Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 698, Rufus Beckwith, Vt.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE
Vt

Beckwith, Rufus

NUMBER
R . 698

CONTENTS
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3593
Rufus Beckwith
Declaration
Williamstown, Orange Co, [iillegible]

Please to make [illegible]
to John W. Smith
Cheltam Orange
County, Vermont
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State of Vermont
ORANGE COUNTY SS.

At Chelsea in said County on this 21st day of August A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before Hon Titus Hatchison Daniel
Cale &  & Thomas[illegible] Justice of the County Court of said Orange County, now setting, being a Court of Record Rufus Beckwith a resident of Williamstown in the County Orange and State of Vermont, aged 67 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-- that in the year 1776 he resided in [illegible] in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, that he enlisted or volunteered in the service [illegible] the last of March of the first of April 1776 in the New Hampshire troops in the Company commanded by Capt. Nathan Fay & Lieut Simon Baxter-for the term of nine months, and marched immediately on enlistment to Pittsford [illegible] on Otter Creek in
Vermont to Garrison the fort at that place, that the were two companies of New Hampshire troops stationed at T. Fort.  The other company was commanded by Capt White --that
they marched through the then wilderness to Pittsford Fort and were there mustered by Major  Tolmon, a Continental Officer--, & Major Lewis had the command of the Garrison, that he was them employed on guard and on [illegible] duty, till some time after the expiration of the time for which he enlisted and he should think one month, making his term of service ten months according to his best recollection-- [illegible] the expiration of the nine months he had not received his pay nor any of the Garrison and they were ordered by the commanding officers to continue in service till they should receive their pay and that they did so continue about one month as he believes --- that he was discharged at Pittsford [illegible] verbally at the expiration of the P. ten months,  that he has no documentary evidence to prove [illegible] Service except the deposition of Asa Hatch -- & knows of no other witness whose testimony he [illegible] [illegible] except the deposition of Asa Hatch --
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.  to his knowledge

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Rufus  Beckwith
H. E. McLaughlin Clerk

We Joel Bass residing in Williamstown in said County of Orange, and James White residing in [illegible] in [illegible] County hereby certify that the well acquainted with Rufus Beckwith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe to to be 67 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.  And we know  of noclergyman in the vicinity
who would probably be able to testify about this subject--
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforsaid
Joel Bass
Josiah White
H.E. McLaughlin Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after puttin 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 certify that it appears to them that Joel Bass -- who has signed the preceding certificate is a ---- resident in Williamstown in said County, and that Josiah White who has signed the same, as resident in [illegible] in [illegible] County and credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Joel Bass
Josiah White 
H.E. McLaughlin Clerk

I H E Mc Laughlin Clerk of the Court of Orange County aforesaid, do -- hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Beckwith --- for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 24th day of August --
A. D. 1832.
H.E. MCLaughlin
CLERK.
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No 3593
Vermont
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BRIEF in the case of Rufus Beckwith of Williamstown County of Orange in the State of Vermont.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 67
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
__________________________
Period. | Apl In 1776
__________________________
Duration of Service. | Years, [blank]
 Months, | 10 | Days. [blank]
_____________________________________
Rank. | As a | Private
______________________
Names of General and field Officers under whom he served. | Gen.
Capt. n Fay. | Lt Baxter | Major Tolman & Lewis

5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Alstead County of Cheshire, New Hampshire
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses' [illegible] proof, by traditionary evidence, [illegible] the rolls? Living & traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Correct
.X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
James Wilson Examining Clerk.
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I John W Smith of Chelsea in the county of Orange and State of Vermont aged 69 years depose and say that I have been a constant resident of Chelsea aforesaid for more than forty years past and a magistrate and Justice of the Peace at most every year during that period and that on the passage of the Pension act of June 7, 1832 I continued making declarations for claimants under that act which came executed at the August time of our county court of that year, some thirty or forty in number that among noting I drew a declaration for Rufus Beckwith then a resident of Williamstown some six miles from Chelsea but since and now a [illegible] court of Chelsea with whom I then was and still am well acquainted - and so far as my knowledge extends all of said applications were allowed except said Beckwith which was suspended or disallowed for the manifest reason that there was an error or mistake in it as to the time in which  his service was performed - I had then no way direct proof of service as kept no copies of any case so for service to the department and doing no business before that court in great justice. I further testify that I did not discover the error until my attention was called to it by the nature of the department to me some 18 months afterwards perhaps & subsequently, I believe I procured from the secretary of state at Montpelier a certificate of [illegible] five months service
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Beckwith at Pittsford and forwarded it to J.L. Edwards 
but the error in his time of service of five years 
have not been connected and six full months 
of service have not been proved. No efforts 
for him have been made for a long time time.

I further testify that within a few weeks past 
a certificate of his services has been procured 
from the Secretary of State of Vermont show
ing some nine months service which is, 
herewith forwarded.  I also testify that the 
same Beckwith has long been fully satisfied 
that the error in his statement of the time 
of his service in his first declaration 
and that from my long acquaintance with 
him some forty years I believe him to be 
a man of [illegible] consecenious [conscientious] honesty and in
tegrity.  I also certify & testify that I am well 
acquainted with Anson Waldo, Darius Pride, Cal
vin Ainsworth and George Poole of Williams
town who have heretofore certified to the 
character of the said Beckwith and know
them to be men of high standing and 
good character and worthy of full credit, 
and that I know the said Rufus Beck
with who now declares for a pension to 
be the same identical person who made 
his Declaration for a pension in August 1832 
through my agency & that the said Beckwith is now 
nearly blind and very deaf and cannot survive
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but a short time being confirmed mostly to his bed 
by the infirmities of old age and that I fully believe 
his Statement in his declaration John W. Smith 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th 
day of December AD 1861
Perley C Jones Judge of Probate

