Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 12515, for Michael Molten, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Continental
Navy
R.I.
CONTENTS
Molten, Michael
Dolly
NUMBER
W. 12515
Page 2

547
Rhode Island
Dolly Molten
widow of Michael Molten dec
who died on the 18 Decr 1820
of Newport in the State of R.I.
who was a Pri & Sgt & Lt in the Company commanded
Captain Sherman of the Reg commanded
by [blank] in the R.I.
line for 4 Mos Private
8 " Sergeant
12 " Lieutenant
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I.
at the rate of 213 Dollars & 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of Mar
1837 and sent Hon D.
J Pearce Ho of Reps
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $1173.31
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '37 106.66
$1.279.97
3. Sec. Act
4. July 1836
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3}
Recorded by DD Addison Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1 Page 111 -
Page 3

Dead
See letter to Hon. A. Robbin, Feb
19. 1838-
Letter to Pen Agent & D Comp
brother 2d May 1838.
To Pension Agent G. May 1838
Paid at the Treasury under
the Act of 6 April 1838 from 
4 March 1837, to the 20 August 
1837. the day of said
Pensioners death. Agent
notified 20 Aug 1837.
Page 4

Notification sent to
H Cranston, 26 Sep1820.
Newport R. I.
804
Rhode Island,
Michael Molten
Lieutenant 4
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Dead
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 60.20 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 30 of March, 1818,
Rhode Island Line
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d of June 1818
and sent to Nicholas Taylor, Esqr.
Newport, R.I.
Arrearages to 4 Sept 1818
5 months 2/31 & 4/30
$103.95
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act 18th March, 1818,}
Attend in Record
-
1 yr & 1 mo
Continued
Newport Newport
C
Page 5

Henry Sherburne of Newport in the State of Rhode-Island doth on
his honor certify and make known, That the Bearer hereof Michael
Molton entered the Army in May 1775 as first Sergeant of one of the
Companies in the Regiment in which the undersigned was
Major, and so faithfully continued during the whole of that campaign
in which the American Army invested the Town of Boston, That the
next campaign being the year 1776 the said Molton was promoted
first to the Rank of Ensign, and then a Lieutenant in which stations
he ever conducted himself with firmness and irreproachable Reputation.
The undersigned further certifys that at divers times, after
those above mentioned he has known the said Molton to have been in
the service of his Country both by sea & Land, during the Revolutionary
War. The undersigned also on honour Certifys, That he has
known the said Molten from his earliest infancy (being both born
in the Town of Newport) and that he has laboured for more than
twenty years last past with such Bodily infirmities as to put
it out of his power to obtain his living by manual labour. Under
these circumstances which are correctly stated, not a shadow of doubt
can remain, but that the said Michael Molten is justly entitled
to such relief as the Laws of a grateful Country may point out
for his future Comfort.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
at Newport this second day of January A.D. 1818. & of Independence
the forty second
Henry Sherburne first a Major of one of the
Regiments raised by the State of Rhode-
Island, afterwards Colonel, Commanding one
of the Sixteen additional Regiments under the appointment of his Excellency George Washington Esqr.
Commander in Chief of the Armys of the United States.
Page 6

Be it remembered that on this Twenty eighth day of March
A.D. 1818. I Josiah G. Shaw a Public Notary in and for the County
of Newport in the State of Rhode Island duly elected and sworn
residing in Newport aforesaid have carefully [illegible] and compared
the within, with the Original Certificate of Henry Sherburne Esqr.
now in my office and do pronounce and declare it to be an exact
Copy of the Original and that the said Michael Molton is to my
knowledge in very necessitous circumstances-
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
Seal on the day and year above written
Josiah G Shaw Pub. Notary
Page 7

The said Michael Molten further declares that he was one
of the number of Officers who at the particular request of
Gen. Washington consented to stay with the Army one month
after the times expired in Jun 1777, he lost his commission
in the town of Croswick in the Jerseys in a snowstorm in Dec 1776

State of Rhode-Island and Providence -Plantations.
NEWPORT, ss.
On this Thirtieth day of March 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Newport, personally appears
Michael Molten aged sixty three years, resident in Newport
in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide
for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary
war:" That he the said Michael Molten entered in servis of the United States as an Ensign
in the State of Rhode Island in Jan 1776.
in the company commanded by Captain
Read, in Col James M. Vernums Regt and was after promoted to the rank of Sergeant; that he
continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the the Feb. 1777,
when he was discharged from service in Morristown State
New York, that he was in the battles of Harlam heights on York
Island, at white plains, at Trenton on the first day of June 1777, Prince
Town, in the Battle on Rhode Island under Gen Sullivan in 1778
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support;
and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Nicho. Taylor
I, Nicho. Taylor Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, That it appears, to my
satisfaction, that the said Michael Molten did
serve in the revolutionary
war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the
proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant
to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress.
Newport March 30th 1818
Nicho. Taylor
Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas County of Newport
April 24th 18
I hereby certify that Nicholas Taylor Esquire whose
Signature is affixed to the above statement and
Certificate is Chief Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas within and for the County of Newport State
aforesaid in testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed the seal of said Court
Robert Rogers
Page 8

