Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2740, Clark Aldrich, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
R. I.
Aldrich, Clark
Polly
NUMBER
W.2740
CONTENTS
[blank]
Page 2

Let to Wm H Townsend, March 7, 1851
P. Agt [March 7, 1851]
To Pennsylvania Philadelphia
fr 4 Sept 1850
May 10/49
March 14, 1851
Act'n to W H Townsend
Springfield [illegible] PA
Page 3

10.636
Pennsylvania, Phil
[crossed through: Vermont, Montpelier]
Polly Aldrich Widow of Clark Aldrich who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank] and who died on the -1820- of [blank] in the State of Vermont who was a Pri: in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the R Island line for [blank]
Inscribed on the Roll of the Montpelier at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of [crossed through: March, 1836] September 1847.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of May 1849 and sent to H. H. Sylvester Present
Total amount, $ [blank]
Special Act March 3, 1849 } Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by Geo Jenkins Clerk
Book D Vol 1 Page 123.
Page 4

13069
Polly Aldrich
widow of Clark
Vt.
Act 7 July 1838
married 1788
Husband died 1820
Abstract of Col Sippell Rolls for Sept 1776
Clark Aldrich 6580
Commission states that the enlistments in Sept [faded] were all for 12 mo and that they were enlisted [illegible] commencement of the war - [illegible]
[faded]
Page 5

State of Vermont
Hartford District ss. } On this 4th day of February AD 1846 personally appeared before the Hon the Probate Court of the District of Harford aforesaid, Polly Aldrich a resident of Royalton in the County of Windsor in said District Aged 82 years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 and the subsequent acts granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows of March 3, 1843 and of June 17 1844.
That she is the Widow of Clark Aldrich late of East Lebanon N. H. deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War and at the commencement of the same resided in the State of Rhode Island and during the war & after his father lived in the town of Exeter, Situate & Providence and her said husband went out in service at the commencement of the War and was [water?] to a commissary or his assistant as she believes, which was in the year 1776 or 77 and he served in that capacity a year but he might have been a soldier at this time
She further declares that after the above service he went as a Private Soldier but who were his officers she cannot now remember but she thinks he served a good part of the War, and his father Andrew Aldrich his brother Richard and John Kimball were out with him and in the same service and said Kimball while living in Grafton N. H. drew a pension for said service.
She further says that one thing is certain which is that her husband aforesaid considered himself entitled to a pension when the first pension Act of 1818 was passed by Congress but would not put his property out of his hands (as some did) to enable him to take the Oath required by the Act of 1820.
She further declares that she was married to the said Clark Aldrich at Grafton N.H. on the 15th day of July 1788 by Ebenezar Hoyt Esq. that her name before marriage was Polly Hoyt
[continued]
Page 6

that her husband the aforesaid Clark Aldrich died on the 4th day of October AD 1820 aged 59 years; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 to wit at the time before stated. She herewith forwards this bible leaf of the birth of his children.
[signature] Polly her X mark Aldrich
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first before written.
[signature] George E. Wales. Judge
Witness to signing of Polly Aldrich
[signature] David H. Aldrich
[signature] Harry Bingham
State of Vermont Hartford District ss } I Lyndon A March Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Polly Aldrich for a Pension. And I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Polly Aldrich the declarant above, is the Widow of Clark Aldrich deceased who died October 4th 1820 aged fifty nine years as she has stated above, and who was reputed to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary War in the State of Rhode Island.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Woodstock this 4th day of February AD 1846.
[signature] L A Marsh, Registrar
Page 7

[Damaged and darkened document that appears to be the Bible leaf listing the children of Clark and Polly Aldrich]

[illegible] Aldrich was born on [illegible] November the 15th [illegible] AD 1787 in the town of [illegible]
Cyril Aldrich was born on Tuesday April the 7th AD 1789 in [illegible]
Cyril Aldrich Dyed July [17th?] AD 1790
Polly Aldrich was born January the 25th AD 1790 on Tuesday -
Ruth Aldrich was born on Thursday the 2nd day of May AD 1792
Clark Aldrich was born on Monday March 17th AD 179[4?]
Sally Aldrich was born on Saturday April [illegible]
David Aldrich born [illegible] AD 1794 on Saturday
George Aldrich born on [illegible] the 27th AD 1880
Page 8