I Edward W Beckwith of Chelsea in the Coun
ty of Orange and State of Vermont aged 
63 years depose testify and say that I am 
the son of Rufus Beckwith an applicant for a 
pension under the act of June 7 1832 and am 
knowing to his making a Declaration for a 
pension in the summer of 1832 when he lived 
in Williamstown and that since that time he has 
lived alternately in Williamstown and Chelsea 
but has lived with me for several years past 
and now resides with me that from my early 
life he has [illegible] his service of nine or ten 
months at Pittsford fort  in the War of the Revo
lution and named his officers as he now names them 
in his declaration now before me, taken before 
Hon P. C. Jones Judge of Probate relating intimately 
the incidents of his campaign & service from 
[illegible] in the spring to [illegible] in the fall 
of his term of service and receiving [illegible] consent mon
ey for his pay, and only for a part of his term 
at that time.  I also testify that his health has 
been feeble for many years past and at times 
his memory has been very much confused 
and that he has for many years past been
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fully satisfied of his error as to the years of his 
service as stated in his first declaration & 
that he was enlisted by Nathan Fay of Alstead 
then a Lieutenant in his company but who was 
after the service chosen a Captain of militia at 
Alsstead N.H. and even after that was known 
as Capt Fay. I also testify and say that 
the record hereto annexed was made by me at 
the request of my mother, Thankful Beckwith when 
I was about nineteen years old on a leaf in her 
family bible now in my possession and that it 
remained in her possession till her death & since that 
in the said [illegible] Beckwiths & my possession & was taken  
by me from said Bible and contains as I believe a 
correct family record of my fathers family.
E W Beckwith
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of 
December AD 1861 Before me Perley C Jones Judge of Probate
and I also certify that the 
said John W Smith and Edward W Beckwith above 
named are both persons well known to me as 
good creditable witnesses and that their testimony 
is entitled to full credit
In testimony whereof I hereunto 
set my hand and seal of office 
at Chelsea this 7th day of Decem
ber AD 1861.
Perley C Jones Judge of Probate for 
Dist of Randolph 
[Seal of The National Archives of the United States]
[Seal of the 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
Dec 12 1861 
PENSION OFFICE]

BECKWITH, RUFUS 
24
Page 10

THE
New Testament
OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR
ESUS CHRIST
TRANSLATED
OUT OF THE 
ORIGINAL GREEK.
AND WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATION
COMPARED AND REVISED
BY THE SPECIAL COMMAND OF HIS MAJESTY KING JAMES I, of ENGLAND
[detailed etching with quote possibly in Greek]
PRINTED AT WORCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, BY [ILLEGIBLE]
FOR ISAIAH THOMAS,
Sold by him in WORCESTER.  Sold also by said THOMAS and [ILLEGIBLE] Statue, No. 45, Newbury Street, BOSTON; and by said THOMAS and [illegible] WALPOLE,  Newhampshire.
1801.
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Family Record
Rufus Beckwith born
1764 May 12th 
My wife was born Feb 11, 1765
she that was thankful Waldoe
Martha Beckwith born Jan 1st 1790
Samuel born Dec 18th 1791
Jsiah born 20th of May 1793
E.W. Beckwith born 1798 Sept 15th
Rufus Jr born 1800 December 20th

STAMP - Department of the Interior
Dec 12 18xx 
Pension office
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Left Side Page

1886 Aug 19th Paul Beckwith present history

Right Side Page

Ex'r. INVALID
No. 698
REJECTED
Rufus Beckwith
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698

3593
Vermont
Rufus Beckwith
Rejected
D Sleeper Oct 10, 1857
Only 10 years old
See letter to J W Smith
23 April 1833
Let to J W Smith 26 Nov '35
Let J W Smith Dec 16, 1861
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These 13 cases have been this day examined by H h Slyvester and returned Nov 24

Let Chauncey Smith Dec 1/xx
Let Chauncey Smith Dec 7
same Mch 8/61
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of [blank] which require proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? [illegible]

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? He did

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? He has.

V. *Has he mentioned 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?  He has.

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  He has. 

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  He has.

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  they have

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  He has.

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? It is & distinguishable
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2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? - BLANK

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reasons assigned for not obtaining it? - BLANK

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? - BLANK

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? - HE HAS

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation or of such an age as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? - HE WAS

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? - THEY ARE

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And if not, which of them is not so answered? - THEY ARE

Explanatory Notes

Quere V. In a case where the applicant cannot by reason of the loss 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, etc. A.B. who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that by reason of old age 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 blank year, blank months and blank days, I served as a blank for blank months and blank days I served as a blank; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3

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. 

QUERE XIV. 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 claimants entering the service and the time and matter 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated as above direct.

QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
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Asa Hatch Affidavit
for Rufus Beckwith
Page 19

I Asa Hatch of Williamstown in the county of Orange and state of Vermont aged 72 years depose testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Rufus Beckwith of said Williamstown an applicant for a pension under the late act of congress - and have known him ever since he was eight or ten years of age - during the war of the revolution we both resided in Alstead in the county of Cheshire & state of New Hampshire.

The said Beckwith was out in the revolutionary war as a soldier in one campaign in the company  commanded by Capt. Fay & Lieut Simon Baxtor both of said Alstead to my knowledge and understand at that time that he went to Pittsford in Vermont to guard the frontier and that his campaign was in 1776 as the year before Bennington Battle - how long a time he was out I cannot state but know he was out in the summer of 1776 aforesaid. but I have always understood at that period and ever since that the said Beckwith was out in the army at that time nine months - I believe the said Beckwith to be 67 years of age and consider him to be a man of good character and strict integrity - and a credible man.

