Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2174, William Colfax, Conn. Continental
Page 1

Service

Conn.
Continental

Colfax, William
Esther

R. 2174
B. L. Wt. 378 _300_ Capt.
Issued Dec. 9, 1796.
no papers
Page 2

COLFAX, WILLIAM
(CONTINENTAL CONNECTICUT)
R-2174

For papers see rejected
Number #2174#
Page 3

18 395

New Jersey

William Colfax

Of Pompton in the State of New Jersey who was Captain in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Swift of the Connecticut line, for the term of the War.
6 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence the 23 of January 1821.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1 of December 1821 and sent to the Pensioner of Pompton, Bergen Co. NJ

Arrears to 4th of Sept. -------- 1821  $149.70
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1822  $120
                                                             $ 269.70

Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818

H

1st of May, 1823
Page 4

Bergen Common Pleas.

State of New Jersey
Bergen County

On the 23 day of January 1821, person ally appeared in open Court being a Court of record, so created by the laws of the State of New Jersey afore whose proceedings are according to the course of the common laws with jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount William. Colfax aged sixty five years resident in the County afore, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his outh declare, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of congress of the 18th of March 1818 and the 1st of May 1820.  That he the said William. Colfax enlisted in an independent company for the Term of six months, in the month of May has near as he can recollect at this time, in the year 1775 in the State of Connecticut in the Company commanded by Captain William. Coit, not attached to any particular regiment, that on the 1st January 1776 he again enlisted in the company commanded by Captain Eldridge in the regiment commanded by Colonel Prentice in the line of the State of Connecticut on the continental
Establishment as sergeant Major; that he served as such till
the 1st January 1777. when he received the Commission of Ensign
in which office he continued till the 16" of March 1779.
was then promoted to a Lieutenancy, and in April 1783
was promoted to the rank of Captain in the 2nd Connecticut
regiment commanded by Colonel Swift from which he was detached
for some years, and served as Captain Commandant of the Commander in Chiefs Life Guard where he continued to serve to the
end of the war, comprising in the whole a service of more than
seven years when he was discharged at New Bergh
in the State of New York. That he was in the battles of
Bunker Hill, Long Island, White plains, Germantown
Monmouth, Springfield in New Jersey, and at the siege
of Yorktown in Virginia and that he has no other evidence
now in his power of his said services, except his several
Commissions herewith annexed. And I do solemnly seven
that I was a resident citizen of the United States on
the
Page 5

the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to being myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" papers on the 18th March, 1881; and 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 is contained in Scheduled hereto annexes, and by me subscribed. That my occupation is that of a Farmer. That from my advanced age and want of health I am unable to support myself and family by labour. That my family consists of myself, my wife, Esther, aged fifty seven years, bed ridden and unable to labour, and my daughter Mary aged twenty years, who may labour. 
William Colfax

Sworn and Declared in open Court
23 January 1821  

GN Howten

Schedule of property referred to in the foregoing deposition. I have no property real or personal more than my wearing apparel.
 William Colfax
Sworn to and declared in Open court 
23. January 1821
GN Howten

I Abraham Westervelt Clerk of the said Court do hereby Certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of the said Court. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this twenty fourth day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty one.
Abraham Westervelt
Clerk of the Bryon County Court of Common Pleas New Jersey
Page 6

V 202

Esther Colfax 
N.J.
Act July 1838

not entitled- was not a widow on 7 July 38  died before joint resolution  of 16 Aug.

Cap. 6 months &  21 days
Lieut. 17 months & 9 days.
 
2 years
Page 7

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "an Act granting half pay and pension to certain widows."