State of Rhode-Island &c.
Newport &c. at Newport,
On this 13th day of August 1836, personally appeared
before Joseph Joslen, Chief Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas, Dolly Molten a resident of Newport
in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island,
&c. aged seventy seven years, who first being duly sworn
according to law, doth, on her oath make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision
made by the act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836:
That she is the widow of Michael Molten, who was a
Lieutenant in Washington's army, & entered the service
before he & she married, & continued therein till the close
of the war, it being one month after his time was out before 
he left the service, as she has understood from her
husband was the case. That he was an officer on
board the private armed vessel, (as she understands
her to have been) the Providence, & while on her cruise,
was in the action or service at New Providence, where they relieved
the vessels & Spiked the guns in the fort. He was after
our marriage, in a battle on this Island. He was a resident
of Newport RI. when he entered the service. During the
action on this Island, that she was very much
agitated; after it was over, I well recollect she says that the Gen.
rode up to the house where I was, & asked for a bowl
of milk. And as I handed it to him he smiled
Page 9

and observed "you humble" That she told him,
she expected every moment to hear the
death of her husband. But that he could give her
no information about him. That he has told
her of having been in several other actions, but that
she cannot recollect so as to state them particularly.
She further declares that she was married to the
said Michael Molten of Newport R.I. by Elder Russel Mason in Swansey in the
year seventeen hundred & seventy seven, but the
month she cannot recollect. That her husband
the aforesaid Michael Molten died on the 18th
day of December in the year 1820; and that she
has remained his widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by reference to the proof
hereto annexed. She further states that her husband
received a pension for two or three years 
before he died. That she has no documentary evidence
of her marriage, and that none of the persons present at the time are now living so far as she knows,
That her husbands health was poor when he left
the army-- and he was confined by sickness, in
all about 13 years, between that time & his death,
his constitution having been broken down, as Doct.
Center said, who attended him, by his service
in the army. That he died of the pulmonary con-
Page 10

sumption. From his being sick so long & the number
his family, his estate was represented, at his decease,
as it truly was, insolvent, and almost made those
of his children who were able to contribute to his comfort insolvent
also. But the creditors never took from her any of the
little that was left her at the decease of her husband.
Dolly Molten
her x mark
Sworn to & subscribed with her mark on
the day & at the place before written, before
me,
Joseph Joslen,
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas,
Newport
Page 11

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Newport Ss
Clerks Office, Court of Common Pleas.
I the subscriber Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in
and for the County of Newport and State aforesaid, do hereby
certify that Joseph Joslen before whom the within depositions of
John Williams, Thomas Coggeshall, Ann Stevens and the
Declaration of Dolly Molten was sworn to, is the Chief
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of
Newport and that the signature affixed to said depositions and declaration is his true and proper signature
in his own hand writing. And I further certify that
there is not at this time any Court of Record now in
session in this County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at Newport this 13 day of August
A D 1836
Geo. C. Shaw. Clk CC Pleas
Page 12

I William Molten of the town & County of Newport, on solemn oath, declare & say as follows,
Viz.
That I am the son of Michael & Dolly
Molten, aged 56 years the 14th of last June, the
second of their children. On the receipt of a
letter from James L. Edwards Esq. I went to
Swanley & made enquiry for the record of Elder
Mason, which I had learned that he kept of those
he had married. And there I found that the record
kept by Elder Mason, had been burnt by his daughter
supposing them to be of no consequence. I then
went to the town records & searched two days but
did not succeed in finding it. I then learnt from
Philinda Kingsley that she had read the marriage
in question in Mason's record. I then called on
Nancy Kingsley the daughter of a former town
Clerk and she thought that she had
seen it the town records - she gave me some directions &
I returned to the office to search again, and
after spending nearly a day I found a record
of the marriage in question, & took a duly
attested copy of the same.
Wm. Molton
Newport Sc. at Newport Sept. 24th A.D. 1836--
Personally appeared William Holton &
gave the foregoing deposition which was reduced
to writing by, & sworn to & Subscribed, before
me.
Joseph Joslen,
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas
Newport.
Page 13

I Eleazer Trevett of Newport in the County of Newport & State of
Rhode Island Esq. of Lawful age on oath do testify and
say that on an examination of the old Journals and papers
of my Father the late Capt. John Trevett of the town and
County of Newport and State aforesaid It appears that the
Sloop Providence a government vessel then commanded
by Capt. Pitcher sailed from Providence R.I. and arrived at New Bedford the next night, some time in the
month of February 1777. where she took her men on board
and sailed on a cruise to the Eastward off Cape Breton
she had a severe action with a British Brigg and took
twenty five Soldiers and two British officers besides their
own crew this vessel was a Store ship bound for Quebeck.
Capt. Pitcher was wounded and the Sloop was so badly cut
to pieces as to compel us to bear away and in a short time they
arrived at New Bedford with their Burgoyne troops and
British officers-- It appears under date 1777 May that John
Peck Rathbun was commander of the Sloop Providence.
In June 1777 sailed from Bedford stopped at the Vineyard
and took in a few men and proceeded on a cruise shortly
after had an action with three vessels a Ship, Brig, and
Schooner and captured one of them-- By the next date it appears
that they arrived at New Bedford in August 1777 and repaired
the Sloop - In November 1777 sailed again on a cruise and
had a severe engagement off Charlston bar with a Privateer
in which it appears that Capt John Trevett Lieut. Michael
Moulton and a Mr. Bailey J Boston acted a very conspicuous
part as one of the three killed the helmsman on board the
Privateer which brought her into the wind and enabled the
Sloop to board and capture her they then bore away for
Georgetown and put the crew in sail and sent the Captain
to the Commissary of prisoners at Charlestown - Commodore
Biddle was then there with three ships under his command.
While at Georgetown they gained information that there was
some valuable prizes at Nassau New Providence and also
relative to the situation of the place and one particularly
Page 14

the ship Mary of Jamaica with whom they
had had an action of New York after a consultation
they concluded to make an attempt to capture the port
and in January 1778 they started on a new cruise after
a short passage arrived at New Providence captured
the fort and prizes in this expedition it appears that
Lieut. Michael Moulton acted a very conspicuous part
he was sent with two men four miles into the country to
take a fort and spike the guns which he accomplished
and returned in safety, after making necessary arrangements
they left New Providence with their prizes and arrived in
March 1778 at Edgarton. I further state that my Father
was Capt. of Marines and that Mr. Michael Moulton was
Lieut of Marines in the Government service. I have often
heard my father speak in high terms of the gallant conduct
of Lieut Moulton and the dependence he place on
him in that particular cruise  -
Eleazor Trevett
Newport September 23d 1836.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before
written before Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace
Newport Sc. Newport September 23d 1836 Then personally
came Eleazer Trevett, Esquire whose character for truth
and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth
of the above deposition before Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
I further certify that I was employed some years
ago by the late Capt. John Trevett to copy his Journal
and am therefore satisfied of the truth of the above
deposition -
Daniel C. Denham
Page 15