Asa Hatch

State of Vermont
Orange County

At Chelsea in said county on the 22nd day of August 1832 then personally appeared Asa Hatch personally known to me and a good credible witness and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth - before me - John W Smith - Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office August 22nd 1832

I H E G McLaughlin Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that John W Smith before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year above written.

H E G McLaughlin - Clerk
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Rufus Beckwith

Rufus Beckwith
Testimony
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We the subscribers inhabitants of Williamstown in the county of Orange and State of Vermont of lawful age depose testify and say that we are acquainted with Rufus Beckwith of said Williamstown an applicant for a pension that he has resided in this town for a long period and we consider him to be a man of integrity and honesty and that his word and statements are entitled to full credit.

Darius Pride
Calvin Ainsworth
George Poole

State of Vermont
Orange County

At Williamstown in said county on the 31st day of October AD 1835 then personally appeared Darius Pride, Calvin Ainsworth and George Poole all personally known to me and all good credible witnesses and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth.

Before me - Nathaniel Jillson -Justice of Peace
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I Judah Hatch of Bethel in the County of ?and State of Vermont aged seventy one years Depose testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Rufus Beckwith of Williamstown Vermont an applicant for a pension. We both lived in ? New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War. I distinctly recollect that three years before Benningtan Battle the said Beckwith enlisted as ? to Capt Nathan Fay of Celstence N. H. (who brought up the said Beckwith) in the New Hampshire Militia for nine months the said Beckwith was then ten or eleven years old. My brother ? Hatch who died near 25 years ago enlisted at the same time an in the same Company with the said Beckwith. I will recollect when the company of Capt Fay, in which my brother and said Beckwith served, left home for ? Vermont Campaign and when they ? then left town early in the Spring and arrived in ? on January, following. I have been acquainted with the said Beckwith from that day to the present time and have even looked upon him as a man of truth and veracity and strict honesty. I have often had conversation with said Beckwith since his said service and I have no doubt that he served in the Revolution nine months as he has stated.
Signed:  Judah Hatch

State of Vermont
Orange County

At Chilsan in said County on the 8th day of Sept AD 1835. then personally appeared Judah Hatch above named a pensioner illegible and a good credible witn
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ness and under solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth, before me
John W Smith, Justice Peace



State of Vermont
Orange County SS

I Harry Hale, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Orange, do hereby certify that John W. Smith and Nathaniel Jilson whose names are within written are Justices of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn. That their commission was dated on the fifth day of November A. D. 1834, and will expire on the 30th day of November A. D. 1835, and that their signatures above written are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, at Chelsea in said County this fifth day of November A. D. 1835.
Harry Hale, Clerk.
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I Anson Waldo of Williamstown in the county of Orange and state of Vermont aged 67 years depose, testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Rufus Beckwith of Williamstown aforesaid an applicant for a pension and have been so acquainted with him for forty years past - I have heard the said Beckwith tell of his campaign in the revolutionary war for many years past I should say twenty or thirty years ago and from that time to the present - I believe his statements which he recollects of his revolutionary service is correct and that he swerved as he has stated. I also testify and say that I was acquainted with Capt. Fay of Alstead under whom then Beckwith served before his [illegible} I believe & know the Beckwith to be a man of strict honesty & integrity and veracity and think his word and statements are entitled to full credit.

Anson Waldo

State of Vermont
Orange County

At Chelsea in said county on the 26th day of September AD 1835 then the above-named Anson Waldo personally appeared, a man well known to me and a good credible witness and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Before me - John W Smith - Justice Peace
Page 25

Chelsea VT May 27th 1850

I hereby appoint & constitute Col H H Slyvester my attorney to prosecute my claim for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. My application being now pending before the comm of Pensions.

Rufus Beckwith
Page 26

Rufus Beckwith

In this declaration for a pension made  21st August 1832, he swears that his age then was 67 years - that is 1st April 1776 being a resident of Alstead New Hampshire he enlisted or volunteered for the term of 9 months into a company commanded by Capt. Nathan Fay, Lieut. Simon Baxter & marched to the frontier to Pittsford where was a garrison - that there were two companies of NH troops stationed at the fort, the one under command of Capt. White & both were mustered by Major Talman  [or Tallman] & Major Lewis had command of the garrison - that he was employed in the garrison for the whole term of his enlistment & for one month after his time had expired - making the service ten months - at the end of the 9 months he had not received his pay & was ordered to continue in service till the co should receive it - & he was discharged at Pittsford at the end of 10 months service. Two witnesses Joel Bass & Josiah White testify to their belief that Rufus Beckwith is sixty-seven years old & that he has the reputation of having been a revolutionary soldier.

