Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20611, Lewis Ansart, Continental(French)
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    Service                                                                                  Number

Continental  (French)           Ansart, Lewis                          W. 20611
                                                 or                        
                                   DeMaresquelle, Lewis Ansart
                                                  or
                                   Maresquelle, Lewis Ansart de
(Mass. res.
CONTENTS                                       Catharine.
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                 No 5462.
Massachusetts
     Catharine Ansart
widow of Lewis Ansart
who died on the
of May in the state of
who was a Colonel in the Revolution  commanded [lined out]
by Captain [lined out]          of the [lined out]          commanded [lined out]
by [lined out]                    in the [lined out]
[2 illegible words, lined out] 

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachu[unfinished word - torn or folded over]
at the rate of 600 Dollars --------
per annum, to commence on the 4th ----------
March, 1831 & End 27th Jany 1849
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of
March and sent to  S.A, Peugh [ name lined out]
                             L. Woodruff
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
     Payable to          --------------------------------
  Survg . children   -----------------------------------------
                                                                       Revolutionary Claim,
                                                                        Act July 4,1836
                                                                         Section the 2nd [ page torn]
Recorded by G.C. Hinn                        Clerk
Book H  Vol. 1           Page 152
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
     Middlesex County [illegible]     On this Eleventh day
of May in the Year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and
ThirtySeven Personally appeared before the Hon Samuel  P
Fay Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Middlesex
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Catharine Ans[art]
a resident of Dracut in Said County and Commonwealth 
Aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn Acc [torn page]
ing to Law, Doth on her Oath make the following D[torn page]
ration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision ma [torn page]
by the Act of Congress passed July 4, 1836, That she is the
Widow of Lewis Ansart. formerly called Lewis Ansart de Mascedy
late of Said Dracut [illegible] And that Said Lewis Ansart,
late  Husband was an Officer in the War of the Revo [torn page]
and also was a Col of Artillery and also Inspecter General
in the Foundry in the Ordinance Department of his [torn page]
in which capacity He Served until the termination of the
Revolutionary War in the year 1783.  All of which will 
more fully appear by reference to the Documents accomp-
anying this application
                      She further declares that she was
Married to the Said Lewis Ansart formerly de Massasque
at Boston by the Revd also Lewis on the ninth day of [illegible] 
ber, in the Year Seventeen hundred and Eighty one, [illegible]
Her Husband the aforesaid Lewis Ansart de Marsasquellla, alias
Lewis Ansart died on the Twenty Second day of May in
the Year Eighteen hundred and four . And that she 
remained a Widow ever since that period As evide ns
fully appears by Reference to the proof hereto Annexed.
              Catharine Ayat
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Sworn and subscribed by said Catherine Ansart on the day and year above written. Before me, at a special court holden at the Probate Office in Cambridge
Judge S. P. P. Pray 
Judge of Probate [illegible] county
And the said judge does hereby declare his opinion after investigation of the matter, that Catherine Ansart the applicant above named being a person of unquestionable character, is entitled to credit in the statements by her made in her declaration aforesaid & that they are true.
S. P. P. Pray
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. I, Isaac Fiske Register of the Court of Probate in and for the county of Middlesex & Commonwealth aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the applications of Catherine Ansart, for a pension in right of her late husband; I also certify that Saml T Pray Esq. is the Judge of said court of Probate duly commissioned & qualified, & that his signatures on the foregoing paper are his genuine signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court of Probate this nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven.
Isaac Fiske Regr.
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Marriage Certificate of Lewis  Col. De Marasquille  & Catharine Wimble
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This is to certify  that the marriage of Colonel Lewis de Marasquelle and Katharine Wimble is  recorded on the Parish Register of Christ Church ,  Boston, as having been solemnized on the ninth day of December , in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, by the  Rev. Mr. Lewes, at that time Minister of the Parish. William Croswell ( signed )  Rector of Christ Church Boston.  [ Boston May 10, 1837 Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Suffolk ] SS . Boston May 11,  A.D. 1837 Personally appeared the above named  William Croswell  Rector of Christ Church  Boston and made solemn oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing certificate by him subscribed are true. Before me George W. Adams ( signed ) Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk SS
I Charles A Parker, Clerk of the court of Common Pleas, for the county of Suffolk, do hereby certify that George W. Adams, is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Suffolk, that his commission bears date the eleventh day of April A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty seven & expires on the eleventh day of April A.D. eighteen hundred & forty four & that his signature within written is his true & proper signature.
Witness- my hand & the seal of said Court, this twelfth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty seven
Chas. A. Parker Clerk
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I Asahel Stearns of Cambridge in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath declare, that I well knew Colonel Lewis Ansart, formerly Colonel Lewis Ansart Demasresquelle, and also Catharine, his wife, now, and for many years, his widow. My acquaintance with them commenced in the year one thousand eight hundred, when they lived in the town of Dracult in the State. I was several times at their dwelling house in Dracults, and well remember that they had ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom were personally known to me, for the space of several years; but tow of the sons, and I believe two of the daughters, are since dead.
During the life of the said Colonel Ansart I was employed by him, in his counsel, in the prosecution and defense of several suits at law, in the Court of this state; and after his death, (which took place in the year one thousand eight hundred and tree, or one thousand eight hundred and four) I was employed by the said Catharine Ansart, his widow, in aiding her in the settlement of his estate. Since the death of the said Colonel Ansart, I have constantly kept up an acquaintance with the said Catharine, and do well know that she has ever since remained, and still is his
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Asahel Stearns
Middlesex ss. May 12th 1837. Personally appeared Asahel Stearns late professor of law in Harvard College, & well known to me as a person of undoubted veracity & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him presented before me
L.P. Pray JP
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. I Issac Fiske, Register of the court of Probate in and for the county of Middlesex hereby certify that Saml P Pray whose own proper signature is above written is the judge of said court of Probate & a Justice of the Peace within & for said county of Middlesex, duly commissioned & qualified as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said court, this nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven
Isaac Fiske Reg.
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Commonwealth of Mafsachusetts.

In the year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred + Ninety three.
An Act authorizing Lewis Ansart de Maresquelle, to omit the addition of De Maresquelle, and to be called + known by the names of Lewis Ansart.
Whereas Lewis Ansart de Maresquelle of Dracut, in the County of Middlesex Esqr, has petitioned this Court, praying that he may be authorized to omit the addition of De Maresquelle, + that he may be called and known by the names of Lewis Ansart, which are his christian and family names.
Be it therefore enacted by the Senate + House of Representatives in General Court afsembled [assembled], and by the authority of the same, That the said Lewis Ansart De Maresquelle be, and he hereby is allowed and authorized to omit the said addition of De Maresquelle, and that he be hereafter called and known by the name of Lewis Ansart.
In the House of Representatives June 5th 1793 This Bill having had three feveral [several] readings pafsed to be Enacted.
Edw H Robbins Speaker
In Senate June 5th 1793 This Bill having had two feveral readings pafsed to be Enacted.
Samuel Phillips President
By the Governor Approved
June 6th 1793 John Hancock
True copy Attest
John Avery Secy
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Proposal of Monsieur De Maresquelles viz
Marie Louis Amand Ansart De Maresquellses an old Captain of Infantry having been brought up in the Forges of France (his father and the Marquis of Montalembert his relation, having furnished for many years, all the Iron Cannon in the service of the French King) proposes to the honorable council and House of Representatives, to establish finances in the state of Massachusetts Bay upon account of the government for the purpose of furnishing the state with all such Iron Cannon as they may need. He has some particular methods of softening the iron by a mixture of oars & minerals; and also of casting the cannon solid & boring the same by which means they are rendered less massy and yet stronger than others cast with a cylinder which always occasioned many little holes, or cavities in the pieces, and which frequently occassioned their bursting. His father having observed [illegible] prejudicial those cavities were to the service of the Artillery he in the year 1750, cast many solid cannon and found them superior to those cast with a cylinder; and at present, no other but solid cannon are cast in the Forges of France. His father is the inventor of the machine which is used for boring said cannon and with it  a twenty four pounder may be bored, polished & the spruce cut off, in twenty four house. If the state will furnish the land, building, machines, & every necessary material for the apparatus & cannon, he will construct the finances and superintend and direct the building & everything relating to the said foundry which being ready and the mills prepared for boring, he will then furnish one cannon ready for service every twenty four hours out of the common iron ore within this state, it being understood that he should have cast a few before hand to give them time to cool. The calibre or bore of the cannon will depend upon the largeness of the furnaces. He will prove his cannon before commissaries appointed by the state. He will disclose at any time, all his
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knowledge in the premises, to any such persons as the state may order, and to no others. An if he does not fullfil the whole promised on his part in these proposals (unavailable casualties excepted) he agrees not only to forfeit all claim to anything by virtue of these presents but also to forfeit the sum of one thousand pounds to satisfy the damages the state may sustain thro his failure in fulfilling his proposals as aforesaid. He expects from the state to receive three hundred dollars in hand to compensate the expenses he has been at in removing from Europe to this state, and also one thousand dollars yearly from and after the date hereof, until the end of the present war between Great Britain & the United States of America and after that time the sum of six hundred sixty six & two thirds dollars yearly during his life; he doing and performing his past in all respects as aforesaid. He also expects the honor of a Colonels commission to give him Rank, but without any command or pay in virtue of said commission. Witness his hand at Boston December 6th 1776. De Maresquelles
Signed by the above mentioned Monsr. De Maresquelles after being fully interpreted to tim, in the presence of James Price.
Boston December 7th 1776
We the subscribers being a committee of the Honorable House of Representatives; appointed to agree with the aforementioned Monsr. De Maresquelles, DO, in behalf of the Honorable House agree to the foregoing proposals.
J. Palmer M. Cushing
Committee of the House
State
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State of Massachusetts Bay In the House of Representatives December 7th 1776. The foregoing agreement being read the same was approved of. 
Sent up for concurrence 
Samuel Freeman Spk PP
In Council December 9th 1776 
Read & concurred 
John Avery Dep. Secretary
Consented to by fifteen of the council 
A true copy of Record 
attest 
John Avery, Secy.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex Js
On this twenty ninth day of July eighteen hundred and forty six. Personally appeared fore me Elijah Clark a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Middlesex. Catherine Ansart a resident of [illegible] in said county of Middlesex being eighty four years of age, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following additional declarations in order to obtain a pension agreeable to the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838. Entitled on but granting half pay and pension to certain widows also agreeable to the Acts of March 3rd 1843 & June 17th 1834, that she is the widow of Lowe Ansart who came from Europe in the first part of the Revolution at which time he bore the title & name of Colonel, Lewes DeMaresquelle and rendered four or five years service as the principle superintendent in the manufacture of cannons, the fortifying ad building of forts in and about Boston Harbour and was ranked as Colonel, and that his practical knowledge of the French modes of manufacturing cannons & ordinance rendered his service valuable to this country, and that Colo. Lewes DeMaresquelle was in the time of the revolution married to her sister by the name of Mary Wimble and that she well recollects
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of visiting the said sister Mary DeMaresquelle, and [illegible] the rations which was allowed to Colo. DeMaresquelle & his family that those rations were allowed by the Board of War or by the authorities of this State. That the said sister Mary did not survive more than one year after her marriage to the said Lewes DeMaresquelle and that she herself was married to the said Lewes DeMaresquelle in or near the year 1787 and she died in this town in or near the year eighteen hundred and five or six and that she still remains his widow.
Catherine Her X Mark Ansart
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Catherine Ansart. She making her mark on the day and year just above written.
Before Mr. Elijah Clark Justice of the Peace
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I Atis Ansart of Dracut in the county of Middlesex and commonwealth of Massachusetts forty eight years of age, do testify and say Lewes Ansart of this town deceased was my father. That he died near my place of residence in or near the year 1804, that Catherine Ansart my mother & his widow now resides in my immediate neighborhood that some years since she made a claim for a pension which has never been allowed and that it has ever since my recollection been reputed that my father rendered service in the War of the Revolution at which time he was known & called by the name of Colonel Lewes DeMaresquelle and was a native of France. That his service was [illegible] about Boston Harbour reparing & making forts & superintendent of the  manufacture of ordinance.
Atis Ansart
Middlesex Ss. July 29th 1846
Then personally appeared Atis Ansart, & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him who subscribed and certify that he is a credible witness. Before Mr. Elijah Clark Justice of the Peace
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Power of Attorney-Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, that we, Atis Ansart Abel Ansart of Dracut, in Middlesex, county of the state of Massachusetts & sons of Catharine Ansart, deceased as of the same place, hereby constitute appoint Samuel A. Peugh of Washington City District of Columbia own true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of our mother, know of ourselves for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and we hereby authorize our 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 we wish made payable to ourselves to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that we might or could do were we personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Witness our hand, and Seal, this 29th day of December A.D. 1851.
Artis Ansart
Abel Ansart
Signed in the presence of David Blood
State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss: On this twenty ninth day of December A.D. 1851 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Atis Ansart, Abel Ansart, as subscribed above and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be their act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year aforesaid. David Blood J. Peace.
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Claim of the heirs of he widow Catharine Ansart deceased Act of
State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss.
Be it known, that on this twenty ninth day of December 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 Atis Ansart & Abel Ansart, residents of Dracut of Massachusetts in said County, and made oath according to law that they are the children of Catharine Ansart, deceased, who was the widow of Col. Lewis Ansart, that Catharine Ansart was an applican for a Revolutionary Pension of the United States, that they, that they have been informed that the said Pension ought to be allowed; that they are directly interested as claimants in said Pension, and make this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as their Agent may use in prosecuting said claim. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me. David Blood J. Peace.
I, David Blood, Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that Atis Ansart & Abel Ansart who executed the foregoing paper are respectable residents of this county, and are, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth. David Blood J. Peace
I, Clerk of the Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly, authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is s
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STATE OF Mafsachusetts +}
COUNTY OF Middlesex} ss.