State of New Jersey
Passaic County}SS
On this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared bfore me Abraham Reynolds a Judge of the Interior Court of Common Pleas in and for said Court of Passaic. Esther Colfax a resident of Pompton Passaic County New Jersey  aged seventy five years , who living 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 7 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of William Colfax- who was a Captain of Infantry in the Connecticut line of the Army of the Revolution and later a pensioner of the United States by virtue of pension certificate No. 125 Dated the third day of August i the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine, that sh was married to the said William Colfax in the twenty seventh day of August A.D. 1783 that her husband the aforesaid William Colfax died in the Seventh day of September eighteen hundred and thirty eight
Page 8

that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place place previous to the first day of January Seventeen Hundred and ninety four, viz: [namely] at the time above stated.
Esther Colfax

Sworn and Subscribed on the day & year first above written before me.}
A. Reynolds

State of ew Jersey
Passaic, County }SS On this twenty fifth day of September eighteen hundred and thirty eight before me Abraham Reynolds a Judge of the Superior Court of Common Please in and for said County of Passaic personally appeared William C. Berry and James Shippee residents of Pompton Passaic County New Jersey who living first duly sworn according to law do depose and say that they are well acquainted with Esther Colfax, widow of William Colfax, late of Pompton, deceased. That the said William Colfax died on the tenth day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight, That they were personally present at the time of his decease and also attend his funeral- That they know the said Esther Colfax was never afterwards
Page 9

married but remains the widow of the said William Colfax. And they further say that they have been acquainted with the said William Colfax for many years previous to his death and know that he was a pensioner of the United States. 
William C. Berry and  James F. Shippee

sworn and subscribed the day and year above written before me}
A. Reynolds

Witness Present 
A. Reynolds
 
State of New Jersey
Passaic County} ss
On this twenty fifth day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight before me, Abraham Reynolds a Judge of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Passaic personally appeared Adonijah Schuyler aged 84 years and resident of Pompton N.J. who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Esther Colfax and knew her to be the widow of William Colfax, deceased, that on the twenty seventh day of August seventeen hundred and eighty three he was personally present  and saw the said Esther Colfax lawfully married to the said William Colfax and that the marriage ceremony was performed by the Reverend Benjamin Vanderlinder.
Adonijah Schuyler

Sworn to and Subscribed this day and year  above written before me}
A. Reynolds
Page 10

I Abraham Reynolds, Judge of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Passaic and State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Esther Colfax is the widow of William Colfax late of Pompton deceased, now applying for a pension is a credible person and full faith is to be given to the declarations. I do further certify that William C Berry, James Shippee and Adonijah Schuyler when affidavits are hereunto annexed as also credible persons. And I also certify that Esther Colfax cannot from old age and bodily infirmity attend in open Court  consequently this foregoing proceeding and affidavit was taken at the late residence of the deceased husband in Pomptom, New Jersey.

A. Reynolds.
Page 11

State of New Jersey
Passaic County} SS

I George A. Ryerson, Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Please for the County of Passaic aforesaid do hereby certify that Abraham Reynolds before who the several affidavits were made and taken, at the time of taking the lame was one of the Judges of said Court duly subscribed and sworn, and that the name A. Reynolds subscribed to said affidavits whenever it occurs in said proceedings in his genuine signature. 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Twenty six day of September 1838.

Geo A. Ryerson
Page 12

William Colfax his
power of attorney

Number 147
Act 1828 Admitted


1838
Mr. Lumpton
Page 13

State of New Jersey
County of Passaic} Ss

Know all men by these Presents, that I William W. Colfax of the County of Passaic and State of New Jersey do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph Ellis, of Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County and State of New York,
my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my behalf, to prosecute my claims for a issuer of Pensions, I to naming the baby of William Colfax, my late father dec. which papers are now on file in the Pension Office at Washington City under the Act of 1828 and to receive such Certificate as may be issued; hereby revoking any power of Attorney which may have been heretofore given, and confirming all things that my Attorney, Joseph Ellis, may lawfully do in the premises; and that I authorise my said Attorney to employ one or more attorneys under him to act for me in my behalf, as my attorney, the said Joseph Ellis, may deem proper.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. 
Wm W. Colfax

State of New Jersey County of Passaic SS.
Be it known, that personally appeared before me William W. Colfax to me knowns and acknowledged that he executed the above Power of Attorney to be his act and deed. 
Geo. A Ryerson
Justice of the Peace in  & for the County of Passaic.