Nancy Aldrich born Sunday February 21st AD 1802
February
Page 9

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
I Benjamin Cowell of the City & County of Providence do certify that I have in my possession an original Roll of Colonel Christopher Lippett, Regiment of Rhode Island Troops, raised in January AD 1776 to serve one year from that time, which Roll was put into my hands by William Lippett a son of said Christopher, soon after the Act of Congress of June 7th, 1832 granting pensions to officers & soldiers who served in the war of the Revolution was passed - 
and I further certify that on the pay abstract of Capt Arthur Fenners Company for Sept'r 1716 of said Regiment, is born the name of Clark Aldrich as a private also the name of Andrew Aldrich, as Sergeant, and the name of Richard Aldrich as a private also. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand at Providence, this twenty first day of September, AD 1846
Benja Cowell
Providence ss. September 21st 1846
Then personally appeared before me Benjamin Cowell and on oath testified to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed and I further certify that the said Benjamin Cowell is a credible witness.
[signature] Franklin Greene
Jus. Peace
Page 10

I Edward Waterman of Johnson [Johnston] in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island on oath do testify and say that I am now eighty seven years of age that I was well acquainted with Clark Aldrich formerly of said Johnson, his fathers name was Andrew, and he had a brother named Richard, I was well acquainted with them all - I was also well acquainted with Arthur Fenner a Captain in Col Lippetts Regiment of Rhode Island troops. he was an uncle of mine, Andrew was a Sergeant and Richard was a private in said Company, and I believe also Clark was a private in said Company. This was in the year 1776. After the war they all moved up country & I have not seen them since.
[signature] Edward Waterman
Providence ss. in Providence this 31st day of August 1846 personally appeared the above named Edward Waterman and on oath testified to the truth of the deposition by him subscribed. And I further certify that he is a credible witness.
[signature] Franklin Greene Jus. Peace
Page 11

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence, sc. }
I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in said State, do hereby certify that Franklin Greene who has signed the two aforegoing Certificates, was, on the days of the dates thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within & for said City of Providence duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 22nd day of September, AD 1846.
[signature] Albert G. Greene, Clerk
[seal with ribbons affixed to the left]
Page 12

Mr Clark Aldrich and Mrs Mary Hoyt were joined in Marige [marriage] by Ebenezar Hoyt Esq July the fifteenth AD one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows July the 15th AD 1788
Attest James M Hilton Clerk
I James M. Hilton above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in and for the town of Grafton in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Grafton with the exception above named as certified by me.
[signature] James M. Hilton Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss. } Sworn to and subscribed this 29th day of September AD 1846
Before me W. Z. Norris Justice of Peace
Page 13

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County sc.
I Nathan B Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that William P. Norris is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Grafton duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated in the month of May AD 1846, and will expire in the month of May AD 1851, and that his signature within written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this third day of October A.D. 1846.
[signature] N. B. Felton Clerk
[seal affixed to the left]
Page 14

I Polly Aldrich testify and say that I became acquainted with Clark Aldrich at Grafton New Hampshire about the year 1783 and at our first acquaintance he informed me that he came to N Hampshire with his father Andrew Aldrich from Providence R. Island or some town near that place - I afterwards married said Clark Aldrich and lived with him until he died in 1820 being somewhere about 33 years - during which time, he made a number of visits to his native State where he had a number of Relatives and friends - His grandfather Richard Aldrich lived and died there about the year 1804 - twice he went I recollect with his Brother Richard Aldrich to R. Island -  the last time he visited his native place was about the year 1810, and after he got home observed to me and children that twas his last visit to R. Island - He always intended that I should make one visit with him, but it was never convenient for me to go
I further say that I never was acquainted with any person whose name was Clark Aldrich except my Husband and one of my sons whom we named Clark and further I say not - 
[signature] Polly her X mark Aldrich
Subscribed and Sworn to this 23d day of November A.D. 1846, at Royalton Vermont before me } Harry Bingham Justice of Peace.
I David Aldrich of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged 48 years, testify and say that I was 22 years of age when my Father Clark Aldrich died at Lebanon N. H. - A.D 1820 and that I had always lived with him up to that time, and from a child I always, understood that he was born in the State of R. Island at Providence or some town near I do not now recollect, and at the age of 20 or 21 years he the said Clark Aldrich moved with his father Andrew Aldrich (who was my Grandfather) from R. Island to N. Hampshire.
I also well recollect that my father made a journey to R. Island a year or two previous to the last War and went by the way of Boston - at which place he lost a favorite dog, this was what he told us after he came home, the dog went with him from home - I further say that my Mother Polly Aldrich now lives with me at said Royalton and has for about 14 years past and is destitute of all resources for a living except what I can do for her - and further I say not - 
[signature] David Aldrich
Subscribed and Sworn to, this 23d November A.D. 1846
Before me - Harry Bingham Justice of the Peace }
I further certify that the above named Polly and David Aldrich are respectable and reputable witnesses - 
[Signature] Harry Bingham Justice of Peace
Page 15