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid, that Catharine Ansart was an applican for a Revolutionary Pension of the United States and that she died on the twenty seventh day of January eighteen hundred and forty nine leaving surviving her the following children, viz, Julia Married to Bradley Varnum - Sophia married to Nathan B. Spaulding - Atis Ansart, Abel Ansart + Felix Ansart and that the same mentioned above are all now living the only surviving children of the aforesaid Catharine Ansart, deceased are none.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this twenty ninth day of December one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
David Blood Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex s.s. - I, the Subscriber Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Said Commonwealth within and for the Said County whereby certify that David Blood Esq. whose name is subscribed in his own proper handwriting to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof and still is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the said county, duly commissioned and qualified having authority to administer and certify oaths ~ and that his official acts + certificates in that capacity are entitled to full faith and credit.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature and the seal of the said Court this Second day of January A.D. 1852
Seth Arnes. Clerk
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Letter
Chun Ptv of Rept
March 5 1862

Attn: Mr. Woodruff
New Haven Ct
March 1 1862

Requests that the claim of the children of Catharine Ansart Dicr. for Revolutionary Pension may be recalled from the House of Reps & submitted for the action of the Dept.

Respectfully referred to the Commr of Pensions for report

Matt J Smith
Clerk
Dept Int
Mch 3/62

Geo C Whiting

[stamped]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MAR 4 1862
PENSION OFFICE

[stamped]
DEPARTMENT OF THE 
MAR 8 1862
INTERIOR
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New Haven Coun March 1st 1862
Hon Caleb B Smith
My Dear Sir
During my term in Congrefs the claim of the children of "Catharine Ansart" - late of Mafs [Mass] was refered to the committee on Pensions in the House and was reported favorably upon by said committee.
One of the children is a resident of this State in whose behalf I write. The case having been rejected by the Pension Office. I have the honor to request - that the papers therein be called for from the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and submited to your Department for such action as is due in their behalf
Very Respectfully
John Woodruff
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[Seal stamp:
MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX COUNTY
PROBATE COURT.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Middlesex SS Lowell March 14th 1862.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me that Catherine Ansart wife of Colonel Lewis Ansart was an applicant for a Revolutionary pension; that she died in the Town of Dracut in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the Twenty seventh day of January A. D. 1849. leaving surviving her the following named children only, Phelix Ansart. Atis Ansart. Abel Ansart Widow Julia Varnum wife of the late Bradley Varnum of said Dracut. Sophia Spalding Widow. of late Dr. Spalding of Manchester N. H. and that there is now surviving the above named children.
In Witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office
William A. Richardson
Judge of Probate Court.
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CATHERINE ANSART
(To accompany Bil H. R. No. 7/80.)

May 25, 160. - Ordered to be printed.

Mr. Verree, from the Committee on Revolutionry [sic] Pensons, made the following
REPORT.
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Catherine Ansart, widow of Colonel Ansart, having had the same under consideration report:

That the following facts are established by the most incontestible record ad parol proof:
1. That in 1776 Lewis Ansart de Maresquelle, a captain in the French army, entered into the service of the revolution, in the State of Massachusetts, as superintendent of the casting of cannon for the State, under a stipulation that he should received $1,000 per annum during the continuance of the war, and a pension of $666 66 2/3 the remainder of his life, and that he should receive a commission as Col. to give him rank but without pay or Command - and it is equally evident that he was so commissioned
2. That he was ordered by said council, at various times, to perform military duties not connected with the foundry, and the payments made to him for these services have been acknowledged and paid by the United States as part of the military claim of Massachusetts; that he continued in the service to the close of the war; was married on the 9th of December, 1781, to Catherine Wimple, and died in 1804, leaving her a widow.
4. That in the year 1839 the claimant, his widow, (whose name had been changed by the legislature of Massachusetts to Ansart,) made application to the Pension office for the benefit of the provisions of the act of 4th July, 1836; but her claim was rejected on the ground "that her husband having made a contract" to serve, was, in consequence thereof, not a military officer, and therefore not embraced within its provisions.

The act of 7th June, 1832, upon which the act of 4th July, 1836, so far as service is concerned, is based on the following words: "That each of the surviving officers, &c., &c., who shall have served in the
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2

CATHERINE ANSART.

continental line, State troops, volunteers, militia, &c., shall be entitled to receive his full pay in the said line according to his rank."

If the service of Colonel Ansart had been confined exclusively to the manufacturing of cannon, there might be some just ground for objecting to the claim; but this difficulty is removed by the fact that when Count D'Estaign arrived in this country with the French fleet he was in want of a suitable engineer to direct the erection of his works of defence.  And on the 31st of August, 1778, Colonel Ansart was directed by the council of the State to perform this duty, and [illegible note in left margin] received the staff appointment of colonel, without command in the line; and he continued with Count D'Estaign until he left the country. [illegible] He did not receive the Commission as Col. on account of this service but having been commissioned as Col. &c it was because of his peculiar [illegible] & having been first commissioned to Mr. [illegible] Count D'Estaign. details of his duty without a [illegible] pay or rank.

It is also in proof, by additional evidence recently obtained from Massachusetts, that Colonel Ansart was also directed by the "Provincial Congress," as colonel of artillery and inspector general, to assist Count D'Estaign as an engineer.

The records show, also, that William Burbeck and Richard Gridley, both of whom performed corresponding duty, and who were employed under a contract with the State of Massachusetts, were allowed pensions; indeed, it is a well known fact that the whole artificer corps were originally employed by contract, but they are admitted to the pension rolls.

Your committee are of opinion that the widow is entitled to the benefits of the act of 4th July, 1836, (she having been married prior to the end of his service,) and therefore report a bill for her relief, with the recommendation that it do pass.

It is further proved that the went for a time - how long is not known - with Genl Sullivan in his expedition either as an aid or as an accomplished Engineer - Was recommended & sent to Genl S. by the Board of War of Mass
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Sept 18'99
H L Ansart
Boston Mass

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 20611
Catharine Ansart
Widow of
Lewis Ansart
Col. Rev. War

Act: July 4th 1836
Index: - Vol. A, Page 14

(Arrangement of 1870)
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[stamped]
O. W. & N. DIVISION
JUL 7 1899
RECEIVED

RETURN THIS LETTER
Mail Div. B Ex'r 1 Inclosures.

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.. May 18, 1899

Respectfully returned to H L Ansert C/Mr. A Thompson - 373
Washington St Boston, Mass

In order that the claim referred to within may be identified, please fill in the blank spaces below and return all papers to the Bureau.
[blank spaces for the next two lines have a large "X" thru them.]
Claim No. [blank space]
Certificate No. [blank space]
Name of claimant. H L Ansart
Name of Soldier, Lewis De Maresqelle
CO. [struck thru] Reg't [struck thru] State (where enlisted) Col. of Artillery & Inspector of Iron Foundries

If unable to furnish service, give names of company officers.

[stamped] Soldiers name and service (Co. and Regt) and claim number, should be stated in every communication.
H Clay Evans [stamped signature]
Commissioner.
 9594b10m3-99

[stamped
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL 5 189
Page 28

Catharine Ansart
Heirs of
March 8, 1860 Referred
to the Committee on
Rev Pensions
1860 May 25 Bill 780

Mr Thayer
Rev Pensions
Page 29

Catharine Ansart,
Widow of Lewis Ansart.

h [or L]

Mafsachusetts -
Middlesex Co.

Act 4th July 1836.
2c Section.

Allowed as the widow of 
a Colonel of Artillery in the revolutionary
war, at the rate of $600 -
per ann. to begin on the
4th March 1831 + to terminate
on the 27th day of
January 1849 - when she died,
payable to Julia A Varnum,
Sophia Spalding, Atis Ansart
Abel Ansart, and Felix Ansart,
only surviving children -

Certificate to
S. A. Peugh Esq
Present -
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Catherine Ansart
Widow of
Lewis Ansart
Mafs.
Sus. let. R Baldwin June
28 1837
de Augt 16 "37
S. A. Peugh May 7/52

[illegible] 4 July 1836
Page 31

Accompanying the petition
of Catharine Ansart
presented the [illegible]
Page 32

[illegible] 1962
Catherine Ansart
widow of
Lewis Ansart
Mafs
Mass.
Page 33

John Avery Esq is Secretary
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[seal attached]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
By his Excellency Caleb Strong Esqr
Governor and Commander in Chief.

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.

Know ye, that [unreadable due to deterioration] full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.

In Testimony whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this 24th day of October A. D. 1804; and in the 29th year of the Independence of the United States of America.

By His Excellency's Command.
John Avery Secretary
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Secretarys Office Boston
February 16th 1854.
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of the originals on file in this department.
Attest
E. M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 36

In Council
Saturday August 1st 1778
On motion Ordered that Artemas Ward Esq. draught a letter to General Sullivan recommending Colonel Maresquell Esq to his notice, and report who reported a draught of a letter which was read and accepted.

War Office
Boston July 31st 1778

Sir,
The countenance you have ever given to distinguished merit has induced us to take the liberty to introduce to your notice the bearer Col Maresquelle, Inspector of the Foundery's in this State and formerly a Captain in the Armies of our illustrious Ally, the Monarch of France; glowing with ardor to signalize himself in the intended expedition under your command, he comes to offer himself with cheerfulness to an
Page 37

service for which you may think him qualified
This gentleman early engaged in our Country's cause, to which he appears to have the warmest attachment. From the long personal knowledge and acquaintance we have had with him, we can recommend him as a brave and worthy man, and flatter ourselves he will so acquit himself as to deserve that approbation from his General for which he is so eagerly panting.

We have the honor to be with the most lively sentiments of Esteem
To Genl Sullivan 
Your Honor's &c

Friday Evening Hicks Meadow
Tiverton Aug. 7th 1778

Gentlemen, 
We arrived at this place on Monday evening 10 o'clock and encamped. New troops come in. On the 5th instant the enemy at Newport blew up the
Page 38

Appollio, Venus, and Lark frigates and two cutters. This morning the two Continental Brigades pass Slades Ferry and are now encamped at Fall River.

