Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18810, Eli Eastman, Conn. Vt.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
CONN. Eastman, Eli  S.18810
VT.

carded

CONTENTS
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[top line illegible due to page damage]
who was a Sergeant in the company
by Captain Leavenworth of the Regt. commanded by Col. Gray in the Ver. ['Ver.' is crossed out] Conn mil.
line for
-
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington
at the rate of 67 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March ['March' is crossed out] Sep. 1834
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of Dec. 1838 and sent to Hon. H. Everett, H. R.
-
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 38 268.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4. Mar. 39 33.50
[text resumes on other side of the page]
Agent notified
to Pen Agt 8 Feby 1839.
to Pen Agt & Jesse Gove 6 April 1839
Letter to J. Gove 22d April 1839
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 Sept 1834 to 4 June 1834. Agt notified 10 June 1840
Dead.
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Rebecca Eastman of Clarendon in the County of  Rutland & State of Vermont being seventy four years of age do depose & say that I am the Wife of Eli Eastman of the same Clarendon was married to him the 3d day of June 1783 & have lived with him ever since I was born in the town of Sheffield in the State of Massachusetts where I resided untill [until] I was near twenty years of age from Sheffield I moved to Bennington in this state from there I came to this town where I was married to my present husband Eli Eastman I further depose & say that my husband has been in a state of mental derangement for something near fourteen years during which time he has been unable to attend to any kind of business I further depose & say that I have repeatedly heard my husband say during this time he was of sound mind & memory that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war that when he first enlisted into the service he lived in Woodbury in Connecticut that he enlisted under Capt. Leavensworth for the term of Eight Months & did the duty of Sergeant That he joined the Regiment at New York Col Gay Commandant at which place the Col died & after him Col Hart took the command of the Regiment I have heard him say many times that he was in the battle at the White Plains and that from N York he retreated with the Main army up the river to what he called the high lands I further say that he has often told me that after his term of enlistment was out he again enlisted under Capt Bradley for nine months which was in the year 1777 that he did Sergeants duty under him and that during the term of nine months was for the most part of the time in the State of N York was not present when Burgoin [Burgoyne] surrendered his army but was at a place called Sopus [Esopus] on his way to meet him but the army was taken before his arrival (turn over)
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I Rebecca Eastman of Clarendon in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont being seventy four years of age do depose & say that I am the wife of Eli Eastman of the same Clarendon was married to him the 3d day of June 1783 & have lived with him ever since I was born in the town of Sheffield in the State of Massachusetts where I resided until I was near twenty years of age from Sheffield I removed to Bennington in this State from there I came to this Town where I was married to my present husband Eli Eastman I further depose & say that my husband has been in a state of Mental derangement for something near fourteen years during which time he has been unable to attend to any kind of business I further depose & say that I have repeatedly heard my husband say during the time he was of sound mind memory that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war that when he first enlisted into the service he lived in Woodbury in Connecticut that he enlisted under Capt Leavinsworth for the term of Eight months & did the duty of Sargant {sergeant] that he joined the Regiment at New York Col Gay Commandant at which place the Col died & after him Col Hast took the command of the Regiment I have heard him say many times that he was in the battle at the White Plains and that from N York he retreated with the main army up the River to what he called the high lands I further say that he has often told me that after his term of enlistment was out he again enlisted under Capt Bradley for nine months which was in the year 1777 that he did Sergants [sic] duty under him and that during the term of nine months which was for the most part of the time in the State of N York was not present when Burgoin [Burgoyne] surrendered his army but was at a place called Sopus [Esopus] his way to meet him but the army was taken before his arival [sic] turn over
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I further say that my husband has often told me that while under Capt Bradley he was wounded by a musket ball on the head - the scar is now plain to be seen on his head at this time. I further say that I have heard my husband say that in 1778 he was drafted as a Malitia [militia] man & did duty under Capt Hurlbut & was at a place called horseneck was present when Putnam fled before the British troops & escaped by riding down the rockey [sic] [?] that in consequence of ill health he obtained from his Capt a furlow & went home how long he was out I do not recall to have heard him say - I further say that I have heard my husband say that whenever he got a head cold the wound on his head was verry [very] troublesome & further this deponant [deponent] says not

