Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22207, Christopher Dennisson, New York
Page 1

SERVICE
New York

Dennisson, Christopher
or Dennison

NUMBER
S.22207
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Vermont (B) 31.471

Christopher Dennison of Addison Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Hawley of the  --- commanded by ---- in the Massachusetts line (Massachusetts line is crossed out)  for 7 1/2 mos. Sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont (Bur.) at the rate of 37 Dollars  50 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of July, 1838 and sent to Hon. W. Gladd, H. R.

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1838 =  $248.50
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1838    18.75

                                                            $267.25
{ Revolutionary Claim,  }
{ Act June 28, 1838      }

Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk
Book E2  Vol. 3, Page 63
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No 1

State of Vermont   }
Addison County    }
City of Vergennes ss}  On the 7th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before Belden Seymour Mason & John H Sherrill & Ford(illegible) (illegible) Aldermen of said City of Vergennes, & constituting the City Court of said City, now sitting Christopher Dennisson, a resident of Waltham in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, aged Eight eight years who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th AD 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & (illegible) (illegible)

No 1

At the commencement of the American Revolution applicant was residing at Spencertown in the County of Columbia & State of New York; was a tanner by trade, was thirty two years old, & had been married in the previous autumn (the autumn of 1774.)  In April 1775, & upon a Sunday, news arrived at Spencertown that the British had attacked our people near Boston.  Applicant was then one of the members of a militia company in that town commanded by one Captain Alan Hawley.  At the time of the alarm applicant & fourteen others volunteered to go to Boston, one of the number by the name of Joel Pratt was selected as Captain & they marched to Great Barrington in the State of Massachusetts.  At this place six of their number enlisted in the army for six months, the rest of them (among whom was this applicant) were put under the command of General Fellows & marched to Boston, where they remained about a week, (illegible) wanted & returned home.
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No 1

At the commencement of the American Revolution applicant was residing at Spencertown in the county of Columbia & State of New York; was a tanner by trade was thirty two years old, & had been married in the previous autumn ( the autumn of 1774.)
In April 1775, & upon a Sunday, news arrived at Spencertown that the British had attacked our people near Boston.  Applicant was then one of the members of the militia company in that town commanded by one Captain Abner Hawley.  At the time of the alarm applicant & fourteen others volunteered to go to Boston, one of the number by the name of Joel Pratt, was selected as Captain & they  marched to Great Barrington in the State of Massachusetts.  At this place six of their number enlisted in the army for six months - the rest of them (among whom was this applicant) were put under the command of General Fellows & marched to Boston, where they remained about a weeks, were not wanted & returned home.
In the same year applicant volunteered under the before mentioned Capt. Abner Hawley against the Tories in the neighbourhood (sic) of Spencertown. Was among other places to Nobletown & was with one Captain Ethemar Spencer periodically  & assisted in taking a celebrated Tory by the name of Norman Fealy.  He was taken from his bed at midnight
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by said Captain Spencer and this applicant, was tried by a Court Martial at Nobletown, sent to Albany & from there to Poughkeepsie where he was executed.  Fealy had received an ensign's commission in the British service.  He was being hung about the same time that one Colonel Hawson and celebrated Tory were executed at Albany.  Applicant recollects that as soon as Hawson was executed the hangman went immediately down the river to execute Fealy.   Upon this tour of service applicant remained a considerable time at Albany.  The volunteers were detained there from a fear of a general rising of the Tories when these executions should take place.
In 1776 applicant again volunteered under the same Captain Hawley & marched to Albany, the volunteers were there joined to a regiment of troops, (part of which where voluntary and part regulars.)  the commander's name of which applicant does not recollect.  They marched to Fort Edward, where they were joined by others and were placed under the command of General Schuyler.  Applicant was then marched to Lake George, & back to Albany, from whence he returned home with Capt. Hawley.  Was absent from home two or three months.
In 1777 applicant volunteered again under the same Captain Hawley, went to Albany & was placed under the command of General Schuyler, marched to Lake George, from whence they retired to Fort Edward
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and Stillwater, was among those who were occupied in tearing up the bridges & felling trees across the roads to impeded the advance of General Burgoyne's army, recollects when General Gates took command of the troops, advanced with the army from Stillwater to Saratoga & was in one of the engagements fought there.  That part of the battle in which applicant was engaged was after the loss of the American army & was commanded by General Arnold, applicant was present also at the surrender of Burgoyne.  Thinks he was out at this time about four months.
From this period through 1778 & 1779 applicant was frequently out as a volunteer, went upon on occasion to Fort Stanwix, & upon another to Johnstown but cannot name the particular period, having been so often called out., & his memory being somewhat impaired by old age.  Applicant however remembers that in one of those years ( he believes in 1779, ) he went under Capt. Hawley to Albany & was there put under the command of a militia Colonel named McKinster & under him marched to Cherry Valley.  At Cherry Valley was put under the command of Colonel Alden, had several battles there with the Indians &  Tories, in one of which Colonel Alden was killed.  Applicant saw him after he was tomahawked.  Was about two months. 
At another time (applicant thinks in 1780,)  volunteered again under Capt. Hawley & marched to the Mohawk River, where he was placed under the command
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of General Van Rensellaer.  Was frequently engaged with the Indians & Tories, remembers particularly a place called Stone Robies on the north side of the Mohawk river which one Colonel Brown was killed.  In following the enemy all suffered most severely, for three succesive (sic) days there was barely provisions enough to sustain life & horse beef was resorted to as a means of subsistence.  Cannot tell how long he was out upon this occasion, but it was through the entire campaign.
Applicant was out in 1781,  but cannot particularly name where he was engaged.  Remembers however that he was with the troops at Saratoga when the news of Cornwallis' defeat arrived.  Recollects also that an old man who was called Lord Stirling, (whom applicant thinks had no command there) had lately come there from Albany, was a large flashy man, with white hair & a red face & got merry in celebrating the news.