At  o'clock this evening Genl Sullivan, Marquis Fayette &c &c pass'd my quarters. Col Marriqual was with them. There will perhaps be the grandest party of [in right margin park] Artillery collected here that has been since the commencement of the war. B the preparations &c &c I expect we shall be on the Island by Wednesday. The order of Battle &c is fixed. I will send you every intelligence in my power. We expect a warm contest.
]
I am with respect &c &c Gentlemen
Your most Humble Sert
Thos Crafts

Honble Board of 
War
In haste and fatigued

[X across the rest of the empty page]
Page 39

In Provincial Congress
Watertown April 26 1775 8 o'clk a.m.
Resolved, That William Burbeck be, and he is hereby appointed an engineer of the forces now raising in this colony for the defence of the rights and liberties of the American continent, and that there be paid to the said William Burbeck out of the public treasury of this colony, during his continuance in that service, at the rate of one hundred and fifty pounds, lawful money per annum. And it is further Resolved, that from and after the time when the said forces shall be disbanded, during the life of the said Burbeck, there be paid to him out of said treasury, the sum of ninety seven pounds six shillings and eight pence lawful money annually.

Afternoon
Resolved, That Richard Gridley Esq. be, and he hereby is appointed chief engineer of the forces now raising in this colony, for the defense of the rights and
Page 40

liberties of the American continent; and that there be paid to the said Richard Gridley, out of the public treasury of this colony, during his continuance in that service, al the rate of one hundred and seventy pounds, lawful money, per annum. And it is further Resolved that from and after the time when the said forces shall be disbanded, during the lie of the said Gridley, there be paid to him, out of the said treasury, the sum of one hundred and twenty three pounds lawful money per annum.

In council April 29, 1778
On motion ordered that William Burbeck Esq. be commissioned as chief Engineer to this State and to have the Rank of Colonel.

[large "X" across the remaining empty space on the page]
Page 41

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office
Boston April 27 1854
I hereby certiy the foregoing to be true copies of the originals
Attest
E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 42

Board of War.
Boston 11th dec 1776.

Monseiur [Monsieur] Mareschal attended the Board about erecting a Furnace for casting Cannon, he observed that such Furnace should be in the most convenient place for coal ore and water  - also in the neighborhood of the mine, and that a number of men be provided, who have been used to work in Iron -- thereupon,
Voted. That Mr. Benj Andrews be desired to attend  Monseiur [Monsieur] to Stoughton and other places and report where he can be best accommodated.

Adjourned till 3 o'clk P.M.
Attest. Jon Loring Austin Secy.

Board of War
Boston Dec 16" 1776 p.m.

Voted, that Mr. Andrews be desired to defer his Journey with Monseiur [Monsieur] Mareschal till Wednesday, at which time Major Crane will attend and assist them in their search for a proper place to erect a
Page 43

Furnace.

Adjourned till 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Attest
Jno. Loring Austin Secy.

Board of War
Boston Jany 21. 1777 P.M.
Voted. On Colº Orr's attending the Board That he be desired to hire Keiths Furnace so called, and collect a Qty of ore, coal and such other materials as may be thought proper for Col. Maresquelle to make his experiments of casting and boring solid cannon.

Adjourned till 10 o'clock tomorrow A.M.
Attest
Jno. Loring Austin Secy.
Page 44

Board of War.
Boston 22 Jany 1777. A.M.

Voted.  That Colº Orr be impowered [empowered] to hire Kings Furnace if it shall be thought more for the interest of the State by Mons. Maresquelle, than Keith's and make such alterations, and erect such works in either as may be thought necessary.
Voted. That Colº Orr be directed to cast Four and six pounders (Brass).

Adjourned till 10 o'clock tomorrow morning
Attest
Jon Loring Austin Secy.

Board of War. Boston Febr. 9. 1777 p.m.

On a representation from Colº Crafts & Colº Maresquelle of the dilatory manner in which the business of the Furnace at Bridgewater is carried on; the further consideration thereof was deferred till Monday morning, and Mr. Gray was desired to draft a letter to Mr. Orr to go immediately by Colº Maresquelle.

Adjourned till tomorrow 10 o'clock A.M.
Attest
Jon Loring Austin Secy.
Page 45

Board of War.
Boston 3 April 1777.

Ordered, That John Ballard's Bill for a chaise three days to Stoughton, for Colº Maresquelle, 8/ be paid.

Adjourned till 3 o'clock p.m.

Attest,
Jon Loring Austin Secy.

Board of War.
Boston 5th May 1777. p.m.

Voted, That Colº Maresquelle be directed to cast one twelve pound brass cannon and one four pound Iron Cannon solid agreeable to his own model and finish them as he thinks proper.

Adjourned till tomorrow 9. o'clock a.m.

Attest.
Jon Loring Austin Secy.
Page 46

In Council August 31th[?] 1778.

"Whereas, Vice Admiral Count de Estaing has requested that this Board would appoint an officer to direct and oversee the erecting certain works which he thinks necessary to be thrown up in order to secure his ships now in Nantasket Road against the enemy's fleet supposed to be in this Bay.  Therefore, Lewis de Maresquelle, Colonel of Artillery and Inspector General of the Foundries of this State, is hereby appointed an Engineer to oversee and direct in  the erecting of such works as Vice Admiral Count de Estaing shall think necessary to have thrown up, for the purpose of securing the Ships under his command, in Nantasket Road, and Colonel Maresquelle will repair to Vice Admiral Count de Estaing, without loss of him, and know his pleasure on the premises and follow his orders, till the works aforesaid are finished."

"Whereas the Count de Estaing has proposed to throw up some works upon Hull, Point Alderton, the head of Long Island, and another hill near the places above mentioned, for the defense of this
Page 47

Harbor, as well as the fleet under his command [underlined] Provided [/underlined] he can be supplied with a number of spades and Pick-Axes, and also a quantity of timber and plank for platforms -- [underlined] Ordered: [/underlined] that the Board of War supply Colonel Maresquelle, (who is appointed to oversee this business,) with such a number of Spades and Pick Axes as he may think necessary; and also with such a number of suitable boats as may be wanted, for the transportation of Cannon. timber and plank for the purposes aforesaid; And it is further [underlined] Ordered, [/underlined] that the Committee for fortifying the harbor of Boston, also supply Colonel Maresquelle with such a quantify of timber and plank as he may have occasion for, for the business aforesaid, out of the plank and timber they have provided for Castle Island."

[underlined] In Council September 3d 1778. [/underlined]

Ordered, that the Board of War be, and hereby are directed to Supply Vice Admiral, Count de Estaing with such a quantity of Plank and Timber as Colonel Maresquelle shall judge necessary for erecting such Works as Count de Estaing shall judge proper, at George's Island, Hull, Point Allerton, and Long Island, for the defense
Page 48

and security of his fleet, and that the Board of War Supply Colonel Maresquelle with the same number of Rations as Colonel Crafts is allowed, from the time of his appointment as Engineer, to oversee the ^work^ aforementioned, and during his continuance in said Service."

[underlined] In Council September 5, 1778 [/underlined]


"On application of Colonel Maresquelle; -- [underlined] Ordered, [/underlined] that the Board of War be, and they hereby are directed to provide His Excellency Count de Estaing with two bids for thirteen inch mortars, as soon as may be."

[underlined] In Council July 24th, 1779. [/underlined]

[underlined] Ordered, [/underlined] That the Committee appointed for the purposes of repairing and completing such of the fortresses in and about the harbor of Boston; as to them shall appear most necessary, be, and hereby are impowered to call upon the Commissary General of this State, for such provisions and other necessaries as they want for the use of the men they may employ in carrying on the works
Page 49

aforesaid; and the Commifsary General is hereby empowered and directed to deliver to said Committee, such provisions and other necessaries as they may call for, for the purpose before mentioned"

In Council July 26th 1779.
Ordered, that the Board of War be, and hereby are directed to deliver Thomas Cushing Esquire and others, a Committee appointed by the General Court, for the purposes of repairing and completing such of the fortresses in and about the harbor of Boston, as to them shall appear most necessary for our immediate defence; such articles as they may want for the purposes aforesaid; provided; the cost of such articles, does not exceed the sum of Five hundred pounds"

In Council August 11th 1779.
Ordered that the Board of War be, and hereby as directed to deliver to Thomas Cushing Esqr. and others; a Committee of Fortification; the Flat bottomed boats belonging to this State, with a suitable number of oars and painters, for the purpose
Page 50

of forwarding the works at the several fortifications, in and about the harbor of Boston."

In Council September 2d 1779.
Ordered, that the officers and soldiers ordered to the Castle agreeable to an order of the sixth of August ultimo, be, and they hereby are put under the direction of Thomas Cushing Esquire, Abraham Fuller and John Hancock Esquire, and others, a Committee appointed by the General Court, to repair the fortresses in and about the harbor of Boston, to be improved by said Committee in the businefs of repairing said fortifications, and they are hereby directed to obey the orders of said Committee for the purpose aforesaid"

Secretary's office}
August, 27 1846}
I hereby certify the foregoing to be true copies, from the Records of the Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Witness the Seal of the Commᵗʰ
John G. Palfrey
Secretary
Page 51

In Council, Tuesday December 17th 1776.
Warrant on the Treasury for ninety pounds in favor of Monsieur De Maresquilles to compensate the expenses he has been at in removing from Europe to this State as pr Resolve of the General Afsembly the 9th instant, signed by 15 of the Council.
In Council, Monday September 21. 1778
Ordered that the Board of War be + they hereby are directed to supply Colonel Maresquelle with one hundred bags of mouse + six ginns for the works erecting in the harbor of Boston under the order of His Excellency Count De Estaing.
In Council, Tuesday February 9th 1779
Warrant drawn on the Treasury for One hundred fifty pounds in favor of Colonel Maresquelle as a further pay for his services to the first day of January last.
In Council, Tuesday July 6th 1779.
Account of Colonel Lewis Maresquelle for his services from the first of February last to the sixth of July instant inclusive agreable to a resolve of the twenty ninth ulto amounting to Four hundred sixty eight pounds. Read + allowed by + Ordered that a warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full discharge of said account - Warrant drawn accordingly.
Page 52

In Council, Thursday June 1st 1780.
Account of Lewis Maresquelle for his service from the first to the thirty first of May 1780, inclusive, amounting to Three hundred seventy two pounds, Read + Ordered that a warrant be drawn on the Treasury in full discharge of said account - warrant was drawn.
In Council, Tuesday June 20th 1780.
Warrant drawn on the Treasury for Two hundred + forty pounds in favor of Colonel Lewis Maresquelle in full of his salary to the twentieth instant.
In Council, Monday July 31st 1780.
Account of Lewis Maresquelle for his services from the twentieth day of June to the thirty first instant, amounting to Four hundred ninety two pounds being exhibited, was read + allowed. Ordered that warrants be drawn on the Treasury in full discharge of the above mentioned accounts to be paid in New Currency at the rate of one for forty of the old, warrants were drawn.
In Council Tuesday August 1st 1780.
On the petition of Lewis Maresquelle - Ordered that the Board of War be and they hereby are directed to advance Colonel Lewis Maresquelle one barrell of beef for the use of his family he paying such price as the General
Page 53

Court shall hereafter order.
In Council, Tuesday October 10th 1780.
Warrant drawn on the Treasury for Seventy five pounds new emifsion [emission] in full of the account of Col Lewis Maresquelle for three months service to 14th inst.
In Council, Tuesday November 21st 1780.
Warrant drawn on the Treasury for Twenty five pounds new emifsion in favor of Colonel Lewis de Maresquelle for his service for one Month from 14th October last to 14th instant - Sign'd by the Governor with advice + consent of the Council.
In Council, Tuesday December 12th 1780
Warrant drawn on the Treasury for One hundred seventy two pounds ten shillings + nine pence New Emifsion in favor of Colonel Lewis Maresquelle to make up his Depreciation of his annual salary agreeable to a Resolve of 30th November last.
In Council, Tuesday February 6th 1781
Warrant drawn on the Treasury for sixty seven pounds new emifsion in favor of Colonel Lewis de Maresquelle in full of his salary from fourteenth day of November last to fifth instant inclusively.
Page 54

Secretary's Office July 27, 1846

I certify the within to be true copies from the Records of the Council.
John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 55

I Catharine Ansart of Dracutt in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts eighty four years of age do testify and say that I am the widow of Lewis Ansart who formerly bore the name of Lewis de Marquelle who was a native of France and came to this Country in fore part of the revolutionary War, and was Commissioned Col. and inspector General of the Founderies for manufacturing Cannon for the United States that he was stationed in and about Boston Harbor had the superintendance of erecting Forts on the Islands in the state of Massuchusetts and the state of Rhodeisland that he was on Rohodeisland at the engagement of General Sullivan and the retreat of his army from the Island at which time he was Aid de Camp to General Sullivan, and was known during the Revolution by the name of Col. Lewis de Marsquelle, and rendered service in and of this Country for four of five years, and I hereby authorize and appoint Elizah Clark of Briton in said County of Mddleesex my Attorney for me, and in my name to make the requisite application for proff of my said husband's services at Washington from the Documents called the Washington papers in the City of Washington
Catharine Ansart (her x mark)
Middlesex, fs. August 28th 1846. Then the above named Catharine Ansart, personally appeared and made oath that the above writing that she has subscribed her name to by making her mark is true. And I certify that the said Catharine is a person of credibility.
Before me David Blood Justice of the Peace
Page 56

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston September 3d 1846

I hereby Certify, that at the date of the annexed attestation David Blood was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.


