension as Ensign in 
the army was annulled & allowed
as mariner which last was
afterwards suspended for a
time
Page 34

State of New York
County of Cattaraugus } J. I Renissalau Lamb
county judge + surrogate of said County
do certify that at a surrogate
court holden before me in my
office in Ellicottville in said county 
satisfactory evidence was
exhibited to said court that
John Cowen was a Pensioner of
the United States + a resident
of said County + State + died
in said county on the 8th day 
of January 1843 (eighteen
hundred + forty three) that he
left no widow, but left the 
following named children
him surviving, being his only
children him surviving + who
still survive, + that each of
them is over the age of twenty
one years to wit, John Cowen,
Sally Cowen, Esther Cowen, Watee
Cowen. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand +
affixed my seal of office
this fourth day of December 1859
Rensselau Lamb
County Judge & Surrogate
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4240
Rhode Island
John Cowen
of Gloucester in the state of R. Island
who was an Ensign in the regiment commanded by
Colonel _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of the 2d Regt. R. J. 
line, for the term of one year

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of twenty Dollars per month, to commence on
the 10th of July 1818_

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th of March 1819
and sent to Henry Remington, Eight
Falling Mills, Kent Co. R. Island

Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - 7 26/31 156.77
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Sept. 1819 120.00
$276.77

{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

Continued
Providence County
Page 36

See letter to the Pension Agents, [illegible] 7th Jany 1823.

See letter to Hon. G. E. Wales, H. R. April 28, 1826. See also letter to E. Stearns, 17th March 1827. See letter to B. Cowell 15 Sept 1827

Notice of [illegible] Sep 27 1820 to Benjamin Cowell Providence R.I.
Page 37

Office of Bank M. S. Hartford Connt. Pen Agency Septr. 23rd 1833. 
Sir John Cowen a pensr. U.S. on the roll of this agency has been paid to the 4th March 1833. [illegible] agreeably to your letter of the 18th inst. no further payment will be made to him here. Application in behalf of John Wood, priv a new Pensr. under Act of 7th June at $23.33/100 per annum Jacob Clark files at 77$ per annum. [illegible] not being found upon the roll, I am desired to mention it & to request a return of their names. I am also desired to say that Nathan Lewis priv: of [illegible] who resides in Huntington in Fairfield Co has been returned here at $66.69/100 per annum only his certif is for $67.69/100 payment has been declined on account of this variance. Respectfully I am &c. Edw. Parsons [illegible] # of Lyme Co. New London 0 of Lebanon- J.L. Edwards Esqr. Coms. of Pensns.  Jacob Clark before 77 - 1 May Nathan Lewis 67.50 19 June
Page 38

Providence Sept. 8th 1827 Sir Mr. John Cowen has put into my hands a letter from you dated March 17th 1827 in which you observe "that as soon as it was ascertained that the regiment commanded by Colo Lippet in which he (Cowen) served was not on the continental establishment for as long as nine months the pension agent was directed to make no further payment to him" you also observe the, "it is not true that he was received a pension for service in the Boston, frigate" or that he can "proved that he served in that vessel" you also intimate that you have been informed that his farther has recently died & left him $40.00" I apprehend a great mistake has [illegible] with good to this man, which you will be ready & willing to correct. I am well knowing that his pension was formerly stopped, he not having served 9 months in Col Lippets regiment But I also know that, afterwards.
Page 39

he made proof of his service as a mariner on board the Boston Frigate which proof I transmitted myself, to the pension office about the first of January AD 1823, and was received by you, for I have your letter now before me, dated Jany 17 1823 In which you acknowledge the receipt of the evidence & that the same is satisfactory & that his name is restored to the list as a mariner at the rate of eight dollars per month. But you observed " he will not be entitled to receive any thing untill time enough have elapsed for the amount that may become due him to equal the difference which may have been paid him between the allowance at $20 per month and that at $8 per month". The reason of this was, as you can easily bring to recollection, that Cowens name had been placed on the Roll as an officer in Lippetts regiment & received 20 per month, but as soon as it was ascertained that he was not entitled but to $8 he was not to be paid any more untill time enough elapsed to make up the difference. He therefore waited a year or more before he received any thing, but the difference having been made up, he again received his
Page 40