The frequent calls upon applicant as a volunteer from 1775 to 1791 broke up his trade.  He attempted to keep a little farming along, but his absence made it a matter of small importance.  One year his wife had to pick the corn.  When engaged against the Tories he got no pay; for the other services he received his pay in depreciated continental paper & has now a common cat iron tea kettle for which he paid Seventy Dollars of it.
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No 2


Interrogatories propounded by the Court.

Where & in what year were you born?
Answer:  I was born in Seabrook at the mouth of Connecticut River on the seventh day of October AD 1743.

Question  Have you any record of your age, & if so, where is it?
Answer   I have no record in my possession.  There was a record in the old family Bible, which passed into my oldest brother (John Dennisson's ) hands.  I saw it at my brother's house in Seabrook about fifteen years ago for the last time.  My brother John is since dead and I do not know where the record is.  My brother died about six years ago.

Question  Where were you living when call into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war; & where do you now live?
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Answer   I was living at Spencertown as before stated, & lived there at the close of the Revolution.  In 1787 I removed to Goshen, in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut, where I removed until 1793, when I removed to New Haven in the County of Addison & State of Vermont.  A part of the town of New Haven has been since incorporated into a town by the name of Waltham & in that part of New Haven now called Waltham, I have resided for the last twenty years.

Question   How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute for whom?   
Answer   I always served as a volunteer, as stated in the body of the foregoing declaration. 

State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental & militia regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service.
Answer    I remember Generals Fellows, Schuyler, Gates, Arnold Nixon & Van Rennsallae, Colonels Ford,
Page 10

Pratt & Thomas.  I cannot at this distance of time name the particular regiments in the of continental or militia with which I was acquainted. The general circumstances of my service I have stated in the body of my application.

Question   Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given  what has become of it?
Answer   I never received a written discharge. Being always a volunteer, I served as long as I was wanted, & when informed that my service were no longer needed I returned home.

State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood (sic); and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution.
Answer   Reuben Wheeler of Ferrisburg has known me forty years, both when I resided in Connecticut & since my settlement in this state.  The Reverend Alexander Lovell, the nearest settled clergyman to my residence location at Vergennes has known me for fourteen years.
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This applicant further states that he knows of no person now living who was out with & served with him. the tow last of them ( the Reverend (illegible) Graves of Bridport and James Saxton of New Haven in Addison County having died within (illegible) four years.
This applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Christopher Dennisson

Sworn before me   V. Lawrence, Clerk of City Court

We, Alexander Lovell a clergyman residing in the city of Vergennes in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, and Reuben Wheeler of Ferrisburgh in said County & State hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Christopher Dennisson, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty eight years of age; that he is a reputed & believed in the neighbourhood (sic) where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Alexander Lovell
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Reuben Wheeler                                      No 3

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
V. Lawrence Clerk of City Court

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Alexander Lovell, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the city of Vergennes, and that Reuben Wheeler who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Ferrisburgh and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Villee Lawrence, clerk of the City Court of the City of Vergennes in the County of Addison & State of Vermont do hereby verify, that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher
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Dennisson for a pension.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 7th day of August AD 1832

V. Lawrence  Clerk of the City Court
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P O No 52158
August 14. 1833


free

Hon. Lewis Cass
Seretary of War
Washington 
D C.