Rebecca Eastman 
X her mark 

Witness Daniel S. Ewing

State of Vermont}
Rutland County  }

Town of Clarendon 23d day November 1832 then Rebecca Eastman of Clarendon in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont personally appearing & after being carefully examined and clearly cautioned made Solemn oath that the above & foregoing affidavit by her subscribed contains nothing but the truth
Before me Daniel S Ewing Justice [?]
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append this State of Vermont I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland - County Court do certify, that Daniel S. Ewing & Robert Temple, before whom --- the annexed affidavits were taken are Justices of the peace for s'd County duly commissioned and that their names subscribed thereto are in their own hand writing, respectively In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court, this 26th day of of Nov. 1832

R Pierpoint
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State of Vermont
Rutland ss
On the 26 day of Nov 1832, personally came before the undersigned authority, Andrew Potter of Clarendon who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Eli Eastman, & has been acquainted with him for 30 years past, being about half a mile from him  that he has frequently heard said Eli state his services in the Revolutionary War before he became deranged, which were the same as stated by his sons in this declaration, & he has no doubt of the truth of them - These statements were made before the passage of any pension laws - he further states the manner of placing the chevaux de friese [frise] or chains across the north river to prevent the enemy : ships from passing up  & that he was present when they broke the chains  & passed up – and if the deponent mistakes not he the said Eli said he assisted in placing the chain in the river. That he has frequently related that he was wounded at Red Hook, as the deponent believes, & has frequently showed the deponent the place in the head where the ball struck him, and there is now a hole in the side of his scull large enough to put his finger in, and it is believed by many that his insanity was caused by the effects of that wound; but of this the deponent is not competent to judge.
Sworn before me this day & year aforesd. the said Andrew Potter being well known to me & a credible witness.
[signed] R. Temple Jus. Peace
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State of Vermont
Rutland County, ss
On this 17th day of Nov. A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Rutland Dist. now sitting, John Eastman, a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 47 years, & Elisha Eastman of said county age 34 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, for the benefit of their father Eli Eastman of said county who is 83 years old and is in a state of insanity. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the named officers, and served as herein stated, as he has always stated to his family & to these deponents in particular, before he became insane. That in 1776 their father, the said Eli Eastman lived in Woodbury Connecticut and that he served that year Eight months as Sergean in Capt. Leavensworth's  Company Col Gay's  Regt  that his Col. died at New York during this time, after which their Reg was commanded by Col. Hart  or Col. Miegs. That he was at New York &  Long Island in service when the enemy drove them out & retreated to Whiteplains &  was in the battles of Long Island & Red Neck & Whiteplains and was discharged at the highlands.  In 1777 he enlisted into Capt Bradley's Company Col. Hart's Reg & served as Sergeant nine months & was at the highlands & was near Esopus when it was burnt - he came near being taken prisoner, at Long Island & was wounded by a musket ball which creased the side of his head - it has been thought that the injury of this wound increased & produced his insanity which he came confirmed about 14 years ago. In 1778 he was drafted & served six months in Capt. Holaback's Company, in Col. Caufield's Reg. at Horse Neck & on the lines. He was also out several times for shorter periods but the deponents cannot remember the officers names or the periods for which he said he served. The above statement of services now deponents have repeatedly heard their said father make as performed by him before he became deranged which they distinctly remember and fully believe to be true. Further they have heard him say he knew Genls. Washington, Greene,  Putnam, Gates & many others that he was in the battle with Genl Putnam when he rode down the three steps. That they have been unable to procure any testimony of his services & he is so much deranged that they can get no instruction from him on the subject. They have always understood their father
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was born at Fairfield the 29 Apl. 1749, but they know of no record of his age. He has lived in Clarendon in the county near fifty years. The deponents were both born there. They & their father are known to the principal inhabitants of this place

and in behalf of their father they
hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the 
day and year aforesaid
John Eastman
Elisha Eastman
We John Peck a Clergyman in Clarendon and Hopkins Horton residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Eli Eastman whose sons have subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 81 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a solider of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the    John Peck
day and year aforesaid     Hopkins Horton
R. C. Royce. Reg.
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, Eli Eastman, was a Revolutionary solider, and served as stated by his sons. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John Peck who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Clarendon and the Hopkins Horton who has also signed the same is a resident in Clarendon. and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I do further certify that I attended to the residence of said Eli Eastman for the purpose of taking his declaration but from the diseased[?] state of his body & mind, found him incapable of making it. but[?] found it generally believed in the neighborhood that he served as stated by his [illegible] as aforesd. R. Pierpoint, Judge, Probate Court
I Rodney C. Royce Regr. [deleted] Clerk [/deleted] of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Eli Eastman for a Pension.
in testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 21st day of Nov. A.D. 1832
R. C. Royce.
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February 23, 1940.