State of Vermont
Windsor County, ss. } I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Harry Bingham is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature to the foregoing annexed certificate is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 17 day of December A. D. 1846
[signature] Norman Williams, Clerk.
Page 16

State of New-Hampshire.
Office of the Secretary of State.
I, George G. Fogg, Secretary of State aforesaid, do herby certify that Alphens Conant is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Grafton duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgement of deeds, and other legal instruments. His commission was dated on the twenty first day of June 1845 and will expire on the twenty first of June 1850 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this fifteenth day of December 1846 - 
[signature] George G. Fogg Secretary of State
[seal affixed upper left]
Page 17

I Orpha Aldrich of Canaan County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire and aged seventy-nine years testify and say that during the revolutionary war I resided in the State of Rhode Island afterwards I removed to Grafton in said State with my Fathers Family, some few years after this my Husband and Father in law Andrew Aldrich removed from the town of Johnson State of Rhode Island with his family consisting of Richard and Clark Aldrich with some others to said Grafton and in due time I married Richard Aldrich and Clark Aldrich married Polly Hoyt who is now a widow and residing at Royalton in the State of Vermont - with her son David, I further testify and say that I have at different times heard my Father and my Husband and Clark Aldrich speak of being in the Battle of Bunker Hill and likewise of going from Rhode Island to New York in seventeen hundred and seventy-six that they were out together in all that year - but under what Officers I am not able to state but I always understood that Clark Aldrich was out in service as long as my husband Richard Aldrich was. I now draw pension of $40 - 
[signature] Orpha her X mark Aldrich 
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss Canaan December 10th 1846 then Orpha Aldrich made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscribed
Before me
[signature] Alpheus Conant Justice of the Peace
I further certify the above deponent is undoubted for truth and veracity and credible witness
[signature] Alpheus Conant Justice of the Peace
Page 18

I Abel Aldrich (son of Richard Aldrich formerly of the State of Rhode Island and a soldier of the Revolution Deceased and whose widow Orpha Aldrich now draws a pension of forty dollars per annum) of Canaan in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged fifty eight years testify and say that my Uncle Clark Aldrich deceased who married Polly Hoyt - lived  with and Neighbour to my Father Richard Aldrich for a great many years and my Grandfather Andrew Aldrich for some years since my remembrance, and during these and subsequent years I have often heard my said Grandfather and my Uncle Clark aforesaid and my Father Richard Aldrich frequently talk and tell over to each other their service in the Revolutionary War and where they went and the years they served and they uniformly said that they all three went out together in the United States service at the same time but I cannot recollect whether it was the year 1775 or 1776 that they entered the service and I have herd [heard] my Father say that He was out four years and also have heard that my Grandfather was out longer than My Father Richard Aldrich aforesaid and I have herd my Father Richard Aldrich and my Grandfather Andrew Aldrich say, that my Uncle Clark Aldrich was out most of the time with them and that he served as a private soldier a part or most of the time but under what Officers I can not tell but herd him talk of going from Rhode Island in some Company and Regiment from the State of Rhode Island and I herd my Uncle Clark say that they were marched to different places during the war and I have heard my Father Richard Aldrich
[continued]
Page 19

and my Uncle Clark Aldrich talk of being engaged in the Battle of Bunker Hill and at Rhode Island and other Battles at different places but where I am unable now to state and further the deponent saith not - 
[signature] Abel Aldrich
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss } Canaan January 20th 1847
Then personally appeared Abel Aldrich the signer of the foregoing affidavit and after being duly cautioned made solemn oath to the Truth of the same - Before me Alpheus Conant Justice of the Peace
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Abel Aldrich and know him to be a man of unquestioned veracity for truth
[signature] Alpheus Conant Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss. I Nathan B. Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Alpheus Conant is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Grafton duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated in the month of June AD 1845, and will expire in the month of June AD 1850, and that his two signatures above written are genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this 15th day of February AD 1847.
[signature] N. B. Felton Clerk
Page 20