Mail
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Vergennes (County of Addison) Vt
August 7th 1832

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War.

Sir

I forward the foregoing statement of Christopher Dennisson, who claims to be a revolutionary soldier for the consideration of your department.  The man, it will be observed, (illegible) (illegible) the examination, however is the result of a very rigid enquiry to ascertain the truth.  The old man (illegible) of an eye & hard of hearing, & the investigation has been made with much time and patience.  I observe further, (which is perhaps unnecessary,) that I am convinced that he had served upon some occasion longer than he is willing to swear to; having from the time he first thought of applying, (illegible) great caution & delicacy, last, by any defeat of memory, he might (illegible) his actual period of service.
Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt
Philip C Tucker
Page 16

June 24, 1931.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
ILL

Miss Emma Lee Walton
747 Junior Terrace
Chicago, Illinois.

Dear Madam:

You are advised that is appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 22207, that Christopher Dennisson or Dennison was born October 7, 1743 in Seabrook, at the mouth of the Connecticut River.

While a resident of Spencertown, Columbia County, New York, he volunteered in April, 1775 and served at various times as private, corporal, (illegible) ensign in Captain Abner Hawley's Company under Colonels Ford, Alden, Pratt, McKinstry and Brown in the New York militia until 1781.  During this time he was in several skirmishes while on expeditions against the Tories and Indians and was in the battle of Saratoga.

In 17987, soldier moved from Spencertown, New York, to Goshen, Litchfield County, Connecticut where he remained until 1793, then moved to New Haven, Addison County Vermont, and in 1832, resided in Waltham, Addison County, Vermont.

He was allowed pension by special Act of Congress, approved June 28, 1838, on account of seven and one-half months service as sergeant.

He married in the fall of 1774, but did not state the name of his wife, nor is there any reference to children.

Very truly yours,

R.W.MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
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Joseph Foot's
Affidavit



Mr. Christopher Dennison
Vergennes, Addison County
Vermont
Page 18

State of New York  }
Columbia County   } ss

Joseph Foot of the Town of Austerlitz in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is seventy four years of age.  That he is acquainted with Christopher Denison who formerly resided in Spencertown NYork but who now resides in Waltham in the State of Vermont.
That he believes said Denison is ninety years of age and that he knows that said Denison was in the Revolutionary service and was in the Battle at the taking of Bourgoine's (sic) Army in the year 1777 said Deponent does not recollect how long said Denison was in the service and further this deponent saith not
Sworn and subscribed at 
Austerlitz before me this 19th day of July 1834.       Joseph Foot

William Niles
Justice of the Peace

I William Niles Justice do hereby Certify that I am acquainted with the above named Joseph Foot who made the foregoing affidavit and that he is a credible person and a man of truth and veracity
Austerlitz July 19 1834    William Niles

State of New York  }
Columbia County  } ss    I Joseph D. Monell Clerk of said County do certify that William Niles before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County.  That I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavit and also to the certificate of credibility in his proper handwriting & signature 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto, in the absence of Joseph D. Monell set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 28th day of July 1834   Richard Caringen Depy Clk
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I Amos W. Barnum of Vergennes in the County of Addison of lawful age, being duly sworn testify & say that I have been personally acquainted with Christopher Dennisson of Waltham in said County for more than thirty five years. That I have always understood him, by common report to have been a soldier in the army of the revolution, that his reputation as a man of truth & veracity & of correct & (illegible) conduct has always been of the highest & most unimpaired kind, & that I should have no doubt of the correctness of any statement which he had made or should make in relation to his revolutionary service.  And further say non
A. W. Barnum

State of Vermont  }
Addison County   }  Vergennes Jany 6. 1836
Personally appeared Amos W. Barnum & made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed.  Before me
Philip C. Tucker
Jus. Peace

The above named Philip C Tucker was a Justice of the Peace at the above date, and above named A W Barnum is a man of truth
W. Slade MC
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War Department
Pension Office
January 24. 1837

Sir,

In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 23rd last I send herewith a copy of my letter of the 29th of April last, in the care of Christopher Dennison.