Newport Sc} State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerks Office, Court of Common Pleas
George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify
that Joseph Joslen is Chief Justice of this Court of Common Pleas, and
that his signature appended to the Declaration of Dolly Molten and to
the deposition of William Molten is his genuine signature. And I do
further certify that Daniel C Denham is a Justice of the Peace in the
Town of Newport and County aforesaid, was appointed by the General
Assembly and Commissioned by the Governor of this State and is fully
authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature
appended to the deposition of Eleazer Trevett is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Newport
on the twenty fourth day of September, One thousand
eight hundred and thirty six
Geo. C. Shaw. Clerk
Page 16

Michael Molton of Newport and Dolly Brown
of Swanzey was married Nov 7 1776 by Russel
Mason Elder of Christ, Church in Swansey
I John Mason of Swansey County of Bristol
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire of
Lawful age on oath testify and declare that I
am the duly elected and qualified clerk of the 
Town of Swanzey that I have carefully examined
the original record of the marriage of Michael
Molten and Dolly Brown as the same is recorded
on the town record of Swanzey now in my
custody and that the foregoing copy is a true 
copy of said record as the same is found recorded
and that I have no doubt that the original
record aforesaid is an ancient record
Swanzey as September 7, 1836. John Mason
Commonwealth of Massachusetts-
Bristol Ss. September 7, 1836. Then personally appeared
the above named John Mason, who is a credible witness, and
made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him
subscribed
Before me Eliab Williams, Justice of the Peace.
Page 17

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Ss.
I, James Sproat, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that
Elial Williams Esq. whose signature is affixed
to the within Certificate, is a Justice of the peace in 
and for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and
the seal of said Court, this eighth day of September, in the year of
our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty six
Jas. Sproat
Page 18

Michael Molten
804.
Sept. 1818
Septr 1818
C
Contd.
Page 19

so constituted by statute, proceeding according
the course of the common Law, possessing original
and unlimited Jurisdiction in all civil
and keeping a record of its proceedings.
Page 20

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Newport Sc
On this Twenty sixth day of June 1820 personally appeared
in open Court being a Court of record for the said County Michael
Molten aged sixty three years who being first duly sworn according to
law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war
as follows
I received an Ensigns commission bearing date the first day of
January 1776 was attached to the ninth regiment commanded by
Colonel James Mitchell Varnum in the company commanded by
Captain Joshua Read of Massachusetts- owing to the resignation
of Captain Read and the promotion of the first Lieutenant Mr James
Varnum I was appointed a Lieutenant and was commissioned accordingly
and continued in service during the campaign which
under the last day of the same year. By the particular request of
the Commander in Chief (his Excellency George Washington) the
Army was solicited to continue in the field six weeks and I as one of
said army continued in my said capacity as Lieutenant
during that time and further that I have received a pension certificate 
under the act of 18th March 1818 & on which there is
no number
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States
on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that
time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or
any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring
myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled
Page 21

"An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval
service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18th
day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust
for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor
have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule
hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
My family consists of my wife Dorothy Molten aged sixty two years
My Daughters Sarah Molten aged 24 years & Clarissal Molten aged
twenty years.
My own occupation is that of a
Housewright but for thirty years past rendered almost totally incapable
of pursuing said occupation owing to my being confined by sickness
much the greater part of said time and the extreme debility consequent 
thereon all which is set forth in my former application now
in the War department and to which I beg leave to refer.
C Michael Molten
Sworn to and declared in open Court this Twenty sixth
Day of June 1830.
H. J. Cranston Clk
Page 22

Inventory of all the property of Michael Molten
Real Estate - none
1 Desk & 3 tables long used --- $8."
1 Small Looking glass --- 2."
1 stand --- 2."
11 Chairs much worn --- 4 "
1 Pair Handimans Shovel & Tongs --- 3."
1 " Bellows --- 1 50
Iron Ware valued at --- 5."
Earthen & Crockery ware of every kind --- 5."
Plates none
1 pair Candlesticks --- 1."
Trunks & chests --- 5."
$35.50
Michael Molten
Sworn to and declared in open Court this Twenty
sixth Day of June 1820.
H. Cranston Clk
Page 23

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas for the County of Newport
I hereby Certify that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto
annexed are truly copied from the records of said Court, and
I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court
that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the
aforesaid schedule is thirty five Dollars fifty cents,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of our said Court this
Twenty Sixth Day of June in the year of our
LORD One thousand Eight hundred and
Twenty & forty fourth of American Independence.
H Cranston Clk
Page 24

In reply to your request of [blank], 
received [blank]
for a statement of the military history of Michael Molten.
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
W. 12,515
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
May 1775 to Dec. 31, 1775
Jan. 1, 1776 to Feb. 1777
Nov. 1777 to Mch. 1778
June 1, 1778 8 mos.
RANK.
Sergt.
Ensign
and 
Lieut.
Lieut of Marines
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Ebenezer Flagg
Joshua Read
Peleg Sherman
COLONEL.
Thomas Church
James M. Varnum
STATE.
R. I.
Navy.
Mass.
{John Trevett (Marine)
John Rathburne's brig "Providence"
several engagements. captured & prize off  Charleston bar & several at New Providence N.J.
with two others we spiked the guns at Nassau & released the prisoners
Battles engaged in, Harlem Heights, White Plains, Trenton Jany 1777 & Princeton & R.I.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Newport R.I.
Date of application for pension, March 30, 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Newport, R. I.
Age at date of application, 63 yrs. born at Newport, R.I.
Remarks: He married Swansey Mass. Nov. 7, 1776, Dolly (Dorothy)
Brown dau. Esek Brown, Sol. died Dec. 18, 1820, this widow Dolly
was allowed pension on her application executed Aug. 13, 1836 while
a resident of Newport & 77 yrs. of age. She died Aug. 20, 1837. Their second
child William born June 14, 1780, daughters Sarah al 24 & Clarissa 20 yrs. in 1820.
only children referred to. Respectfully,
6 -- 2856
Commissioner.
Page 25

