Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21167, John Gavit, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
RI

Gavit, John
Desire

NUMBER
W.21167

CONTENTS
Page 2

mer Werd  U.S. Asst Adjt.
with history Prior

891
Rhode Island
Desire Gavit 
widow of John Gavit deceased
who died on the year 1815 of Washington Co. in the State of Rhode Island who was a Captain in the     commanded by     of the Regt commanded by Col. in the Revolution for two years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Providence at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March, 1831 to 9 Octr 1862
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Dec. 1837 and sent to S. A. Peugh
Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semi-annual allowance ending
[illegible] $300
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section 3 
Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk,
Book D Vol. 2 Page 350
A. D. 54
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State of Rhode Island 
Washington County Ss
On this 2d day of January A. D. 1837 personally appeared before Israel Chapman, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in aforesaid county of Washington.
Desire Gavit, a resident of Westerly, in the County & State aforesaid, who before her marriage was Desire Willcox, now aged Eighty one years, who being 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 4th 1830, that she is the widow of John Gavit, late of said Westerly, now deceased, who was a military officer & served in defense of the United States in the war of the Revolution, that is to say, the said John Gavit, from some time in the month of June 1775, till July 1780, was Captain of a company of militia in said town of Westerly & was to the knowledge of this declarant from the time he was first appointed Captain till 1780, and afterwards very many different times of from five to nine days [illegible] (year after year) absent from home & as the said John Gavit, then afterwards, told her (and, she believes, they told his company) the said John during his aforesaid absences from home was in the services against the enemy, commanding a company in said State of Rhode Island some times on the Island of Block Island sometimes on the shores of Charlestown;
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sometimes at [illegible] Point Judith, Boston Creek, the [illegible], Wickford and Tivertown, several different periods on the Island of R. Island; and he served being often to the amount of many months on the shores of said town of Westerly, most of his aforesaid services, she thinks were in Col. Noyes' Regt tho' some of them, she believes, were under other Colonels. And though this declarant can not now ascertain the precise amount of the Revolutionary services of her said husband, yet she feels safe in saying & she declares is to be her belief, that all the total of his said services, in the rank of Captain, full together amount to much more than two years; but in as much as she did not herself attend the military expeditions, she would refer the Department to the annexed testimony of witnesses, who were in the service and testify from their own personal views and knowledge of her husband's service, for a more specific statement of those services.  She further discloses that her said husband was promoted, as she understood at the time, and believes, to the rank of Major in 1781, of the first Regiment in the aforesaid County, in which latter rank he performed Revolutionary services; but those other services she cannot now [illegible] for certain and the said Desire says that the said John Gavit, when he performed his aforesaid Revolutionary services, belonged to said town of Westerly; that she has no documentary evidence of her husband's said services
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She further declares that she was married to the said John Gavit on the 28th day of December A.D. 1775 at Charlestown aforesaid, by Peleg Cross, a Justice of the Peace, who deceased many years ago; that said Justice she thinks gave her said husband a certificate of said marriage, but she cannot now find it. That not for many years seen said certificate and [illegible] the same is wholly lost or destroyed and she refers to the accompanying copy that is certified & sworn by the town clerk of said town of Westerly. 
She further says, that her husband, the said John Gavit died on the 23d day of October A. D. 1815, at said Westerly and that she has remained a widow ever since his death as witnesses [illegible] appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Desire Gavit 
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year first above written before me. 
I also certify that the above named affiant, Desire Gavit, is well known to me, that she is a person of respectability and of veracity and in my opinion her testimony [illegible] is entitled to credit; and I further certify that I have taken the preceding declaration of the said Desire Gavit at her residence in said Westerly, because by
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reason of a rheumatic disease and the infirmities of old age she could not go abroad to attend court [illegible]
Israel Chapman
Jus. of the Court of Com Pleas
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I hereby certify that John Gavit of Westerly son of Joseph Gavit and Desire Willcox daughter of Joseph Willcox of Charlestown both of Washington County were lawfully joined together in marriage on the 28th day of December 1775 by me the subscriber
Attest Peleg Cross Justice Peace
Keturah Gavit daughter to the above named John Gavit and Desire his wife was born in Westerly December the 8 A. D. 1778
Joseph their son born in Westerly January the 10 A D 1781
Samuel their son born in Westerly March 19 A D 1784
Thankful their daughter born in Westerly January the 21 A D 1787
Benajah their son born in Charlestown June 30 A D 1791
Polly their daughter born in Charlestown May 7 AD 1795
Daniel Lee Gavit their son born in Charlestown Aug 4 AD 1799
The above births & marriage were all entered April 19 AD 1803
Sam'l Blevin Town Clerk
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Town Clerks Office Westerly December the 5 AD 1836
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true coppy (sic) of record attest Jesse Maxson T Clerk
Coppy (sic) & certificate 25th
Washington Co State of Rhode Island Town of Westerly December 6th AD 1836
Personally appeared the above named Jesse Maxson Twon Clerk of said Twon of Westerly, and verified on oath by me administered to him, the preceding copy by him taken and the preceding certificate by him made and subscribed: and I further certify that the said Jesse Maxson is well known to me that he is a man of respectability and veracity and that his certificate and his testimony are entitled to credit.
Nathan A. Dixon Justice of Peace
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___ Gavit
widow of John Gavit Colonel
R.I.
act '36 or '38
admd

Filed by H. E. Robinson
Present
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State of New York
County of Kings

I Mary G. Babcock, being a daughter of Colonel John Gavit who was a Revolutionary Officer, & whose widow was afterward a pensioner, do hereby request that H. E. Robinson of Washington City, may be permitted to look at and examine all papers related to my mothers pension & the service of my father. -