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
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War Department
Pension Office
August 26th 1834

Sir
It is much to be regretted that the memory of Christopher Dennison does not enable him to furnish the explanations required in my letter to you of the 19 Sept 1833 and to S Haight Esq of the 27 Feby last a copy of which so (illegible) refers to their claim enclosed.  Before the papers in their present condition both his rank and the period of their service are entirely conjectural.  That he served at the taking of Burgoyne when the Militia was called out en masse will not be doubted, but that he was in actual service at that time four months as suggested in one of his statements in not supported by the course of similair services.  Much his services can't be so explained that they may be verified, or can be proved by the recollections of others, this Department will papers no data upon which to confute an allowance under the act of 1832.  The papers remain on file.
Your respectfully
Your obt servt
J. L. Edwards

P. C. Tucker Esquire
Vergennes
Vermont
Page 22

Christopher Dennison
Act 28 June 1838
$37.50/100 per ann.
to commence 4
Novemb 1831

(enroll him among 
Act June 7. '32 Pensioners)

Agency of Burlington
Vt.

Hon. W. Slade
H.R.
Page 23

I am acquainted with Chdristopher Dennison of Vermont in whom favor an act has been passed at present session of Congress granting him a pension and request the Commissioner of Pensions to send me his pension Certificate as soon as practicable

William Slade
July 7 1838
Page 24

J. L. Edwards to
William Slade
29 Apr 1836 - Copy

Case of Christ'r Dennison
Page 25

(Copy)

War Department
Pension Office
April 29. 1836.

Sir,

I have the honor to reply to your letter in the case of Christoher Dennison, in which for him, 1st.  12 days as a corporal in 1775; 2nd  3 months as sergeant, in 1775;  3rd  5 months as a sergeant, in 1776; 4th  4 months as sergeant in 1777.

In his original declaration he stated that he belonged to Hawley's company of militia, at the time of the Lexington alarm; - joined some thirteen others; selected their captain; marched to Boston, where part of them enlisted being 1 week.  He now states that he went out under Hawley, and at Boston the Company was attached to Colonel Fellows, being engaged 12 days excluding tghe time occupied in travelling.

His first statement as to the 2d term is, that he was engaged 2, or 3 months under Hawley hunting & arresting tories.  His present statement is, that he served 3 months under that Captain in pursuit of tories.  In neither does it appear, that the Company was clled out by Competent Authority, duly organized and embodied as a military corps in the field or garrison.  The  patroling (sic) in squads, although an important and harrassing (sic) duty, devolving upon the arms bearing citizens; alike in peace, or war, is not a military service in the contemplation of the act.

The service of 1776 was originally set forth as a continuous term of 4 months.  It is now stated to have been composed of 2 terms of 2 months each.  This you have estimated at 5 months.
Page 26

The service in 1777, to which he originally alluded to in general terms is set forth as 4 months in one terms in his amended statement.  The militia terms of service in New York, did not extend to that length; they were short and occasional, except particular detachments.  He also states that he served 1 tour of 2 months in 1779; one of 3 months, in 1780, as sergeant & one in 1781, as Ensign of Hawley's company.  The rolls of that company for 1779, 1780 & 1781 show that the company was called out 4 times, in those years and his named is found upon one and only, viz as Sergeant 11 days in November 1781.  They furnish no evidence whatever that he was an Ensign in that company, which does not appear to have been in service after 1781.

I have been this minute in order to satisfy you that no reliance can be placed on his memory: and as the pro rata character of the pension requires a separate adjudication of each term of service which is to be taken into the computation, it is impracticable (sic) to for any satisfactory opinion of the amount to which he is entitled.

It is respectfully suggested to you that this claim, which is unquestionably meritorious to some extent, but which from the lapse of time & loss of memory the claimant is unable to bring within the indispensable rules of an official adjustment of it, affords a suitable subject for the equitable consideration of Congress. 

I have the honor to be
very respectfully
your obt servt
J. L. Edwards.

Hon. William Slade,
House of Representatives
Page 27

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir

I transmit herewith, the papers which have been heretofore in your office in the case of Christopher Dennison, together with four additional affidavits namely Nathan Barton, Jonathan Hoyt, A W Barnum & Philo Dorwin, all highly reputable citizens residing in the vicinity of Mr. Dennison, who concur in stating his character to be what it really is, that of the most scrupulous and undoubted veracity.  I beg you will review this case.  On reading the papers it seems to me that if there can be aa case in which the Dept. will grant a pension without direct & postive proof of service from persons other than this applicant this is such a case.  Mr. Dennison, in his additional declaration states the duration of his service periods of service, and I have no doubt from his well known scrupulous regard for truth, has been very awful not to exceed what he is fully satisfied is within its limits.
Page 28

I am aware that a very large portion of the service performed by volunteers on the invasion of Burgoyne was for periods much less that four months; but is it equally certain that there was service of volunteers during that campaign for a period as long as four months.  Dennison did not volunteer for the purpose of aiding to stop the progress of Burgoyne, as very many of the troops did who were at the battle of Saratoga; but according to his account was previously at Albany, Lake George, Fort Edward & Stillwater.  And it is well known that the state of that part of the country was such at that time under constant alarm from Indians & Tories as to render the service of volunteers very necessary. That service indeed was among the most severe & perilous of any service rendered during the war.