Asa Hatch aged 72 years testifies on the 22nd August 1832 that he
Page 27

has personally known the said Rufus Beckwith from the time he (Beckwith) was eight or ten years of age, that during the revolutionary war, both resided in Alstead N.H. - that said Beckwith was out in the revolutionary war in one campaign, in a co. commanded by Capt. [Nathan] Fay & Lieut. Simon Baxter "both of Alstead to his knowledge" & he understood that he went to Pittsford - the campaign was in 1776, or the year before Bennington battle - does not know how long he was out, but was out in the summer of 1776, always understood it was 9 months - believes Beckwith to be 67 years old & to be a man of integrity.
Asa Waldo testifies 26th September 1835 that he has known Beckwith for forty years - & for 20 years has heard him speak of his revolutionary service performed as described in Beckwith's declaration - states that he knew Capt. Fay of Alstead - Knows Beckwith to be a man of strict honesty & integrity.
Judah Hatch, aged 71 years, testified 8th of September 1835 that he knows Rufus Beckwith, & lived in Alstead with him during
Page 28

the revolutionary war - he distinctly recollects that the year before Bennington Battle, Beckwith enlisted as a waiter to Capt. Nathan Fay of Alstead, N.H. (who brought him [Beckwith] up) in the N.H. militia for 9 months and the said Beckwith was 10 or 11 years old - Deponent's brother Mason Hatch enlisted at the same time & in the same Co. - recollects when the Co. in which Beckwith & his brother served left home for the Vt. Campaign & when they returned - they left early in the Spring & returned in Dec. or Jan. following - has been acquainted with Beckwith from that day to this & has always regarded him as a man of strict integrity & truth, has often conversed with him & does not doubt of his services as stated by Beckwith -
Darius Pride, Calvin Ainsworth & George Poole, testify to the good character of Beckwith, that his word & statements are entitled to full credit.
31st Oct., 1835.

The application of Rufus Beckwith was rejected April 23rd 1833, and Nov 26th 1835, on the grounds that by his own statements & his witnesses he was
Page 29

only ten or eleven years old when the alleged service was performed, an age too young for him to have been a soldier - as now persons of an age less than 16 years were liable to be drafted, and a boy only 10 & 11 years old would not have been allowed to volunteer.
In the year 1857, the case was again called up & rejected on the same grounds.
It is now revived, on a new declaration made by Rufus Beckwith, who is still living and who states that he is 97 years old - He now claims a pension for the same service asserted in his declaration made in 1832, for nine months, but says it was performed in the year 1781, and not in the year 1776, that he enlisted in the Company of Lieut. Nathan Fay & Simon Baxter & marched to Pittsford with another Co. commanded by Capt. Jotham White, & on their arrival both companies were organized into one, and Jotham White was made Captain & Nathan Fay & Abraham Hall Lieutenants - that he was enlisted by said Fay as a Lieut & after
Page 30

the service was performed, Fay was made a Captain 
of Militia in Alstead & was called Capatain [Captain] 
Fay ever afterwards and this was the cause of 
his error in the former declaration in stating 
the he served under Capt. [word struck out] Fay. 

That when that declaration was made in 1832 
& for several years after, owing to [struck out: impaired] feeble health 
& impaired & defective memory he honestly misstated the true 
year of his service, having no documentary evi
dence to guide him as to dates.  That he has more 
now except what is on file in the Pension Office, 
and a certificate from the Secretary of State of Vt. 
This certificate which is the basis of the amended 
declaration & is dated the 1th November 1861, and 
contains copies of "a true list of ([struck out: of] & the names & service of)
Capt Jordan White's pay roll of himself & Co. from the 
beginning of service in the campaign of 1781, to the 
30th of June of said year "inclusive" &c and also a 
[word struck out] pay roll of Capt Jonathan Whites Co. in Col. Sam
uel Fletcher's Battalion in the service of the State 
of Vermont from the 1st day of July 1781, to the 
19th of December 1781, "inclusive"
Page 31

on the first of the payrolls the name of Rufus Beckwith appears with the sum of £1.6.8 on the record the name appears with the sum of £9.17.4. - the commencement of pay July 1 & ending of pay Dec 19 & the number of days in service stated to be 148.
Page 32

Chelsea (Vt), Feb. 4th 1861
(Illegible) Smith ~

Dear Sir

I am quite Anxiuos [anxious] to hear from you, as I wrote to you Some four or five weeks Since concerning A copy of those papers that J.W. Smith sent to the pension office as A claim for A pension in faivor [favor] of Rufus Beckwith My Father.
If you could obtain A coppy [copy] and send the same to Me, it would be of grate [great] faivor [favor]. I should Bee [be] willing to pay you well for your trouble As my Fathers health continues About the same as when I wrote you Last it is not likely that he will Live A grate [great] while & therr [there] fore Should Like to bring the Buisness [business] to A close whilst he Lives., if you Can Do Any
Page 33

thing in the premises or no 
I should like to have you 
wright [write] to me soone [soon] 
as convenient.  I take it 
[repeated: it] as this National [illegible] 
and a press with business that 
has [illegible] you from writing 
beefore [before].  I Remain Truly yours

Edward W Beckwith
Page 34

Chelsea Nov., 21st 1860
Mr. Smith ~

My Deere [Dear] Sir~

Your letter of November 16th was Duly Recd [received] & theirfore [therefore] saith mutch [much] thankfulness, hasten to Acknowledge your kindness, you say I omited [omitted] to give my fathers given name When you was Clerk to Darius Prides Store of Williamstown [MA]  And charged goods to him my father you Wrote his name Rufus Beckwith he theirfore [therefore] has gon [gone] By that name Ever Since But Let 35 or  40 years pass to the present it is not at All Surprising that one Should for get [forget] names
Sir I must Acknowledge that I like my goverment [government] to [too] well to Set up A fals [false] Claim to get money that is not Due
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Sir Some 25 years Ago my farther [father] Emploid [employed] J. W. Smith of this plase [place] to make out his Deiklaration [Declaration]  for a pension his testimony was Mr. Aseph hatch [Hatch] of Williamstown and his Brother Jude hatch [Hatch] of Bath. Mr. Smith was quite young in Buisness [business] and he theirfore [therefore] made A grose [gross] Balk in making out those papers Smith is a very wise man But he makes a good many Mistakes in doing Buisness [business] My farther [father] Livs [lives] with me and if he should live untill [until] Another may [May] he will Bee [be] 97 years of Age the oldest man in town And (illegible) Calls for those papers to be Returned to mee [me] And All mistakes (illegible) fied [filed] their [there] is no man that has Any acquaintance with my father his claim is just.
Page 36