I do hereby authorise Thomas Lumpkins to prosecute the above claim of Wim Colfax for a pension March 29, 1853. 
Joseph Ellis
Page 14

Joseph Ellis,  Bloomingburgh, Sullivan County, State of New York
Page 15

State of New Jersey
Passaic County} Ss.
 I Silas  D. Caufield, clerk of the County of Passaic do hereby certify that George A. Ryerson before where the annexed form of attorney was acknowledged, was at the time of taking said acknowledgment a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Passaic, and that his signature to the said is genuine.

I so witness whenof I have here to set my hand and affixed seal  this twenty third day of March A.D. 1853.

S. D. Caufiled Clerk
Page 16

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
EEL

October 21, 1930

May Pierson Joyce
815 Scott Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension claim, R. 2174, that William Colfax enlisted in the State of Connecticut in May, 1775,  for the term of six months in Captain William Coit's Independent  Connecticut Company and was in the battle of Bunker HIll.

He enlisted January 1, 776, serves as sergeant major in Captain Eldridge's Company, Colonel Prentice's Connecticut Regiment; January 1, 1777, was commissioned Ensign; March 16, 1779, was commissioned Lieutenant, First Connecticut Regiment to rank as such from March 18, 1778; was detached and served as Captain Commandant of the Commander-in-Chief's Life Guard; April 12, 1783, was commissioned Captain in Colonel Swift's Second Connecticut Regiment, and continued to serve until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, Germantown, Monmouth, Springfield and at the siege of Yorktown.

He was commissioned February 23, 1784, Captain by Brevet in the United States Army.

He served during the War of 1812 and in the campaign of 1814 was Brigadier General and commanded a force of about three thousand Jersey Troops at Sandy Hook.

He was allowed pension on his application executed January 23, 1821, at which time he was aged sixty five years and resided in  Bergen County, New Jersey. In 1828, he was residing in Pompton, Bergen County, New Jersey.
Page 17

He stated that he had served the State of New Jersey in legislative capacities, in civil appointments and in the Militia, no dates given.

He died September 6 or 7, 1838.

The Soldier married August 27, 1783, Esther, her maiden name not given. In 1838, she was residing in Passaic County, New Jersey, and was aged seventy-five years. She died October 27, 1839, leaving the following children, George Washington Colfax, William W. Colfax who in 1853, was a resident of Passaic County, New Jersey, and was called Doctor William W. Colfax; and Lucy Berry, widow of Henry Berry. In 1821, a daughter, Mary is referred to, as aged twenty years. No further particulars in regard to her.
Very truly yours