Grace E. Jacobs
220 West King Street
Owosso, Michigan.

[Upper Right hand corner initialed: AM]
BA-J/ILL
Eli Eastman
S. 18810

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Eli Eastman, of Connecticut, who lived and died in Clarendon Springs, Vermont.

A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and only one claim for pension found based upon service of an Eli Eastman. The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in that claim, S. 18810.

Eli Eastman was born April 29, 1749 in Fairfield, the state not given. His father, Timothy Eastman, served as a  private in 1777, in Colonel Wyllys' Connecticut regiment: the name of Eli's mother was not given.

At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Eli Eastman resided in Woodbury, Litchfield, County, Connecticut, where he was a school teacher. He enlisted in the spring of 1776, served as orderly sergeant in Captain Abraham Bradley's company, Colonels Fisher Gay and Selah Hart's Connecticut regiment, was in the battle of Flatbush on Long Island, in which he was severely wounded above his right ear by a muskey ball, was in the battle of White Plains and was discharged in January 1777, having served eight months: he enlisted in 1777 and served nine months as orderly sergeant in Captain Eli Leavenworth's company, Colonels William Douglas and Return Meigs' Connecticut regiment; he enlisted in July or August 1778 and served six months as private and orderly sergeant in Captain Adam Hurlbut's company, Colonel Canfield's Connecticut regiment; he enlisted in 1779 and served three weeks as private under Captain Adam Eurlbut, at Horseneck, and in the summer of that year, served two months as private under the same captain. About the spring of 1780, Eli Eastman moved to Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont, where he enlisted and served three months under Captain John Spafford in the Vermont troops; he served subsequently on several tours in the Vermont troops until the close of the war.
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Pension was allowed on account of service of Eli Eastman in the Revolutionary War on an application executed November 17, 1832, in Clarendon, Vermont. The soldier resided there with his son, Elisha Eastman, who was his legal guardian. Eli Eastman died June 4, 1837 in Clarendon, Vermont.

Eli Eastman married June 3, 1783, in Clarendon, Vermont, Rebecca Sears. She was a native of Sheffield, Massachusetts, where she resided until nearly twenty years of age, when she moved to Pennington, thence to Clarendon, Vermont; the day of her birth and names of her parents were not given. In 1832, she was aged seventy-four years, and resided in Clarendon, Vermont. 

In 1832, Elisha Eastman, the soldier's son referred to above, was aged forty-seven years; reference was made to his family but no names were designated. John Eastman, Elisha's brother, was then aged thirty-four years, his residence in 1835, Sherburn, Vermont. In 1835, Sally Eddy, the soldier's daughter, was aged forty-six years; she stated then that she had lived at home with her father until aged thirty-two years, since which time she had resided within a few miles of his home. The name of Sally's husband was not given. In 1839, the name of three other children who survived their father, Eli Eastman, were given as - Betsey Cooper, Daniel Eastman and Eli Eastman, Junior. There are no further data pertaining to them. 

In 1835, Benjamin Eastman of Fort Ann, Washington County, New York, stated that he had been acquainted with the soldier, Eli Eastman, for more than forty years, but did not state any relationship to him. 

Timothy Eastman had a son, other than Eli, who served in the Revolutionary War, but his name was not designated. In 1836, reference was made to Elli's brother who died several years before in Northwestern New York, his name not stated. In 1836, reference was made also the the soldier's sister, who was the widow of General John Mattoon; she was of western Massachusetts and had been deceased then about two years.

Very truly yours, 

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
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Washington 21 Apr 1838

Sir

I enclose additional testimony in the
case of the widow of Eli Eastman
I am requested to ask for the particular
objections in the case of Abigail Low
respectfully
Your ob. Serv't
H. Everett

J. L. Edwards Esq
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25h CONGRESS, 2d Session. 
[crossed out: H. R. 405. January 12, 1838. Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.