In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

John G. Palfrey,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

[seal]  [mainly illegible with words like Middlesex and other letters legible]
Page 57

List of Warrants delivered Mr. John Deming 3d June 1791
from Mr. Ivers's files
------
Date of Warrant | No. | Names | Date of entry in Blotter | Description | Amount
------
23 Jany. 1783 | - | William Burbeck | 31 March 1783 | 1 qr. Salary | 37.10"-
21 April " | - | - Do - | 31 May - " - | - " - | 37.10"-
14 July " | - | - Do - | 31 Dec " | - " - | 37.10"-
28 Nov. " | - | - Do - | - " - | - " - | 37.10 "-
16 Jany 1784 | - | - Do - | 31 Jany. 1784 | - " - | 37.10"-
9 March | - | - Do - | 31 March | detained rations | 77"8"-
- " - | - | John Burbeck | - " - | - " - | 65.18.-
22 April " | - | William Burbeck | 31 July | qrs. Salary | 24.6.8
22 July - | - | - Do - | 31 Augt. | - " - | 24.6-8
15 Oct | - | - Do - | 30 Octr. | - " - | 24-6-8
28 Jany 1785 | - | - Do - | 31 Mar 1785 | - " - | 24-6-8
7 May " | - | - Do - | 31 May | - " - | 24-6-8
21 Oct. 1782 | - | William Burbeck | Nov. 1782 | - " - | 37-10-
Boston 15 June 1791
Received the above Warrants for the purpose of filing the same against the United States
John Deming} Committee Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Treasury Office, Boston Feby 17. 1855
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from the original account book in this office entitled "List of Rolls + Warrants delivered the committee for methodizing accounts to be charged to the United States"
Jacob H Loud
Treas. + Receiver Genl
Conslth of Mafsachusetts
Page 58

List of Warrants deliv'd Mr. Deming from Treasurer Hodgdon's files
-----
1782
Augt. 23 | Warrant in favor of Lewis Maresquelle for his Salary from 5th Feby. 1781 to 5th August 1782 450"-"-
August 19 | Do. for 6 months do. ending 5 Feby 1783 150"-"-
Octr. 30 | Do " 6 - do - do - ending 5 Augst. 1783 23 Oct. 1783 See Resolve} 125"-"-
1784
February 13 | Do " 6 do - do - ending 5 Feby. 1784 100"-"-
Augt. 31 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 Augt. 1784 100"-"-
1785
Feby 19 | Do " 6 do - do - ending 5 Feby 1785 100"-"-
Octr. 21 | Do " 8 do - do - ending 5 Octr. 1785 133"6"8
1786
Feby 3 | Do " 3 do - do - ending 5 Jany 1786 50"-"-
May 11 | Do " 3 do do - ending 5 Apl. 1786 50"-"-
Octr. 27 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 Octr. 1786 100"-"-
1787
May 2 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 April 1787 100"-"-
Octr. 17 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 Octr. 1787 100"-"-
1788
May 2 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 April 1788 100"-"-
Octr. 29 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 Oct. 1788 100"-"-
1789
April 9 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 April 1789 100"-"-
Sept. 10 | Do " 3 do - do ending 5 July 1789 50"-"-
1790
Feby 2 | Do " 6 do - do ending 5 Jany 1790 100"-"-
May 25 | Do " 3 do - do ending 5 April 1790 50"-"-
Sept. 16 | Do " 3 do - do ending 5 July 1790 50"-"-\
1791 March | Do in part of his Salary, he to be accountable 20"-"-
1790 Sept. 17 | Do for Salary to 5th Oct. 50"-"-
Boston June 15 1791
Received the above warrant for the purpose of filing the same against the U States
John Deming} Committee Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Treasury Office, Boston Feby 17th. 1855
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the original account book in this office entitled "List of Rolls + Warrants delivered the Committee for methodizing accounts to be charged to the United States " -
Jacob H. Loud Treasr. + Receiver Genl. Conslth of Mafs.
Page 59

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Feb. 17. 1855

I hereby certify that Jacob H. Loud who signed the foregoing certificates was at the date thereof the Treasurer & Receiver General of this Commonwealth.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Commonwealth the date above written.

E. M. Wright
Secʸ of the Commonᵗʰ
Page 60

This shows that the payments to Maresquelle by Mass. were charged against the U.S. & paid by them.  Consequently [illegible]
Page 61

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Secretary's Office, August 4th 1846 

I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto attached Elijah Clark was a Justice of the peace for the County of Middlesex in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.  
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

[seal]
Page 62

State of Massachusetts Bay

Council Chamber August 31st 1778

Whereas Vice Admiral Count De Estaing has requested that this Board would appoint an Officer to direct & Oversee the erecting of certain works which he thinks necessary to be thrown up in order to secure his Ships now in Nantasket Road against the Enemy's Fleet, supposed to be in this Bay.
Therefore Lewis de Maresquelle, Colo. of artillery and inspector General in the founding of this State, is hereby appointed Engineer to oversee and direct in the erecting such works as Vice Admiral Count de Estaing shall think necessary to have thrown up for the purpose of securing the Ships under his command in Nantasket Road And Colonel Maresquelle will repair to Vice Admiral Count de Easing without loss of time, and know his pleasure on the premises, and follow his Orders, till the Works aforesaid are finished.

True Copy
Attest,
John Avery  DP Secy.
Page 63

Accompanying the petition of Catharine Ansart, presented the [illegible due to ink]
Page 64

War Office 10th Feby 1779

Sir

You are requested to proceed to Titticut to prepare the metal from the common Oar, [ore?] for casting Twenty  Twelve Pounders for the ship Protector, which are to be boxed and completely finished by the first of May next. -- You are also to direct the Boring Six 24 pound Cannon that they may be finished without loss of time.
Colo. Orr will give you every assistance that you may want, and should any thing further be necessary the Board will furnish it.

We wish you a pleasant Tour and are with much regard.

Your Friends & very humble Servants
By order of the Board
John Browne
President [illegible]

Colo. Marisquelle
Page 65

De Cardray 11 Aug '77
Page 66

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston

I hereby certify that the within are true copies from the original records and documents in this department. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth this 17th day of Feby 1854. 

E. M. Wright

[seal]
Page 67

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives
The fortifying the several seaports in this colony,
and the completely fitting out the armed vessels
ordered to be built, we think, are objects worthy your immediate attention. The daily applications for
cannon from the seaport towns and the necessity
of furnishing cannon for the several armed vessels,
require that some effectual method be taken to
procure cannon suitable both for the land and sea
service. We therefore recommend it to your consideration, whether it is not become expedient at the expense of the colony to erect a Furnace or Furnaces for casting cannon of the sizes required.
Council Chamber
June 7th 1776.
James Bowdoin
Caleb Cushing
J Winthrop
Richard Derby Jun
T Cushing
B Lincoln
S Holten
Moses Gill
Jabez Fisher
B White
Benj Austin
John Whitcomb
D Hopkins
Dan Davis
F M Dana
Page 68

2

In the House of Representatives Sept. 14th 1776

Resolved, That Hugh Orr Esq. and others, a committee appointed "to make enquiry with respect to casting cannon" be and they hereby are directed immediately to erect or purchase an air Furnace in such place as they may judge most fit and proper for the purpose of casting and boreing [boring] large cannon; and that they provide all such workmen, materials and every thing necessary for the erecting said Furnace and casting such cannon as aforesaid; and that they carry same into effect with all possible dispatch.
And it is also Resolved, that Majr Crane and Mr. Roat, be added to said committee.
Sent up for Concurrence.
J. Warren, Speaker

pass?

In Council Sept 16th 1776
Read and concurred
John Avery Depy. Secy.

Consented to
Jer Powell
W Sever
B Greenleaf
Caleb Cushing
B Chadbourn
John Whitcomb
Eldad Taylor
T Cushing
Page 69

3

S Holton
Jabez Fisher
D Sewall
B White
Moses Gill
Danl Hopkins
Benj Austin

In the House of Representatives Novr. 2. 1776

Resolved, that the Committee appointed to erect or purchase an Air  Furnace for casting and boring large cannon for the use of this State be, and they hereby are impowered [empowered] and directed to import from Philadelphia, for the use of such furnace two hundred tons of pig-iron; and said committee are also hereby impowered [empowered] to draw bills on the Delegates of this State at the Honorable Continental Congress, for a sum (supposed to be now in their hands) sufficient to pay for the same.
And it is also Resolved, that there be paid out of the public Treasury of this State, unto said committee the sum of two thousand Pounds, to enable them to defray all the charges of said Furnace, together with the coal they have already purchased and all such other materials as they may judge necessary for carrying the business aforesaid into full effect; said committee being accountable to the General Court, for the expenditure of those, and
Page 70

4
all other sums put into their hands for the purposes aforesaid.
And it is further Resolved. That Benjn Palmer, Mr Cheever and Capt Adams do, as soon as may be, direct the aforesaid Committee what sizes of cannon and what proportion of each size shall be made so that they may be enabled to prepare the patterns for the same without delay.
It is also Resolved that Capt Thomas Hooper be of this Committee in the room and stead of Deacon Washburne who is employed in other service.
It is also further Resolved, That said Committee make further enquiry after the best and largest quantities of ore, and the most suitable place for a Blast-Furnace for working the same for the purposes aforesaid, and, to report.
And it is also Resolved, That said Committee enquire of Monsieur De Maresquelles, now in Boston what pay he will expect for assisting said Committee in the aforesaid business, what assistance he will afford, and what he expects for communicating to them all his knowledge in the cannon Foundery and they to Report.
Sent up for Concurrence
T Dalton Speaker Pro tem
Page 71

5
Providence the 13th Sept 1776.
Mr Luis Sweeting Jr.
In consequence of the conversation we had when we met on the road and you desiring me to write you my opinion of the Air Furnace and of the state of our engagements for cannon +c [&c].
I have now to inform you that after viewing Mr Hubbarts Furnace, and talking a good deal with Mr Leach who built said Furnace, and getting what knowledge I have been able in the matter, I am of opinion that his Furnace is incapable of doing great business at making large cannon, mortars +c, without twice as much more cost laid out upon it. He says it cost Four Hundred pound L.M. I conclude one might be built for about L1000 L. M. that would do great business if stock was to be had, but the almost, if not quite impossibility of procuring either coals or metal to stock a large Air Furnace renders the business of making large cannon in that way very precarious.
As to the state of our Furnace we are now in blast and hope to continue till Christmas or New Year after which its likely we shall not make any more heavy cannon till late next Spring. We now sell at L5. L. M. pr hundred and have about 4 weeks work engaged, and as people are daily applying for guns, it is likely we may always have so many spoke for till we have engaged all we can make this blast. So that if your Assembly should think worth while to get any cannon of us, it
Page 72

6
may be best to apply soon. I should have wrote to you before on this head, but have not been able to write you fully till since Mr Langdon has declined having his guns of us on terms we were willing to supply them for the Continental ship he has built.
As to the price of Cannon viz L100. L. M. pr Ton I acknowledge it seems high but it is not so extravagant as most other things are, for the price in England is L36 Sterling pr ton if bored out and L18 Sterling if they are not bored, now we bore ours quite to the breach as smooth as small arms are, and we at first thought we could afford them much cheaper and made some guns for L35. L M pr Ton and found we should sink all our stock we had in the works, if we continued on at this price and when we consider that all labor and every article that is used in a Furnace is risen double and some treble what they used to be, and the price in England being alas it is, L36 Sterling for such guns as we make, and comparing any other articles manufactured here with the price of the same articles in England cannon will appear to be much lower then other articles in general are.
I suppose the Philadelphia men missed it the same way we at first did. For the Honorable the Continental Congress agreed with one man for 400 Tons of cannon a most a year ago, and have not got one of him, and the contract has fallen through.
They agreed with 3 other gentlemen for 400 Tons and a fortnight ago they had'nt got half guns enough for one of their new ships, and those they have got
Page 73

Commodore Hopkins says are monstrous bad, and no way fit for the service. They have since failing several ways agreed with a person for 1000 Tons to be delivered in Mayland at a low price, but I don't believe they will ever get them that are good, and well bored out. They agreed with owning Furnace, and failed them.
Thus I think I have given you as true a state of matters about cannon as I am able, and 
am your humble
Sevat Joseph Brown.