E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 18

*left side-sideways*
78,316

Wm Colfax (William Colfax)
Bergen Co. NJ

Applicant, Pompton, NJ
Rec'd 23 Nov. 18


*right side*
Pompton  November 18

Free
John C. Calhoune Esq.
Secty at War
Washington
Page 19

Pompton 10th March 1821
John C. Calhoun Esquire
Sir;
My good will to them has been my ruin. Three sheriffs in force seized my belongings.
Brinkerhoff and Bone have sold under the hammer
all my real and personal Estate my furniture and bed
not excepted-- At our January Court of Common pleas this
year I made my application agreeable to directions 
of the war department preparatory to my being placed
on the pension list-since at that time I had nearly
concluded that it would be unnecessary to carry my
design into effect- near four months sickness that
threatened to put a period to my life has left me
with a liver complaint that seemed to do away 
The necessity of any pecuniary aid of government.  I am somewhat better in health, and may linger
out a regular existence for some time-
I have served my country in the war of the revolution
from the battle of Bunker hill to the end of that
War. Since the peace I have served the state in which I live many years in a legislative capacity-including 
Appointments and as an officer of Militia and finally
finished my military career with the campaign of
1814 - when I served the general government under Vice 
president Simpkins in the militias as Brigadier General
Commanding about 3000 infantry Troops at Sandy Hook.
from these honorable services and a comfortable
competency I am compelled to ask of the General government
Leniency and I humble myself to the terms required by
law to entitle myself to the aid - Herewith is enclosed
the papers required by the act of Congress of the 18 March 1819
May 1826 together with my several commissions with
which I was honored in the service of my country in the war
of the revolution, which I suppose will satisfy the laws of
Congress as aforesaid, and meet the requisitions of the
department of War in relation thereto
I have the honor to be
very respectfully your obedient servant
William Colfax

If Sir, you are pleased to put me on the
pension list for the State of New Jersey, and could consent
to dispense with the regulation of the department of war in
regard to the semiannual remittance for pensions to
State agents, and send for me what you should say I 
was entitled to, it would greatly relieve the
distresses of an humble petitioner-
50
[stamp:] The Archives of the United States
Page 20

Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of March in the year 1822 at Trenton by the President of the Trenton Banking Company

William Colfax

Recorded by F. Wright
Clerk in Book B, Vol. 6. page 36
Page 21

War Department

Revolutionary Claim

I certify that, in conformity with the Laws of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, and first of May 1820,  William Colfax late  a Captain in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the New Jersey Agency, at the rate of Twenty dollars per month, to commence on the twenty third day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this first day of December one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 22

Apr 10, 1822 paid to May 4, 1822
Sep 11 1822 Paid to Sept 4, 1822
Mar 17, 1823 Paid to March 4, 1823
Sept 8, 1823 Paid to Sept 4, 1823
Mar. 17, 1824 paid to Mar 4. 1824
Sept 14, 1824 pd to Sept 4, 1824
Mar 14, 1825 pd to Mar 4, 1825
Sept 21, 1825 pd to Sept. 4 1825
Mar 16, 1826 pd to Mar 4, 1826
Sept. 15, 1826 Paid to  Sept. 4, 1826
Mar 14, 1827 Paid to March 1827
Sept. 19, 1827 Paid to Sept. 4, 1827
Mar 15, 1828 paid to Mar 4, 1828


18.395
Page 23

No of orig Pay 147

Revolutionary Claims

Treasury Department
7 July 1828

William Colfax of Pompton in the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the War, 
at which period he was a Captain in the Second regiment of the Connecticut line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by resolve of 22 March 1783; and, further that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, four hundred and eighty dollars, paid to him by the agent in what State he does not mention. (perhaps New Jersey) 
The Third auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.  
By order of the Secretary, 
A Dubois.


Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office
July 9, 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Wm Colfax Captain in the Connecticut line, amounting to two thousand and four hundred dollars. 
It further appears that William Colfax is now on the pension list of the New Jersey agency, and has been since the 3 March 1826 at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month
Peter Haynes Auditor
Page 24

Hon. J.S. Edwards

Commission of Pensions 
Washington City 
D.C.
Page 25

Paterson New Jersey September 26, 1838

Honorable J.S. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir, 
I have the honour to witness the Declaration of Esther Colfax widower of General William Colfax late of Pompton deceased, who was a Captain of Infantry in the Connecticut line of the Army of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death. I beg leave to refer you to the record and documentary evidence on file in your office to sustain her claim- I would here remark that at the time William Colfax was placed on the pension role he resided in that fact of the County of Bergen which is now included in a new County called Passaic which will account for the change of name although the location received the same. 
Please direct to me at Paterson Passaic County New Jersey.
Very Respectfully Yours 
A Reynolds

The papers of Mariah Bower widow of William Brower was mailed by me for your Department on the 17th August last. If they have not come to hand please inform me of it.
Page 26

*sideways written as follows*
Nov. 30 
Esther Colfax 
C623 Nov to B. Reynolds

Hon. J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Washington
Page 27

Paterson November 28, 1838

Sir,
By your letter of the 23rd Just Happens that Mrs. Esther Colfax widow of William Colfax is not entitled to a pension under the act of July 7, 1838, the claimant husband having died in August last. 
Will you be so kind as to particulerise the act under which she may apply and return to me his original papers, any other instructions will be thankfully received. 