Mr. Whittlesey, of Connecticut, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions reported the following bill: A BILL}
An Act
 For the relief of Eli Eastman.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War be directed to pay to Eli Eastman, of Vermont, the sum of sixty-seven dollars per annum, during his natural life, as a pension for his services as a revolutionary soldier; the said payment to commence on the fourth day of September, anno Domini eighteen hundred and thirty-four, at which time the pension previously granted to said Eastman, as a revolutionary soldier, was suspended.

Approved, June 28th, 1838
A true copy compared with the
Roll in this Office. 
Dept. of Int'r.
June 30th, 1838

A. Vail
Chief Clerk
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I, Andrew Potter, of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 65 years & upwards, being duly sworn according to law, do depose, testify and say, that I have been personally acquainted for about twenty years last past with Joseph Bevins of the town of Hague in the County of Warren in the State of New York, and do consider him to be fully upon a par with mankind in general for truth and veracity and do verily believe to be entitle to full faith and credit, as a witness, as any other man. And further this deponent saith not. 

[signed] Andrew Potter 

State of Vermont,
Rutland County ss
Be it known, that on this tenth day of April, 1838, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County, personally appeared the above named Andrew Potter who hath subscribed the preceeding depositions in my presence, and who is well known to me, and made solemn oath, that the same is true - and I do hereby certify that the said deponent is a credible witness. 
[signed] N.A. Jones   Justice Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss
I, Robert Pierpoint, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby certify that Nathaniel A. Jones is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
Given under my hand and this seal of said Court this 11th day of April, 1838  [signed] R. Pierpoint
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Burlington roll.
$67 per anum

: 4 Sept, 1834
-
28 June 1838
Page 16

Washington 24. Dec 1888
Sir
I request a pension certificate for
Eli Eastman, under the act for [? ?]
of 28. June last --and am respectfully
Your Ob. Serv't
M. Everrett
J L. Edwards Esq
Comm'r of Pensions
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Elisha Eastman
Revolution of Common Invalid
pensions, relating to B. EW Eastman
Jan. 7. 1837
Ref to the Common on Rev Pensions of
Jan. 23, 1837
Bill No. [807 ]---807
Dec. 11 1837
Ref to the Committee
on Rev. [y] Pensions
Jan 12 1838
Bill---No 405
Dday from Con Lt. [U]
Page 18

Resolved, That the Committee on Invalid Pensions be discharged from so much of the petition of Elisha Eastman, guardian of Eli Eastman, as prays that th[e] name of the said Eli may be [res]tored to the roll of revolutionary pensions, and that the same be referred to the Committee on revolutionary pensions.
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(Copy)
Treasury Department 
Third Auditors' Office
March 25, 1839

Sir,
  Your letter of the 18th inst. enclosing the claim of three of the children of Eli Eastman, deceased, for the arrears of pension due him, has been received.
  The certificate of Pension in this case appears to have been issued as late as 26th December last; consequently, no portion of the pension has "remained in the hands of the agent unclaimed for the term of eight months after the same became due and payable," as required by the date of 6th April last, to authorize payment at the Treasury.  The claim is therefore payable at the agency, and is herewith returned to you, to be presented there, accordingly.
  With regard to your inquiry, "If upon completing these 
"vouchers, and surrendering with them the original pension certificate; 
"what (underscored) would be the proper (underscored) vouchers (underscored), referred to in the regulation# 
"which the other children would be required to furnish, in 
"order to entitle them to this amount severally their due?" I have to state, that it would only be necessary for the other children to establish their identity, and in claiming the amount due them, whether from the agency or the Treasury, to refer to the original pension certificate, and the evidence of the Court, &c. on file with the vouchers for the first payment.
Very respectfully, Sir
Your obt. servt.
Peter Hagner, Aud.

Jesse Gove, Esq
Rutland, Vt

#over
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#Refering to the regulation marked (E) in manuscript, and herewith transmitted, where the phrase, "proper vouchers" is underscored, as above.
J. Gove
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
     Second Comptroller's Office,
          June 5th, 1840

))Sir:
  Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The children of Eli Eastman, dec. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Vermont Agency; at the rate of Sixty Seven Dollars (and ---Cents crossed out) per annum, under the law of the 28th June 1838, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1834, to the 4th June 1837, the day of his death.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller


To the Commissioner of Pensions,
     Present.
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(Copy)
War Department
Pension Office
8th February, 1839

Sir,
  The papers in the case of Eli Eastman, deceased, late a pensioner under the act of the 28th June, 1838, are herewith returned.  The amount due is payable under this act of the 6th April, 1838.  You should, therefore, forward the vouchers, together with the pension certificate, to P. Hagner Esq, 3rd Auditor of the Treasury.