As Mr. Dennison does not recollect where he served in 1781 (except that he was at Saratoga when the news of the defeat of Cornwallis arrived) and with regard to the two months precious periods of service can not remember the precise years in which they were performed.  I do not feel (illegible) to (illegible) his claim for a specific allowance for
Page 29

those periods, though they amount to 8 months and though there can be no reasonable doubt that he did in fact serve as much as he states in the years 1778 - 1779 - 1778- & 1781.  But I ask the Comm'r of pensions to allow for the five other periods stated by Mr. Dennison, namely
In 1775 as a corporal                  12 days
same year  - Sergeant -               3  mo.
In 1776 - Sergeant  -                    5 mo.
In 1777   Sergeant  -                    4 mo.
If the Comm. deems it morally certain as I do that Mr. Dennison  performed at that least several months service after 1777, he will be pretty sure not to do the govt injustice in an allowance which shall exclude that service, and embrace that of those years only in which he states the length of time particularly and give the names of the officers under whom he served, and the places where he served.  It will be impossible I think for the Comm'r to examine the papers without entertaining an undeniable conviction that Mr. Dennison served certainly as much and in all probability considerably more than 12 months & 12 days.

Very respectfully
W. Slade
Page 30

Nov 81 Tesy 9.4        366  11
                                    37
Nov 79
not on Roll                   46
80 & 81 also                 31
Page 31

75 belonged to Hawley Co militia volunteered went to Boston a capt (illegible) selection was not used gone 1 week.
service came year under Hawley after Tories

76.  Hawley  2 or 3 mo
77      "                4 mo
        12 days in 75 under Hawley
          3 mo       75    "         "   Louis Sergt
          2 mos      76    "        "                   "
          2 mos      76     "       "                    "
           4 mos     77     "        "                    "
           2 mos     79     "        "                    "
           3 mos  79 or 80 "      "            Ensign
                           81     "        "
Page 32

Philip C Tucker Esq
Vergennes
Vermont

Notage (illegible) me by C. D.
Page 33

State of New York }
Secretary's Office }

Albany March 28. 1834

In answer to  your letter of the 15. inst. to Mr. Flagg (who is now Comptroller of this State)  I have to state that I carefully examined the records in this Office relating to Officers and Soldiers who Served in the revolutionary war, but I have not been able to find the name of Christopher Dennisson either as an officer or private.  There are no rolls in this office giving the names of the non-commission officers & privates of the Militia.  In the Comptrollers Office there are a great number of Receipts given by Militia Soldiers, for their pay when called out into the Service; but the said Dennisson's name is not to be found among them.  I find that Jacob Ford was Lieut. Col. of Peter Can Ness's Regt. of Militia in 1778 in Albany County ( not Columbia)-  that David Pratt was also appointed Lt. Col of said Regt Nov. 4. 1778 and John McKinstry Major.  There was a Capt. of the name of Abner Hawley in said Regt. but I cannot find any of the name of James Hawley.

Yours very rfespectflly
Arch'd Campbell
Dep. Secretary

Philip C. Tucker Esq.
Page 34

H.R. - 196
Christopher Dennison
Page 35

Christopher Dennison

Pension papers

Vermont

No. 5258

Suspended

2 [illegible] to Hon Wm Slade Apr. 29. 1836

Jan. 23. 1827

Ref [illegible] on Rev pensions

Jan.28.1837 Com or duih
Rep in [illegible]
Can drigd

Feb. 8. 1837
Bill [illegible] 918

Hon W Slade
G5.  Hr

[illegible]
Page 36

HR 196

25th Congress,   [Rep. No. 171].   Ho OF REPS.

Christopher Dennison
[To accompany bill H. R. NO. 196]

DECEMBER 22, 1837.

MR. WHITTLESEY, of Connecticut, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following

REPORT:

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Christopher Dennison, ask leave to report:

The petitioner has applied to the Commissioner of Pensions, under the law of 1832, and made declaration of his services from 1775 to 1781, inclusive.  In 1775 the petitioner resided at Spencertown, New York, and forthwith, upon the first news of the battle of Lexington, repaired to Boston, and continued to serve as a volunteer, some months every year, to the end of that of 1781; was in the battle of Saratoga, and in other engagements with the British and Indians.  The Commissioner did not allow the claimant a pension, on the ground that the proof offered did not come strictly within the rules of the department, and he was precluded the exercise of any discretion.  He suggest "that, as the claim is unquestionably meritorious, it affords a suitable subject for the equitable consideration of Congress."
The committee are of the same opinion; and, in conformity to a former report on the subject, of this petitioner's claim, say that, from the evidence, they are satisfied that "the petitioner served at least nine months as a sergeant in the war of the Revolution, and report a bill that he be allowed a pension for that term of service."
Thomas Allen, print
Page 37

24th Congress
2d session.