Mary Gavit Babcock

Witness - T Vandegrift
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Claim of 
Act of
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington } ss.
Be it known, That on this fourth 4th day of July A.D., eighteen hundred and fifty one, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Bennajah Gavitt a resident of Westerly in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the son of Desire Gavitt who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of three hundred Dollars per annum, that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased, that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Bennijah Gavitt
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me. }
J. Hobert Cross Town Clerk
I, clerk of probate in and for said Town of Westerly do hereby certify that Bennajah Gavitt who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Probate Clerk
I, J. Hobert Cross Clerk of the Probate Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that J. Hobert Cross before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a town clerk in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this Fourth day of July A. D. 1851
J. Hobert Cross Clerk.
[seal]
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POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Bennajah Gavitt hereby constitute and appoint S. A. Peugh of Washington City D. C. my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Desire Gavitt (dec'd) for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to Elias Sanders administrator, to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present.  Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.  revoking all other powers.
Witness my hand and Seal this 4th day of July A. D., 1851.
Bennajah Gavitt
Signed and Sealed in the presence of J. Hobert Cross }
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington } SS:
On this fourth day of July A. D. 1851 before me, the subscriber, a __ in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Bennajah Gavitt and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year aforesaid.
J. Hobert Cross
Town Clerk
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Desire Gavit
R. I. @ 36
Mr. Cole
July 8th 1851
Mr. Peugh - Ex on July 11 1851
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State of Rhode Island
County of Washington } SS. Town Clerks Office Westerly
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me J. Hobert Cross clerk of the Court of Probate that Desire Gavitt (deceased) was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $300. per annum and that she died on the ninth (9th) day of October eighteen hundred and forty two (1842) leaving surviving her Joseph Gavitt, Bennajah Gavitt, Daniel Lee Gavitt, Ketterah Babcock, Mary Babcock and that, Joseph, Bennajah, Daniel Lee & Mary Babcock are the only surviving children of the aforesaid.  Desire Gavitt deceased and that Elias Saunders is administrator on the estate of said Desire Gavitt deceased,
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 4th day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
J. Hobert Cross
Probate Clerk
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March 21, 1931
Miss Margaret R. Gavitt
West Cuyler Street
Dalton, Georgia
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MCS:MLB
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 21167, that John Gavit was the son of Joseph.
While living in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island, he enlisted in June, 1775, and served at various times until May, 1783, amounting to at least two years in all, as captain and major in Colonels Cooke's and Noyes' Rhode Island regiments; he went on Sullivan's Rhode Island expedition. 
He married December 28, 1775, at Charlestown, Washington County, Rhode Island, Desire Willcox, who was the daughter of Joseph Willcox of said Charlestown.
He died October 23, 1815 in Westerly, Rhode Island.
His widow, Desire, was allowed pension on her application executed January 2, 1837, at which time she was eighty-one years of age and was living in Westerly, Rhode Island.
She died October 9, 1848.
Children of John and Desire Gavit:
Keturah born December 8, 1778 in Westerly, Rhode Island
Joseph " January 10, 1781 in Westerly, Rhode Island
Samuel " March 19, 1784 in Westerly, Rhode Island
Thankful " January 21, 1787 in Westerly, Rhode Island
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Children continued - 
Bennajah born June 30, 1791 in Charlestown, Rhode Island
Polly " May 7, 1795 in Charlestown, Rhode Island" and married ___Babcock
Daniel Lee " August 4, 1799 in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
No charge is made for furnishing this information.
Very truly yours
E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
-2-
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[Left page]
See let Apl 9 38 to P. agent
Let to Hon. D. J. Peara Nov 3 1840
" Benajah Gavit Jany 22, 1841
[right page]
891
Rhode Island
Desire Gavit widow of John Gavit dec'd who died on the 23 October 1815 of Washington in the State of R. Island who was a Captain in the company commanded by Captain himself of the Reft. commanded by     in the R. Island line for 15 months
Increased [illegible] $120
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 300 Dollars 00 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of April 1838 and sent Benj Gavitt Westerly R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $2,100.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. "  150.00
[underline]
2250.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d}
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2d Page 89
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Increase,
Desire Gavit, widow of John 
R. Island
Act 4 July '35
2 yrs Capt. $480.
per an: to 9 Oct '42 when she died. Former paymt at $300 per an to be deducted.
Payable to Elias Saunders - adm for the benefit of Joseph Gavit, Bennajah Gavit, Danl. Lee Gavit, Ketturah Babcock and Mary Babcock only children.
S. A. Peugh
Present.
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Rhode Island 891
Desire Gavit
of John Gavit
ed on the 23 October 1815
Washington Co. in the State of R. Island 
was a Private in the     commanded
Captain     of the     commanded
in the Revolution
6 months
scribed on the Roll of R Island
the rate of 20 Dollars __ Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of May 1837 and sent to Hon. D. J. Pearce, Newport, R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of March '37 120.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. "          10.00
[underline]
$130.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A Vol 1 Page 104
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Rhode Island 891
Desire Gavit widow of John Gavit who died on the 23 October 1815 of Washington Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Captain in the     commanded by Captain     of the    commanded by     in the Revolution for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 120 Dollars ____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of June 1837 and sent to hon. L. J. Pearce, Newport R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of March "37.   720.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. "    60.00
[underline]
$780.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836,  Section the 3. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 104
[right page]
Increased from $20 pr an.
Wm. C. Noyes Aug 2 183[?]
B. Gavitt 25 Sept. 1827
[illegible] Nov. 28 1837
do do March 15 38
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Additional evidence in the case of Desire Gavitt R. I. for increase of pension
S. A. Peugh
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Washington City D. C.
2 August 1857
Hon. J. E. Heath
Sir,
I herewith enclose you additional evidence in the case of Desire Gavitt widow of John Gavitt late a Revolutionary Pensioner of R. Island, under act 1836 for increase of Pension from $200. to $480 per annum.
My Power of Attorney has been filed since July last.  You may direct the certificate to the Hon. Emir Fowler M. C. Fall River Masstts the agent in the case.
Yours very respectfully
S. A. Peugh
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M. C. S.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
July 13, 1926
Jennie B. Schott
1505 Kentucky
Quincy, Illinois
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 21167, it appears that JOHN GAVIT was the son of Joseph.  While living in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island, he enlisted in June, 1775, and served at various time until May, 1783, amounting to at least two years in all, as Captain and Major in Colonels Cooke's and Noyes' Rhode Island Regiments; he went on Sullivan's Rhode Island expedition.
He married December 28, 1775, at Charlestown, Washington County, Rhode Island, Desire Willcox, who was the daughter of Joseph Willcox of said Charlestown.
He died October 23, 1815, in Westerly, Rhode Island.
His widow, Desire, was allowed pension on her application executed January 2, 1837, at which time she was eighty-one years of age and was living in Westerly, Rhode Island.
She died October 9, 1842.
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Children of John and Desire Gavit:
Keturah born December 8, 1778, in Westerly, Rhode Island.
Joseph " January 10, 1781, " " " "
Samuel " March 19, 1784, " " " "
Thankful " January 21, 1787, " " " "
Bennajah " June 30, 1791, in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
Polly " May 7, 1795, " " " " and married ____Babcock
Daniel Lee born August 4, 1799, in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
No charge is made for furn. this inf.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner
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West Cuyler St.
Dalton Ga
Feb 24, 1930
Pension Bureau
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly forward, if possible, copy (certified) of war record of Major John Gavitt who served in Sullivans campaign in 1777?
We have records that show that his wife, Desire Wilcox Gavitt, drew a pension in 1840 from the Government.  At that time she was living with her son Benajah Gavitt (wife Rhoda) in the town of Westerly, R. I.
If there is any charge for this will you let me know by return mail and I will forward amount immediately.
Yours very truly
(Miss) Margaret R. Gavitt
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[stamp] OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
MAY 27, 1926
U. S. BUEAU OF PENSIONS
[Handwritten letter]
Rev. and 1812 War Section
Quincy, Illinois
May 25, 1926
Hon. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions;
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: -
In reply to your letter of May 19, yes, I would like very much to obtain the history of Captain John Gavit; he was my Great Great Grandfather, and if there is any fee in connection I shall be pleased to send it to you.
Revolutionary War Records Pension Bureau (W 21167)
He served as Captain in the Rhode Island Militia and died in Westerly, Rhode Island in 1815.
Thanking you very much for the courtesy shown me,
Most Respectfully yours,
Jennie B. Schott
Address 
1505 Kentucky
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[letterhead] 
State of Rhode Island
Hope
Office of State Record Commissioner.
Newport, R. I., Jan. 22, 1901
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE JAN 23 1901
[STAMP] O.W.[?] M. DIVISION
JAN 29 1901
RECEIVED
[typed letter]
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir: - Will you kindly send me the services of Stephen Saunders, Washington County, Rhode Island, who received a pension for his services during the War of the Revolution, and of John Gavitt, whose wife Desire is named on the list of Pensioners living in 1840.
Yours, truly,
R. Hammett Tilley
State Record Commissioner.
Dictated.E.M.T.
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Adjutant General's Office,
Washington
November 16th, 1888
To
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
I have the honor to request such information, respecting the military services of Captain or Colonel John Gavit of Rhode Island, during the Revolutionary War, as the records of the Pension Office may afford.  It is alleged that Colonel Gavit served at Valley Forge and that his widow received a pension.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Thomas Ward
Assistant Adjutant General.
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Feby 4, 1901
Newport, R. I. 
[underline]
1926 July 1 [illegible] to Jennie G. Schott
[underline]
1931 Mar 21 [illegible] Miss Margaret [illegible]
Revy
Widow, &c.
File No. 21167
Desire Gavit
wid of 
John Gavit
Capt Rev War
Act: July 4th [illegible]
Index: Vol. A, Page 26{illegible]
[Arrangement of 1870.]
R. H. Tillsy
Page 29