Application for a Transfer
State of Pennsylvania
Erie County ss } On this 28 day of December 1850 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Erie personally appeared Polly Aldrich (widow of Clark Aldrich who was a private in the service of the United States and died in the year 1820) who on her Oath declares that she is the same person whose name is now entered on the Pension list Roll of the Vermont Agency (under Act 7 July 1838 and the Special Act March 5 1849.) that she has lately removed from the State of Vermont that she now resides in the State of Pennsylvania where she intends to reside and wishes her pension made payable in the City of Philadelphia in future. The following are her reasons for removing from Vermont to Pennsylvania. She comes to spend the remainder of her days with a much beloved daughter and her husband. Sworn and subscribed to before me this 28 day of Dec 1850
[signature] Polly her X mark Aldrich
S. W. Savage Justice of the Peace }
Wm H. Townsend
I am personally acquainted with Polly Aldrich who has taken the above Oath and know her to be the identified Person described in the above affidavit Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year last above mentioned
[signature] Sally Currier
S. W. Savage Justice of the Peace
I further certify
Page 21

that I believe the last subscribing witness to be a person of truth and veracity.
S.W. Savage, Justice of the Peace

State of Pennsylvania, Erie County, SS.
I, James Skinner Protonotary, of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Erie aforesaid, do certify that S.W. Savage Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit was taken is now, and was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace of said Commonwealth in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and to all whose acts as such, full faith and credit are due, and that the same is duly executed agreeably to the Laws of Pennsylvania, And further that the signatures of the said S.W. Savage to the said affidavit & certificate are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Erie the 31st day of December A. D. 1850.
James Skinner Prothonotary.
Page 22

Revy.
Widow, &c.
File No. 2740
Polly Alrich widow Clark Aldrich
Pri. Rev War
Act: July 7, 1838
Index: Vol. A, Page 7
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 23

13069
Polly Aldrich, Vt.
Let to O. Billings Oct 22, '46
[illegible] Dec. 26 1846
Same Apl 20 '47
Same Oct 19 '47 [illegible]
named [illegible] [illegible] Dec 16, 1847. Let to [illegible] [illegible] to Jan 5 1848
Let to same March 1 '49
Act 7 July '38
Page 24

13069
Polly Aldrich
Sd to Oel Billings
Oct 22 '46
Act 7th July 1838
Page 25

Polly Aldrich
praying for a Pension
-
Dec 17 1847. Refrd to the
Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
April 26, 1848
Bill 447
J. Collamier
Page 26

H. R. No 447
No.
Polly Aldrich
widow of Clark
Vt
Special Act March 3, 1844
$40 per annum
4 Sept 1847.
H. Sylvester
Page 27

THIRTIETH CONGRESS- FIRST SESSION.
Rep. No. 519.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 447.]
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
POLLY ALDRICH.
APRIL 26, 1848.
Mr. DONNELL, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions,
made the following
REPORT.
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the
petition of Polly Aldrich, widow of Clark Aldrich, deceased,
report:
Your committee think that the above named Polly Aldrich is entitled
to a pension for one year's services of her husband,
Clark Aldrich, deceased; and that the fact of his having served that
time is clearly proven by the testimony in the case.
The Commissioner of Pensions has decided against this claim on
the ground--
1st. That the time is not sufficiently proven; and
2. That the name of her husband, Clark Aldrich, is not found
upon an abstract of the pay roll of Colonel Lippett's regiment for
September, 1776; but that the name of Clark Aldrah is credited
on Lippett's rolls with 6s. 8d., in that month, and therefore her
husband is not identified.
First point.--- The time is sufficiently proven. It appears from
the testimony of Abel Aldrich, son of Richard Aldrich, whose
widow now draws a pension, that he has heard his grandfather, Andrew
Aldrich, and his uncle, Clark Aldrich, and his father Richard,
frequently talk and tell over, to each other, their services in the
revolutionary war, and where they went, and the years they served;
and they uniformly said that they all three were out together, in
the United States service, at the same time. He further states that
he has heard his father say that he was out four years, and
his father and grandfather both say that his uncle, Clark, was out
most of the time with them; and that he (Clark) served as a private
soldier a part or most of the time, but under what officer he could
Page 28