All say his claim is just 
and [illegible] My farther [father]
is preety [pretty] mutch [much] helpless

Justis [Justice] requrres [requires] mistakes 
rectified betwixt man and 
man Mutch [much] more [illegible] in a 
government like ours

With mutch [much] respects yours
Truely [Truly] E. W. Beckwith

You say you think of com
ing to Vermont sone [soon] I should bee [be]
very hapy [happy] to see you but you 
But if you should go to Wili
amstown of course you will 
[repeated: you will] fine [find] time has erast [erased] 
many famelior [familiar] faces the old 
village stands unchanged as to im
provements I should like a letter 
from you at ant time concer
ning your health and those 
papers at the pension office

Yours Edward W Beckwith
Page 37

Chelsea Dec. 9, 1861

Hon J S Morrill 

Dear Sir,

I have this day 
transmitted to the Commissr 
of Pensions a new Declaration 
and evidence in the case of 
Rufus Beckwith of this town 
who claims a pension for Rev
olutionary services under the Act 
of June 7 1832.  His first Dec
laration and papers made in 
August 1832 through my agency 
were very erroneous as to his 
year of service, owing to his 
ill health and [illegible] 
memory & misstatements of the 
facts, and his case has lain 
at the Department unmoved for 
a long period of years.

I have recently taken up the
Page 38

case again & hope to succeed in 
procuring a nine months pen 
sion for him.  Chauncey Smith 
of the Post Office Department 
is acquainted with P. Beckwith 
& his family and might render 
some assistance in the exam
ination of the claim, being 
acquainted with the witnesses 
Will you have the goodness Sir 
to sit Mr. Smith and converse 
with him on the subject and 
go together if you please to 
the Commissioner and Examine 
the case the old papers and 
the new, and aid the old 
gentlemen in getting a fa
vourable [vorable] hearing and allowance 
and communicate with me on 
the subject, and greatly oblige
Your Obedient Servant 

John W. Smith
Page 39

Washington City 
Feb. 9, 1861.

Hon. G.C. Whiting 
Com'r. of Pensions.

Sir.  I again take the 
liberty of inclosing [enclosing ] a late letter from 
E. W. Beckwith of Chelsea, Vermont, 
requesting copies of certain papers 
that formerly were sent to the Pension 
Office by John W. Smith, Esq, in behalf 
of a pension for Rufus Beckwith.  I 
judge that the parties are desirous 
of renewing the claim, and if cop
ies of these papers can be given, I 
presume arrangements will be made 
to obtain them.

I am, sir respectfully, 
Your obt sevt

Chauncey Smith
Page 40

Chelsea Nov 21 1860
Chauncey Smith Esq

Dr Sir

Will you have 
the goodness to have a short interview 
with Com of Pensions in regard 
to the papers on file in the Pension Office 
for a pension for Rufus Beckwith 
who was a soldier in the Revolution 
and stationed at Pittsford Vt 
in 1777 marched to Bennington 
and was in the Battle 16th Aug 
same year, his service is on file at 
Montpelier Vt which was about 
9 months.  Edward W. Beckwith 
wishes the papers forwarded to him 
as he has Power of Attorney to 
prosecute his Claim, which I am 
satisfied is [illegible] just.  Our family 
circle are in usual health &c 
Harry Hale and family also
Page 41

I have no news of interest Sir, you have the news south. My wife joins with me in sending our very best respects to you

And am respectfully sir your obt serv

David Sleeper
Page 42

Chelsea Vt Dec 10/61

To the Hon Commissioner of Pensions 

Dear Sir, 

I herewith enclose to you 
a new Declaration and additional 
evidence in the case of Rufus 
Beckwith for a pension under 
the Act of June 7, 1832 who 
under his declaration in August 
of that year through my agency 
and under such circumstances 
that it was quite erroneous 
as to his time or year of service 
and no proof was then accessible 
to him to prove six months ser
vice. And as I have recently 
obtained additional record 
proof since the Vermont war 
papers of the Revolution have been 
as far as practicable collected
Page 43

and enrolled leaving still 
a very imperfect and defective 
Roll.  I have made a new 
declaration according to truth 
as I fully believe herewith 
enclosed with the accompany
ing proof of service.

And as I have full faith and 
confidence in the declarants 
statements as to the time 
of his service of nine months 
and a part of a month after 
his term was expired, tho the 
record proof may not show the 
full period.  I hope the Depart
ment will take a favourable [favorable] 
view of the case as to the length 
of his service.  If I could 
only present the applicant 
now before you, and his war 
story could be known with 
all its incidents under oath 
I am persuaded it would
Page 44

have great weight in estab
lishing his claim both as 
to actual service and as to 
the extent.

Please make return to me 
at your earliest convenience 
& I refer you to Hon Jacob 
Collamer of the Senate & Hon 
J. S. Morrill of the House 
& Chauncey Smith of 
your City as to the charac
ter of the applicant & the 
affiants and of myself 

I am Sir Your Obt Servt

John W. Smith
Page 45

Washington City 
Nov. 28, 1860

Hon Geo. C. Whiting 
Comr. of Pensions 

Dear Sir:

I have received an
other letter from Mr. Beckwith of 
Chelsea, Orange Co Vermont, inform
ing me that his father's given name 
is Rufus.  The papers that he 
wishes to withdraw from the office 
are doubtless filed under his father's 
name, to wit, Rufus Beckwith.