[Rep. No. 198]

Ho. of Reps.

Cristopher Dennison.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 918]

-
February 8, 1837
-

Mr. Storer, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Christopher Dennison, ask leave to report:

The petitioner has applied to the Commissioner of Pensions, under the law of 1832, and exhibited, in detail, his claim to receive the benefit of its provisions. On the examination of his case, that officer refused to allow the pension, on the ground that the strict rules of the department precluded the exercise of any discretion. He suggests that, "as the claim is unquestionably meritorious, it affords a suitable subject for the equitable consideration of Congress."
The committee are of the same opinion; and, satisfied from the papers that the petitioner served at least nine months as a sergeant in the war of the revolution, they report a bill that he be allowed a pension for that term of service.
-----
Blair & Rives, printers.
Page 38

[a big x is marked across the top part through A BILL]

25th CONGRESS,
2d Session.

H. R. 196
December 22, 1837
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.

Mr. WHITTLESEY, of Connecticut, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:

An Act   A BILL

For the relief of Christopher Dennison.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Untied States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War be directed to place upon the roll of revolutionary pensioners Christopher Dennison, of Vermont, and to pay him the sum of thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents per annum during his natural life; the said payment to commence on the fourth day of March, anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one.

Approved, June 28th 1838.
A true copy compares with the Roll in this office.

Dept. of State
June 30th 1838.

A. Vail
Chief Clerk
Page 39

918
Christopher Dennison
Page 40

24th CONGRESS,
2d Session.

H. R. 918.

February 8, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.

Mr. STORER, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:

A BILL
For the relief of Christopher Dennison.
[The following is numbered 1 to 8 down the left side of page]
1  Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
2  of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
3  the Secretary of War be directed to place upon the roll of revo-
4   lution pensioners Christopher Dennison, of Vermont, and to pay
5   him the sum of thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents per annum
6   during his natural life; the said payment to commence on the
7   fourth day of March, anno Domini one thousand eight hundred
8   and thirty-one.
Page 41

I Augustus Tripp of New Haven in the County of Addison & State of Vermont of the age of seventy years, depose & say, that I have been acquainted with Christopher Dennisson, formerly of New Haven & now of Waltham in said County of Addison for about thirty five years. That for about fourteen or fifteen years of this time he lived a near neighbour to me in said New Haven & that he was always reputed among his neighbours & believed to have been a soldier who served in the American Revolution. I further say that the history of his adventures as a soldier in said revolution has been the subject of conversation in my presence, at different times during my acquaintance with him & that I have never heard them doubted & always myself believed & do now believe that he served in the revolution as a soldier according to his statement.
Augustus Tripp
Sind by his request He being unable to write
[Signed] Timothy Turner
State of Vermont
Addison County Ss New Haven 26 Dec 1833 Has personally appeared Augustus Tripp, the signer of the above instrument & made solemn oath that the statements therein contained are true. Before me 
[Signed] Philip C. Tucker
Justice of the Peace
Page 42

I, Martin Crane, of New Haven in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, of the age of Seventy years, do depose, testify & say, that I have been acquainted with Christopher Dennisson, formerly of New Haven & now of Waltham in said County for about thirty five years, during fourteen or fifteen years of which time, he lived near me as a neighbour in said town of New Haven. From the commencement of my acquaintance with him I always understood him to have been a revolutionary soldier, who had served against the Tories in the State of New York & it was always believed in the neighbourhood where he lived. I have always myself believed & do now believe him to have served as a soldier in the American Revolution. Mr. Dennisson's character through life has been of a highly respectable grade & his statements would never be doubted among those who have been acquainted with him.
[Signed] Martin Crane

State of Vermont
Addison County Ss New Haven Dec 26, 1833
Here personally appeared Martin Crane the signer of the above instrument made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true. 
Before me 
[Signed] Philip C. Tucker
Justice of the Peace
Page 43