2   Rep. No. 519.
not tell; but heard him talk of going from Rhode Island, in some
company and regiment from that State.
Orpha Aldrich, widow of Richard Aldrich, also swears that,
at different times, she has heard her father, and husband, and Clark
Aldrich, speak of being in the battle of Bunker Hill, and likewise
of going from Rhode Island to New York in 1776; that they were
out together in all that year, but under what officers she is unable
to state; but she always understood that Clark Aldrich was out in
service as long as her husband, Richard Aldrich, was; and she now
draws a pension of $40 a year.
Your committee think that this evidence, standing alone, would
not entitle the applicant to a pension; but taken in connection with
the other evidence, they consider it a strong connecting link which
helps to make out her case. If the committee are satisfied, and can
satisfy any doubting person, that the individual on Lippett's rolls
and the above named Clark Aldrich are the same person, they think
this will favorably determine the case; and this brings them to the
Second point.--- That the name of her husband, Clark Aldrich, is
not found upon an abstract of the pay roll of Colonel Lippett's
regiment for September, 1776, &c. Benjamin Crowell, of Providence, 
states that he has in his possession an original roll of Christopher
Lippett's regiment of Rhode Island troops, raised in January, 
1776, to serve one year from that time, which roll was put into
his hands by William Lippett, a son of said Christopher Lippett,
soon after the act of June, 1832. That on the pay abstract of
Captain Fenner's company, for September, 1776, of said regiment,
is borne the name of Clark Aldrah, as a private; also the name of
Andrew Aldrah as sergeant, and the name of Richard Aldrich as a
private.
Edward Waterman, of Johnson, in the county of Providence,
says that he was well acquainted with Clark Aldrich, formerly of
said Johnson; his father's name was Andrew, and he had a brother
named Richard. He was well acquainted with them all. He was
also well acquainted with Arthur Fenner, a captain in Colonel Lippett's 
regiment of Rhode Island troops; he was an uncle of mine.
Andrew was a sergeant, and Richard was a private in said company, 
and he believes, also, Clark was a private in said company.
This was in the year 1776. After the war, they all moved up
country, and I have not seen them since.
Several witnesses testify that the Aldrichs above named lived in
Rhode Island during the revolutionary war, and, after it, moved to
New Hampshire. One of the witnesses states that the above named
Clark Aldrich moved, with his father's family, after the war, from
the town of Johnson, in Rhode Island, to New Hampshire.
From this fact your committee are inclined to believe that the
individuals mentioned in the two last affidavits are the same individuals
named in the other affidavits, and that the Clark Aldrah and
Richard Aldrah found on the pay roll of Colonel Lippett are intended
for Clark Aldrich and Richard Aldrich. They think that,
unintentionally, the letters "i" and "c" have become united, so as
Page 29

Rep. No. 519       3
to form an "a," and then the name would be changed, as above men-
tioned, from Aldrich to Aldrah.
John Howland testifies that the fact of Clark Aldrich being
charged 6s. 8d. on the pay roll, in September, 1776, only goes to
prove that he had received some articles of clothing, as in such case
the money that was paid was only charged, and not the articles of
clothing. He further states that at the expiration of the year, the
brigade consented to serve and did serve for a month or six
weeks longer.
The marriage of the said Polly with the said Clark before 1794,
his death, and the fact that she is his widow, are proven to the satisfaction
of the committee.
The committee deem it proper not to give their own reasons more
at length, for allowing this claim, since it was a case which the
Commissioner of Pensions had decided against; but have, on that
account, stated the evidence more fully; and, believing that this is a
just claim, they ask that the prayer of the petitioner may be
granted, and they accordingly report a bill.
Page 30

Providence R Island
August 29 1847
I John Howland of Providence now
holding the office of President of the R. I. Historical
Society do hereby testify
that in January 1776 I enlisted in Captain
Dexter’s Company, in the Regiment afterwards
commanded by Col. Christopher Lippitt, being
then between 18 and 19 years of age.
Besides the two Regiments, which the State were then
raising to Join General Washington’s Army, the State
raised our Regiment to be quartered at Newport
where a British Fleet was then floating in the water
of that harbour and plundering the shores.
A corps of Artillery was also stationed there.
We receive no clothing from the State. Pf our wages
which was 40 shillings per month, we had two months pay
in advance, Nathan Miller was appointed Commissary
and kept a store near our quarters, which was furnished with
clothing Shoes &c. When any part of a man’s cloath or shoes
were too bad to appear on parade with, he was allowed by
order of his Captain to go to the Commisary to be Supplyed,
what he received was charged to him on the books of the Office
and at the end of the month a man appointed by the
general Assembly came to settle on pay the months wages
of 40 Shillings, the Commisary then appeared with his
book and if the person had received any thing at the store
the amount was deducted from his 40 shillings and the
balance in money paid him by the Committee man to make
up his month pay, the part be received in money only,
was entered against his name on the Committee pay role. 
the Commisary’s books if in existance, would show the
rest. When a less sum than 40 shillings is entered on the cash
Pay roll it is no proof that sum was all that was due him
but is a proof that he received the remainder in articles
at the Commissonary’s store, as no man was ever [illegible]
of his six dollars & two thirds per month.
Page 31