Michael Molten
W. File 12.515
Continental.
Navy
Rhode Island.
Page 26

Henry Sherburne of Newport in the State of Rhode Island
Doth on his honor certify & make known that the Bearer hereof
Michael Molton Entered the Army in May 1775 as first Sergeant of
one of the Companies in the Regt in which the Undersigned was Major
& faithfully continued during the whole of that Campaign in which
the American Army Invested the Town of Boston - That the next
Campaign being the year 1776, the said Molton was promoted first to
the Rank of Ensign, & then a Lieutenant, in which stations he ever
conducted himself with firmness & irreproachable Reputation.
The Undersigned further Certifys, That at divers times, after those
above mentioned he has known the said Molton to have been in the
Service of his Country both by Sea & Land, during the Revolutionary 
War. The undersigned also on honor Certifys, That he has know the
said Molton from his earliest infancy (being both Born in the Town of
Newport) & that he has labored for More than twenty years last
part with such Bodily infirmities as to put it out of his presents
obtain his living by Manual Labor. Under these circumstances
which are correctly stated, not a shadow of Doubt Can remain but
that the said Michael Molton is justly Intitled to such relief as the
Laws of a Grateful Country may point out for his future comfort.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Newport
this second day of January AD 1818, & of Independence the forty second
H. Sherburne first a Major of one of the
Regiments raised by the State of Rhode Island
& afterwards Colonel Commanding one of the
Sixteen additional Regt under the appointment
his Excellency George Washington Esqr Commander
in Chief of the Armys of the United States
Page 27

Treasury Department,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
June 8 1838.
Sir,
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the
Treasury of the United States; The children of Dolly
Molten deceased a Pensioner on the Roll of the Rhode Island Agency, at
the rate of 213 - Dollars and 33 - Cents
per annum, under the law of the 4th July 1836 has
been paid at this Department, from the 4 of March 1837
to the 20th August 1837, the day of said
pensioner's death -
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSINS,
Present.
Page 28

State of Rhode - Island &c. Newport, -
Sc. at Newport, on the 12th day of August A.D.
1836 - Personally appeared John Williams of
the town aforesaid, & after being duly cautioned &
sworn according to law, did testify & say as follows
I am in my seventy seventh year, and I was well acquainted
with Michael Molton who I believe was
born in Newport, & he was very active in teaching the
boys the use of arms, at the beginning of the Revolutionary war
& I was one of the number that he exercised in
that way. He enlisted in the Army. I frequently went
to Swansey Mss. where Dolly Brown the present applicant
was then living in her Father's house, after visiting as I
did at Daniel Brown's her uncle, where my sister then
resided. Michael Molten & the present applicant
removed to Newport pretty soon after the peace,
and were generally understood to have been legally
married and were so received here. And  I employed
him & his son to repair my house. I had
previously heard of their marriage, having heard from
my sister who resided at Daniel Brown's say that they
were married, when it their marriage was spoken of as what had
just happened. I have no doubt they were
married as reported. I have known her situation
Page 29

ever since the death of her husband & that
she has not been since married, & is now his
widow, always having borne an unblemished character.
John Williams
Sworn to and & subscribed on the day &
date before written before me,
Joseph Joslen
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas,
Newport,
Page 30

Newport Augt. 15th 1835
James L Edwards Esq
Sir
Enclosed I forward
you the depositions of John Williams, Thomas
Coggeshall, Mrs Ann Stevens and the Declaration
of my aged mother Mrs. Dolly Molten for the
purpose of establishing her claim to the benefit
of the pension made by the act of Congress
passed July 4th 1835. At the time of
the
the marriage of my Hond. Father & Mother
the enemy had possession of this Island
and its vicinity presented a sum of
alarm & commotion, and you will not
[illegible] conclude that their was not as
much attention paid to Marriage
as in a time of peace and [illegible]
and seldom more than a witness or two
attended. Also the Elders & people were
constantly prepared to move at a moments
warning; and if their was a
record of her
marriage she has no knowledge where it is
to be found. On this point of her case, I
could have obtained many more depositions
in her favour, but selected the above named,
particularly on account of their high 
respectability, and by examining the testimony
you will discover that their is not a doubt
resting on the minds of the depones. but that
Michael Molton & Dolly Brown were legally
married. and Mrs A. Stevens who had 
resided in my great Uncles family 18 mos
recollects hearing by whom they were
married (Viz) by Elder Russell Mason
I also recollect hearing my Father
and a Mr. Trevet often speak of that
Page 31

engagement, or in other words of their 
management in getting possession of the Fort
of releasing the prisoners, and bringing off
the vessels in port, and of spiking the
guns, &c.-- I have now called your attention 
to all the leading points, which together
with the depositions & Declaration are now
humbly submitted. Trusting that the papers
are sufficient to entitle her to the benefits
of her countries gratitude.
Respectfully your Obt Srvt
Wm. Molten
My Hand, Father recd. a pension under 
the act of 1818 and all his papers &
were forwd. to the pension office.
Page 32

State of Rhode Island &c. Newport Sc. at Newport,
on 13th day of August A.D. 1836. Personally appeared Ann
Stevens the widow of Thomas Stevens of the town aforesaid,
and after being duly cautioned & sworn according to
law, declares & says, as follows, "I am in my eighty first year, my maiden name was Ann Williams, &
I am the sister of John Williams. During the Revolutionary war I resided in Swansey Mss. at Daniel Brown's, for
a period of eighteen months. I was at that time acquainted
with Dolly Brown the daughter of Esek Brown.
I became acquainted with Michael Molten before the
Revolution. Soon after I left Swansey, I went to Providence.
While in Providence I heard that Michael Molten and
Dolly Brown were married by Elder Russel Mason, in
Swansey. I have never had any doubt but that they were
legally married, and I have been acquainted with Dolly
Molten ever since she was married & know she has not
been married again since the death of her husband,
who after returning from the army was out of health, & he was
confined by sickness a number of years before he died-
Dolly his widow was very attentive to him during his sickness,
has been very useful in sickness in general, & has always borne
a good character.
Ann Stevens
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day above written,
Joseph Joslen C. Jus. C.C. Pleas Newport
Page 33