Fally Cottrell of Hopkington in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath deposeth and saith, she is eighty four years of age, that she distinctly remembers she was present at the celebration of the marriage of the late John Gavit of Westerly in the aforesaid County with Desire Willcox which marriage was solemnized at her father Joseph Willcox house in Charlestown in said County by Percy Gross Esquire a Justice of the Peace some time in the year AD 1775 but the day or month of the marriage she cannot particularly specify.  This deponent further says that the said John Gavit died in said Westerly & according to her recollection a month or two subsequent to the great September gale in 1815; and this deponent also saith that the said Desire & the said John Gavit lived together as husband & wife up to the period of his said decease; that the said Desire never to her knowledge or belief married any other man but the said John Gavit; the said Desire is now still living in said Westerly the widow of the said John Gavit.
Fally Cottrell her mark
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State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c {August 26, 1836
Personally appeared the within named deponent Fally Cottrell and on oath before me gave and subscribed by annexing her mark the within deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Fally Cottrell is well known to me that she is a person of veracity that her testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
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[Form with handwritten entries]
BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN" to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law; Wherefore unto his said attestation, full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence this twenty second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six and of Independence the sixty-first
[seal]
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND
Henry Bowen Secry
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Sept. 22, AD 1836
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State in June seventeen hundred seventy five, John Gavit was elected Captain of the second company of militia in the town of Westerly, Kings County now Washington and so continued until July seventeen hundred and eighty.
That at the adjourned session on the fourth Monday of May seventeen hundred eighty one, the said John Gavit was elected Major of the first battalion (regiment) of militia in said Kings County, and so continued until [illegible] May seventeen hundred eighty three: as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy
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Plumb Chapman of Westerly County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath testifies & says he is eighty four years of age.  That in the fall of 1776 in October he thinks, he enlisted under Capt. John Gavit at said Westerly in the grade of a private for a period of three months and was marched under the said Gavit on to the Island of Rhode Island & was stationed & served against the enemy at Newport under the said Capt. Gavit in Col. Cooks Regiment till British fleet approached the Island which he thinks was the forepart of December when we returned to Lewistown on the main to the eastward of the Island. When after having completed his said three months service under the said Gavit in the aforesaid Regiment he was [illegible] in the month of December discharged and this deponent says that he was ordered & marched to service Tivertown under Capt. John Gavit in Col. Noyes Regiment at the time of Spencers expedition which according to his recollection was in September 1777.  There he served a month or more under the said Gavit in said Regiment against the enemy.  This deponent also well remembers that he served a month on the Island of R. Island against the enemy at Sullivans expedition in August of September 1778 under the said Capt Gavit in Col. [illegible] Regiment where we had a skirmish  with the enemy.
Plumb Chapman his mark
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State of Rhode Island /c
Washington Ss August 25, 1836
Personally appeared the preceding named deponent Plumb Chapman and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Plumb Chapman is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 35