State of Vermont
City of Vergennes
Vergennes December 27. 1833
I, George W. Rogers, Clerk of the City Court of the Aforesaid aforesaid, do hereby certify that C. Philip Ticker (the magistrate who certified to the annexed affidavits of Augustus Tripp & Martin Crane) is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Addison, duly appointed , commissioned & [unclear] & that full faith & credit are to be given to all his acts in that capacity & that the signature attached to the certificate of the oaths in said [unclear] are his own true hand.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said City Court at [unclear]
 City of Vergennes above noted
Geo. W. Rogers, Clerk
Page 44

Affidavit

Philo Dorwin
Page 45

I, Philo Dorwin, of New Haven in the County of Addison, being duly sworn, testify & say that I have known Christopher Dennisson now of Waltham in said County for about forty years; that from my earliest acquaintance he has always been reputed to have served as a soldier in the revolutionary war & was always a man in whose integrity & truth the community in which he has lived have had full faith & confidence & that I should have no doubt as to the truth of any statement made by him, with or without an oath. I further testify that I have lived in the town of New Haven (of which Waltham was formerly a part) for forty six years - that I lived as a near neighbour of said Dennisson for several years & within two miles of him for about thirty years. And further say not.
[Signed] Philo Dorwin

State of Vermont
Addison County
[Illegible] 6th Jany 1836
Here personally appeared Philo Dorwin & made solemn oath to the truth of the forgoing affidavit by him subscribed
Before me
[Signed] Philip C. Tucker
Justice Peace

The above named Philip C Tucker was a Justice of the peace at the above date, and the said Philo Dorwin is a man of truth
[Signed] W. Slade M.C.
Page 46

Affidavits
Nathan Barton &
Jona Houyt
C. Dennisson's case
The within named Cyrus Smith was a magistrate at the time these within affidavits  profess to have been taken before him, and the witnesses are men of intelligence & truth
W. Slade M.C.
Page 47

I Nathan Barton of New Haven the county of Addison and State of Vermont being first duly sworn testify & say, that I have been acquainted with Christopher Dennison of Waltham in said County for about thirty three years, that he has always sustained a perfectly fair character in all the stations of life, and a a man of [unclear] and undisputed trust & veracity, & that he has always been reported to have been a Soldier in the American Revolutionary War
And further saith not
Nathan Barton
Page 48

I, Jonathan Hoyt of New Haven in the County of Addison & State of Vermont, being first duly sworn testify and say, that I have been acquainted with Christopher Dennison of Waltham in said county for about thirty three years, that he has always sustained a perfectly fair character in all the relations of life, & as a man of [unintelligible] & [unintelligible] truth & veracity, & that he has always been reported to have been a soldier in the American Revolutionary War.
And further saith not
Jon a Hoyt

State of Vermont }
Addison County }  Vergennes 29th [unintelligible] 1835

Personally appeared the above named Jonathan Hoyt & made Solemn Oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him [unintelligible]
Before Me
Cyrus Smith Just Power
Page 49

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. 

Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the REvolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States. 

O. W. & N. DIV. 
REVOLUTIONARY.

L. W. B. 
I. 22207. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., 
May 17th, 1899.

Madam:- 

In response to your recent communication you are advised that Christopher Dennison made an application for pension on August 7th, 1832, at which time he was 88 years of age and residing at Waltham, Vermont, and his pension was allowed for seven and one-half months' actual service as a sergeant in the N. Y. Troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at Spencertown, N. Y., and served under Capt. Hawley and Gen. Schuyler. 

Very respectfully, 
Commissioner. 

Mrs. F. M. Symonds, 
99 Caroline Street, 
Ogdensburg, N. Y.
Page 50

Emma Lee Walton
747 Junior Terrace
May 10 - 1931
Chicago, Illinois
U.S. Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me the 1776 pension record of Christopher Dennison (Denison) who served in the Revolution, from New York. He died 1839 aged 96.
I shall be grateful as early a reply as is convenient.
Yours Respectfully
(Miss) Emma Lee Walton
Page 51

OW&N [unintelligible]
Dear Sir,
I would like to find proof that Christofer Dennison was a soldier in the revolution. he had a pension as long as [unintelligible] he died sixty or more years ago. Can you
Page 52

give me any information? What state he was from? &c.
Address
Mrs. F.M. Symonds
99 [unintelligible] Street
Ogdensburg
New York

[O.W.&.N. DIVISION APRIL 15 1899 RECEIVED.]
Page 53

Revolution 2220nd
INVALID.
File No. 2220-
Christopher Dennison
Serg Rev War
Act: June 7 "82"
Index:--Vol. 2, Page [...]
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 17'99 Mrs. F.M. Syms
Ogdensburg
-
1931 - June 24 - Hist. to Mrs. Emma Lee Walton. [unintelligible]
Page 54

