Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11676, Silas Walbridge, Vt.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
Vt.
SERVICE
CONTENTS
the
Walbridge, Silas
NUMBER
S. 11676
Page 2

New York 18649
Vermont
Silas Walbridge
of Bennington Co in the State of Vermont
who was a Pri Master HC & in the Company command
by Captain
of the regt command
by Col Herrick in the Mass
line for 6 mo 2 mo
2" 2r el Sgt
1" Sgt
15" private
Vt Line Records corrected Aug 19/05

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 145 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of September
1833 and Sent to
Col O.C. Merrill Bennington
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $362.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending March 1833. 72.50
---
$435.00
 Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by W. L. William
Vol. 3 Page
Book (S)
Feby 20. 34. trans
or for 4 Sep
33-
notice sent to
---
to Nicholas
this 18th
to her
&
Hon H
Carroll
1844
Page 3

STATE OF VERMONT,
County of Bennington.
On this 14th day of August
A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of
Bennington, now sitting,
Silas Walbridge a resident of Bennington
in the County of
Bennington and State of Vermont aged 73
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath,
of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officeres- and served as herein stated
that I considered myself enrolled in the service of my country, and one of its defenders
in the revolutionary war, in the various ways adopted by the existing authority, and in the manner they called
lated best from time to time to meet the wants of our suffering country, from the year 1776 to the year 1783
both inclusive. The following is a concise narrative of the active seenes of the war in which I participated as an
actor. In 1776, I belonged to the Vermont militia, to the company commanded by Capt. Samuel Robinson, in
the Regiment commanded Col. Moses Robinson Nathaniel Brush Lieut. Col. and Joseph Williams Major
In September of this year we were marched to fort Ticonderoga and in remained in that vicinity until
in the month of November when we returned to Bennington. In the month of June 1777, I was of the number
those of the same Regiment of militia who were ordered out for the defence of Ticonderoga, and marched
from Bennington to this fortress, and remained in defence of the fort until it was abandoned by order
of Gen St. Clair, on the 6th day of July 1777. from thence we retired to Castleton, and from thence march
through Pawtney and Wells to Pawlet. On the 8th of July at Pawlet I enlisted for six months in the
Regiment of State troops denominated rangers, commanded by Col. Samuel Herrick
there being no Colonel this Regiment of Rangers consisted of four companies commanded by
Captain Ebenezer Allen John Warner, Parmely Allen and Goodenow-- I belonged to Capt. Warner
company, Enoch Eastman was the Lieutenant. our duties were to reconnoiter the enemy who had his
Session of Ticonderoga and Champlain, and protect and help the inhabitants in Comber
our head quarters were at Manchester. And on the 15th day of August 1777 we were ordered
from Manchester to Bennington where we arrived in evening of that day, and the
Page 4

day were engaged in the memorable battle of the 16th of August 1777, called Bennington battle
I was in both of the actions of that day. The one that commenced in the forenoon against the enemy
breast work commanded by Col. Baum- and in the one that commenced in the afternoon of that day
against a reinforcement of the enemy. In the afternoon engagement. Gov. Skeen commanded where
was this action continued until after sunset. Two days after the action were ordered to march
to the north and stationed upon the frontiers for the protection of the inhabitants, and having served
out the time of my enlistment, was discharged the first part of January 1778, at Pawlet then our head quarters, and
returned to Bennington where I was continued on the rolls of Capt. Robinson's Company and in the
course the year 1778 were ordered out with the rest of the regiment, but cannot specify the day
period of sin but suppose it about three months in nomine duty. In 1779 was with the militia
Castleton fort in the company commanded by Capt Samuel Robinson was I believe at Castleton for
two and a half to three months. In 1780, I went with the militia to Castleton and served with them apart
of the time, and a part of the time with the Regiment of Rangers Commanded by Col. Herrick
That in 1781, as was one in the summer months on a tour of active duly that
stationed on the frontiers sometime in September 1781 I was ordered to march again to Castleton
in the same company of Militia Capt. Robinson was this reason I believe promoted, Gen. Enos then command
ed all the forces that compared the brigade of troops on our frontiers whose head quarters were at
Castletown on the 10th of October, five others with myself were ordered to go on scout under the command of
a Sergeant Supper to obtain information of the enemy's force then at Ticonderoga under the command of Gen St. Ledger on the 13th October 1781, the 2nd day of our departure we were ambushed by the enemy, Sergeant Tupper was killed, four others and myself were taken prisoners and carried to Fort Ticonderoga there I was called before Geo. S Ledger, and questioned by him, the result was, be permitted our
return & he sent communication by me to Gen. Enos, and sent out with us a flag and assistance to bury Sergeant Tupper In 1782
militia were classed for the defence of our frontiers, and in the month of March in this year I engaged for nine months for class in the
by Capt. Alexander Brush & Regt commanded
Page 5