After our leaving Newport and Joining
the Army at Harlem under Gen Washington
we ceased to receive any further pay from the State
but the U States them then appointed paymasters to
the Regiments - on the 31st of December 1776 the
time of enlistment, of all the continental army
expired on that day General Miflin haranged
our Brigade then stationed at Croswicks in Jersey
urging us to volunteer to serve another month or Six weeks
and not leave the Commander in Chief destitute of an Army
till reinforcements should come in from the States.
Gen Washington we understood had made the same
request to that part of our small army then with him at Trenton
and which was acceded to, about 2 hours after our vote
which was expressed by poising our firelocks, we were
on our march to Trenton which through bad road consumed
the whole night. Soon after our arrival at Trenton we
heard that Lord Cornwallis with Ten Thousand men
were on the March from Princeton to attack us, our
number tho it was then the whole Army of the U. States
did not exceed 4000, we prevented the enemy from
passing Trenton Bridge, and the night following moved
on to Princeton where we met a Regiment of Brittish
of whome we captured nearly 300, in February we
were discharged at Chatham in N Jersey when the
Militia had arrived to take our places.
The foregoing statement is correct and true to the
best of my memory and recollection, and having now
arrived within two month of the Ninetieth year of my age
this may apologize for the broken State of the writing
John Howland
Providence Ss.
In Providence September 4th 1847
Personally appeared the above named John Howland
and on oath testified to the truth of the above affidavit
by him subscribed before me.
Franklin Greene
Jus. Peace
Page 32

I further certify that said John Hauland is very respectable man and is now President of the Historical Society of Rhode Island and is a credible witness.
Franklin Greene, Jus. Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence, Sc.
I, Albert G. Green, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in said state, do hereby certify, that Franklin Greene, who has signed the aforegoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for said City of Providence, duly elected.
In attestation whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and have affixed the seal of said Court, this tenth day of September, A.D. 1847
Albert G. Greene, Clerk
Page 33

I Harry Bingham of Royalton in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont, aged 60 years, testify and say the following statement was made to me by Polly Aldrich widdow of Clark Aldrich deceased who now is seeking to obtain a pension and which statement I put on paper and sent to Oel Billings Esqr in 1845 as her Agent, to obtain her pension; which was as follows as per a copy before me to wit. "Mrs Polly Aldrich, says that her maiden name was Polly Hoyt. That her parents lived in Chester N.H. That she became acquainted with Clark Aldrich at Grafton N.H. and was married to him at said Grafton fifty eight years ago last July by Ebenezer Hoyt Esq. By Mr. Aldrich she had nine children. Mr. Aldrich her husband enlisted into the Revolutionary Army and being young and active, for a while served waiter or assistant in the commissary, department. After which Mrs. Aldrich supposes from what she recollects to have heard him say, that he served as a private or soldier through the war or most of it. One thing she says is very certain which is Mr. Aldrich considered himself as entitled to a pension when the first pension act of Congress was passed but would not put his property out of his hands (as some did) to enable him to take the oath as required by the act.
Mr. Aldrich died at East Lebanon N.H. 1820 aged 59 years. HIs father Andrew Aldrich and brother Richard Aldrich was with him in the army. A John Kimball Esq of Grafton was also with them, who has since received a pension. Does not know whether said Kimball is now living or not, removed from Grafton to Blackwater, heard he had returned to Grafton. Then four individuals were in some Rhode Island Regiment. Her husbands father Andrew Aldrich was a [illegible] in Rhode Island a number of years before the war, after which he removed to Grafton and then to Lebanon and died there. In early life was a tanner & currier, and shoemaker. Resided or lived in the town of Exeter, [illegible] and Providence. The above statement made by Polly Aldrich in 1845. Witness Harry Bingham