Sheffield Sept 25th 1776.
Sir,
Mr Roat our Representative has been with me, and informs me that our General Assembly propose the building of a Furnace in this State, in order to cast cannon +c [&c], and he was to consult me with respect to ore that would answer, and desired me to write to you relative thereto. I have an interest in the Iron ore bed in Salisbury in Connecticut which has been proved to be the best for that use upon the continent. He aslo enquired of me about a suitable stream and place to erect a Furnace. I informed him I had a good stream and I judged a very convenient place for that end. I do not know of any other suitable place in this town nor in this county, especially so near
Page 74

8
the ore bed, but this place of mine is about fifteen miles from the ore bed which is considerable way to cart; but then coal wood is handy, which is the greatest article if the assembly cant be better suited within this State of the Massachusetts Bay. they shall have the use of the oar bed and stream for a reasonable consideration to promote the common cause. I have a good dam and saw-mill at the place where I judge it would answer well for a Furnace, and I have had thought for some years to have erected a furnace at the same place.
I am sir although a stranger to you
your humble servant
John Ashley.

To Col Orr.
Observations on crude iron and the various textures it receives from the fire which qualifies it for the use of cannon. In the first fusion of the ore in the large works by means of a mild gentle blast with the assistance of good limestone for flux the metal comes out of a dark gray or water color, and its particles when broke appear pointed like steel, but of a larger grain in which state it is perfectly suitable for the use of cannon. The attempting to meliorate crude iron by a second fusion for that use, has hitherto proved unsuccessful, a very little experience will soon show any man, that the oftener it is melted the more friable it grows, unless it has undergone such a degree of heat as to purify it from all its heterogenous
Page 75

9
parts which brings it to be steel instead of pig iron or otherwise transforms it to the consistence of basison, neither of which will serve for the making of cannon. The Air Furnaces at New York and Jersey's are a recent proof of the above observation for it is beyond all dispute that those wares that have been made there, although done in a masterly manner, have failed in goodness with those made out of the same ore, at the smelting works at the first fusion.

Sir,
The above observations were wrote by Mr Cornelius Atherton at my request; you are left, Sir to make what use of them you please. I am credibly informed not only by Mr Atherton but by other gentlemen, that at Salisbury they cast one cannon every day in a blast furnace from the ore with limestone, which will and do bear a treble charge, and none have failed; the iron being exceeding tough. It is thought by the best judges, that the Air Furnace the Massachusetts State are about to build, will not answer the purpose of making cannon, therefore, I thought it my duty to give you these hints as you are one of the Committee.
In haste from yours and a friend to my country,
Fairfield October the 15th 1776
J Southworth.

P.S.
Pray show these observations to B Genl. Palmer who I trust understands chemistry.
J S - th - th

[Written on the left margin]
Subscribed, Tho Crane Esq.
in
Stoughton
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In the House of Representatives.
Whereas the present exigencies of our affairs, and the war we are by the ingunious and cruel conduct of Britain forced into, for the defence of everything dear to us, make it necessary that we should adopt the best measures for conducting the war with the greatest secrecy, despatch, and economy.
It is therefore Resolved. That nine persons be appointed by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly, as a committee under the title of a Board of War. who shall keep in Boston, or such other place or places as the General Court may order, or the said Board shall find necessary, a public office for the purposes hereafter mentioned; and continue as a committee for those purposes until the twentieth day of June next, and until others shall be appointed, subject never the less, to a discharge at any time, by the General Assembly of this State; whose business it shall be, and they or the major part of them are hereby impowered to order and direct the operations of the forces in the pay of this State both by sea and land by giving the commanders of the troops, garrisons and vessels of war, such orders for their conduct and cruises from time to time, as they shall think proper, such orders to be signed in their name by the President of said Board, or in his absence, by the member therefor officiating as President pro tempore; such land forces never the less shall not be sent out of this State without
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the express consent of the General Assembly thereof; and shall order the commissary to furnish them and also the Militia upon extraordinary occasions, with all war like and other stores, provisions, and clothing that shall appear to them proper and necessary. And for the more effectually enabling them to do this business, it is also Resolved, That the said Committee or Board of War, or the major part of them shall procure, on cause, to be procured, provisions, cannon, arms, ammunition, clothing and all other articles necessary for carrying on the war by sea and land; for which purpose they shall take up or may purchase load and fit out, with suitable cargoes such vessels as shall appear to them proper for importing said articles from other States; they not amounting in the whole to a greater sum than shall from time to time be granted by the General Assembly appropriated for those purposes; which articles when procured, shall be lodged with the commissary of this State, who shall store them in such safe and convenient places for the defence of this State, as said Committee or Board of War shall order; and them with such articles belonging to this State, now in his hands from time to time deliver out according to the orders of said Committee, and also procure any such articles as said Committee shall direct. And it is further Resolved, that the Secretary and Commissary of this State, make such returned to said Committee, without delay as they shall from time to time require. And all officers in the service and pay of this State by sea or land are hereby required
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to be obedient and subject to such orders as they shall from time to time receive from the said Committee or Board of War with the limitations aforesaid, which Committee shall keep in Books for that purpose provided, fair and clear entries of all orders issued and returns made and also of all their proceedings and of all the Military, and war like stores, and provisions belonging to this State, and the places where deposited.
And said Committee or Board of War shall produce their books and render account of their doings to the General Assembly of this State, whenever, and so often as they shall be thereunto required. And for the more effectually carrying into execution the purposes aforesaid, the said Committee or Board of War, or the major part of them shall be, and hereby are, impowered to draw warrants on the Treasurer of this State, for such sums of money as the General Assembly shall appropriate for that purpose; and the said Treasurer is hereby directed to pay the same. The said Committee or Board of War, to be accountable to the General Assembly of this State for the expenditure thereof.
And the said Committee, or the major part of them are hereby empowered to take up, or if need be, impress any horses, cattle and carriages, and such other articles as the exigencies of the public service require. And it is also Resolved, That any fine, and not less, of said Committee or Board of War, shall be a Quorum and vested with full powers to act in all cases; and their doings shall be as valid in all respects, as if the
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whole were present.  And it is also further Resolved That a Secretary and if need be, one or more clerks to said Board of War shall be appointed by the said Board, and shall have such allowance for their services as the General  Assembly of this State shall order, and such Secretary and clerks, shall, before they enter on their respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation, before any one of the council of this state, or the chairman of said Board of War, who are hereby impowered [empowered] to administer the same a certificate whereof shall be filed in said office, viz -
I A.B. do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will not directly or indirectly divulge any matter or thing which shall come to my knowledge as Secretary (or clerk) of the Board of War established by the State of Massachusetts Bay, without the leave of the Board of War or by the direction of the General Assembly of this State, and that I will faithfully execute my said office according to the best of my skill and judgement so help me God (or this I affirm on the pains and penalties of perjury)
Witness my hand this [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 17 [blank]
In Council Read and concurred

Consented to by the Major part of the Council
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In the House of Representatives Nov 21. 1776

Ordered that Brigadier Palmer and Capt. Batchelder be added to the Committee of this Court for building furnaces for casting cannon be Sent up for concurrence. 
J Warren Spkr

In Council Nov 21st 1776.
Read and Concurred
John Avery Depy. Secy.

In the House of Representatives Nov. 21st 1776.

Whereas it is represented to this court that the committee appointed to contact with Monsieur De Maresquelles to employ him in the cannon foundry in this State, have not closed a bargain with him, and that he proposed soon to take his departure from this State.
Therefore,
Resolved, that Brigadier Palmer and Capt. Batchelder be and they hereby are empowered and directed as soon as may be, to wait on that gentleman and engage him is said business for the service of this State, on such terms as they shall judge reasonable
Sent up for concurrence
Saml Freeman Speaker P.T.

In Council Nov. 21st 1776
Read and Concurred.
John Avery Depy. Secy.
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Consented to

Jer Powell
Artemas Ward
J. Winthrop
John Whitcomb
S. Holten
Moses Gill
Jabez Fisher
Wm. Phillips
Henry Gardner
Danl Davis
D Sewall
B. White
Benjn Austin
Caleb Cushing
Eldad Taylor
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16

In the House of Representatives Dec. 10th 1776.
Resolved that the Honr. Board of War be and they are hereby impowered [empowered] and directed to employ the Sieur de Maresquelles, as soon as may be in the business for which this Court has engaged him, in such manner as to them shall seem most for the advantage of this State.
Sent up for Concurrence
Saml Freeman Speakr. P.T.

In Council Dec. 10. 1776
Read and Concurred
John Avery Depy. Secy.

Consented to
J Bowdoin
Jer Powell
W Spooner
Caleb Cushing
B Chadbourn
T Cushing
B Lincoln
S Holton
B White
Jabez Fisher
Dˡ Hopkins
Benjⁿ Austin
D Sewall
F M Dana
Wm Phillips
Page 83

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston

I hereby certify that the within are true copies from the original records and documents in this department.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth this 17th day of February 1854.

E. M. Wright

[seal]
Page 84

War Office
Boston Feby 15th 1777

Hugh Orr Esq.
Sir
That the exigencies of this State demand the most active and spirited exertions from all her subjects at this critical conjuncture need not be repeated to you now; nor that the security and power of it must principally depend upon a good, a numerous, and well appointed Artillery.
In this view she has at a great expense erected Air Furnaces which, confiding in your zeal and capacity, are put under your immediate care and direction; subject never the less, to the superintendence of Col Maresquelle; in whose knowledge, skill and experience in the art of founding and boring cannon she has an entire reliance; as appears by the honble stipend granted him for that purpose; you will therefore pay a proper deference to his superior talents and judgment in this business, and in as much as no design can succeed without first establishing good order and regularity and to the end that each person concerned in the work may have opportunity to exert his faculties to the purpose aforesaid.
The Board of War hereby direct you to appoint Mr Leech to be foreman in all that regards the fires and melting of the Metal, Mr William Keith to be Clerk of the furnace and Mr Ephraim Keith
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foreman, chief moulder and caster of the cannon not doubling but that each of these worthy gentlemen, will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the trust reposed in them, so as by their example the rest may be inspired with the spirit of Concord, dilligence and perseverance in their duty.
You are also directed to assure all persons that are or shall be concerned in these works, that the merits of everyone shall be duly weighed, and considered, and all will be recompensed according to their deserts.
After this consideration, if any thing can be added to stimulate generous minds to the performance of their duty, it must be, the heart felt satisfaction of contributing to the safety, the welfare and the glory of their country.
By order of the Board 
Saml Phps Savage, Prest

P.S.
You are likewise desired to send without delay a man to Dartmouth, to order a sufficient quantity of clay from Martha's Vineyard; to complete the third Air Furnace.
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War Office 
Boston May 24, 1777

Hugh Orr Esq

Sir, 

Your favor of the 21st instant we received and with pleasure observe that the first trial of the machine for boring cannon is like to be attended with success. No pigs are yet arrived, should any come to hand shall immediately order them to your works. 
We sometimes since ordered several cannon to Weymouth landing to be delivered to your agent there, hope you have received them before this, and that they will answer purpose. Col. Maresquelle must have misapprehended respecting the the six pound brass cannon, it being our intention to have a number of four poundes as soon as may be you will therefore proceed in that business till farther orders. The files mentioned we now send you agreeable to your desire and are sir
Your very hble "sert"
By order of the Board
Sam Phips Savage, Prest
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War Office.
Boston June 5th 1777.