company commanded by Major Gideon Brownson engaged as an orderly Sergeant of said Company. On the 8th of April
arrived at Fort Warren our headquarters here I was appointed quarter Master Sergeant of said Regt I served in that capacity
there was no Quarter Master appointed to the Regt and I was appointed to that station and duly and I performed the
quartermaster and Adjutant of the Regt until the expiration of my service in December 1782, when the Regt was discharged
accounts as Quarter master were settled at Fort Warren- On being questioned says he was born in Norwich
Connecticut, 1759, and was brought from there by his parents when he was about three years old, and that he has
ever since, for the period of about 70 years resided in the town of Bennington. That he supposes there is a record
in the town records Norwich. That he never have a written discharge from any service. He hereby relinquish
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll
agency of any state. He declares that he has no documentary evidence and knows no person living who can testify to any
as to additional facts as to his service. He the declares he was out in active service as much as two years and eight months, in the whole
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
[signature] Silas Walbridge
[signature] Wm Haswell, Register

We David Robinson, Jun. residing in the town of Bennington
and Orsamus C. Merrill residing in Bennington
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Walbridge
who has sworn to the above
declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution,
and that we concur in that opinion
[signature] David Robinson Junr
[signature] O. C. Merrill

Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
[signature] Wm Haswell, Register

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them, that David Robinson in
in the preceding certificate, is a credible person
resident in the town of Bennington
and that O. C.
who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same Benson and is a credible person, and that the Judge
I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby cerity that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application
of
Silas Walbridge
for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of
office, this 14th
day of August
A.D. 1832
[signature] Wm Haswell
Page 6

State of New York
Orleans County ss On this third day of February AD 1834
before me, the subscriber, a justice of the peace for
the said County of Orleans personally appeared Silas
Walbridge who on his oath, declares that he is the same
person who formerly belonged to the company
commanded by Captain John Warner in the
Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Herrick
in the service of the United States, that his name
was placed on the pension roll of the State of
Vermont from whence he has lately removed,
that he now resides in the town of Gaines in
the County of Orleans & State of New York, where
he intends to remain, & wishes his pension
payable in future at the Pension agency
in the city of New York in said State of New York
His reasons for removing are that his children
having settled in the State of New York, he is
desirous of spending the remainder of his days
with them, & has removed for that purpose
[signature] Silas Walbridge

Sworn & subscribed to before me the day & year aforesaid
[signature] William W. Ruggles
Justice of the Peace
Page 7

State of New York
Orleans County ss On the third day of February AD 1834
before me the subscriber, a justice of the Peace for
said County of Orleans, personally appeared
John J. Walbridge of Gaines in the County aforesaid
who on his oath declares that he is well acquainted with Silas Walbridge who has subscribed &
sworn to the foregoing affidavit, & that he is
the person & pensioner discribed in the same
[signature] John J Walbridge
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid
before me William W. Ruggles
Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named John J. Walbridge
is a person to me well known, & that he is a person
of veracity
William W. Ruggles Justice of Peace