Edward Hiscox of Westerly County of Washington & State of R. Island on oath deposeth & saith he is seventy six years of age.  That in October AD 1776 at said Westerly, this deponent enlisted a private into a company of infantry raised under Capt. John Gavit late of said Westerly deceased for a term of three months & marched into the Island of Rhode Island and stationed in the town of Newport in Col. Stantons or Col. Cooks Reg't where we served till early in December when the British fleet approached the Island when we [illegible] to Tivertown on the main in R. Island where we completed said three months service & were then discharged some time in the month of December.  This deponent further says that said John Gavit commanded the aforementioned company during the whole period of said three months. This deponent thinks the aforesaid company and Regt. was raised by the State.  Edward Hiscox
State of Rhode Island
Washinton /c} August 26, 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Edward Hiscox and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Edward Hiscox is well known to me that he is a person of veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 36

Stephen Saunders of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath saith that he is eighty seven years of age, that during the war of the Revolution this deponent belonged to a company of militia in said Westerly of which John Gavit, now deceased much of the war of the Revolution Captain & this deponent well remembers that he performed a tour of service against the enemy of three months under the said Gavit who then commanded said company in Col. Noyes Regt at parish Judith in the aforesaid company from the four part of January to the fore part of March 1778 and this deponent also knows that the said Gavit served on the Island of R. Island in August & September 1778 at Sullivans expedition, where the said Gavit commanded said company four weeks at least when this deponent served during the same time under the said Gavit in Col. Noyes Regt.  This deponent further says that at the time the enemy took possession of the Island of R. Island the said Gavit commanded a company in said Island & had had command of it there some time previous & retreated to Tivertown on the landing of the enemy on the Island.
Stephen Saunders
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c} August 25, 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Stephen Saunders and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Stephen Saunders is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 37

Samuel Champlin of Westerly, County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath saith he is seventy seven years of age, that in the latter part of the summer or fore part of the fall of 1775, he served in the miliary detachment from the militia of said county of Washington, then Kings County, that was ordered and went on to the Island of Block Island under Col. Rhodes to bring off the cattle & stock, then, one month at the least and he distinctly remembers, that John Gavit late of said Westerly now deceased served in said expedition & that said Gavit served in the grade of Captain of Militia, this deponent further says that he performed a term of service at Tivertown in the state of Rhode Island against the enemy in the year 1777 & served there in the fall of that year at Spencers & Judith & well recollects that the said John Gavit performed thirty days service then at that time as Capt. of a company of the militia from the Town of Westerly in Col. Noyes Regt.  This deponent knows that the said Gavit in the grade of Capt. of a company of militia from said town of Westerly served against the enemy at Point Judith in said County of Washington one month at least in Col. Noyes Regt. in November or December 1778.  This deponent served there in the said Gavit's company during the same period.  This deponent also says that sometime in the fall of 1780 this deponent was at said Westerly ordered in a military company of that town of which the said John Gavit was the Capt. & marched under the said Gavit to near the village of Wickford in North Kingston County of Washington where he served against the enemy in Col. Noyes Regt. one month during the whole of which period the
Page 38

said Gavit commanded said company and this deponent further says that in the years 1775, 1776 & 1777 he performed at repeated alarms on the shores of said Westerly in said company while the said Gavit was commanding it & under the said Gavit divers tours of service other than those aforementioned of from five to thirty days, each in Col. Noyes Regt. which though this deponent is at this remote period unable particularly to specify the same, he is quite confident amounts together to at least five months and this deponent believes that the tours of his own services, under the said Capt. Gavit, embraced but a small portion of the time of the military service of the said Gavit in the Revolutionary War.
Samuel Champlin
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c{ August 27, 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Samuell Champlin and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Samuel Champlin is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 39

Henry Babcock of Westerly, County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath deposeth that he is seventy nine years of age & that in the summer or fall of AD 1775 this deponent, then being a private in the company of militia of said Westerly commanded by John Gavit late of said Westerly, now deceased, served in a military detachment from this militia of said County of Washington, then Kings County that was ordered & went on the Island of Block Island, under Col. Rhodes to bring from the island the stocks.  Thus one month and he remembers that the said John Gavit then during said month served as commanded the company in which this deponent served.  This deponent served one month in the spring & one other tour of one month in the summer of 1777 against the enemy on the shores of said Westerly in the said Gavits Company in Col. Noyes Regt during which times of service the said Gavit served as Capt. of the Company.  This deponent also remembers that he served thirty days at Sulivans expedition on the Island of Rhode Island in the summer of 1778 in said Company commanded during that service by the said John Gavit in Col. Noyes Regt.  This deponent also performed two tours of service each of one month in the said Gavits Company in Col. Noyes Regt against the enemy at Boston Neck in said South Kingstown in year 1778, but at what particular periods or time of the year he cannot now remember.  This deponent further states that he performed two tours of one month each of military service against the enemy, one in the summer & the other in the fall of 1779 at Greene Hill in South Kingston in the aforesaid County
Page 40

in the aforesaid company, which was then commanded during those periods by the said Gavit on Col. Noyes Regt.  This deponent further says that he did a tour of military service against the enemy of one month near [illegible] Newton in said County in the fall of 1780 in said company under the command during that tour of the said Gavit in Col. Maxsons Regt.  This deponent also says that during the revolutionary war he performed [illegible] tours of military service against the enemy under the said Capt. Gavit on the shores in said Westerly & Charlestown other than those afore specified in Col. Noyes Regt but which from failure of memory he cannot now particularly specify.
Henry his + mark Babcock
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c August 27, 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Henry Babcock and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Henry Babcock is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Benajah Gavit, Justice of the Peace
Page 41