I have the honor to be 
Sir Very Respectfully yours
A. Reynolds

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Page 28

N.J. Jan. rd '43
Esther Colfax

A Ray,
ment

*sideways text as written*
J.L Edwards Esq. 
Commissions of Pensions
Page 29

Washington 
January 3, 1843

Sir,
Captain William Colfax late of New Jersey was under the receipt of a pension act 15 May 1828. at the rate of $48 per annum. Up to the day of his death  which took place on the 6th day of September 1838. leaving a widow Esther Colfax. During his life time she expected a claim to the act of July 1838. Which was rejected on consequence of not being a widow at the time of act passed. William Colfax died on the 27 Apr, 1839. and the children now assert their claim to the act of July 1838 from the 4 March 1836. to the 27 April 1839 as the rate of $48 per annum, on [illegible] of their mother. the evidence of the day and year of Mr. William Colfax's death also the names of the surviving children are herewith enclosed with a letter I received this morning.

I am very respectfully 
Alexander Ray



J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commission of Pensions
Page 30

State of New Jersey
Passaic County} SS.

I John Keenan Clerk of the County of Passaic County holden at Paterson, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been addressed before said court to show that Captain William Colfax late of said County died on the 6th day of September 1838, leaving a widow Esther Colfax who died on the 27th day of October 1839 and the following named children survived her, George Washington Colfax, William W. Colfax and Lucy Berry widow of Henry Berry and that the said Captain William Colfax was a revolutionary pensioner under Act 15 May 1828 and the said Esther his widow made application for the Act 7th July 1838. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this thirty first day of December A.D. 1842.

John Keenan Clerk
Page 31

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Washington D.C.

 *text sideways at written*
Feb. 15 '43
NY
E. Colfax 


Hon. J. Sanford 
AO
Page 32

House of Representatives 
Feb. 14, 1843

Sir,
I feel a desire to know the result of an application in the case of Mrs. Esther Colfax of New Jersey for a pension under the Act of 7 July 1838.
The agent informs me the claim has not yet been decided. If such is the fact you will oblige me by giving it your early attention and inform me of your decision.
 
I have the honor to be sir most respectfully your obedient servant
John Sanford

J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of pensions
Page 33

*sideways text as written*
February 25, 1843
N.J. 
Esther Colfax


A Ray Pref.
______________________

J.L Edwards Commission of Pensions
War Department
Page 34

Washington 
February 25, 1843

Sir,
In your letter to me on the 16th, case of Esther Colfax, deceased, late of New Jersey. You say the date of the marriage must be proven by public record, etc. before parole testimony can be received. 
If it be proven to the satisfaction of the department that no such record evidence exists is the parole testimony now before the Department sufficient to ensure to the heirs the pension claim in right of their mother under act 7 July 1838 from the 4 March 1836. to the 7th of October 1839 when she died.