Orleans County
Clerks Office
 I Henry Sickels Deputy for a Mills Clerk of said County
do hereby certify that William W Ruggles before whom the fore
going affidavits purports to have been sworn was at the
date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly
qualified and authorized according to Law and farther that
I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe the signature inscribed to the same are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my name and the seal of said County at Albion Feb 3d 1834 Harry Sickels Deputy
Page 8

Additional Declaration
STATE OF VERMONT,
County of Bennington.
On this 5th day of June
A. D. 1833 personally appeared
in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting,
Silas Walbridge
a resident of Bennington
in the County of Bennington
and State of Vermont, aged 74
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration
, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered
the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
and in his original declaration is stated-

That Having examined his first declaration, he finds
nothing to alter in respect to the narrative of events.
as to the time of service he cannot in respect to
his tours of duty he cannot designate the particular day
of his departure from or return home, by reason of
the great lapse of time, age, and the infirmities of
memory, but in the following additional statement
his declaration in no case exceeds his term of service but according to his best recollection and belief is within and short of his full service - but as
greater certainty is required than in his first declaration, he adds that in
the year 1776, he entered into actual public service
as early as the 15th day of September, and continued there
in as stated in first declaration as late in the fall as
the first day of November Making 1 month and 16 days.
That in 1777 - he left home and entered into actual public service
at as early a period as the 16th day of June that
on the 8th day of July he enlisted for the period of 6 months
& served his term of enlistment faithfully & fully out  making
at the least 6 months & 21 days service.-
That in 1778 he was out doing field and garrison duty, as early
in the year as the 15th day of July, and continued therein with
out any respite until or estate as the 15th or 20th day of October-- making at the least
3 months service
Page 9

That in 1779, he entered into actual public service as
early as the 14th day of June, and returned home as
late in the season as the 1st day of September.
Making his tour of field & garrison duty 2 mo. 17 days
That in 1780 - he was ordered to duty as early as the 15th of
October, and continued in actual service until the
15th or 20th day of December. Making 2 months
of duty.
That in 1781 - He did two tours-- 1st our commenced as any
as the 10th day of July, and ended as late as the 1st day
of September-- I tarried at home a short time, and was
ordered out on a tour as soon as the 10th September
and did duty as late as the 25th day of October
Making in all this year
3 months & 7 days
That in 1782 - I engaged in service in the month of March,
entered upon this service as orderly sergeant - did duty
in that capacity until the 8th day of April following, was
then promoted to be Quarter Master Sergeant, did duty in
that capacity until about the middle of June, when
I was promoted to the high duties of Quartermaster of the Regiment and Adjutant of the same, which
said arduous double duties of Quarter Master & Adjutant
the Red I performed and no one else, for the remainder of my months, and until
is expiration in December. Making 9 months
-
As to my duties as an officer of this Regt I had on
plication I made for pension, the affidavit for
late Martin D Follett, who acted as waiter for me, & had the care of my horses
testifying particularly as to my service as Quarter Master
and Adjutant of the Regt it was put by me in to the hands
of the member of Congress for this district, the late Hon Jonathan Hunt, since deceased - I have made diligent application personally, & by others to his Executor to find and obtain this affidavit, but have not been able to obtain it. Mr
Follett is since dead-- Mr Hunt is also and the only
evidence I can now find as to this matter is Lieutenant Safford , who saw me
performing the duties mentioned, and whose affidavits of
the facts are annexed, to this my former declaration.
Page 10