I inclose [enclose] his late letter, 
also, one from a gentleman in that 
town on the same subject.

I am, sir, respectfly 
Your obt. servt.

Chauncey Smith
Page 46

Washington City, D.C.
Nov. 16, 1860.

Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com'r of Pensions

Dear Sir,

I beg to inclose [enclose] a letter from a friend residing at Chelsea, Orange county Vermont relative to certain papers now on file in the Pension Office. I also wish to state that I have not received the previous letter alluded to, and consequently am not aware of its purport, but I infer from the inclosed [enclosed] communication (doubtless similar to the other) that the writer wishes to withdraw some pa-[papers] which have been filed relative to a claim on the part of his father for a pension. If I am correct in my inferences, and if it be within the rules of the Office to return them, I am sure it will be considered a favor to the family, which is highly re-
Page 47

spectable; or, if not allowed, it will 
doubtless be an equal pleasure to them to be fa
vored with a communication from you 
on the subject.  The writer's address 
is E. W. Beckwith, Chelsea, Orange
County, Vermont.

I remain, respectfly
Your obt. servt.


Chauncey Smith 

P.S. I perceive that the write 
does not give the given name 
of his father, nor am I aware 
what it is; but will request him  
to furnish it.
Page 48

Pension Office
December 7th 1860
Sir,
My letter to you of 1st inst, informs you of all important particulars respecting the case of Rufus Beckwith, whose son desires the withdrawal of the papers. This request is contrary to the rules of the office; but if he wishes to prosecute the pension claim further, no advantage will be taken of any error which may have heretofore occurred; and he can now correct it, and establish the claim by additional evidence as readily as if no such error had occurred.
Very respectfully, &c.
[signature] Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner

Chauncey Smith, Esq.
Present
Page 49

A true List of (the names and sums of) Capt Jotham White's Pay Roll of himself and company in the service of the State of Vermont, from the beginning of service in the campaign of 1781 to the 30th of June in said year, inclusive, taken from the original pay roll in the paymasters office.
| Names | Sums |
| Capt Jotham White | 6. 6. 8. |
| Lt Nathan Fay  | 4. 5. 5. |
| " Abm Hall | 4. 1. 1 1/2 |
| Sergt John Hart | 0. 14. 5 1/4 |
| " Saml Word | 1. 12. 1 |
| " Simon Baxter | 1. 7. 7 1/4 |
| Capt Jno Smiley | 1. 9. 2 |
| " Andrew Boynton | 1. 9. 2 |
| Ebenr Allen | 1. 7. 9 1/2 |
| Fifer Thoo Dodge | 1. 9. 2 |
| Oliver Corey | 1. 5. 4 |
| Jno. O'Brian | 1. 5. 4 |
| Jno. McGee | 1. 5. 4 |
| Jno. Taylor | 1. 6. 8 |
| Amasa Grout | 1. 5. 4 |
| Aaron Whitney | 1. 5. 4 |
| Sewal Gilbert | 1. 4. 0 |
| Jacob Hayward | 1. 6. 8 |
| Danl Campbell | 1. 6. 8 |
| John Bingham | 1. 6. 8 |
| Saml Whitney | 1. 6. 8 |
| Rufus Walton | 1. 6. 8 |
| Martin Beckwith | 1. 6. 8 |
| John Warner | 1. 6. 8 |
| Azel Abel | 1. 6. 8 |
| Jonas Hodgkins | 1. 5. 4 |
| Edwd Watkins | 1. 5. 4 |
| Mason Hatch | 0. 14. 8 |
| Jos Plumby | 1. 6. 8 |
| Rufus Beckwith | 1. 6. 8 |
| L 50. 7. 4 |
Attest, Thos Tolman   P. Masr.

Pay Table Office, Sunderland, Aug. 18, 1783. The foregoing list having having been examined, compared with the original roll and approved of, the Treasurer is directed to pay the contents of the same to Thos. Tolman Esq. Paymaster, being the sum of fifty pounds seven shillings and four
pence, lawful money, taking his receipt.
Committee
Timo Bronson,
Saml Bartlet, 

Recd of the Treasurer the contents of the above warrant.
L 50. 7. 4
Thos Tolman  P. Master
Page 50