State of Rhode-Island &c. Newport, Sc.
At Newport, on the 13th day of August A.D. 1836.
Personally appeared Thomas Coggeshall of the
town aforesaid, & after being sworn & duly cautioned
according to law, did testify & say as
follows, "I am in my seventy eighth year. I was
acquainted with Michael Molton in Newport before the Revolutionary war. He was a commissioned
officer in Sullivan's expedition. I knew him in 1775 &
in 1778. I knew him when he returned to Newport with
a family, soon after peace was concluded.
I had
before heard of his marriage & have no doubt but
that he was legally married to the woman with
whom he then lived. I have known her situation
from that time to this, & she is Dolly Molton
the present applicant. She has been noted as a
very useful woman in sickness, and is a
respectable woman in our community. She
has not been married since the death of her
husband.
Thomas Coggeshall
Sworn to and subscribed on the day before mentioned
before me,
Joseph Joslen,
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas, Newport,
Page 34

Washington City Feby 15th 1837
Dear Sir
From a friend of mine in Rhode Island I
have recd the enclosed statement relating to the claim of
Mrs Dolly Molton for a Pension under the act of July
last. By giving this statement and the papers in support
of Mrs Moltons claim that favourable consideration
which their merits deserve. you will much oblige
Your Humble Servant
Nath B Borden
J L Edwards Esq
Page 35

I William Potter of South Kingstown in the County
of Washington in the State of Rhode Island.
Do hereby certify that Michael Moulton of
Newport in the County of Newport & State aforesd.
did Enter the Continental Army of the then
Colonies of America on the first of January
AD. 1776 that he served with reputation as Ensign
in a company commanded by Capt. Read in Colo.
J M. Varnums Regiment One year. that he contind.
One Month after in the Continental Army at the
request of Gen. Washington that he faithfully
discharged his duty as an officer to my certain
knowledge.
William Potter
State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County Ss.
July. 10. A.D. 1818.
In person appeared Capt. William Potter
late Commanding a company in the service of the
United States & on Solemn Oath declared that the preceding
Certificate by him signed contains the truth & I further
certify that Capt. Potter is a man of truth & Veracity
John Watson J
Page 36

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County SS}
Clerks Office Court Common
Pleas July 10th. 1818.-
I certify that the Honble John Watson Esqr.
whose official signature is hereto affixed
is a Justice of the Court aforesaid for the County
aforesaid Legally appointed & qualified as
the Law requires-- In Testimony whereof
the seal of sd Court is hereto affixed
Sam. Helme Clk
Page 37

Deposition
of
Philinda Kingsley
&
Content Mason
Page 38

I. Philinda Kingsley of Swanzey in the County of Bristol
of lawful age do testify and say that according to my best
knowledge and belief. I have seen and read in
Elder Russell Masons record of Marriages the Marriage of Michael Molten, and Dolly Brown, but at
what time said Marriage took place I am unable to state
Philinda Kingsley
her x mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Ss Sept 3 1836. Then the above named Philinda Kingsly made oath to the truth of the aforesaid
deposition by her subscribed
Before me David Gray Justice of the Peace
I certify that the aforesaid deponent is a credible person
David Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 39

I Content Mason of Swansey in the County of
Bristol, daughter of Elder Russell Mason late of
said Swansny deceased, and of lawful age do testify
and say, That I had the possession of my said fathers
record of Marriages, and that somewhere about seven
years since I carelessly burnt and destroyed said record -
Content Mason
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss Sept 3 1836 Then the above named Content
Mason made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition
by her subscribed.
Before me David Gray Justice of the Race
I certify that the aforesaid deponent is a credible person
David Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 40

Mrs Molton
The papers of Mrs
Moulton attended
to within are not
yet file with
James L. Ed
Com

R.I.
4 July 36
Mrs Moulton 25 any
susp
Page 41

Newport R. I. Novr 14th 1836
Sir
I wrote you on the 26th of Sept last
and forwarded several deposition and 
documents relative to the claim of
Mrs Dolly Molton Widow of Michael
Molton, to which I have had no
reply - as the old Lady fears some
accident has befall them, would thank
you to inform me by return mail
if they have been received. And Truly
Oblig Your Humble
Srvt. Wm R Noyes
James L. Edwards Esq
Washington D.C.
Page 42

Stephen Olney of North Providence in the
County of Providence State of Rhode Island
& Providence Plantations a late Captain in the
revolutionary Army of the U States, being
under Solemn oath, Testify and say that
In the year 1776 when the two Rhode Island
Regiments commanded by Col Varnum &
Hitchcock were stationed on Long Island, I was
introduced to Michael Molton as a Lieutenant
belonging to Col Varnums Regiment and I have
not the least doubt from his narrative
of the movements of the army but he served
out the Campaign of 1776 I was then a
a Lieutenant in Hochcocks regiment
Stephen Olney
State of Rhode Island & Providence
July 4th 1818 Then Captain Stephen Olney
in his own person came before me and made
Solemn oath to the above affidavit by him
above Subscribed I also certify that I am
well acquainted with Stephen Olney who
the above affidavit
Witness Will Martin
Chief Justice Court Common Pleas for the
County of Providence
Page 43