pension at the Bank in this town Sept 4th 1825 and he would have continued to have received it without any difficulty but when he called for it in Sept. 1826 he was would by the agent that as he lived in Connecticut (to which place he removed during the pending of his application) he must have his name transfered to the Connecticut Roll & receive his pension there, He accordingly made an application on the 18th of March 1826 for the removal of his pension which application was received by you, but soon after returned for informally only, in your letter of the 18th of the same March you observe to him that he must prove his identity &c. but made no other objection & enclosed him a form for removal which he must follow. I apprehend also it is wholly a mistake that he was [illegible] $4000 at the death of his father as you observe some one has informed you. whoever informed of this fact must have grossly if not wilfully mistaken & misrepresented the fact. I herewith enclose you a letter from the administrator of Cowens father by which it will appear, that he died about 12 years ago & that John Cowen his son never recd a dollar in property from his estate.
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The person who informed you of this fact has dealt unfairly & no question could be called to an account for such misrepresentation. So far as I have known Mr. Cowen he has always appeared perfectly free from any desire to deceive & with regard to his proof of service on board the Boston Frigate that is now in the pension office. It is a fact also that Mr. Cowen has actually recd payment of his pension on Acct of service on board that frigate. To prevent all further difficulty or misunderstanding I have to request that he may be allowed to receive what is now due to him here, at the Bank in this town & then [illegible] his name to the Connecticut if he is obliged to wait untill his name is transfered it will be an injury to him as he is much in want. The agent informs me that the last time he recd his pay was Sept. 4th 1825 & that since, he has never received his pay in consequence of the difficulties & [illegible] before [illegible] I am very respectfully your obt servt Benja Cowell J. L. Edwards, Esq.
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Providence Oct. 2d 1827 
Sir According to your request of the 18th [illegible] I have called on the agent for paying pensions & have obtained from him the following information showing exactly what money has been paid John Cowen from the date of his pension certificate to the last payment made him. The agent says, & he refers you to his accts rendered and now in your office for vouchers that John Cowen pension was stopt as an office March 4 1821 that it was afterwards as a variance but he was not to receive any thing untill all previous payments were deducted, therefore on Sept 4th 1825 the acct stood thus. "John Cowen, marine July 10 1818 (date of his certificate) to Sept 4 1825 is 85 months & 25 days at $8 per month 68647 all previous payments 63704 balance 4938. 4938 charged in a gents accts & transmitted to the pension office Oct 1, 1825" By the above memorandum it will appear that on
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Sept 4 1825 there was a ballance due him of $49.38 after deducting all previous payments which he then received and he has received any thing since owing to the difficulties arising from his having removed to Connecticut from the very erroneous & unfair information given you of his having received $4000 at his father's death. With regard to this latter fact agreeably to your request I enclose you a certified copy of the affidavit of Elijah Armstrong administrator of his father which clears away all difficulties on that point. After having satisfied yourself of the truth of the fact, I repeat my request made in my former letter that he may be allowed to receive here what has become due since Sept. 4 1825 & that for the future his name may be transferfed to Connecticut. I also enclose you at your request his old certificate. I am respectfully your obt sevt. Benj Cowell 
J.L. Edwards Esq.
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Providence 7 Jany 1823
Sir In behalf of a man by the name of John Cowan I herewith enclose two depositions in his favor Mr. Cowen was informed sometime ago by a letter from you, that his pension was discontinued as an officer on account of not having served 9 months in the regiment to which he was attached (Lippetts) after it was considered continental, but that it would be continued as a private, if he would forward the requisite proof that he served on board the Boston Frigate of the Navy as noted in his declaration. To prove which service he relies on the enclosed depositions and the deposition of John Warner now in the pension office. I have to request that his case may be examined and his pension continued as a private. Others who served on board the same vessel & during the same voyage have recd pensions and I hope, he will, as believe him to be very destitute of property. I am sir respectfully your Benja Cowell 
J. L. Edwards Esq.
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In CONGRESS. The DELEGATES of the UNITED COLONIES of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Suffix on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and George, to John Cowen, Gentleman Greeting. WE reposing especial Turst and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Ensign of the Eighth Company in the Second Regiment of the Brigade raised by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations which has been taken into Continental pay and is now part of in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and didligently to discharge the Duty of Ensign of said Company by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Ensign of said Company. And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. Dated the Twenty-sixth day of August AD 1776.
By Order of the Congress. John Hancock President.
Attest. Chas Thomson [illegible]
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The deposition of Elisha Aldrich of Foster in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island who being engaged according to law testifies & says that in the month of September 1779 he entered on board the Frigate Providence there lying in Boston, under the Command of Abraham Whipple [illegible] a marine & continued on board said Frigate untill he was exchanged in July 1780. And this deponent further says, that he well remembers John Cowen, who was a marine on board the Boston then lying in Boston also. This deponent was personally acquainted with said John before the war. They both went to Boston very near the same time to enlist. and said John enlisted on board the Boston at or very near the same time he entered on board the Providence. In November the Fleet sailed on a cruise consisting of the Frigates Providence, Boston [illegible] of France & the Ranger Sloop of War, after cruising several months we arrived in Charleston (S. C.) where we remained untill that City was taken by the enemy when we were all made
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prisoners of war. We remained prisoners of war untill July 1780. when said John & myself & many others were put on board a Cartel & sent to Philadelphia to be exchanged. After our arrival at Philadelphia we were exchanged & had liberty to go home. This deponent left him at Philadelphia & came home & saw no more of him untill after the war. Elisha Aldrich Rhode Island District In Providence 9th April 1822 Sworn to before David Howell District Judge. We certify that we are acquainted with the above name deponent Elisha Aldrich & that we know of nothing to impeach his character as a Credible witness in the premises. Amherst Kimball. John B. Snow.
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Rhode Island District Sc.
Clerks office U. S. District Court January 4th 1825 I certify that the preceding signature David Howell is the true signature of David Howell Judge of the District Court of the United States for said District. I also certify that the aforenamed persons Amherst Kimball & John B. Snow are respectable standing in society. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the day & year above written Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court
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How then can it be said that a noted power of attorney to draw a [illegible]