Hugh Orr Esq.
Sir,
We have the satisfaction to hear by yours of the 31st of May that Col. Maresqulle's solid cannon is bored and in every respect meets your approbation. You say you expect to make immediately a 12th cannon from the Providence pigs - The Board had rather it should be an 18 pounder, and accordingly have given Col. Maresquelle orders for that purpose, and would have all the pigs cast into cannon of that size.
We have also desired that Col. Maresquelle go on immediately to cast 16 - four pound brass cannon, and are to request you would send to Boston the brass twelve pounder together with the three brass four pounders, as soon as may be
By order of the Board,
Saml Phps Savage, Prest

War Office July 27th 1778.

Hugh Orr Esq.
Sir,
We received yours of the 22d instant, Col. Maresquelle will be with you in a few days with the pattern of a 24 pound cannon. The Machine for boring, it is thought best should be lengthened at Bridgewater, as the bringing it here would be very expensive,
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and after all not so well done as under your or the eye of Col. Maresquelle
The two tons of iron we do not choose to have bought as we trust we shall have sufficient with the addition of 7 heavy nine pounders now condemned at the Castle and are ordered to be sent you for recasting and will be sent to Weymouth Landing.
All the accounts of the Furnace we should be glad might be laid before this Board as soon as your conveniency will admit. All the brass cannon and Howitz ready for use should be glad might be sent to Boston by the way of Weymouth as soon as possible. The four tons of iron you have bought a L50. pr ton the Board approve.
We are very respectfully
yr most Hble Sert
Saml Phps Savage Prest

War Office 10 February 1779.
Sir,
You are requested to proceed to Titticut to prepare the metal from the common ore for casting 20 twelve pounders for the ship Protector, which are to be bored and completly finished by the 1st of May next. You are also to direct the boring six 24 pound cannon that they may be finished without loss of time. Col. Orr will give you every assistance that you may want, and should any thing further
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be necessary, the Board will furnish it.
We wish you a pleasant tour, and are with much regard
Your friends and very humble servants
John Browne, P.P.T.
per order
Col. Maresquelle

War Office Boston June 13, 1780

Sir,
A few guns belonging to Government want new boring - the Board therefore request your attendance without loss of time to perform this business at Boston
We are Sir
Your humble servt.
By order of the Board
S Php Savage

Col. Maresquelle
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In Council Wednesday August 5th 1778.
Whereas Major General Sullivan has requested that Lieut Colonel William Burbeck may proceed to the State of Rhode Island to act as engineer upon the intended attack on the Island of Rhode Island, therefore ordered, that William Burbeck Esq be, and he hereby is directed to proceed to the State of Rhode Island, and to follow such orders as he shall receive from Major General Sullivan, and to return as soon as the service will admit of it.

In Council Monday Morning Aug 31. 1778. 5 o'clk
Whereas Vice Admiral Count de Estaing has requested that this Board would appoint an officer to direct and oversee the erecting certain works which he things necessary to be thrown up in order to secure his ships now in Nantasket Road against the enemies fleet supposed to be in this bay. Therefore Lewis de Maresquelle, Colonel of Artillery and Inspector General of the Foundries of this State is hereby appointed an Engineer to oversee and direct in the erecting such works as Vice Admiral Count De Estaing shall think necessary to have thrown up for the purpose of securing the ships under his command in Nantasket Road and Colonel Maresquelle will repair to Vice Admiral Count de Estaing without loss of time and know his pleasure on the premises
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and follow his orders till the works aforesaid are finished.

To the Honorable Council.
The subscriber Director of the works erecting in the harbour of Boston under the order of his Excellency, Count de Estaing, begs leave to represent to your Honors that the count wishes to have two beds for 13 inch Mortars which he proposes to place on George's Island.  You are therefore requested to give directions to the Board of war to provide the same as soon as may be.
Lewis de Maresquelle.
Colonel of Artillery.

Saturday Sept 5th, 1778

In Council Sept. 5th 1778.  Read and Ordered that the Board of War be and they hereby are directed to provide his Excellency Count de Estaing with two beds for 13 inch Mortars as soon as may be.
Read and Accepted.
John Avery, Dep. Sec.
Page 92

The [illegible] papers are filed to show the spirit which actuated the French officers in tendering their services to the American cause.  It was not for employment but for glory and a warm attachment to the American [deleted word] colonies.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston
Feby 17th 1854.

I hereby certify that the within are true copies of the original documents on file in this office with the exception that the papers commencing on page 1 and page 7 are true copies of the official translation filed with the original documents which are in the French Language.
In testimony whereof I have affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth this 17th day of Feby 1854.
E. M. Wright
Page 93

To the Honorable the members of the Council of the State of Massachusetts

Gentlemen

I see with the greatest satisfaction you have recieved my proposals, that honor and a hope of distinguishing myself dictated, and to expedite the end proposed I have thought proper to represent unto you the necessity of immediately issuing orders to enlist, as, several Canadian residents in this city, some time past have been reduced by prisoners to join your enemies.

therefore, Gentlemen, I have judged it expedient to renew my solicitations to obtain an order for enlisting all such as may present themselves, specifying the County, pay, rations, lodging &c and that the term of their enlistment may be for,  during the war, or any limited term, that you may determine on, also the reward for disabled persons, and such as may distinguish themselves by any singular action.

I further request gentlemen the power of appointing my own officers according to their degree of capacity and merit, though not without informing you when any may be appointed. Also that my officers may recieve pay from the time they may begin to enlist and what their pay may be.

I refer unto your generosity the case of gratifying such gentlemen as have followed me to this country, who have expended the fund brought with them for their support since their arrival, seeing that the expense of
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their uniform which is at present very dear and scarcely to be had, will be considerable.

Animated by an ardent desire to prove unto you my zeal added to the present circumstances, which seem to require all the despatch possible for the embodying my regiment, besides Gentlemen, being emboldened by your permission of communicating unto you at any time the subject of my reflections am induced to propose unto you a plan, which I believe to be the most effectual, in order to establish my regiment on such a footing, as may render you all the services you may possibly expect.

It is unfortunately too recent, that the scarcity of clothes, arms, and all other necessary and indispensable articles not only for my troops, but in short the whole army will prove a difficulty and occasion a great delay to a regiment, which for the good of the State, should, if possible be prevented, the following in consequence, I have thought fit to lay before the honorable Council.

The following means as well for the present, as all future exigencies, but as the conveyance of the above mentioned articles require a safety, which I judge only can be in a well armed frigate sufficient to command respect, the same to go to Cape Francois, where I am certain every necessary article may be procured to supply the wants of this State, and to convince you Gentlemen, of my readiness at all opportunities to prove my seal and inviolable attachment, I offer myself to
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to go to the Cape in the frigate, where on my arrival I dare assure you, of the connection of two houses in trade, whom I know to be rich and able to supply your State with every necessary article, I say more, I think I may venture to assure you, that by my representations unto the chiefs of our Islands it is possible to procure you any succor you may desire, by their facilitating the connections in trade that I may conformable to your pleasure, establish with a discretionary power in me to diminish or augment as circumstances may require.

The good opinion of my brother citizens, which I have ever enjoyed, joined to the interest they take in your just cause, gives me reason to hope every thing from their zeal, besides, Gentlemen, I dare assure you, by my representations unto the Government of St Domingo, relative to the present situation of America, which they are ignorant of, notwithstanding I have already given a detail of the same unto the Governor of the Cape, who had requested it before my departure, will determine them to communicate the subject to the Court of France, and solicit for you any succor you may require.

My absence from this may not occasion any delay in the enlistment of men to form my regiment, the active zeal that I know my Lieut Colonel possessed of, equally my superior officers, assures me, they will fulfill the task agreeable to your desire, and
the orders I may leave on that head shall be such
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as may add to their activity, I propose bringing with me from the Cape, officers that are known, by their talents and knowledge in the art of war, they will be not only useful to my regiment, but to all the States, also soldiers, and all the artificers that I may possibly be able to procure. As the frigate cannot recieve a sufficient cargo for such an enterprise, owing to the quantity of provision ammunition &c she is obliged to carry, it would be expedient to add one or two other vessels which she might convoy to Cape Francois their cargo from this might be considerable, composed of such articles as I shall point out.

Those are Gentlemen the results of reflections on what concerns you, which as a faithful and good citizen ought to do, have thought it my duty to communicate to you and which I refer to your consideration.

I think it would be also necessary to have an order addressed unto all American masters of vessels, that may happen to be at the Cape on my arrival, instructing them to recieve on board and transport all such persons as I may demand, into your States without charge. I add the number of officers of which I propose, composing my regiment, with their rank, to the end that you may be better enabled to distinguish their commissions.

Be persuaded Gentlemen I wait only the happy moment in which I can prove unto you my unfeigned attachment and sincere wishes for the prosperity of your States
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I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Gentlemen
Your obed Humble Servt

Fanueil

In Council Dec 5th 1776.

Read and thereupon Resolved that William Seaver and Benjamin Lincoln Esqr with such as the Honorable House shall appoint be a committee to consider the above memorial and report what is necessary to be done thereon.

Sent down for concurrence

John Avery Dep Sec

*** additional comments are in French  ***

Mr fanueil, Lieutenant au regiment de Boulonnais, par brevet de l'an 1762 & Captain de dragons et commandant de la province du crew, et cote St Dominique, par bouet de l'an 1768. 

Maree, Lieutenant au Regr de Boulonnais par brevet de law 1760 & passe Lieutenant daur la Compagnie dis dragons de fanquil in 1768. Bordes, Gendame de la garde ordine due Roi, insert be 14 Mars mil Sept cent joixante Treize, read a la dite compagnie be 98 or 1774 & passe par conge a St Dominque

Robillard d'ansin, ancien garde due Roi, rear lieutenant a la Juste dis dragons de fancille 11 oct 1776.

Labourine sous lieutenant un Regt de Vivarves par
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brevet du 27 Mai 1767 & passé en la dite qualité dans la dite compagnie faneuil en 1772. Le Brun fous lieutenant dans les gardes-cotes de Normandie ici par congé, dans l'annee 1773.
Gosse, volontaise dans la compagnie faneuil,
Trebussien volontaire dans la compagnie mênue compagnie, Sinconeau, voluntaire dans la dite compagnie bruen, chirurgieu-major de la cite compagnie. Tous pastés ici pour le service du congrés par le consentment tacite de M. he Gouverneur du Cap-francois. faneuil
Mrs de Maresquelle. Lieutenant au Reg de flandre en 1755, passé en 1757 à une compagnie dau les volontaires de Clermont prince, reformé à la paise à lasin de 1762, remplacé comme Capitaine des grenadiens dans Royal étranger, ayant fait pendant la guerre derniere [crossed out- ingenieus par les connaissances qu'ila acq] le servie d'Ingeniuer volontaire, desérant être employé lourme ingeniuer par le connaissances qu'ila acquires dans cette partie- lay par une etude longue & scairse. De Maresquelle
Page 99

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Gentlemen,
The very polite manner in which you have received our first solicitations to serve in [underlined] the United States of America, and the hopes that we have of being shortly put into such a situation, as to prove to you the great solicitude we have of marching against our common enemy, [/underlined] hath discovered to us the most likely means obtaining so desirable and end.  We hope that you will regard our proposal as tending to the public good, and that you would allow us to show you the manner in which French Gentlemen of birth and education acquit themselves of their engagements.
The family of the deceased Peter Faneuil is sufficiently known at Boston for the services he has rendered to the town - one of the descendants of the family of the ^said^ deceased, employed in the service of France, and expert in the military art, comes to the bosom of his family, to offer his services: many of his friends animated with the desire of glory have attached themselves to his fortune;  We have already presented our intentions to the respectable members of the Council of this State, they have honored us with their protection, giving us letters to the Congress with which we have deputed two of our company.
We are at present unacquainted in what manner the honble Congress have received our proposals; since that time we have learnt that a great number of Canadians have fled from
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the inhumanity that the British Army exercises over them; they are scattered about in the different parts of the Continent, and wait only for the moment of being formed into a Regiment commanded by French Officers.  We have [underlined] a sufficient proof [/underlined] of their [underlined] good disposition for the service, [/underlined] by many who are now at Boston, we have presented them to General Ward, and they have certified to him what we here advance.  How advantageous and useful will it be for the United States, if we, being provided with our Commissions could with our dilligence [diligence] and care put these brave people in a state to, revenge themselves, and to aid you in driving from your states, tyrants more avidious of the riches of your States than of [underlined] the glory we seek to acquire. [/underlined]
We have the honor to be with the greatest respect
Gentlemen
Your most humble servt
Faneuil.
Maree
Coppin de la Garde.
Bonnal de LaBoulbene
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The Committee of both Houses upon the Memorial of Messrs Faneuil and other French Gentleman have attended that service and beg leave to repost it as their opinion. That the proposal of raising one or more Regiments tot be officered by French Gentleman, appears to be easily effected, and will be attended with important consequences to the United States, especially, as there are many Canadians in different parts of the United States, who from the best information will readily enter into the service.