Nathan Bliven of Westerly in the county of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath saith he is seventy six years of age.  This deponent was intimately acquainted with John Gavit late of said Westerly now deceased and knows the said John Gavit was most of the time during the Revolutionary War Captain of the second company of militia in said Town of Westerly and this deponent knows that the said John Gavit served as Captain in the command of detachments of the militia against the enemy on the shores of said Town of Westerly four months between February and October AD 1776 which aforesaid services this deponent thinks was performed in the months of March, May July & September in Col. Noyes Regiment during which aforesaid four months this deponent served under the said John Gavit.  This deponent also served under the said John Gavit one month in the fall of 1777 at Tivertown, State of Rhode Island at the time of Spencers expedition in Col. Noyes Regiment & one month in August 1778 on the Island of Rhode Island at Sulivans Expedition in Col. Noyes Regiment.  This deponent
Page 42

also remembers that the said John Gavit was much in the service of his country in the war of the Revolution at divers other times than those above mentioned, but his services at those other times he is not now enabled to particularise.
Nathan Bliven
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c{ December 9th 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Nathan Bliven and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Nathan Bliven is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 43

Jude Taylor of Westerly in the county of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath testifieth that he is eighty three years of age; that he remembers, that John Gavit late of said Westerly now deceased, who during the Revolutionary war was a Captain of the second company of militia in said town of Westerly, performed in the rank of Captain & in the actual command of detachments of the militia, two tours of services of thirty days each in the spring and two tours of thirty days each one in the summer & the other in the fall of 1776, guarding against the enemy on the shores of said Westerly in Col. Noyes Regiment & that the said John in his aforesaid rank of Captain in the spring & summer of 1777 performed two tours of services of a month each against the enemy on the shores of said Westerly, under Col Noyes Regiment and in the spring (April) according to the recollection of this deponent of 1778, the said Gavit performed one month services & in the spring & summer 1779 two tours of services of one month each in his said rank of Captain with detachments of militia against the enemy on the shores of Westerly in the aforesaid Regiment and this deponent further says that in the fall of 1777, in Spencers Expedition at Tivertown the said John commanded against the enemy a detachment of militia from said town of Westerly & also at Sulivans expedition, on the Island of Rhode Island in August & September 1778
Page 44

each of the two last aforementioned tours was one month at the least & in Col. Noyes Regiment and this deponent says that he served under the said Captain Gavit in all the aforesaid tours of service and he thinks he also performed other tours of service under the said John which he cannot now particularly recollect.
Jude Taylor
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c { January 4th 1837
Personally appeared the above named deponent Jude Taylor and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Jude Taylor is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 45

Sanford Noyes of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on Oath saith he is seventy five years of age; This deponent knows that John Gavit, late of said Westerly, but now deceased, was during the Revolutionary war Captain of a Company of militia in said town of Westerly in Colonel Noyes Regiment and that the said John in the rank of Captain and in the aforesaid Regiment performed many tours of service against the enemy on the shores of said Westerly in the year 1776 to the amount of five months or more this deponent thinks, when this deponent also served under said Gavit.  This deponent further says that he did much military service guarding against the enemy on the shores of said Westerly between the Latter part of the year 1776 and the May of 1779 in Colonel Noyes Regiment and knows that during the January period the said Gavit often performed tours of service then against the enemy in command of attachment of the militia the periods of which service though this deponent is confident they amount to many months, his memory will not now enable him to certify – This deponent also thinks that the said Gavit frequently commanded detachments from the militia against he enemy in other parts of the state, but he cannot at this time particularly state them except a tour of over a month the Tivertown at Spencer’s Expedition
Sanford Noyes
Page 46

State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c { January 5th 1837
Personally appeared the within named deponent Sanford Noyes and on oath before me gave and subscribed the within deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Sanford Noyes is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 47

Thomas Sisson of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath saith he is seventy eight years of age, that in May 1775 he was at said Westerly & then being a private in a militia company of which John Gavit was the Captain, ordered & marched under the said Gavit to Noyes Neck in said Westerly where he served against the enemy under the said Gavit in Col. Noyes Regt. thirty days this deponent further says that the said John Gavit commanded as Captain of a company of militia one month at Tivertown R. Island at Spencers expedition in the fall of the year of 1777 & also one month as Capt. of the same company, at Sulivans expedition on the Island of R. Island in August or September 1778 both in Col. Noyes Regt at each of which places this deponent served under the aforesaid Capt. & Col. the aforementioned periods this deponent further states that in the fall of 1779 or 1780 he was detached and served against the enemy, at the Tim Rick Road so called in said County of Washington fifteen days at least under the said Gavit who commanded this during that time a militia company in Col. Maxson Reg & this deponent performed [illegible] services other than those aforementioned in the said John Gavits Company against the enemy during the revolutionary war which he is now unable particularly to detail.
Thomas Sisson
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c { August 26 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Thomas Sisson and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Thomas Sisson is well known to me that he is a person of veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 48