I am Sir
Very respectfully,
Your obt servt
J. L. Edwards

E. T. Englesby Esqr
Pension Agent
Burlington
Vermont
Page 23


I Silas Bowen, of Clarendon, of lawfull age, being duly sworn, do depose, testify and say, that for thirteen years last past, I have been the family Physician, of Elisha Eastman, of this town, been very often in his house
and family, and by reason of the labor, watching lifting and looking after their aged Father, Eli Eastman, for many years past, (not having the means to hire suitable nurses) that his the said Elisha's and more especially that of his wife's healths are much impaired thereby. Having been called to visit on account of ill health the wife of the said Elisha many times, when it appeared to be owing entirely to her lifting the said Eli at an improper time, two or three times her life was endangered thereby, the probability is she will never entirely recover therefrom and further I say not -
Clarendon February 5th 1836. Silas Bowen

State of Vermont
Rutland County ⎬
Be it known, that on this 29th day
of February, 1836, before me the Subscriber, a Magistrate in and for said County, personally appeared the said Doctor Silas Bowen, who hath subscribed the preceeding deposition, and made solemn oath, that the same
contains the truth, and nothing but the truth
T. Foot Justice Peace
Page 24

State of Vermont
Rutland County
I Robert Pierpoint clerk of the county of Rutland
certify that SolomonFoot is a Justice of the peace for said county, and that his signature within is genuine and testimony whereof I have hereunto put my hand and affixed the seal of said county of Rutland this 29th day of February
A.D. 1826

Dr. Silas Bowen's 
Deposition
Page 25

Conn. Vt. Eastman, Eli S. 18810
carded
Page 26

Copy made wanted.
Page 27


Washington Jan. 13 1836
Sir
The Committee on Rev. Pensions have submitted to them the application of Eli Eastman of Conn thru his guardian for restitution on the [illegible] of his pension. He was suspended or stricken off, among the
Rutland pensioners, at the time [illegible] fraud had become known to the department, and as his former application & the evidence accompanying it, will show higher[?] [illegible] can[?]. I will thank you to send to me & when the matter is complete by the comm, copies of the  papers as soon as you can conveniently. Yours truly, B Storer

J L Edwards, Esq


Will you also be good enough to inform me the
cases of Thomas Ramsay of Ky, being stricken from the roll in 1820, and why it was he was restored in 1827?. BS.
Eastman papers -3 Sils[?]
M Elliot
Page 28

Copy of letter from J. Gove to Comr Pensions, in behalf of Eli Eastman, dated, 

Rutland, Vt. 29. June 1835.
Sir: I have now the honor to inclose to you the additional and explanatory declaration of Elisha Eastman, made for & in  behalf of, his father record, for military services performed during the revolutionary war; and for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832.

No. 1. - By this new declaration, it will be seen, that W. Elisha Eastman claims for his father, 8 months service as a Sargent in 1776, in Capt. Bradley's Company in Col. Gay's Regiment.
2. - That in 1777, he served 9 months as a sergeant in Capt. Eli Leavenworth's Company in Col. Meig's Regiment.
3. - That in 1778, he served 6 months as a sergeant --- under Capt. Adam Hurlburt, at Horse Neck.
4. - That in 1779, he served 3 weeks as a private, under the same Capt. Adam Hurlburt at Horse Neck.
5. - That in 1779 he served again for 2 months as a private in the same Capt. Adam Hurlburt's Company at New Haven. 
And,
6. - That Timothy Eastman was the Grandfather of said Elisha Eastman, and consequently, father of said Eli Eastman: amounting to the sum of 23 months service as sergeant, and 2 months, & 3 weeks as a private.
In support of his claim, I refer you to the following proofs herewith inclosed: 
1. - The declaration of Elisha Eastman, sworn to in due form, on the 4, May, 1835. 
2. - The Certificates of the Comptrollers of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, dated 13 March 1835; and, to his letter to me, of the same date, attached; and, 
3. - To another Certificate from that office, & accompanying letter, dated the 14 March, 1835.
Page 29