That therefore the plan and papers herewith be forthwith transmitted to Congress recommending the same to their immediate notice as Monr Faneuil is now at considerable expense for himself and the other French Gentlemen with him waiting te success of their application.

John Whitcomb per order

In Council Nov 26 1776. Read and accepted, and thereupon Resolved that Francis Dana Esq be a committee with such as the Hon'ble House shall appoint, to write to the Hon'ble Congress respecting the same.
Sent down for concurrence
John Avery Dept Secty
In the House of Representatives Nov. 27th 1776
Read and Concurred and Brig Palmer & Col Orne are joined
Saml Freeman Speaker P.T.
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To the Hon'ble the House of Representatives for the State of Massachusetts Bay and the Hon'ble the Council for S State

The Petition of Nicholas Burryer duvannoig, now resident in Boston.

Humbly sheweh
That the kind reception a number of French Gentlemen met with when they offered their service to this State induces him to make application to your Honours in the capacity of a Lieutenant Collonel [sic] which he flatters himself to be capable of, as he has been employed in the French service ever since the year 1747 as by his commission that he has by him ready to produce to your honours will appear, at the same time he flatters himself that he is thoroughly acquainted with the most essential parts of the Military Arts necessary for such an undertaking, if his service be agreeable, his request is to be employed in this State, if your Honours cannot employ him in the aforementioned capacity by reason of that office being filled, such other vacancy as shall be offered he is ready to accept; it is not by mere necessity that he offers his service, having acquired a considerable fortune by his merit the last War, it is a due regard to the liberties of America, and to have the satisfaction of being an instrument under the hand of Providence in some measure of defending them from the inroads of a cruel enemy, if his service is accepted and he should be ordered to go to any other State, he
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expects that the expense that may be incurred by such removal be allowed him, he can speak considerable of the English language.
He therefore prays that your Honours would take the petition into consideration and grant the prayer thereof if agreeable.

Boston Decemr. 17th, 1776
Nichs. de Berruy [illegible]

In Council Dec. 31. 1776.
Read and committed to the Committee on Monsieur Faneuil's petition.

Sent down for concurrence.
Jno. Avery Dep. Sec.

In the House of Representatives Jany 2d 1777.
Read and concurred
Saml Freeman Spkr. P.T.

to the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts Bay.  The Memorial of Monsieur Faneuil honorably sheweth that your memorialist with a number of French Gentlemen officers [underlined] came  from Hispaniola to offer their service to America in the great cause of liberty, [/underlined] for which she is now contending; that for this purpose they some
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time ago, had the honour to present two memorials to this honourable court, in which they accordingly made an offer of their services; that they were some time after informed that your honour thought proper to write to the American Congress on this subject; that your memorialist on frequent enquiry not finding that your honour had any answer, sent two of the said officers to Congress (from whom he has not yet heard) and afterwards set out for Philadelphia himself, but meeting with General Arnold and other officers at Newhaven, they advised him to proceed no further, as it would be very hazardous passing through the States of New York and the Jerseys by reason of the enemy and the great number of tories in those parts; that upon their advice he has returned and now prays your honours to consider and determine upon his former memorials; that he and the said officer are ready to enter into your  service agreeable to the proposals made in the said memorials; that if your honours do not think proper to accept of their service, your memorialist begs leave further to represent, that his voyage hither, and the voyage of the said Officers together with his own and their maintainance [maintenance] for the ^time^ we have been waiting here, has cost him a large sum of money, and it will cost him also a considerable sum, to enable him and them to return to Hispaniola [underlined] all which expense has been, and will be incurred from a prevailing desire of distinguishing themselves in the service of America. [/underlined] Your memorialists therefore humbly pray your honours to take the case into your wise consideration,
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and if the proposals aforesaid do not meet with your approbation that you will be pleased to make him a compensation for the expense aforesaid -- he pray your honour he may be heard by a committee on the subject of these memorials and subscribe himself with great respect.
Your honurs most obedient humble servant
Faneuil

At Boston the 17th of January in the year 1777.

In Council Jany 17th 1777.
Read and thereupon Resolved that Walter Spooner and Thomas Cushing Esqr with such as the Honorable House shall appoint be a committee to consider the above petition of Monsieur Faneuil and report what is necessary to be done thereon.
Sent down for concurrence
John Avery, Dep. Sec.

In the House of Representatives Jany 18th 1777.
Read and concurred and Col. Sartelle, Capt Batchellor and Col. Mitchell are joined.
Saml. Freeman Speaker P.T.
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Boston Oct 17th 1776

To His Excellency Genl. Washington,

Sir,
A number of French Gentlemen [underlined] in the Character of Military Officers [/underlined]  have lately arrived here from Cape Francois.  [underlined] They have come to offer their service to the United States [/underlined] and for that purpose applied to the Council of this State with whom by a committee they have had an interview but they were referred to your Excellency.  Capt Littlefield the master of the vessel in which they came hither, says that the French Governor at the Cape sent for him and told him they were Gentlemen of good character and whose honor might be relied on, and ^that^ the reason why [left margin] ˣsic [/left margin] he did ^ˣ^ give them letters recommending them to the service of the States, was because it would have been inconsistent with the peace subsisting between France and England, but desired him to let their character be known as he had given it.  I expect they will furnish me with a memo [?] of their names, and what commissions they hold or have held in the service of France; in which case a copy of it will be enclosed.  They purpose [propose?] that one or two of their number (ten in the whole) should proceed to New York and Philadelphia; and it is in consequence of their desire that this letter waits upon you; as does one of a similar tenor upon the President of the American Congress.  I have the Honor to be in the name of the Council
[illegible] Yr. Excely most obedt. hble servt.
James Bowdoin

Genl. Washington
Page 107

16

Council Chamber Boston Jany 22, 1777

The proceeding is copy of what we wrote you the 17th Oct last, to which no answer has been received, nor have we heard any thing from the two French Officers who were the bearers of it, which gives us reason to suppose some ill has befallen them.
Mr. Faneuil the bearer has waited with some impatience until this time, and now sets out with an intention personally to wait upon your Excellency and to lay his proposals before you, [with respect to his character we apprehend little need, be said in addition to what we wrote you in the proceeding copy] and to let you know what prospect there is of raising a Regiment [we wish to rest the matter entirely with you, not doubling [doubting?] but you will give Mr. Faneuil such direction as will be most likely to promote the good of the common cause.]
Page 108

17

To the Most Honorable Court of the State of Massachusetts Bay.

The Humble Petition of Joseph Marre Monbarrot shewing [underlined] that being animated with the zeal of becoming useful to the American States and of serving under their colors [/underlined] he came in this continent, with Mons. Faneuil in the month of October 1776 and had the liberty from the Honorable Court to raise a body of French, which recruits your petitioner exercised with all the care and diligence in his power.  But the Honorable Congress not thinking fit to confirm this corps, forseeing [foreseeing] the difficulty of completing it, he was thereby frustrated of the hope of serving, in the Army of the United States.  Since which he [underlined] has dilligently [diligently] applied to the study of the English language [/underlined] in order to remove that difficulty of entering into the Continental service.  Your petitioner therefore again takes the liberty of offering his services, having been informed that your honors design to raise a body of troops of one hundred and fifty men to guard the Forts, and if your honors should  judge  him worthy to command this corps; he will apply himself with all the zeal and power of his attachment; having had the honor to have been seventeen years in the service of France in which he was eight years captain of Dragoons in the colony troops.  But in case your honors do not think proper to give your petitioner the command of the above mentioned Corps: he humbly prays that your honors would confer upon him the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the troops of this State; which title he bore under
Page 109

18

Colonel Faneuil as appears by the certificate signed by the Honorable General Ward.
Signed
Pes. Joseph Marree Monbarrot

In Council Oct. 16 1778
Read and sent down
John Avery Depy Secy.

In the House of Representatives Friday April 18. 1777.
Resolved, that there be allowed and paid out of the Public Treasury of this State to Colo Faneuil the sum of eighteen pounds nine shillings and eight pence to reimburse him the monies he has advanced to the men recruited by him and his Officers also that there be paid to said Faneuil the sum of seven hundred pounds to enable him and his Officers to discharge their debts contracted during their continuance here, and to enable them to return to their own country agreeable to their request, also.  Resolved, that Col. Faneuil deliver the men recruited by him and his Officers to the Honble Genl Heath who is desired to turn them over to Col. Wessons Regiment destined to Ticonderoga.  Also Resolved that the Honble General Ward be desired to give certificates to Col. Faneuil and his suite of Officers of their good conduct and genteel behavior during their residence in this State which has been chiefly while General Ward had the Military command therein.

In Council Read and concurred.
Consented to by fifteen of the Council.
Page 110

19

In Council Friday Jany 24th 1777
Warrant on the Treasury for Forty pounds in favor of Mons. Faneuil to defray his expenses to Gen. Washington respecting the raising a  Battalion of Frenchman in addition to Forty Pounds granted him the 22d inst.
Warrant drawn and signed by fifteen of the Council.

In Council Saturday April 19th 1777.
Warrant on the Treasury for Seven Hundred eighteen Pounds, nine shillings and eight pence to Colonel Faneuil to reimburse the monies advanced to the men raised by his Officers and to enable them to discharge the debts they may have contracted while here, and to enable them to return to their own country.
Signed by fifteen of the Council
Page 111

J. M. Thayer now Present
Page 112

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office: Boston;
April 29, 1854.

[emblem or logo]

Sir[?]

I hereby certify that from an examination of the records and documents in this department relating to military services during the Revolutionary War, it appears that Lewis Maresquelle served as Colonel of artillery and Inspector General of the Foundries of Cannon in this State under the direction of the Board of War, and as an Engineer, from Dec. 9th 1776 till the end of the War in 1783. except that from February. 1781 the Board of War being abolished in consequence of the formation of a State Government, its power were transferred to the Executive created by the new Constitution.
I further certify that it appears from said records, that Col. Maresquelle was paid monthly for said service by orders from said Board of War at £25. pr month.  in addition to which grants were made him at severall [seveal]  times by the Legislature for his support, in consequence of the depreciation of the currency for the payment of
Page 113

which as in all such cases, warrants were drawn by the Council.
On the 30th of November 1780 a Resolve was passed making up the depreciation of his pay, in full. -- A furlough of nine months "to enable him to visit his friends in France" was granted him January 30, 1781, and he was paid his wages in full for the time he was absent.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth.

E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 114

H. R. 780
_____________________
A BILL, 
For the relief of Catherine Ansart.
_______________________
May 25, 1860.--Read twice, committed to a Committee of the Whole House, and ordered to be printed.
Page 115

36th CONGRESS,
1ST SESSION.

H.R. 780.
[Report No. 581.]

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MAY 25, 1860.

Read twice, committed to a Committee of the Whole House, and ordered to be printed.