Clark Edwards of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island, on oath testifies and says he is seventy five years of age in the month of August 1779 at said Westerly this deponent was ordered in Captain John Gavits company of militia and was marched in said company in Col. Noyes Regiment to the four corners so called in North Kingston in said County & from thence after a short halt was marched to Boston Neck in said County in which town he served against the enemy under the said Capt. Gavit in the aforesaid Regiment one month
Clark Edwards
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington ss { December 12, 1836
Personally appeared the above named deponent Clark Edwards and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Clark Edwards is well known to me that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
Page 49

Edward Willcox of Charlestown in the County of Washinton & State of Rhode Island, on oath testifieth and saith he is seventy five years of age that this deponent from his early youth was well acquainted with John Gavit late of Westerly in the aforesaid county; now deceased; that during the Revolutionary war the said Gavit and this deponent lived in adjoining towns within a short distance of each other & this deponent knows that the said Gavit was during most of the war of the Revolution Captain of a company of militia in said town of Westerly & although this deponent (not having been a member of the said Gavits Company) is not now enabled particularly to specify the revolutionary services of the said Gavit; yet this deponent knows that the said Gavit was during the Revolution one of the most active & efficient captains in this part of the country & that from near the commencement of the Revolution in 1775, till the time the enemy evacuated the Island of Rhode Island in the fall of 1779, he believes the said Gavit was the greatest portion of his time in actual service against the enemy in the rank of Captain of militia; the said Gavits Revolutionary services though extensive in the towns of Westerly in which he lived was not limited to that town alone but extended often to most, if not all the military stations & points of defence on the whole Naragansett shore and more or less to various other more distant parts of the state of Rhode Island.
Edward Willcox
Page 50

State of Rhode Island /c
Washington ss { January 5, 1837
Personally appeared the above named deponent Edward Willcox and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Clark Edwards is well known to me that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bennajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island &c.
Clerk's Office Court Common Pleas
Washington /c.
I Asa Potter clerk of said court certify that the name "Israel Chapman" to the aforewritten certificate (regarding Desire Gavit and her preceding declaration and the matters therein contained for a pension) subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Israel Chapman Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, on the 2d day of January A. D. 1837 was a Justice of the aforesaid Court of Common Pleas being a Court of Record, in and for the County aforesaid duly elected commissioned and qualified according to law.  I also certify that the name "Nathan F. Dixon" to the aforewritten certificate (regarding Jesse Maxon, town clerk
Page 51

of the town of Westerly, the copy by him taken & certificate by him made subscribed is the proper hand writing of Nathan F. Dixon Esquire.  And I further certify that the name "Benajah Gavit" to the aforewritten certificates (regarding Stephen Saunders, Plumb Chapman, Fally Cottrell, Edward Hixcox, Thomas Lipson, Samuel Champlin, Henry Babcock, Nathan Blivens, Clark Edwards, Jude Taylor, Sandford Noyes and Edward Willcox), subscribed, is the proper handwriting of Benajah Gavit Esquire; that the said Nathan F. Dixon at the time of subscribing his name to the aforewritten certificate regarding Jesse Maxon &c. on the 6th day of December 1836 and that the said Benajah Gavit at the time of subscribing his name to the aforesd. certificate regarding the sd. Stephen Saunders, Plumb Chapman, Fally Cottrell, Edward Hiscox, Thomas Lipton, Samuel Champlin, Henry Babcock, Nathan Blivens, Clark Edwards, Jude Taylor, Sandford Noyes and Edwd. Willcox on the 25th, 26th & 27th of August the 9th & 12th of December 1837 & the 4th & 5th of Jany 1837, were Justices of the Peace in & for the county aforesaid, duly elected commissioned and qualified according to law.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of the aforesaid court this 24th day of January in the year 1837
Asa Potter Clk
[seal & ribbons]
Page 52

Desire Gavitt
R. I.
Increase to $300
per ann.
15 mos Captain
Page 53

Service of John Gavit collected from the deposition & declaration of the following persons - vis.
1775  Henry Babcock testifies to service upon Block Island 1 months & Samuel Champlin testifies to the same
1 ditto May Thomas Sissen at Noyes' Neck
[underline]
2
1776 Thos. Hiscox testifies to the service of Jno. Gavitt three mos on R. I'd.  J Chapman & Lieut. Stephen Saunders to the same in his declaration 3 mos.
4 mos  N. Bliven & Jude Taylor to four months on the shores, Noyes Beach 1776 & at Westerly
[underline]
7
1777  Clarke Edwards testifies to 2 mos at
Thos Sissen to 1 months in ditto Spencers Expedition
2 mo Henry Babcock 1 mo. spring & 1 mo summer guarding shores, Jude Taylor to same at Westerly
[underline}
4
1778  Stephen Saunders testifies to a tour of duty in January Feb'y & March.  3 mos  Henry Babcock 2 tours of duty at Boston Neck. 2 mos
1 Stephen Sunders 1 mo. Sullivan's Expedition  Thos Lipton, Plumb Chapman, N. Bliven, 1 & Jude Taylor to the same
[underline]
7
1779 Henry Babcock 1 mo at Greene Hill, summer
2 mo ditto 1 do - in fall
1 mo Clarke Edwards as a substitute for his father at 4 corners North Kingston & at Boston Neck in August 1779 one mo.
1/2 mo  Thos. Sisson in '79 or '80 in Col. Maxon's Reg't on 10 Rod Roads 15 days
June Taylor to 2 mo in the spring & summer of 1779 - 2 mo
2 mo
[underline]
5 1/2 mo
Page 54

1775  2 mos
1776  7 mos
1777  4 mos
1778  7 mos
1779  5 1/2 mos
1780  1 mos
[underline]
26 1/2 mos
Henry Babcock to 1 mo service near Nickford or Updikes', Newtown in fall of 1780 in Maxon's Reg't.
Sam'l Champlin to the same terms of time in said Reg't called Noyes' Reg't - because he commanded it so long.
[vertically at bottom of page]
Synopsis of the service of John Gavitt
Desire Gavitt's claim
Page 55