I further testify and say, that Mrs. Aldrich has lived a number years in my neighborhood and for two years past within 30 rods of my house, and I know her to be a conscientious woman and would not tell that which was not correct, but on the contrary her statement can be relied upon and I have not a doubt but that her husband served as she has stated above.
Harry Bingham

At Royalton in said county this 17th day of February 1847 the above named Harry Bingham personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is the truth.
Before me John Coy Justice of the Peace

I further certify that the above named Harry Bingham is a respectable and [illegible] witness.
John Coy Justice of the Peace
Page 34

State of Vermont, Windsor County SS.
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that John Coy is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 3rd day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signatures foregoing are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 30th day of March A. D. 1847
Norman Williams, Clerk
Page 35

Springfield 3 Jany 1851
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Dr Sir
I send Mrs. Polly Aldrichs application for a transfer. She recd her pay certificate while a resident of Vermont it is payable at Montpelier. She cannot tell me the company or regiment her late husband served in. She expects to reside in this state the remainder of her days. Will you be so kind as examine her application if you find them informed will you please write me saying where.
And very much oblige yours respectfully
Wm H. Townsend

Sent to Springfield & Roads 
Erie Co Pa.
Page 36

Woodstock Vt Oct. 7th 1846
Sir
I enclosed you the necessary papers (complete) of Polly Aldrich widow of Clark Aldrich deceased, for a pension for one years service. I cannot find testimony for any more, but if you have it in your department, I would thank you to give her the benefit of the same as she thinks he served much more than I have proved and she is very poor.
I am Respectfully your obt. svt.
Oel Billings

Col J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
Page 37

Woodstock Vermont Dec 16 1846
Sir
I received your favor of Oct. 22d 46, in relation to the claim of Polly Aldrich widow of Clark Aldrich for a pension. I now in answer forward herewith, B. Cowell Esqs letter of explanation as to the length of time also the widow Orpha Aldrich's affidavit as to the service and identity, together with affidavits of Polly and David Aldrich as to identity, which I flatter myself will be satisfactory to grant a certificate for one years service.
I am Respectfully your Obt. svt.
Oel Billings

Col J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
Page 38

Oel Billings Esq
Woodstock Vermont
Page 39

Providence Nov 12 1846
Dr Sir
In answer to your favor of 7 inst I would say that not more than 2 or 3 years ago at the request of John Bryant Esq I made of Aldrich from the Roll I have of Col Lippetts regiment & obtained the evidence of Edward Waterman to prove identity, in the same manner I did in your case of Clark Aldrich, and I never heard but it was satisfactory. I presume it was, John Bryant lives in Meriden N. Hampshire. He procured the certificate for the benefit of his widow as I understood.
The Roll I have, is a "monthly pay abstract for September 1776," and most of the soldiers were paid a months pay $2.0.0. or 40, but it appears Clark Aldrich was paid 6/8. I infer from this that he had [illegible] a part of his months pay before & this was the ballance due.  The regiment was raised in Jany '76 to serve until Jany '77 & in summer of '76 they marched to the
Page 40

westward & were discharged in New Jersey about the last of Jany '77. It is presumed that all whose names are on the Roll in Sept 76 (when the Regiment was at White Plains) served from the beginning to the end of the enlistment. At present I know of no other man besides
Page 41

Woodstock Vt. March 30, 1847
Sir
Your favor of Dec 26-46 in relation to the Claim of Polly
Aldrich Widow of Clark Aldrich dec’d for a pension, was duly received
in which you say “an abstract of that Regiment (Col Lippetts) in this office
shews that Clark Aldrich did not join that command untill the latter
part of September 1776.”  You also said in yours of October 22 1846
that “an abstract of the pay roll of that Regiment (Col. Lippetts) for September
1776. Clark Aldrich is credited with 6 /8.” “This shows that he joined
the service in that month but how long he continued therein we have
no means of ascertaining.” It appears then that you have no means
knowing how long he served by your records, but presume because
as you say "he did not join that command until September 1776” that he
was not in service. The widow says that he went into the service the first
of the year 76 and at entering was waiter or an assistant to a Commissary and
then afterwards was a soldier most of the war. B. Cowell Esq. letter
of explination is not to be taken as evidence against the Widows claim
but on the contrary in her favor and not as evidence against her mearly
giving his understanding in the matter. I first applied to the Secretary
of State of R. I. for evidence and was informed that there remained in his
department but very little testimony of the service in the Revolutionary war
but said B. Cowell Esq had some in his possession, and on application
to him he furnished to me the certificate which I forwarded you.
If there was record service of all the soldiers of the Revolutionary war
from R. I. it would be found that Clark Aldrich was in nearly the
whole war and that he entered the service in 1775 or first of 1776
There being then no such record
Page 42