4. To the deposition of [Deacon] David Ramsey 8 months service of Eli Eastman, as a Seargeant, in 1776.
5. To the deposition of Benjamin Eastman of Fort Ann, proving the repeated statements of service of the said Eli Eastman, made when in the profession of his right mind.
6. The deposition of Rebecca Eastman, to the same serving.
7. The deposition of Sally Eddy to the same service.
8.  The two depositions of Andrew Potter and John Eastman, of the same services.
9. The deposition of Lewis Walker; and
10. To the deposition of Judy Hodges: both of which last mentioned depositions prove the good standing for truth and veracity, and in other respects, of the said Eli Eastman: which points, also, the depositions of Andrew Potter, and Rebecca Eastman are both fall.
It was my intention, moreover, to have released the original pension certificate; but Mr. Eastman has inadvertently carried it home. It shall be done, hereafter, if required.
Page 30

War Department
Pension Office
July 7, 1835

Sir
   The evidence accompanying your letter of the Qg. ultinas, relative to the service of Eli Eastman, has been examined, and is herewith returned, in order that further explanations may be made, if possible.
    Fully aware of the great disadvantage under which his claim has been presented, a careful investigation of the recollected statements of the claimant has been made by the documents in  this department. The result is, that present allowance cannot be continued.
   Mr. Eastman no doubt served in Capt. Bradley's company of Cl. Gay's Regiment, which was ordered to be raised in June, to serve until December 1776. As the authority under which the regiment was raised did not justify a term of enlistment beyond six months, it is quite certain that the numerous statements that he enlisted for a year and actually served 8 months, must have been mistaken.
   The role of Col. Meigs' regiment of the Connecticut Line from 1 January, 1777, to the close of the war, are in a complete state in this office. Mr. Eastman does not appear to have ever served in the Company of Capt. Leavemeant who was promoted near the close of 1777, not in any other company of that Regiment. The rolls of the other Regiments have been carefully examined. It cannot be perceived, that the service of Timothy Eastman who was a private in Col. Wylly's Regiment has any bearing upon this claim of Eli Eastman to have served as a Sergeant 9 months in another Regiment: whose name nowhere appears on the rolls. As is the service clamed to have been performed
Page 31

under Capt. Hurlburt in 1778-9, it seems, from his Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, that the services actually performed [deleted words] by that officer were only such as were temporarily performed by militia upon emergencies and alarms. During the year 1779, to which alone the Certificate refers, he appears to have been allowed by the Pay-Table (of Connecticut) three distinct rolls -- the amount of which show, his shortness of the services. 
   It is proper to add [deleted words], in relation to the suppression of evidence suggested, that among the papers presented by W. Temple on file here, there are depositions from no witness  whose testimony has not since been taken on the recent application.
        I am respectfully your obt servt
        Geo. W. Crump,
        [Acting Comr of Pensions]