A Pay Roll of Capt Jotham White's Company in Col Saml Fletcher's Battalion in the service of the State of Vermont from the first day of July 1781 to the 19th of Dec. 1781, inclusive.
| Names |
| Capt. Jotham White |
| Lt Nathan Fay |
| Lt Abm Hall |
| Sergt John Hart |
| " Saml Wood |
| " Simon Baxter |
| " John Similie |
| Capt John Smley |
| " Andw Boynton |
| " Ebenr Allen |
| " John Warner |
| Fifer Thos Dodge |
| Oliver Corey |
| John O Bryone |
| John Megory |
| John Taylor |
| Amasa Grout |
| Aaron Whitney |
| Saul Gilbert |
| Jacob Hayward |
| Danl Campbell |
| John Bingham |
| Saml Whitney |
| Rufus Walton |
| Martin Beckwith |
| John Warner |
| Commencement of Pay. 1781. |
| July 1 |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| Sept 28 |
| July 1 |
| " " |
| " " |
| Sept 1 |
| July 1 |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| Ending of Pay. 1781. |
| Nov 25 |
| " " |
| " " |
| Dec 19 |
| Nov 25 |
| Oct 21 |
| Nov 21 |
| Sept 27 |
| Nov 18 |
| Aug 11 |
| Nov 25 |
| Dec 19 |
| Nov 21 |
| Sept 5 |
| Nov 25 |
| Aug 11 |
| Nov 25 |
| " " |
| " 18 |
| Dec 19 |
| " " |
| Nov 25 |
| Aug 22 |
| Dec 19 |
| " " |
| Sept 6 |
| Days |
| 148 |
| 148 |
| 148 |
| 172 |
| 148 |
| 113 |
| 55 |
| 89 |
| 141 |
| 42 |
| 80 |
| 172 |
| 144 |
| 67 |
| 148 |
| 42 |
| 148 |
| 148 |
| 141 |
| 172 |
| 172 |
| 148 |
| 53 |
| 172 |
| 172 |
| 68 |
| Pay of Sub pr day |
| 11. 6. 8 |
| 4. 3. |
| 4. 3. |
| 1. 7 1/4 |
| 1. 7 1/4 |
| 1. 7 1/4 |
| 1. 7 1/4 |
| 1. 5 1/2 |
| 1. 5 1/2 |
| 1. 5 1/2 |
| 1. 5 1/2 |
| 1. 5 1/2 |
| 1. 4. |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| 1. 4 |
| Total |
| 49. 6. 8 |
| 31. 9. 0 |
| 31. 9. 0 |
| 13. 15. 11 |
| 11. 17. 5 |
| 9. 1. 3 1/4 |
| 4. 8. 2 3/4 |
| 6. 9. 9 1/2 |
| 10. 5. 7 1/2 |
| 3. 1. 3 |
| 5. 16. 8 |
| 12. 10. 10 |
| 9. 12. 0 |
| 4. 9. 4 |
| 9. 17 4 |
| 2. 16. 0 |
| 9. 17 4 |
| 9. 17 4 |
| 9. 8. 0 |
| 11. 9. 4 |
| 11. 9 .4 |
| 9. 17 .4 |
| 3. 10. 8 |
| 11. 9. 4 |
| 11. 9. 4 |
| 4. 10. 8 |
| Remarks |
| Recd of the Treasurer the contents of the above Warrant. Oct. 2d 1784. [signature] Thos Tolman Paymaster.
Page 51

| Names |
| Azel Abel |
| Jonas Hodgkins |
| Davl Hodgkins |
| Edward Watkins |
| Mason Hatch |
| Joseph Plumby |
| Rufus Beckwith |
| Ashbel Hopkins |
| Commencement of Pay |
| July 1 |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| Aug 23 |
| Ending of Pay |
| Nov 25 |
| " " |
| " 18 |
| " 25 |
| " " |
| " " |
| " " |
| Dec 19 |
| Days |
| 148 |
| 148 |
| 141 |
| 148 |
| 148 |
| 148 | 
| 148 |
| 119 |
| Pay of Sub per day |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
| 1, 4 |
L
| Total |
| 9, 17, 4 |
| 9, 17, 4 |
| 9, 8, 0 |
| 9, 17, 4 |
| 9, 17, 4 |
| 9, 17, 4 |
| 9, 17, 4 |
| 7, 18, 8 |
| 385, 15, 8 |
| Remarks |
| blank |
Jotham White, Capt.

State of Vermont
Windsor ss.
Springfield Jun 28. 1782 Personally appeared Capt Jotham White and made solemn oath that the within to be a true roll, according to the best of his knowledge.
[signature] John Banett Justice of Peace

Pay table office, Bennington March 5, 1782. The within pay roll being approved of, the Treasurer is hereby directed to pay unto Thos Tolman Esq. P. M. Genl. the sum of Three Hundred and Eighty five pounds fifteen shillings and eight pence, taking his receipt for said sum to be accountable.
[signatures] Isaac Tickenor
Nathl Bush
Committee

L 385.15.8
Page 52

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office
Montpelier Nov. 15, 1861
I hereby certify that the foregoing to wit: A true list of (the names and sums) Capt. Jotham Whites Pay Roll of himself and company in the service of the State of Vermont, from the beginning of service in the Campaign of 1781 to the 30th of June in said year, inclusive, taken from the original pay roll in the paymasters office and "A Pay Roll of Capt. Jotham Whites Company in Col. Samuel Fletchers Battalion in the service of the State of Vermont from the first day of July 1781 to the 19th of Dec. 1781 inclusive." are true copies of Pay Rolls an file in this office. I further certify that it does not appear from the records in this office that Lieut. Nathan Fay ever served as a Captain. 
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this fifteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty one.
[signature] G. W. Bailey
Secretary of State
Page 53

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office,
Manchester Sept. 13. 1861
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office "A Pay Roll of Capt Jotham Whites Company the service of the State of Vermont fom the beginning of service in the Campaign of 1781 to the 30th of June in said year inclusive taken from the original pay roll in the paymasters office" on which roll is the name of "Rufus Beckwith" with an allowance of one pound six shillings and eight pence for service as a private in said Company.
Also another "Pay Roll Capt Jotham Whites Company in Col Samuel Fletchers Battalion in the service of the State of Vermont from the first day of July 1781 to the 17 of Dec. 1781 inclusive" on  which Roll is the name of "Rufus Beckwith," with an allowance for 148 days service of said Company as Final.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office this13th day of September A.D. 1861.
G. W. Bailey Jr
Deputy Secy of State
Page 54