testimony, we produce the next best evidence the nature of the case will
admit, which is that of the widow who says that her husband was first
a waiter to a Commissary or his assistant, then a soldier and served
most of the war. Then you have the testimony of the widow of
Richard Aldrich, who says that Clark Aldrich was out in 1776 all that
year and also served in the war as long as her husband did and that
she now draws a pension of $40.00 per annum. I now forward you
the deposition of Abel Aldrich who also states that he has herd his
Grandfather his Uncle Clark and his father Richard Aldrich frequently
reherse of their service and that they entered the service in 1775 or 76 and
all went into the service at the same time and that Clark served
nearly four years. All the testimony goes to show that Clark
Aldrich entered the service in 1775 or 76 and if he did not join Col.
Lippetts command until Sept-76 it does not follow that he was not
in the service either as waiter to a commissary or an assistant in some
other command, and besides it is doubtful whether Lippetts Regiment
was discharged Jany 1777 as B. Cowell Esq conjectures, or if it was, Clark
Aldrich continued in service and served most of the war as the evidence
States. I also forward the testimony of Harry Bingham Esq. in
relation to the widows statement in 1845 to him, which was forwarded
by said Bingham to me and afterwards I went and saw her and obtained
what further information I could in addition and then made her declaration
as you now have it. Now from all the testimony before you, in the
absence of record testimony not in being, I cannot doubt but it
will prove satisfactory and that you will grant the widow a pension
Page 43

(if no more) for one years service which the widow of Richard Aldrich
no draws. I am not asking for that which is not right and just and
therefore at your hands the widow expects a favorable decision.
I am Respectfully your Obt Set
Oel Billings
Page 44

Polly Aldrich, Widow
of Clark Aldrich
20 Sep 1847
Page 45

Woodstock Vt. Sept 15, 1847
Sir
I received your favor signed G. Wm Crump dated April
20th 1847 in answer to mine of March 31 relative to the
Claim of Polly Aldrich widow of Clark Aldrich for a
Pension.
The widow says and all the testimony shows that her
husband enlisted the first of January 1777 and I now
respectfully refer you again to this case for a reexamination
forwarding you at this time, the affidavit of John Holland Esq.
of Providence R. I. explaining conclusively the whole matter
why he is charged only 6/8 for the month of September 76 and
dissipating all the objections which have heretofore been made
to its allowance, and also the fact that the Regiment volunteered
for a months or six weeks service longer, after their time had
expired the 1st of January 1777.
I have examined the pay roll for Sept 76 in the possession
of Benjamin Cowell Esq of which he says he furnished you a
Copy and find that many others besides Clark Aldrich received
less than a months pay for that month, agreeing with the
testimony now forwarded, which speaks for itself. I
trust I shall now receive an answer satisfactory the the
Widow in the mean time I remain as ever, very
Respectfully your Obt Srv.
Oel Billings
Col. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
Page 46

Pension Agency
Montpelier Mar 10 1851
J E Heath Esq.
Comm.
Dear Sir
Polly Aldrich widow of
Clark Aldrich on our roll act
2 Feb 1848 at 40$ per annum
was last paid to Sept 4, 1850
Respy
Your Obt. Servt.
J. A. Page
For T.  Reed agt
Page 47

(Copy)
Pension Office
October 19th 1847
Sir,
The affidavit of John Howland in the
Case of Polly Aldrich, widow of Clark Aldrich
does not remove the objection to the admission
of her claim.
It appears from the testimony of this witness that 
the enlistments in Col Lippetts Regt were all 
made in the commencement of 1776, but he does
not testify at all as to the identity of claimants
husband with Clark Aldrah found upon the
roll of that Regt. The discrepancy in the
name together with the fact of Mrs. Aldrich's
husband having agreeably to her own statement entered
the service as a waiter (which is not military
service within the meaning of the Act of Congress
and therefore affords no ground for a pension
renders the clearest and most direct testimony
of identity, as well as the amount of service performed
by her husband necessary to authorize the
admission of her claim.
(Signed) J. L. Edwards
Oel Billings, Esq. Woodstock, Vt.