Jesse Gove Esqr
Rutland, Vt
Page 32

Remarks
By the Regulations of the War Department dated 27
June 1832, and accompanying the act of 7 of that month (See Doc.
No. 298, 22, Congress 1st Session-- Ho. of Reps. [illegible] the Secretary observes,
that "applicants who served in the State troops of Virginia
applicants who served in the militia of New Hampshire, will be
"required to produce the same proof as is prescribed for those who
served upon the Continental establishment. But with respect to
other State Troops and Militia [underlined], there is no record to advert to
and no presumption to be rebutted. The nature of the case
"therefore, demands a different rule of proceeding. And he
goes on to say, that every applicant who claims a pension
by virtue of service in the State troops [underlined], volunteers [underlined], or militia [underlined]
except as is above provided, will make and subscribe the
following declaration;" &c. which declaration is required
to be verified by the oath of the applicant, and that of two
Compurgators [underlined].
Nothing more seems to have been necessary for
the State troops, volunteers or Militia with the exception of thou of
New Hampshire and Virginia) to establish their claims. These
prelimmaries having been complied with by the present appli
cant, Elis Eastman by his guardian- it seems, he was placed
on the pension roll on the 17 Jany 1833, at $115, per annum
Nevertheless on the 17 Jany. 1835, the Commissioner of Pensions
(in his letter of that date to Hon. M. Slade of the Ho. of Reps since
published) has suspended the pensions of those who resided in
the County of Rutland of whom Eastman was one for reasons
therein set forth, and among others, in consequence of a general
belief that they are fraudulent."
Let us see, then, how
stands the present case. In the preceding copy of the
come to me dated the 7 July 1835 he concludes by saying
It is proper to add in relation to the suppression of evidence
suggested, that among the papers presented by Mr Temple on file
here, there an depositions from no witnesses whose testimony
has not been taken on the recent application " alluding
to that made by the Guardian on the 4 May, 1835, herewith inclose
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These, then, are the proofs, in addition to the compurgators upon which the applicant was inscribed on the 17 January, 1833.  They were deemed satisfactory, then.  Did they become "fraudulent" on the presentation of their counterparts in June, 1835?  Or, if they were "believed fraudulent" in January, 1835 (when the Com. addressed Mr. Slade on the subject) are they any left so, at this time?  It is not to be supposed, however, that the Secretary, in this instance - nor, I presume, in any other - has acted inadvisably, or without doe and satisfactory proof, as I am instructed to say that the pension was granted by Gov. Cass in person, on an appeal taken by Mr. Temple to him, from the decision of the Com. of Pensions.  But, having been thus once granted, it is not without surprise, that the Guardian sees the pension withheld, without an attempt to verify the "fraud" with which the Comm. has supposed the testimony to have been covered.  It is perhaps worthy of further remark - because such I apprehend to have been the fact - that about the 12 of January, 1833, the Com. of Pensions did allow Mr. Eastman $40 per annum, on the above mentioned proofs, "only for his services in 1776" notwithstanding, the same Department, on the 7 July 1835, could allow only "six months" service, out of the year's enlistment for 1776; although the proof is positive, and reiterated by Deacon Rumby, that astman did actually serve - as a sergeant - 8 months of that year.  This, however is not an unusual occurrence even in other transactions, and only shows that all men  do not weigh testimony in the same balance where, with the like purity of purpose, they intend to arrive at the same results.  Itis said by the Acting Com. that "the authority under which the Regiment was raised (in 1776) did not justify a term of enlistment beyond six months" and therefore he supposes "the numerous statements that he enlisted for a year and actually served 8 months must have been mistaken".  I take this to be a plea of
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the statute of limitations, against the new promises, made by the act of 7 June, 1832 or, at most, admitting no more than can be shown under "the authority" of Connecticut; when every body at this day knows - historically if you please - that it was the constant practice of times of the revolution, to enlist men for what terms of time they could and afterwards retain them in service - by hook or by crook too - as long as they could.  Is this saying, more or less, to those war worn reliques of our own right privileges, you are enlisted for six months, it is time; and although you served for eight months, and can prove it; yet, we are Not bound for this excess and we won't pay you!  Methinks that even his worship, the Reverend and ex-Honorable Counsellor or Reading, might frown upon such a subterfuge between his own parishioners.  For Eli Eastman's services in 1777, I refer, for proofs, to the petition of the Guardian, and to the Comptroller Mr. Huntington's letter of the 14th March, 1835 and also to the Guardian's statement of the 4th May 1835.  By the last, it appears that Timothy Eastman was the grandfather of Elisha Eastman and consequently the father of the applicant.  By the Comptroller's last it also appears that the bounty of £6 was not paid until the 18 July 1778 which coincides with the petition where the bounty of £3 is stated to have been received not until after the applicant's return from that tour of service.  Timo Eastman had another son in the service but he was never out at the time and places or at any time with his father, as was Eli.  For proof of the applicant's services in 1778 I refer again to the petition as well as to the accompanying several depositions of Benja Eastman, Rebecca Eastman, Sally Eddy, Andrew Potter, John Eastman, Lewis Walker &c  whose recollections of the applicant's story