In the year 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, in which
I have stated I did duty, I acted as a private. In 1782, I
did duty for about month as orderly sergeant something
over 2 months as Quarter Master Sergeant and for the
period of almost 6 months, I performed the double duties of
Quarter Master and Adjutant. I further state that in
every campaign or tours of duty I have stated that I performed
as aforesaid, in the years mentioned, I was ordered
out by what I believed, to be competent authority, & served in
the corps of militia, rangers and drafts raised performed & embodied by the authority of the State of Vermont - and that the whole
time stated I was in active service in field or Garrison,
and not employed or engaged in any private units.
I further say that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, I cannot swear positively as to the
whole or precise length of my service, but according to
the best of my recollection I served not less than the
periods as before stated and mentioned below and in the
grades mentioned. And further, that I have put all within
the and short as I believe of the actual service I performed
and omitted other short tours which I included in my general estimate in my first declaration, and is the
reason of this estimates being variant from that
viz. Duration of my services-- and grade
 in 1776 1 month 16 days in the capacity of Private
in 1777 6 " 21 " " " "
in 1778 3 " - " " " "
in 1779 2 " 17 " " " "
in 1780 2 " - " " " "
in 1781 3 " 7 " " " "
in 1782 9 " " " " in the capacity of orderly Sergeant
        20 " 61 " " " quar Mas adjutant
And for these services I claim pension
Page 11

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and
declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant declares,
1st. That he was born at Norwich, (Con.) 1759
2d. That he has no record of his age, supposes there is a record of birth in the town records of Norwich
3d. That he lived in Bennington Vt when called into service,
has lived here ever since and is still a resident of Bennington
4th. That he was out in service in the militia by draft, or special
order of his superior officers, and by enlistment
5th. That among the regular officers who were with the troops where he served, he recollects Colonel Seth Warner, Lt Col Safford,Major Wait Hopkins Colonels, Poor & Patterson
and Grayden,Gen. St. Clair & nearly all the Captains in Col Warners Regt viz. Wolcott Brownson, Burress Smith, B. Hopkins, and a number of the substant of the same
6th. That he never received a written discharge, and he never recived or was particular enough to apply for one, not then considering it important, the main object was to serve my country.
while a prisoner at Ticonderoga, I was offered a lieutenant's commission in the British service - 
7th. That he is known to Henry Kellogg residing in Bennington and Alanson P Lyman residing in Bennington who can testify
as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
[signature] Silas Walbridge

We Henry Kellogg residing in the town of
Bennington and Marion P. Lyman
residing in
Bennington hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
Silas Walbridge who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that
we believe him to be 74 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
[signature] Henry Kellogg
[signature] Alanson P Lyman
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
[signature] Wm Haswell
Register

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and
after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant
was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it
 appears to them, that Henry Kellogg  resident in the town of Bennington
and that Alanson P. Lyman
who has also signed the same, is a
resident in the town of Bennington and is a credible person, and that their
statement is entitled to credit.
[signature] S. Danforth Judge

I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the Court of Probate for the
District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of Silas Walbridge
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and
seal of office, this 5th day of June
A.D. 1833.
[signature] Wm Haswell
Page 12

Silas Walter
Mr Cole
May 17 1831
Helen
1 May 21 -51
Page 13

Whereas I, Silas Walbridge, am a Son of Silas Walbridge
deceased who was a pensioner of the United States at the
rate of $45. per annum, allowed him for his services
as a private, Sergeant. & Quartermaster, in the war of
the Revolution, and whereas I am advised that the
children of the said Silas Walbridge deceased
are entitled to an increase of his said pension.
Now therefore I do, for myself, and on behalf
of all the surviving children of my Father, the said Silas
Walbridge deceased, hereby constitute and appoint
Henry H. Sylvester Esq. of the City of Washington my
true and lawful attorney for me and in my name
and behalf & on behalf of all the said surviving
children, to present and prosecute our claim to
such increased amount of pension as we may
be by law entitled to-
Witness my hand and seal this 13th day of May
A.D. 1851-
[signature] Silus Walbridge

Executed  in presence of 
[signature] Gustavus Clark,

State of New York
Monroe County
ss On this 13th day of May A.D. 1851 before the
Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally
appeared Silas Walbridge of Clarkson in said County, above
named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney
to be his act and deed ---
[signature] Gustavus Clark,
Justice of the Peace.