I am your most obedient servant
Alexander Ray

J.L. Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner, etc.
Page 35

April 1. 1853

Rel. to case of 
Esther Colfax deceased
widow of William 

N. Jersey
Act 28 No. 147
Act 7th July 1838

Ths (Thomas) Lumpkin
Present
Page 36

Washington D.C.
April Act. 1853

Sir.
Having filed my authority as a power of attorney from W. W. Colfax,  Esquire the son of late Esther and William Colfax, to examine into the merits of each set of papers, see suspended care of Esther Colfax of New Jersey widow of Captain William Colfax, Act 7 of July 1838, also his papers under act of 15th May 1838, I have carefully investigated  each case, and now claim the arrears of pension, under the latter act, say the difference between $480, the amount allowed him, and $600 per annum the amount which he was entitled to as a  Cavalry Officer, the rank he certainly bore as Captain of General Washington's Life Guard and Captain of Horse or Cavalry has always been pensioned at $600 per annum. It will I hope be at once conceded that General Washington's Life Guard were mounted men and that Captain Colfax was universally regarded as the Captain of said Guard. I respectfully ask that this case may be examined and an increase allowed. 
I have the honor to be very respectfully Thomas Lumpkin

Honorable L.P. Waldo 

Commission of Pensions
Page 37

Adjutant Generals Office
Washington, Aug. 9, 1853

Sir:
 Your communication of June 28th in relation to the pay of Captain William Colfax of Washington's Life Guard (Revolutionary Army,) and the enclosed papers, were duly received.

As the question proposed was one of much interest and could not be answered from the records of this office. I have detained the papers for the purpose of seeking information from other sources. 

I now enclose a cop of statement from Mr. Curtis of Arlington, which corroborates information derived from other sources, and is no doubt, authentic. 

The Life Guard was an Infantry Corp, and the Officers serving with it were entitled to Infantry pay. 
The papers enclosed with your letter are herewith returned. 
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
S. Cooper 
Adj. General

Commission of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 38

(Copy)

The Life Guard

Was an infantry corp was organized early in 1776 on the march of the army from before Boston, to New York. It consisted of a Major's Command, 185 rank & file, picked men. Gibbs, of Rhode Island, was the first Commander, then Colfax who continued in Command for the War, and was one of the first officers in the American Army. The uniform was blue, with white facings, white under clothes and black half gaiters. The Horse Guard was from time to time, Detailed from the regiments of Sheldon, Biglor, Bland, Maylan, Tallenads &c &c. It was never a fixed corps, but called to the person of the Commander in Chief as circumstances might require, and always in time of action.
[From the Curtis Memoir of Life and Character of Washington]

The above is in the hand writing of Mr. Curtis of Arlington, and is furnished for the office of the Adjutant General . 

(Signed) S. Cooper. Adj. General

AG. Office
Aug 9/53.

Edwd. Carby
AUE
Adj. Gen. Office Aug. 9 '53  
Official
Page 39

The Honorable 
George Vail
House of Representatives
 July 14, 1836

Requests a copy of a Power of Attorney on file in the case of Dr. William Colfax of New Jersey given by him to Wm. Ellis for the collection of this Revolutionary claim.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________


Act of July 15/'[18]36

Respectfully referred to the Commission of Pensions Department
July 15/'[18]36

Charles S. Frowley 
Acting Clerk

Hardee P.A.t o Dan Welsh 
to be referred July 21/ '[18]36

[illegible]
12 July 1836
Page 40

House of Representatives Washington             July 14, 1856
Honorable R. McClelland
Secretary of Interior

Dear Sir,
A Constituent of mine, D. W. Colfax of Pompton New Jersey gave some time since a power of attorney to a William Ellis to collect for him a claim on the Government, which it was expected would pass Congress, to the relief of Revolutionary Officers, and which is now pending in this House. That power of attorney, he understands, is on file in your Department, and he would be greatly obliged for a copy of it, as he fears it may be so broad that he may have to revoke it. 

Excuse me for bothering you with this matter and believe me
Truly Yours,
 George Nail
Page 41

Adrin M Colfax

[illegible] may be [illegible]
in his care
[illegible signature]
15 Dec 1837


[whole image extremely light, nearly all illegible]
Page 42

He. R. Washington   Dec. 15, 1836

Hon. G. C. Whiting

Sir,
William Colfax of New Jersey served in the Revolutionary War and during the latter part of it, was Captain Commandant of Gen. Washington's Life Guard. He received a pension from Govt. until his death in 1838. I should like to be informed of the time of his service, if it can be learned from you Revolutionary rolls, what was the amount of his yearly pay, & whether he received commutation."