Christopher Dennison
5258
I, [unintelligible]
Declaration
[unintelligible]
[unintelligible]
([unintelligible])
Jan. "23" 1837
Refd to the committee on Revolushonary pensions-
Jan 28 1837
Com [unintelligible] - * to lie
Jan 30 1837
Again Refd to the Committee on Rev Pensions.
Feb 11 1837
Refd to Com on Rev Pensions
Dec. 22 1837--Bill no. 196
Page 55

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the peace within & for the County of Addison, Christopher Dennisson, who, being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age, & the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades;
For twelve days (excepting the time spent in returning from Boston Ms to Spencertown, NY) I served as a volunteer in a company of militia commanded by Captain Abner Hawley, which company was put under the command of General Fellows at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, & marched to Boston in the month of April AD 1775. I was during this service in the grade of Corporal.
For three months in the same year, I served as a Serjeant in a volunteer company of militia commanded by said Capt Abner Hawley, that went from Spencertown NY, against the Tories. The regiment was commanded by Col Ford. The principal places where I was
Page 56

employed.

employed during this service was the city of Albany, Nobletown, & in the vicinity of a mountain called [...]-barrack, which was at that time a refuge for the Tories.
For more than two months in 1776, I served as a volunteer, in the capacity of a serjeant under the same Captain Abner Hawley, and went to Albany, Fort Edward & Lake George. At Fort Edward we were placed under the command of Genl Schuyler.
For two months in 1776 I served again as a volunteer in the grade of serjeant under the same Captain Abner Hawley, at Fort Schuyler, upon the Mohawk river. The troops here were under the command of General Arnold, after his retreat from Canada by Lake Champlain.
For four months in 1777 I served as a volunteer in the grade of serjeant, in the same Captain Hawley's command, & went to Albany, Lake George, Fort Edward, & Stillwater. Genl Schuyler commanded at Albany, & much of the army to which I had attended was under the command of Genl Arnold.
Page 57

Sir,
For two months in 1778 or 1779 I served in the grade of Serjeant, as a volunteer under the the same Capt Hawley. The militia Colonel who took command of the volunteers in Albany was named M. Kinster. We went to Cherry Valley & there transferred to the command of Colonel Alden.
For at least three months in the years 1779 or 1780 I served as a volunteer in the grade of Serjeant, under the same Captain Hawley. Genl Van Reunsallaer was Commander in chief, & the Colonel of the regiment in which I was, was named Brown, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The service was principally in the vicinity of the Mohawk River, at a picket fort called Stone [...].
I cannot recall the places of my service in 1781. I was out as much as three month's & served in the capacity of Ensign, to the same Capt Hawley. I can only recollect distinctly that I was at Saratoga when the word of Lord Cornwallis' defeat reached there, & that it was then contemplated to build a new picket fort there to defend the place against the Indians.
All my service was in the militia. I never enlisted in the regular troops, but was always a volunteer.
Page 58

I cannot recollect, during all my service, that I had ever, out of [...] service & upon active duty, excepting at Albany in 1775, when of the three months I served I was kept in [...] about two months, the volunteers[?] being detained there during the trial & execution of [...] Hewson & other Tories who had been taken--and about a week at Fort Schuyler in 1776.
I was not individually employed in any civil pursuit during the services here recited. Of my affairs at home I have spoken sufficiently in my declaration.
For my services here set forth I claim a pension.
Vergennes May 16th, 1833
Christopher Dennisson

Sworn before me
Philip C. Tucker, Justice of the Peace
Page 59

George W Rogers

I, [unintelligible] Lawson, Clerk of the City Court of Vergennes, do hereby certify that the papers hereto attached, marked numbers 1, 2, & 3 and certified under the seal of this City Court, have now been fixed together by me, & are the original papers produced before said City Court in the matter of Christopher Dennisson application for a pension. And I further certify Mr. Philip C Tucker, the magistrate who has [unintelligible] that the affidavits [unintelligible] attached to said papers, and an amendment of said applicants full declaration is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the County of Addison, that the signature thereto is his own hand writing & that full faith and credit is to be given to all his acts in his capacity in testimony whereof I have hereto left the seal of said City Court the 16th day of May 1833 - 

Geo. W Rogers, Clerk of the City Court
Page 60

Vergennes 16 May 1833
L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir 
I have had Mr Dennisson before me today to make his affidavit, in amendment of the defective parts of his former declarations, & herewith forward it. The error in not uniting the sheets together, according to the regulations, is also remedied. I hope that all is now satisfactorily executed & the old veteran may soon be in rect. of that bounty which is it is but too evident he has not long to enjoy-
Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
P C Tucker