State of New York
Monroe County
I certify that Gustavus Clark Esqr. before whom the
Clerks office
above acknowledgment was taken was at the date of such
proof or acknowledgment of the above instrument in writing a Justice of
the Peace in aforesaid County duly authorized to take the same that I am well acquainted with
his hand writing verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine & that the demised [illegible]
and acknowledged according to the laws of this state. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand
affixed my official seal this 14th day of May AD 1857
[signature] John T Lacey Clerk
Page 14

State of New York
County of Monroe  S. Silas Walbridge of the Town of Clarkson
in said County, being duly sworn doth depose that he
is one of the children of the within named Silas -
Walbridge deceased who was a pensioner of the United
States at the rate of $145. per annum at the time of his death
That application is about to be made for an increase
of pension allowed to the said Silas Walbridge and
and that this deponent is directly interested in
said application and claim as one of the children
of the aforesaid Silas Walbridge deceased-
[signature] Silas Walbridge
Sworn to and subscribed this
13th day of May A.D. 1851 before me  
[signature] G. Clark J. Peace
Page 15

C. auth.
Adm by Court
6 mos 22
No. 2
" 22 Mr. Such
10.
1
to
Serg
"
5
-
Priv -
-
50
145.
---
Col. O.C. Merritt
Bennington
V
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
May 29. 1833
Sir
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

[Chart]
A Statement, shewing the service of Silas Walbridge
Period when the service was rendered
1776
1777
1779
1780
1782 

Duration of the
claimant's service.
Years
Months
Days

Rank of
the
claimant.
Priv
2d Ser.

Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Col. Herrick
Major Brownson

Age at present,
and place of abode
when he entered
the service.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Afft & Warrant


I am, respectfully,
your Obedient at
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mr Silas Walbridge
care of Col Ors. C. Merrill,
Bennington Vt.
see the other side
Page 17

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
The Regular Troops.
The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Sate, Territor
County of
On this
day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
---
served in the
(e) regiment of the
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he servunder
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
S
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
1
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 18

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be exexpected
. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.
To a Soldier
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
, and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will for
The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of theloss

of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, and
days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension.
it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority
; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses
, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 19

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.

A. S.

3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.
19
In reply to your request of
received
a statement of the military history of Silas Walbridge
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
formation as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
[Chart]

DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
Set 15 1776
Jun 1777
July 78 1777
July 15 1778
Jun 14 1779
Oct 15 1780
July 10 1781
Sept 10 1781
Mch 1782

LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
1 mo 16 days
July 6 1777
Jany 1778
3 mos
2 mo 17 days
2 mos
Sept 1 1781
Oct 25 1781
Dec. 1782

RANK.
Pvt
"
"
"
"
Orderly Sgt
Q M Sgt
QM & Adff

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Samuel Robinson
in same regiment at defense of Ticonderoga
John Warner
Robinson
Samuel Robinson
in Militia of Waterton and in Militia at Castleton and Herricks Rangers
in militia at Castleton & while scouting was taken prisoner then released
Alexander Brush
COLONEL.
Moses Robinson
Major Gideon Brownson

STATE.
Vt

Battles engaged in, Bennington
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bennington Vt
Date of application for pension, Aug 12 1832. His cl al.
Residence at date of application, Bennington Vt.
Age at date of application, born in 1759 at Norwich Conn
Remarks.
died May 12 1840 in Vermont
In 1834 he be living at Gaines, Orleans Co. N. Y. having moved to
New York State to be near his children no names are stated
other than Silas who was a resident of Clarkson Monroe Co N.Y. in 1844 
no other data as to family
Respectfully,
from A. B
Commissioner.
Page 20

1914 Oct. 17 Hist to R.W
1.676
INVALID.
---
File No.
-
2
C
Silas Walbridge
Capt Rev. War
-
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 9
[Arrangement of 1870.]