Yours truly,
Schuyler Colfax
Page 43

Esther Colfax, widow of William N Jersey
A. Reynolds 23 Nov, 1838
Saine Nov 30, 1838
A Ray Feb 16, 1843 - Hon
J Sanford Feb 16, 1843
A Ray March 17, 1843
T Lumpkin 9 Aug, 1853
Hon S Colfax Dec 26, 1856

Joe 2174 
Slip 2342

July 7, 1838
Page 44

N. Jersey
Esther Colfax, widow of William
Letter to A Reynolds 23, Nov 1838
Same Nov 30, 1838
Letter to A Ray, Esq Feb 7 [illegible]
also to Honorable J Sanford
To A Ray Mar 17.1843
J Lumpkin 9 Aug 43

Act. July 7, 1838
Page 45

15822
3-2233

Bureau of Pensions
Finance Division
July 18, 1928
Chief Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
I have this day received from
Jessie M Casanova
cash in the amount of $30/100,
requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.

C J Randall, Chief Finance Division/ HCL
Photos delivered and Finance Div notified
July 25, 1928
Page 46

Submit in Duplicate. 1-681   Phone Branch 476

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 25155

Rev. War. 

Requisition of Publications, 
Room G. 147
Please furnish work specified below. 

July 17, 1928

Bureau ordering Pensions 
Deliver to Room No. 5033

(All copy for duplicating work should be plain and written in elite type, exactly line for line as it is to appear on finished job.)

Title and description of job Photostat copy of one page from Revolutionary pension claim, R. 2174, William Colfax, widow Esther.

No. of Copies _2_   Shall for be kept standing? _______ _______ days

For further information see __ M.M.H. Finch__
Room No. _5033_    Phone No. _541_

Approved: Abr. Wilkinson 
Chief Clerk of Bureau.

Margaret M.H. Finch
Chief of Branch
Rev. & 1812

Note: No order made "Special" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau 
ordering ________

_______________________________________


Check Work Desired

Duplicate
Multigraph:  single or double spaced? Facsimile signature?

Mimeograph Folding: one side or both sides? Facsimile Signature?

Folding: Once or Twice?

Assembling Stapling: Once? Twice? Side? End?

Electric Typewriter:  Fill in addresses? ____
Dated? _____

Addressograph from lists
Envelope, size.                       Cards, size
Proof List.                               Pay Rolls
Labels (submit sample)        Corrections
Fill in letters                          Tabulation sheets

Photostat: _x_. Size:_actual_ Official use? 
Repay? _yes__$30 cents_

Blue Print  Size  Official use.  Repay? 

Remarks _________________
(Over)
Page 47

Note: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus. 

______________ 192__
(Date)

Indicate by an X in Proper square action to be taken.

[]Make new addressograph plate

[] Change present addressograph plate

[] Destroy present addressograph plate

as follows:
Now Reads
1.....................
2....................
3....................
4....................
5....................
____________________________________

For use of duplicating and addressing section

Addressograph 
The above change was made ............... 192__

Operator................................

Multigraph
Operator....... Date......... Type set by.......... Date.........
Remarks..........................

Mimeograph
Operator..... Date..... Cut by......
Remarks:..........................
Page 48

July 17, 1928

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
I desire two photostat copies of one page from the Revolutionary War pension claim of William Colfax and widow Esther, R. 2174.
Recd. Payment
30 cents

Antonia W. Ford
Rev. & 1812 War Sec.