[illegible] Dec. 26, 1837
Dear Sir - 
Your favor of Nov. 29, 1837 came lately to hand, in which you observe that the Department adheres to their former decision in reference to the claim of Wid. Desire Gavit for an increased allowance of pension.  You will however permit me to enquire upon what ground so large a portion of service of Capt. John Gavit is excluded if indeed some part of it are not so clearly identified as in your opinion to authorise an allowance.  It does however seem to me that the greater part is clearly stated and proven and that too by pensioners whose testimony is corroboration of their own declarations, long before made & upon which pensions have been granted them.  The following I think is the service claimed for
1 months at Noyes Neck in May 1775
1 Do at Block Island in fall of 1775
4 months on shores in Westerly in the year 1776
3 months on Rhode Island in fall of 1776
1 month in Spencers Expedition in fall 1777
2 months on shores in Westerly in summer of 1777
1 month on Rhode Island Sulivans Expedition fall of 1778
2 months on Boston Neck in the year 1778
3 months at Point Judith in winter & spring of 1778
1 month on shores in Westerly in April 1778
2 months at Greene Hill in summer & fall of 1779
2 months on shores in Westerly in spring & summer of 1779
1 month in North Kingston April, Newtown fall 1780
I have therefore to beg the favour that you will again review the claim of Mrs. Gavit and have the goodness to inform me, which of the several
Page 56

periods of service are admissible and the grounds upon which the other periods are rejected.
I am with sentiments of esteem 
yr obt svt
Benajah Gavitt
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 57

Have a certificate for $120 per ann. in this case & send letter. D. J. Pearce 
Newport R. I.
Gavit was a Capt. not a private
alter the role & notify the agent of the alteration
Page 58

[printed form with handwritten entries]
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July 1836, Desire Gavit, of the State of Rhode Island widow of John Gavit who was a private in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive twenty dollars per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twentieth day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
RP
[seal]
Page 59

Brief in the case of Desire Gavit dec'd wid of John.
County and State of R. Island
act
Claim, ('original," of "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original) [last 2 words lined out]
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
[handwritten]
This claim has been allowed for 15 mo Capt. $300.
There is record evidence that he was commissioned Capt. in the R. I. Militia in 75 and acted as such until 1780 when he was commissioned major & acted as such until the close of the was in '83.  Various witnesses who are pensioners and served under him testify to 26 1/2 months services as capt. up to 1780.  No proof is advanced to show any particular length of service as major.  I only therefore allow him for Capt. 2 years.
[typed]  (if for increase.)
Had additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
S. A. Peugh Present
F. F. Kirby
Examining Clerk
Page 60

I Samuel Brown Esq. of Westerly, County of Washington & State of Rhode Island, a Revolutionary Pensioner being duly engaged according to law on solemn oath do testify & say, that I volunteered in a company commanded by Capt. John Gavitt late of Westerly deceased in Col. Joseph Noyes Regiment and served in the following tour of duty, at the time the Minerva, Siren and Butter schooners was cast away and helped capture the [illegible] and was on duty until the property was saved and removed to a place of safety, which tour of service amounted to three months or more.  and was also in said Gavitts company in Spencers and Sulivans expeditions in the latter had an engagement with the enemy.  I do not hesitate in stating that the said Capt. Gavitt performed as much service in the Revolutionary War in guarding against the enemy as any other officer in this section of the state.  I do not recollect any time when I was in the service in the state of Rhode Island, that Capt. John Gavitt was absent, or not on duty and considered him a meritorious officer most of my service when I volunteered was in his company.
Sam Brown
State of Rhode Island /c
Washington /c {September 16, 1837
Personally appeared the above named deponent Samuel Brown Esq. and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding deposition by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that the said Samuel Brown Esq is known to me, that he is a person of veracity that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Benajah Gavitt  Justice of the Peace
Page 61

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.  Washington /c. Clerks office, Superior Judicial Court
I Powell Helene Clerk of the Superior Judicial Court for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Bennajah Gavit Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Westerly in said County of Washington duly appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor and otherwise qualified as the law directs, and that his signature certifying the taking of the within deposition is his genuine hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court aforesaid this 5th day of October in the year 1837.
Powell Helene, clerk
Fees 25 cts
Page 62

Newport Sept 5th 1837
Sir
This Prudence Taylor requests me to forward to you the enclosed deposition of Matthew Waite Esq. relative to the service of the late Lieut. Nathan Taylor.  I would also [illegible] this opportunity of informing you that I have no answer to my letter of the 16th [illegible] relative to the service of Capt. John Gavitt & an increase of his widow's allowance.  By the R. I'd. pension roll I find the Lieut. Stephen Saunders receives $320 pr annum for services as Lieutenant of s'd company, while the widow of Capt. John Gavitt is allowed only one third that amount, and was I not convinced that Capt. Gavitt performed more service & had more responsibility than his Lieut. I would not have called your attention to this claim again, but from the evidence before me and some additional service of said Gavitt which I find in the declaration of the pensioners induces me to forward you a second synopsis of the evidence in support of the claim and respectfully ask a further allowance.
I have the honor to be your obt very humble servant
[signed] William R. Noyes
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com'r. of Pension
Washington DC
Page 63

Newport  May 29th 1837
Dear Sir
The friends of Mrs. Desire Gavitt are dissatisfied with the allowance made her, in the [illegible] of her late husband, Capt. John Gavitt.  They say he was never a soldier, but always an officer, and the allowance made her is for the widow of a soldier who had served but six months only.  It appears to me that you have made a mistake, in granting for six months service in the [illegible] of a soldier, instead of an officer.  The enclosed [illegible] of declarations upon all of which pensions were granted, all recognize Mr. Gavitt as captain and not as a soldier.  Other pensions have been granted upon [illegible] applications copies of which we have not got, but the [illegible] are on file in your office also showing that Mr. Gavitt was an officer, and not a soldier.  The testimony accompanying all these declarations, abundantly [illegible] the facts.  I return all the papers recently received, for your review of the case, to which permit me to call your attention as soon as convenient.  With [illegible]
Your [illegible] servant
[illegible] I. Pearce
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Page 64