I James Chappel of Newport County of Newport, State
of Rhode Island &c Yeoman, do hereby certify that I
enlisted in the Continental service as  a Private in the
Army about January the first 1776 in a Company then
attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. J. M
Varnum & at that time said Regiment lay before
Boston; I also Certify that Michael Molten then
& now of said Town County & State, joined said
Regiment on or about the same time as an Ensign
& continued in that capacity until the succeeding
Summer, & while said Regiment was on Long
Island, the said Michael Molten was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, in a Company of said
Regiment & was commissioned accordingly & that the
said Molten was engaged in the Battle of Harlam
hights, which took place as near as I can recollect
about the 16th or 17th of September of the same year, at
which time & in which battle the subscriber to this
Certificate was wounded & in consequence of
said wound was then removed to the Hospital.
I further certify that during the whole time
said Molten was attached to the Army
Page 44

he uniformly sustained the reputation of
a brave and useful officer.
James Chappell
Newport ss - at Newport this 17th day of July in the year 1818
personally appeared the above named James Chappell
residing in Newport aforesaid and made Solemn Oath to the
truth of the above written certificate by him subscribed.
I hereby certify that said James Chappell would
be admitted in our Courts as a credible witness
Whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year
above written -
Daniel Denham Justice of the
Court of Common Pleas
Page 45

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Ss. I Henry Y Cranston Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas &c for the County of Newport
do hereby certify that Daniel Denham Esquire
whose official signature is affixed to the 
within Certificate is an associate Justice
of the Court of Common pleas for the County
aforesaid duly commissioned and engaged
under the seal of said State.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said Court,
this Seventeenth day of July in
the year of our Lord one thousand 
Eight hundred & Eighteen
& Forty third of American Independence,
H Y Cranston
Page 46

Hon Mr. Edwards
Commis of Pensions
Dear Sir  I send you the affidavit
herewith enclosed to apprize you of the difficulty which
the pension agent in R.I. makes to the paying over the
arrears of pension in the case stated. Several of these [illegible]
have husbands & the Pension agent requires that they be made
parties to the letter of attorney. Now one of the husband has
emigrated to Texas is settled there & is not expected to
return to the U.S. So what the pension agent requires can
not be complied with. Now I have to request that if you
think the pension agent ought to pay over these arrears - his
said objection not with standing that you would
give him orders accordingly. But if you think that letter of attorney
is not a sufficient warrant to him, I have to request, that you
would order him to pay over said arrears provided bonds of indemnity
are given to the U.S. in the case.
I know the said Wm E. Molten, and
also the said Wm Ennis the Justice who has authenticated the affidavit
& certify that full credit is due to the instrument. -
very respectfully yours
Asher Robbins
W. C. Feb. 10th 1838
Page 47

Newport Feby 8 1837
Sir
In compliance with the request of the friends, and
connections, of Mrs Dolly Molton formerly of Swanzey, Mass.
I have taken the liberty of forwarding you a synopsis
of the evidence in support of Mrs. M's claim, for the benefit
of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. Mrs Molton
declared before Joseph Joslin Chief Justice C. C. Pleas on
the 13th of August last. She was then quite feeble in health
& extremely nervous, after declaring relative to the service of
her husband in very general terms, she declared that
she was married to s'd Molton, in Swanzey, by Elder Russel
Mason "In the year Seventeen Hundred and twenty seven"
This declaration was forwarded to the Commissioner of
pensions by Mr Wm. Milton, to which J. L. Edwards Esq Comr.
of pensions replied, under date of the 25th August as follows
"The evidence as to the mariage is defective, since Church
Town, or family record of it, if attainable should be furnished
unless it is distinctly shewn that no such record exists
parol testimony cannot be received to establish it."
Mrs Molton & Wm W. Molton then went to Swansey and
searched the Town Record the second time (the church record
having been burnt by Elder Mason' Daughter as appears by her
Depon.) and after four days close application found the
desired record, a copy of which is annexed, by which it appears
that Michael Molton & Dolly Brown were married Novr 7 1776
One year before the time stated in the declaration -- Mr Wm
was then visited by Judge Joslin and made a second declaration 
relataive to Marriage, Service &c. Mr Edwards
under date of Aug 25th admits that proof is before the department
of 7 or 8 months service a Sergeant M. in 1775 & thirteen months
as Ensign, & Lieutenant from Jany 1776 to Feby 1777. By the
Schedule of this state it appears that Micah Molton was
appointed 1st Lieut in one of the Regiments raised by act of Gen.
Assembly of R.I. in compliance with the requisition of Congress & that
Daniel Hitchcock Esq was Col. of said Regiment, a copy of the act
and appointment is annexed. In Novr 1777 (as appears by the
Page 48

deposition of E. Trevett Esqr) Said Molton was on board the
Sloop Providence, a State's repel, Rathburn, Commander & s'd
Molton, Lieut of Marines, and that he remained as such
until March 1778. June 1st 78 it appears that said
Molton enlisted in a company, raised by act of General
Court of Mass. & commanded by Capt. Peleg Sherman, and
that he received the bounty for 8 months, a copy of the receipt &c is annexed-
Recap of Service - 8 mos as Serg' of Artillery
13 " Lieut up to Feby 1st 1777
4 " Lieut Marines
8 " in Shermans Company
In all 23 months service from June 1st 78 to Feby 1st 79,
a large proportion of which was after marriage,
I would here observe that P.B. Sisson Esq of Fall River
Phelinda Kingsley & Content Mason (daughter of
Elder Mason) have testified in this case, as they
all lived in your district, the friends of Mrs M's
thought you might have sufficient knowledge
of their characters to add strength to their
testimony-
I have the honor to be
Yr. Most Obt Srvt
Wm R Hayst
Agt for D Molton
Copy of certificate
I hereby certify that Michael Molton of Newport
and Dolly Brown of Swansey was married November
7th 1776 by Russell Mason - Elder of Christ's Church
in Swanszey-
A true copy from the town of Swansey
records - (Signed)
Attest John Mason
Town Clerk of Swansey
Swanzey County of Bristol 
Massachusetts Sept 5 1836)
Page 49