Jessie M. Casanova
727 Kennedy Sh. N.W.
City

1 page 3 copies 
30 cents 

Cash  30 cents
*stamp*
Finance Division
book-keeper's desk
Jul 18, 1928
Bureau of Pensions
Page 49

*sideways text as written*
1928 July 25- Photos delivery [cutoff] 
1930 Oct. 21. Hist. to May Pierson Joyce letter in case

Ebenezer Lester 2.37615-EEL
Page 50

Wm Colfax (William Colfax)
Power of substitutiton
to Jno R. Nourse

lodged 18th June 1828
Page 51

Revolutionary Claims

[A]
Form of a Declaration to be made by Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May 1828, I. William Colfax of Pompton, in the county of Bergen, in the state of New Jersey to hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* to th e end of the War at which period I was a Captain in the 2nd Commandant regiment of the Connecticut line.

And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22nd of March, 178, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October 1780. 

And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3rd day of March, 1826, four hundred and eighty dollars. 
Witness my hand this 11th day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred twenty eight. 
William Colfax

Before me, Abraham Ryerson a Justice of the Peace in the County of Bergen in the state of New Jersey, personally appeared this day, George Michael Colfax and David S. Christie, of the said county, who did severally make oath that William Colfax, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated. 
Witness my hand, this 11th day of June, in the year of and  on one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, 1928 Geo W. Colfax
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above said  David S. Christie and Abraham Ryerson.

I Abraham Westervelt, Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Bergen, in the state of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that Abraham Ryerson, before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a Justice of the Pease in and for the said county, and duly empowered to administer oaths. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the [cut off] said Court, this eleventh day of June A.D. eighteen hundred and twenty eight. Abraham Westervelt, Clerk

Here insert, To the end of the war, or (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangements of the Army provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3rd and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was reduced under that arrangement. 

Here Insert, The Sum of ______ dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State of ________. If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration may be omitted. 
A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.
Page 52

In Pursuance
of an Act of Congress
Of the Thirtieth Day of September 
A.D. 1783

William Colfax Esquire
is to Rank as a captain by Brevet in the Army of the United States of America.

Given under my hand at Annapolis the 23 Day of February 1784. 

Thomas Moffun

Recorded in the War Office
Jas Carlton
N.Y
Page 53

West Point 12 April 1883

Lieutenant Colonel Humphrey having resigned the  Captaincy, which he held in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment, the first assigned Liueutenant Colfax of the Said Regiment succeed by Right of Seniority, to the Vacancy and has obtained the necessary Certificate for an Appointment . This Declaration is made at this stage of Business, least [lest] the Army should be disbanded before an Appointment is obtained from the Chief Executive of the State of Connecticut. 

Ensign Glenney in like manner succeeds to the Vacancy made by said Colfax

J Huntington Brigadier General and Senior officer of the
Page 54

*sideways text as written*
William Colfax
Appointment to Captaincy 1783

William Colfax 
R. 2174
Conn.


*Text as written*
Appt. to Captaincy

Appointment to Captaincy
12 April 1783
Page 55

IN CONGRESS.

The Delegates of the United States of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia TO
William Colfax gentlemen

We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do, by these presents, continue and appoint you to b an Ensign in a Regiment of Foot in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Ensign 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 their Ensign, 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 States, or Committee of Congress, for the purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States, 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 at Hartford in the State of Connecticut January 1st Anno Domini 1777

By Order of the Congress
John Hancock President

Attest. Elia. Morrison  [illegible]
Page 56

No. 5

The United States of America in Congress Assembled 
To William Colfax, Gentleman, Greetings. We reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Contact and Futility. Do by the presents constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the fifth Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States take rand as Lieutenant from the 12th day of March A.D. 1776. You are the above carefully and diligently  to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant 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 Lieutenant And you are to charge and follow such orders and directions from the time to as you shall serve this or future Congress of the United States Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pensioner of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue  insure until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.

Witness to Secretary John Jay Esq. President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 16th day of March 1776, and in the said year of our Independence.
Secretary of the Board of War.  John Jay

Entered in the War Office 
and examined by the Board 
Attest C. [illegible]