Hon. Dalis I. Pearce
Newport R. I.
Page 65

Charlestown May 1, 1837
Hon. Dalis I. Pearse
Dear Sir,
Desire Gavitt widow of Capt. John Gavitt of Westerly is an applicant for a pension and any services you could render her in getting a full pension would be greatly acknowledged.  I was well acquainted with Capt. Gavitt and consider him a meritorious officer and do not hesitate to state that he served in the revolutionary war against the enemy half or more of said period.
Edward Willcox
Page 66

Newport  October 31st 1840
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comms of Pensions
Dear Sir
I am concerned in a case growing out a dispute about the property of Desire Gavitt, late a pension [illegible] and to [illegible] upon dates it is necessary for me to have copies of letters, that I think I write in her behalf.  She was the widow of Capt. John Gavitt.
Please to send me copies of these letters as soon as you can directed to me, at Kingston R. I. as I shall be at that place in a week from this time.
Respectfully [illegible]
Dules Y Pease
Page 67

Westerly  April 17 1837
Dear Sir
Your favor under date of Sept. 25th I duly rec'd. together with an extract of so much of your letter to Wm. R. Noyes Esq as relates to Mrs. Desire Gavits claim for an increase of her pension.  I should be unwilling to trouble you further on this subject on behalf of the applicant if I did not believe that it would be manifest justice to grant to her an additional allowance.  There can not be a doubt that Capt. John Gavitt did perform much service during the Revolutionary War as will appear by reference to your files of the declarations of pensioners in this town made under the act of June 7th 1832.  It is true that the precise time of some of the periods of service is not confirmed, but the various statements of service appear correctly set forth and authenticated.  It therefore only remains for me to request the favor of your further examination of Mrs. Gavitts claim for increased allowance and if on a further investigation you do not find justified to accept every period of service, for want of the necessary evidence, yet I think that the greater part of it may be deemed admissible.  The applicant has not received any payment on the certificate already granted, having deferred it in the hope that [illegible] allowances would have been before this time made to her.
I therefore can hardly doubt Sir,
Page 68

that although you may not feel justified as you state in allowing the full amount of claim, yet that you will not reject the greater part of it.
I am with [illegible] of esteem
Yr. Mo. Obt. Sert.
Bennajah Gavitt
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington City
Page 69

Westerly R. I. January 6th 1841
Dear Sir
William R. Noyes Esq has brought an account against Desire Gavitt widow of Capt. John late of Westerly deceased for the sum of two hundred dollars for services rendered in obtaining her pension which is now pending in a court of law to be tried the 1st day of February 1841.  The widows means beyond her pension is extremely limited.  My Dear Sir, the object of writing you is to get information respecting her first certificate and the increase thereof whether said Noyes has sent to your office any evidence for her first certificate or the increase thereof, other than those sent by William P. Nevis her attorney or any communications you may have had with said Noyes on the subject.
Dear Sir, if the [illegible] of your office would would (sic) permit you to answer this letter in in (sic) time to be used in said suit you would confer a great favor on the widow.
I am with much respect very truly yours,
Bennajah Gavitt
To Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 70

Washington City D. C.
12th April 1851
Hon. J.C. Heath
Com. of Pensions
Sir
In the case of Desire Gavitt widow of John (dec'd) late of Rhode Island will you be pleased to cause a reconsideration of her claim for increase of pension.  She has been [illegible] of $300 per annum under (act of 1836.)  The increase asked is from this sum to the proper pension for 2 years as Captain, which the evidence abundantly shows her to be entitled.
Yours respectfully
S A Peugh
Page 71

Newport May 16th 1837
Dear Sir
You can if you [illegible] a six months certificate for Mrs. Desire Gavitt, widow of the late Capt. John Gavitt.
In the [illegible] times, as the [illegible] say "the  [illegible] gratefully acknowledged'
Very truly your obedient svt.
   Y. Pease
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
P.S. send the certificate to me  DJP
Page 72

Desire Gavit, widow of John R. I. Act of July 1835 $300 per an:
To what time paid?
F. F. K.
Pension Office,
Nov. 7, 1851
Died 9th October 1842
Pd. to her death
B. L. Bogan
Page 73

Westerly  Sept. 16 1837
Dear Sir,
The object of the present is to make enquiry [illegible] the late grant of pension to Desire Gavitt, widow of Capt. John Gavitt late of Westerly deceased.  The allowance made was only for 14 months service, or one quarter the amount of a full pension.  It was expected that the statement of claims set forth in the declaration would entitle the applicant to full pay and I have now to solicit the aid of information from you why it may not be granted.  Whether any part of the service stated is objectionable and if so what part that the business may be correctly settled with the least delay.
William P. Nervil Esq. who was attorney for Mrs. Gavitt and has heretofore communicated with you on the subject has recently deceased, and I have therefore to request that you will please address to me, as soon as convenient after the receipt of this any advice you may think proper.
I am with much respect very truly yours
Bennajah Gavitt
To Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 74

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Desire Gavit of the State of Rhode Island widow of John Gavit who was a Captain in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive one hundred and twenty dollars per annum during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September.  This certificate issued in lieu of one dated 20th May 1837 which is cancelled.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this first day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty-[obscured]
[seal]
Examined and Countersigned.}
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 75

Westerly R. I.  April 2, 1838
Dear Sir,
Your favour under date of March 15th I duly received.  the inclosed is the certificate of Desire Gavitt widow of Capt. John Gavitt who has drawn on the same up to September 4th 1837
I am with sentiments of esteem
Your most obt Servt
Bennajah Gavitt
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
N. B. please send [illegible] certificate by return mail