Copy
We whose names are hereunto subscribed being determined
to serve and defend our country and its Liberties, have this
day, voluntarily enlisted our selves as soldiers
for Eight months for the Town of Swanzey & do bond
ourselves to conform, in all instances, to such rules
and regulations, as are or shall be established for
the government of the army
(Signed )
Michael Molton
Benjamin Mason 2d Lieut
Seth Athniel Chase
Jonathan Brown
James Rowland
as witness our hands
June 1st 1778
Copy
Swanzey June 3d 1778.
Rec'd of Capt Peleg Sherman Twenty Pounds
as Bounty for Eight months, in the service of
the State of Massachusetts Bay, to guard the
shores about Rhode Island, according to an
Act of the Gen'l Court of said State
(Signed)
Michael Molton
20 -
Copy
October, 1776
Both houses being resolved into a Grand Committee
and made choice of the following gentlemen, as officers in the
two Battalions or Regiments, to be raised by this State agreeable
to requisition of Congress--
1st Battalion
James Mitchell Varnum Col.
2d Battallion
Daniel Hitchcock Esq. Col.
Michael Molton 1st Lieut.
Page 50

Newport R. I. Sept. 26th 1835
Sir: In your letter of August 24th addressed to
Mr William Molton. You have the goodness to inform us
that Michael Molton's papers furnished proof of 8 mo. service
as Sergt. M. & 13 Mos. as Ensign & Leiut. previous to Feby 1st 1777.
In addition I beg leave to offer the deposition of
E Trevet Esqr. by which it appears that sd. Molton entered
the Naval services as Lieut. of Marines the very month 
he left the army, and in course of their cruise they
had several severe engagements on the sea, in which
Molton took a distinguished part. he also distinguished him self at the taking of the forts at N. Providence, 
and recd the applause & approbation of his superior
officers. soon after his returned from this cause 
viz (March,78) we find him by the papers attached to
the deposition of B. B. Sisson Esq. that he volunteered in a
company under Capt Peleg Sherman in a regiment
raised by order of the Gen. Court of Mass. for 8 months
I also enclose a further declaration of Mrs Dolly
Molton, particularly relative to her marriage by
which it appears she was mistaken in her first as to
the time, but as the old lady erred on the side of time
least calculated to give reason to suppose it intentional
I hope it will not militate against her claim & her
last declaration be received. Which together with
Page 51

the proof of Marriage & service rendered will be
sufficient to entitle her to full pay as a Lieut.
In conclusion permit me to add that Mrs Molton
is not only old but poor, infirm & Dependant
and will be greatfull for a certificate for the
amount you may deem her justly entitled
I have the honor to be
Your Obt. Servt.
Wm R Noyes
Agt. for Dolly Molton

James L Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Page 52

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Sc. at Newport
On this 24th day of September 1836 personally appeared
before Joseph Foster, Chief Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas, Dolly Molten, a resident of Newport
in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island &c
aged seventy seven years who first being duly sworn
according to law, doth on her oath make the following 
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
provision made by the act of Congress, passed July
4th 1836. That she is the widow of Michael Molten
who was a lieutenant in Washington's Army &
entered the service before he & she were married,
and continued in the service of his country, nearly
all the time till the close of the war. He was an
officer in one of the Rhode-Island continental regiments.
My impression is that he was with Col. Gray (as
the Col.'s wife was at Uncle Brown's, & from that
circumstance,) that Michael Molten was with him in
Boston. Soon after his term of service expired he entered
the navy, Lieutenant of Marines. And was on board the
Sloop Providence, & while on her cruise she was in several
actions & took several prizes & a number of prisoners.
as she had heard him say that they dressed themselves in
Hessian uniforms. In the course of this cruise they visited
New Providence, and Captured the fort commanding the
harbour and town, and after remaining there two or three
days - relieved the prisoners & brought away the prizes,
spiked the guns & destroyed the armament. While at
Providence, as her husband told her, he went out 4 or 5
miles into the County, took a fort, spiked the guns,
& returned in safety with his whole force, viz: himself,
Benjamin Brown, her cousin, and another whose name
She does not recollect. That they arrived in Bedford.
After returning from this cruise, he again entered the army,
Page 53

under Capt. Peleg Sherman, and was in the action on
this Island at Butts' Hill. That since making her
former declaration, she has been at Swansey, and by talking
with her friends & endeavoring to refresh her mind upon
the subject, & comparing circumstances with dates, she
is better able now to testify respecting them and
now declares that she was married to said Michael
Molten, November 7th 1776 by Elder Russell Mason at
Swansey Mass. That her husband died in December 1820.
and that she has remained his widow ever since, as will
more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto
annexed. And that her husband received a pension
for two or three years before he died, & that she now
forwards all the evidence relative to her marriage &
her husband's service that has come into her possession.
That she knows of no person now living who
was present at her marriage. That relative to her
husband's health & last sickness the has nothing further
there to state than she did in her former declaration.
Dolly Molten
her x mark
Subscribed with her mark & sworn to before
me at her house where I attended in
consequence of her age & infirmity,
Joseph Foster,
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas
Newport
Page 54

Wee whose names are unto Subscribed being
Determined to serve and defend our contry and its
Liberties have this day voluntarily Inlisted our selves
as solders for Eight months for the town of Swansey
And so bind our selves to conform in all
instances
to Such rules and regulations as are or shall be
Established for the goverment of sd army
Michael Molten
Benjamin Mason 2d June
Serath Meek Chase
Jonathan Brown
James Cromland
As Witness our Hands
June 1th 1778
Page 55

Benjamin B Sisson

The Enlestment
for 8 months
Page 56

Benjamin B. Sisson
Page 57

Swanzey June 3d 1778
Received of Capt Peleg Sherman twenty pound as Bounty for Eight
Months in the service of the State of Massachussets Bay -
To guard the shores about Rhode Island according to an act of the Genl.
Court of sd State -
Michael Molton
20..0
Page 58