State of Vermont
Orange County
District of Randolph
At Chelsea in said County on this 20th day of November AD 1861,  personally appeared in open Court before me Perley C Jones, Judge of Probate in and for the District of Randolph aforesaid being a Court of record Rufus Beckwith a resident of Chelsea in the County and State aforesaid aged 97 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 hereinafter stated. That in the year 1781 he resided in Alstead, New Hampshire and that he enlisted as volunteer in the service aforesaid in the New Hampshire troops in the company of Lieut Nathan Fay & Simon Baxton for the term of nine months, on the Last of March on 1st of April of that year when there was snow upon the ground, and marched immediately on enlistment to Pittsford on Otter Creek in Vermont to garrison the fort at that place. And that Capt Jotham White with the company which he enlisted in Charlestown New Hampshire marched with them from sd Charlestown to Pittsford in a body and on their arrival at Pittsford Fort they were all organised into one company on Garrison of which sd Jotham White was Captain, Nathan Fay and Abm. Hull were Lieutenants & John Hart, Saml Wood & Simon Baxton were Sargeants and we were there mustered as a company on Garrison by Major Tolman, a continental officer, & that Major Lewis
Page 55

had the command of the Garrison, that he was inlisted by sd Fay a Lieutenant & that after the above term of service sd Fay was chosen a Capt of Militia in Alstead N. H. and was often that called & known as Capt Fay which was the cause of his Error in his former declaration and that owing to very feeble health for many years about the time of the Pension act of June 7 1832 & impaired on defective memory. He honestly miss recollected & misstated the true year of his service in his former declaration, having then no documentary evidence to guide him as to duty, and that he was then employed in active service during his term of enlistment and for nearly a month afterwards as he fully believes doing duly and waiting for his pay by direction of his officers and was then verbally discharged at Pittsford Fort honorably & returned home. That he has no documentary evidence to prove his service except what he has heretofore furnished & the certificate of the Secretary of State now furnished. That he relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State to his knowledge.
[signature] X his mark Rufus Beckwith
In presence of John W. Smith 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me
[signature] Perley C. Jones Judge of Probate for Dist of Randolph Vt.
Page 56

We Elihu Hyde & Wm F Dickinson both of Chelsea in the County of Orange and State of Vermont hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Rufus Beckwith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be ninety seven years of age as he has declared. That he is believed and reputed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in the opinion, and we believe his declaration under oath entitled to full credit, and we know of no clergyman in the vicinity who would probably be able to testify about this subject, and we further certify that the declarant Rufus Beckwith is the same identical Rufus Beckwith who made his Declaration in 1832, at sd Chelsea for a Pension & that he has lived in Chelsea and Williamstown alternately since that pension.
[signatures] Elihu Hyde
Wm F Dickinson
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
[signature] Perley Jones Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare its opinion after a full 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 I further certify that it
Page 57

appears to me that Elihu Hyde & Wm F Dickinson who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in Chelsea in said County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credence. 
Here the said Court hereby assign as good and sufficient reason for taking the foregoing declaration at the residence of the said Rufus Beckwith in Chelsea that the declarant is very aged and helpless and wholly unable to leave his house.
[signature] Perley C Jones Judge of Probate for District of Randolph

I Perley C Jones Judge of Probate in and for the District, County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the within of the application of Rufus Beckwith of sd Chelsea for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Chelsea in said District this 20th day of November AD. 1861.
[signature] Perley C Jones Judge of Probate for District of Randolph

[stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE Dec 12 1861
Page 58

Feb. 26, 1853
Rufus Beckwith Vt.
Act 1832 Suspended
Affidavit & Pow: atty. in case of Rufus Beckwith.
Vermont
Act 7th June 1832
Please to communicate with 
Stephen Thomas
West Fairlee Vt.
Rufus Beckwith Vt.
Stephen Thomas
Page 59

AFFIDAVIT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Vermont }
COUNTY OF Orange } SS.

Be it remembered, That, on this 7th day of January A.D. 1852, I, Rufus Beckwith of Chelsea Orange County, State of Vermont do make known and declare that I am the [stricken line]
[stricken line] Revolutionary soldier, who served six months [stricken word], under the command of Capt. White in the forces raised by the State of New Hamshire [four stricken lines] that no Pension whatever was ever drawn on account of said services, [two stricken lines]
S.M. Faut Clerk
 And that claimant is now 87 years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of Pension, and other claims due for said services: Now, THEREFORE,  the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower [stricken line], Rufus Beckwith Jr of Chelsea Orange County and State of Vermont, as my Attorney, with power of substitution, to investigate, substantiate, and demand, and receive the avails of said claim or claims, and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as I might do: Hereby ratifying everything said or done by my said Attorney, or his substitute, in virtue hereof; ALSO, revoking all Powers of Attorney or other authority previously given for any such purposes.
Attest, 
Ariel Burnham} In witness whereof, I have 
Oscar Beckwith} hereunto set my hand and seal, day and date first above named.
[signature]
Rufus Beckwith [attached seal]

Subscribed, and sworn to, and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above indicated. 
[additional notation handwritten at bottom of page]
State of Vermont}
Orange County [initialed]}
[seal attached]
Ariel Burnham Justice of the Peace
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before one Clerk of the County & State aforesaid that Rufus Beckwith  
how have sworn to & acknowledged the foregoing declaration and power of attorney, is the identical [illegible] soldier aforesaid, I further certify that Ariel Burnham [illegible] before [illegible] preceding affidavit & power of attorney were made & [illegible] [illegible] at the time of [illegible] doing, a Justice of the Peace in and of said county, duly authorized by law to administer oath & take acknowledgements, & there the signature [illegible] [illegible] to be his, I believe to be genuine.  In [testimony] whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal [second seal attached] of office this 19th day of January [illegible]1853.
S. M. Faut Clerk