Elisha Aldrich for Jno Cowen
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Ellicotville NY
Augt. 21
Free Thos Wheeler PM
Conewango NY
To the War Department Pension Office Washington City
transfer
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John Cowen pd from Conn to NY
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Conewango N.Y. 13th August 1833
To the Secretary of War
Pension Office
Sir John Cowen a Revolutionary Pensioner wishes to receive his pension hereafter at Albany N.Y. as he has removed from Connecticut. If the enclosed is not sufficient to authorize the change have the goodness to advise me & such documents as may be necessary shall be forwarded. Respectfully Your Obedt Servt Thos J. Wheeler
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State of New York Cattaraugus County Be it known that before me, the subscriber a Judge in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared John Cowen and made oath in due form of law that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession of which I certify the following is a true copy: War Department Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 18th of March 1818 John Cowen late a Mariner in the Army of the Revolution is inscribed on the Pension List Roll of the Rhode Island Agency at the rate of Eight dollars per month to commence on the tenth day of July one thousand eight-hundred and eighteen given at the War Office of the United States this eighth day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven. James Barbour Secretary of War J P Examined and Countersigned J. L. Edwards that he now resides in Conewango New York and has resided there for the space of two weeks past and that previous thereto he resided in Coventry Connecticutt. That he removed for the purpose of being with his children who now reside in the state of New York, town of Conewango Sworn and subscribed this 12th day of August 1833 before me Thomas J. Wheeler Judge Cattaraugus Com. Peas. John Cowen 
State of New York County of Cattaraugus Ss. August 12th 1833 I Thomas J. Wheeler a Judge in the county above named do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence
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viz by the affidavit of Sally Cowen a respectable person that John Cowen who has this day appeared before to take the oath of identity is the identical person named in the pension certificate which he has exhibited before me numbered 7240 and bearing date at the War Office the 8th day of October 1827 and signed by James Barbour secretary of War. Given under my hand at Conewango on the day and year above written Thomas J. Wheeler Judge Cattaraugus Com Pleas

State of New York Cattaraugus County ss. I John M. Staunton Clerk of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Thomas J. Wheeler Esquire before whom the within affidavit purposed to have been sworn and also who subscribed his name to the above certificate was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his own proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of Office this 20th day of August A.D. 1833. John M. Staunton Clk.
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I William Merithew of Foster in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law do testify and say That in the year 1779 about the first of September I Entered on board of the ship Providence then lying in Boston and about the same time John Warner and John Cowen Entered on board of the ship Boston then lying in Boston. I was on board of the ship Boston a number of times and saw said Cowen and Warner there and about the first of December following we sailed from Boston in company to Charleston in the State of South Carolina and was there taken and made prisoners of war and and I was often in Company with said Warner and Cowen in Charleston as I was well acquainted with them being Neighbors when we were at home and about the last of July AD 1780 we were discharged. his William Merithew mark
Providence Ss In Scituate on this 12th day of March A.D. 1823 Personally came William Merithew the aforesaid deponent and after being duly cautioned & sworn according to law made solemn oath that the above written deposition contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth relating to the case for which it is taken to be used. Said deposition was reduced to writing by me in presence of the deponent and by him subscribed in my presence Before me Thomas H. Westcott Just. Peace.
And I also certify that said William Merithew is personally known to my & I know of nothing to impeach his testimony as a credible & disinterested witness in the premises. Witness Thomas K. Westicott Just Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Sc Clerks office Supreme Judicial Court January 4th AD 1823 I certify that Thomas K Westcott subscriber to the certificate affixed to the within deposition was during the year one thousand eight hundred & twenty one a Justice of the Peace for the town of Scituate in the County & duly qualified to act as such. In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of said Court. William K. Smith Clerk. Thom Merithew for Jno Cowen