______________

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

A BILL

1  Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2  times of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3  That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, directed
4  to place the name of Catherine Ansart on the pension roll,
5  under act of fourth July, eighteen hundred and thirty-six, for
6  the proper pension due, as the widow of Colonel Lewis Ansart,
7  for his services during the war of the revolution as colonel of
8  artillery, and if she be dead, the amount of pension due to be
9  paid to her surviving children.
Page 116

Brief in the case of Catharine Ansart, widow of Lewis Ansart Middlesex County and State of Massachusetts} A Colonel of Artillery in the revolution 
act 4th July 1836 2d Section

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
This claim is admitted by decision of the Secretary of the Interior.

If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Allowed at the rate of $600 per annum, to begin on the 4th day of March 1831, and to terminate on the 27th day of January 1849, when she died.  Payable to Julia [lined through word] A. Varnum, Sophia Spaulding, Atis Ansart, Abel Ansart, and Felix Ansart, and surviving children.

L. M. Drury,
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
Hon. John Woodruff
New Haven, Conn.
Page 117

Adjutant Genl's Office
March 3, 1835

Sir:
Your communication has been recd. respecting the Commission from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to [underlined] Lewis Ansart de Maresquelles, [/underlined], as Colo. of Artillery, &c. which you suggest may have been filed in this office in support of an application by his son for an appointment as Lieut. in the Army, in 1812. In reply, I regret to state that after a full examination, no such Commission nor any paper connected with it, can be found.

I am very respectfully,
Your obt. servt.
S. Cooper
Adgt. General.

To the Comr. of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Page 118

Jan. 16. 1852

Cath. Ansart
Act 36 [illegible[
Rel: to case of Cathe. Amsart?
Wid: of Lewis

Triplett

S. A. Peugh
Present
Page 119

Washington City, D. C.
14th July 18[?]2,

Mr. J. E. Heath

Sir
I respectfully request an examination of the case of Catherine Ansart widow of Lewis Ansart of Massachusetts (suspended as registered act 4th July 1836) with a view to [deleted words] an allowance of her claim to pension as "Inspector" Genl & Col. of Artillery" for several[?] years in the Revolutionary War.  My authority as Agent has been filed in the case.

Respectfully yours &c
S. A. Peugh
Page 120

[written vertically on left margin] MS Aug 12
[illegible] Cath Ansart
case
[partial postmark] BOSTON AUG 9 [/partial postmark]
[/written vertically on left margin]

[illegible mark or letter]

James L. Edwards Esq.
Comr. of pensions
Washington
Page 121

Boston Massachusetts
August 8th 1837

Sir
Your letter of June 28th relating to the claim for a pension by Mrs Catharine Ansart, Widow of Col Lewis Ansart, has been received and its contents communicated to herself and Family and they have made search to regain the commission of Said Col Ansart but without success. it is alleged that this Commn was deposited with the late General Joseph B. Varnum, at the time that Gentn was in Congress and it is supposed to have been deposited in the War Department some twenty years since with the other papers to strengthen the recommendation of Felix Ansart Son of the Col to an appointment in the Army who it is said now holds a Commission in the Artillery of the United States.

Owing to the imperfect manner of keeping the records of the Governor and Councils proceeding during the Revolutionary War, no evidence can be obtained there of the appointment of Lewis Ansart, as Col of Artillery, although it is well established that he acted in a two fold capacity, as Inspector Genl of the Foundrys, and Col of Artillery, Engineering &c. Herein is enclosed
Page 122

a letter from B.F. Varnum Son of he late Genl touching this subject to which I refer you, and should not the Commission alluded to be found on the files of the Department, the Widow will proceed to adduce personal testimony to Substantiate the fact of the grant and appointment, please to favor me with your reply as soon as convenient
Very respectfully
I am Sir Your Ob St
Reuben Baldwin

James L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Washington
Page 123

Washt. Aug 8/46

Dr. Sir

I have just recd the encluded [included] papers relating to the case of Mrs. Catherine Ansart of Dracut, which you will please examine.
Should you not be prepared to sind [send] me a reply before I leave Washn. you will please communicate to Elijah Clark Esq. Brighton, Mass. & oblige.
Yrs.
Very Respy.
Benj. Thompson

Col. J. L. Edwards
Com. Pensions
Washn.
Page 124

Department of the Interior
Washington, March 14. 1862

Sir,
I herewith return you the papers in the case of the children of Louis and Catharine Ansart deceased, for revolutionary pension under the Act of July 4th 1836, which accompanied your report the 7th instant, on the appeal of the Honl John Woodruff of Connecticut.
I am of the opinion that the Commission held by the father of the applicants was of such a character as entitles them to claim a pension.  The evidence proves that he rendered important military service, and makes out such a case as will justify the allowance of the claim.

I am sir,
Very respectfully
Your obt Srvant
Caleb B. Smith
Secretary of the Interior

Hon. Wm Helmick                           }
Acting Commissioner of Pensions }
Page 125

Brighton, Mass. Sept. 22, 1846

Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose to you the additional evidence in Support of the claims of Mrs. Catherine Ansart on file.  Extracts from the council records respecting her husbands being engaged about Massachusetts Bay & Harbour. also respecting the continuance of the work of Fortificaitons.  She wishes for a further & more full search for proof. & has made an application for an escammination [examination] of the Washington Papers.
Verry [Very] Respt. yours
Obt. Servt.
Elijah Clark

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
Page 126

Certificate from the Secretary of State of the service of Col. Ansart.
Page 127

[logo or insignia]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Department
Boston, March 30th, 1860.

Dr. Sir,
Your communication covering an inquiry, of this department, concerning "Louis Ansart de Marasquelles," employed by the State of Massachusetts, from the year 1776 to the time of fulfilling or finishing his contact, has been duly received.
It appears from the records of this department, that "Marie Louis Amand Anstart de Marasquelles" was an old Captain of Infantry, brought up among the forges of France; -- was recommended by the Count d'Estaing to the Provincial Congress, as a suitable person to superintend the erection and management of the forges about to be put in operation for the casting of Cannon, Shot, Shells, &c.  That he was at that time in France, and was sent for by the Count, at request; That the amount of his passage from home, (￡90) was granted;   That Decr. 17th 1776 a Contract was made between him and the General Court, duly approved of, and the terms were as follows: - $1000 yearly from date of contract to the close of the war: -- after that time $666.66 per annum for life, with the rank of Colonel, but without command or pay.
It further appears that warrants were drawn in his favor for the following sums, viz -- Feb 9, 1779 - £150 - July 6, 1779. £468 -- January 20. 1780. £321 -- March
Page 128

14th 1780. ￡141 -- April 29th 1780. ￡1233 -- June 1, 1780. ￡372 -- June 20. 1780. ￡240 -- July 31. 1780. ￡492. July 9. 1780. "One barrel of beef" -- Dec. 12. 1780. ￡72.10ˢ. 9ᵈ Feb. 6. 1781. ￡67 -- May 11th 1781. ￡150 -- August. 23d 1782. ￡450 -- August 19. 1783. ￡150 -- October 30. 1783. ￡125 -- Feb. 13. 1784. ￡100 -- as director of foundry on the "peace establishment" -- Aug. 31. 1784 ￡100. -- October 7. 1785. ￡133. 6ˢ. 8ᵈ -- Feb 3d 1786. ￡.50 -- May 11. 1786 - ￡.50. &c &c.

From the close of the war to the time of his decease the terms of the contract appear to have been fully carried out on the part of the State, by regular quarterly payments.  The rate of depreciation in the early payments is not fully known, as it varies from year to year, but it was very great.

Although apart from your inquiry, yet presuming anything connected with his official life may be interesting to your researches, it is further stated that he was employed by the Provincial Congress as superintendent of certain forts about to be built in Boston ^lower^ Harbor for the protection of the French fleet then lying there, at the recommendation of the Count De Estaing.  It does not specially appear that any
Page 129

extra pay for said service was granted, but rather that he superintended the work as Colonel of Artillery and "Inspector General of the Foundries of the State."

Hoping that the answers to your inquiries may prove satisfactory.

I am Sir, Very respectfully
Your obedt. Servt.
Oliver Warner
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Hon. George Briggs  }
Mem. Cong.               }
Page 130

[upper left corner] data [possible erased word] [/upper left corner

Boston, Mass.,
May 15, 1899.

To the Commissioner of Pensions.,
Washington, D. C.

[stamped] RETURN THIS LETTER [/stamped]

Dear Sir:- 
Thursday, May 4, I wrote you asking for information in regard to [underlined] Lewis de Maresquelle. [/underlined]
I have heard nothing from you.  I was respectfully referred to you by Mr. Ainsworth Chief of the  Record and Pension Office as one who could probably give me the desired information.
Trusting that I will hear from you at an early date, I remain,

Very respectfully yours
H. L. Ansart,

Address, H. L. Ansart,
#373 Washington St.,
Boston Mass.

Care of Wm. A. Thompson.

[stamped] U. S. PENSION OFFICE H JUL 5 1899 [/stamped]
Page 131

[stamped] O. W. & N. DIVISION JUL 7 1899 RECEIVED [/stamped]

373 Washington St., Boston, Mass.
July 1st, 1899.

To the Commissioner of Pensions.,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-
Enclosed please find papers relative to information in regard to Col. Lewis de Maresquelle.
I have filled out the enclosed blank as far as ^I^ was able.  The above named party, came to this Country in the year 1777. from France, offering his services to our Country (at that time at war with Great Britain [Britain]) as an Inspector General of Cannon Foundries in this Country.  He was immediately appointed and served throughout the Revolutionary War, after his death, which occured [occurred] in 1806.  his Widow applied for a pension, which she never got but her chrildren [children] received it in 1864. through a Mr. Pugh, of Washington.
All that I want to know is, if you have got any record whatever of his services during that war.
Hoping to receive a favorably reply I remain,

Respectfully yours,
H. L. Ansart

C/O Wm. A. Thompson.

[stamped] U. S. PENSION OFFICE H JUL 5 1899 [/stamped]
Page 132

[small box- left corner] 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. [/small box - left corner]

L. W. B.
W. 20611.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
September 18, 1899.

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY

Sir:-
In response to your communication you are advised that Catharine widow of Lewis Ansart, made an application for pension May 11, 1837, at which time she was 75 years of age and residing at Dracut, Mass.  Her pension was allowed by reason of his service in the Revolutionary War.  He held the rank of Colonel and at time of appointment was residing at Boston, Mass.  His name, originally, was Lewis Ansart de Maresquelle, but by an Act passed by the House of Representatives of Mass., June 5th, 1793, he was permitted to omit the addition of de Maresquelle and to be called and known by the name of Lewis Ansart.

Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

Mr. H. L. Ansart,
373 Wsh. Street,
Boston, Mass.
Page 133

[stamped] O. W. & N. DIVISION MAY 9 1899 RECEIVED. [/stamped]

[stamped] U. S. PENSION OFFICE H MAY 6, 1899 [/stamped]
Page 134

Boston May 4th, 1897

[the letter T]

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

No recd

Dear Sir--
Will you kindly give me what information you can in regard to the Services of [underlined] Lewis De Maresquelle [/underlined] or [underlined] Lewis Ansart De Maresquelle, [/underlined] in the Revolutionary War.  He was a Frenchman and came to this Country in the year 1776, and was appointed Inspector General & Col. of Artillery.  His Children received a pension through the efforts of a Mr. S. A. Peugh in the year [/underlined] 1864 [/underlined] Such and any information that you can give me will be gratefully received, yours respectfully
H. L. Ansart, 373 Wash. St. Boston Mass.
Page 135

Atis Ansart
7 Feby 1862
no answer
Page 136

Dracut February 7 1862
S. A Peugh Dear Sir I would inform you that I received a letter from you stating that you was in hopes that there was a chance to recover our claim and I am very glad to here that, for I think it justly, due as you wished the names of the children Julia A Varnum Sophie Spalding Felix Ansart Atis Ansart Abel Ansart 5 in number I have not much to write at present I hope that you and I shall live to see the Stars + Strips waving over our land
I am very Respectfully
Yours +c [&c]
Atis Ansart