I Benjamin B Sisson of Fall River in
the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of
Massachusetts of lawful age, do on oath testify and
say that in making search amongst the papers of
Peleg Shearman late of Swansey deceased for the purpose
of procuring evidence of his having served in the
war of the Revolution, which papers were shown
to me by the son in law of said Sherman, as the
papers of his late father in law, of which fact I have
no doubt-- I found two papers, one purporting to be
an agreement to serve & defend the country, dated June
1st, 1778. and signed by Michael Molton and others,
the other a receipt for twenty pounds as a bounty
for eight months service, dated June 3rd 1778. and
also signed by said Michael Molton - that upon
the back of said papers I have placed my signature
for the purpose of identifying them and have
delivered them to the agent of the widow Dolly
Molton of Newport. And further the said
deponent saith not.
Fall River Sept. 21st 1836.
Benjamin B. Sisson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Ss. Sept 21st 1836. Then the above named Benjamin
B. Sisson, who is a credible witness, personally appeared
and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by
him subscribed.
Before me Eliab Williams, Justice of the peace
Page 59

1400 Chapel St.
New Haven
Conn. Rev se
June 8, 1915
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: -
I am a direct descendant
of Michael Moulton and wish
for a copy of his pension
record as soon as possible
my reason for it as soon as
possible is that I'm trying
to get in a D.A.R. that is
just being organized and I'll
be greatly obliged for a prompt
Page 60

reply.
Thanking you for the
kind favor
Sincerely yours
Marian Monroe Taft

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
D 
JUN 10 1915
Page 61

I Michael Molten of Newport in the County of
Newport in the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations, do hereby State, That I entered the Army of
the Revolution under the continental establishment
in May AD 1775 as first Sergeant in a Regiment
commanded by Colo. Tho. Church in a company commanded 
by Capt. Ebenezer Flagg and so served to the last
day of that year -
The next campaign commencing Jany. 1st AD 1776 being
promoted first to the rank of Ensign and was attached to a
Regiment commanded by Colo. James Mitchell Varnum in a
Company first Commanded by one Capt. Read afterwards the
Command devolved on Capt. Varnum of Massachusetts, at which
time I was promoted to the rank of a Lieutenant and so
continued to the end of the year-
At the particular request of his Excellency, Genl. Washington
I consented together with a number of others to stay one Month
which was the first month of the year AD 1777. in the same Capacity
I had done when I was regularly discharged by the Commander
in Chief -
The Commissions of Ensign and Lieutenant above
mentioned, I was so unfortunate as to loose them both in the
Town of Crosswick in the State of New Jersey, in a great
Snow Storm in the month of December AD 1776 -
Michael Molton
I Certify that I am knowing to the
said Molton, being in the Continental Army
Constant Taber
M Nichols
Joseph Briggs
Page 62

Dolly Moulton
R. Island
Suspended
Act Aug 25 to
William Moulten
do. W R. Noyes 27 Nov.
do. Hon. D.I. Pearce, Jany
21. 1837.
Act 4 July '36
Page 63

Dolly Moulton
R. I.
Wid of Michael
Molton
Pri 4 mo 13.33
Serg 8 mo 40
Lieut 12. 160.
$213.33
Comp 4 March 1831.
Hon D. J. Pearce
H R
Page 64

Michael Molton
75 8 Mo Sergt. Majr. provid.
76 13 mo.
77 & part of 78. Lt. marines - ship Providence -
June 78 8 Mo. Capt Peleg Sherman articles of enlist
among Capt Js. Papers-
In old papers-- he lost his commissions in Dec.
76 in New Jersey. Widow asserts that she was
married at Swansy Mass. 7 Nov. 76 -
Page 65

The Third Auditor requests the
loan of the original declaration of Michael
Molton as to his Revy services, and which is
filed with the papers upon which he was
placed upon the Rhode Island pensn. roll
under the act of 18 March 1818-
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr. of Pensions
3rd Audrs. Off. Oct 12/48
Peter Hagner Aud
Page 66

To what time was Michal
Molton of R.I. paid under the
act of March 18. 1818
Died 18th Dec 1820
pd to that period
H H L
Pen off
of 25-37
Page 67

Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office
16 Oct 1848
Sir
I return herewith the
original declaration of Mr. Michael Molton
as to his Rev. services & other papers
marked from 1 to 7 inclusive, & am
Very respectfully
yr. mo. obt. srvt.
Peter Hagner Aud
Jas. L. Edwards Esq
Commr. of Pensions
Page 68

Papers of
Michael Molten
R.I. Act 1818,
1, to 7, inclusive
Page 69

M
12515
The Waldorf.
Fifth Avenue and 33d St.
New York.
Dec 11/93
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I am desirous of
joining the society of the
"Sons of the Revolution."
My great-great-grand-mother
Dorothy Brown
widow of Michael Moulton
in 1836 drew a pension
as the widow of a sea-lieutenant.
She & her
husband lived in
Newport RI. Can
you give me a short
account of the services 
of Lieut Moulton
as I know almost
Page 70

nothing further about
his war record except
this.
DEC 14 1893
Yours resp
Robert Potter Elmer
60 W. Commerce st
Bridgeton
N. Jersey.

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
DEC 12 1893

DEC 14 1893

160
40
13 33
Page 71

Jan. 23/94 Mil. Hist. Robert
Potter Elmer, 60 W. Commerce St.
Bridgeton N.J.
1915 June 16. History to Marian M.
Taft. 

R.I.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 12,515
Dolly Molton
Widow of
Michael Molton
Lieut Rev War
Act: July 4th 36
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 62
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 72

Newport July 22d. 1818.
Sir
I transmit at the request of Michael Molten
his proofs in support of his revolutionary
claim.
He has already received a certificate for a
Privates allowance. But that, he will surrender
of course if his claim as an officer should be
allowed. That he was an officer and for a
considerable time I have always understood
to be a fact, and I hope, transmitted may
be deemed satisfactory as Mr Molton both from
poverty and his merits is as I presume honestly
entitled to his Countrys bounty - with great
respect I have the honor to be your
obedient faithful Servant
William Hunter
the Secretary of War