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As to Mr. Eastman's services in Vermont, after he removed into the state; as, in the language of the Secretary, "there is no record to advert to" so there is "no presumption to be rebutted".  The claim for this portion of service is for three months - and the truth of the statement is sustained - I should think according to the rule laid down by the Secretary, by the depositions of Judge Hodges and Lewis Walker Esquire, and Dr. Bowen.  The remarks of the acting Com. relating to Capt. Hurlburt in 1778-9 are, in my estimation, unworthy the subject.  Because "the services actually performe4d by that officer were only such as were temporarily performed by militia upon emergencies and alarms" therefore it is the claimant must be cast off altogether.  Whereas the act of Congress extends its bounty to "each of the surviving officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, soldiers" &c "who shall have served" &c "at one or more terms" &c.  And the Secy. of War construes the act to extend "to all persons who were bound to military service".  Were those men, called out upon emergencies or alarm, bound to military service?  Did they not actually serve?  Yet, the Com., wiser than either the law or its minister, pronounces such service - no service -because forsooth, it was temporarily performed by militia upon emergencies and alarms.  By the same logic it might be proved that Burgoyne was not conquered at Saratoga  - or, that a detachment of his army was not whiped & dispersed at Bennington - because, as is well known, neither of their achievements could have been accomplished had it not been for the prompt and willing services, temporarily performed by militia upon those emergencies and alarms.  The Com. proceeds to state that in the year 1779 "he (Capt. Hurlburt) appears to have been allowed by the pay-table three distinct rolls - the amount of which show the shortness
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of the services.  The largest would not pay an ordinary "militia company for more than 2- or 3- weeks' services".  An ordinary militia company consisted, then, of 64 men, rank and file.  If the rolls in the War Office show this company to have been thus full, the argument of the Com. will be entitled to more insight.  But, I am authorised to state that it was not full.  Besides, if it were full in the [ILLEGIBLE] [ILLEGIBLE] no hazards, no enlistments into the regular army, to diminish daily, its numbers - so that the "these district rolls" amounting to £169.3.8 or $563.94, might very probably pay those men who continued this their term of service?  I would not be too strenuous or captious - nor is it desirable - that the Government should be prodigal of its bounty.  But, if actual payment to militia were the only criterion of service of that description of troops, it would be found, I know, that the militia have but a small share in achieving the independence of their Country - the history of the times to the contrary notwithstanding.  Having said this much, perhaps more than was discreet or necessary - if it were to be submitted to the officer to whose letter it is intended, in part, to apply - I now submit the matter to your consideration and judgment, as to whether the application had better be made to Congress or, to the Secy. of War?  This is a case about which I spoke to you in October last and I should have sent it forward at an earlier day, but that I have been waiting, in order that young Mr. Eastman might procure other and further proofs of his father's services.  I have written, for him, to the western part of Massachusetts, to obtain the testimony of Gov. John Mattson's widow, who was a sister of old Mr. Eastman, but the old lady had deceased nearly 2 years before
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I wrote.  By her, proof could have been obtained that her brother left home for the services and perhaps, nomore.  A brother of the old man, who died several years since in the N. Western part of N. York, could have proved more but his death was not known to the family in Clarendon until quite recently, so that that service is cut off.  A comrade or two of old Mr. Eastman - who was out in the service with him, and were knowing to his services in the war of the revolution - died near Fort Ann about the time that the pensions in this county were suspended, by which two other sources of proof were providentially cut off.  And now, in his lunacy, the old man is incapable of making any intelligent communication relative to the proofs or witnesses by whom he could, if living, prove his services.  Those who have been long personally acquainted with Eli Eastman, entertaining no doubt as to the merits of his claim on his country for aid, have not been settled in their opinion as to the best or most proper mode of preferring it.  The laws provide for those who, like him, have been disabled by known wounds survived while in the line of their duty, but the peculiar proof required by the acts or regulations have in a great measure passed beyond the reach of the living.  The officers, his comrades at the battle of Flat Bush, where he received the wound on the head, which is the immediate cause of his present lunacy, have long since descended to the tomb.  The surgeon or surgeons who dressed his wound when first made have in like manner passed off the stage, and it has been necessary to resort to citizen surgeons for their opinion of his mental derangement.  So far as a personal examination and proofs could aid them, they have expressed that opinion, as set forth in the depositions of Doctors
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Potter and Bowen.  And no doubt is entertained, whether by them or by others who have longest known Mr. Eastman, that the wound was the only cause of his being in his present state of derangement.  Whether these proofs would satisfy the Secretary, that Mr. E is entitled as a disabled sergeant of the revolutionary army, I am unable to judge.  Congress, I know, have granted pensions upon testimony that the Department has not felt at liberty to accept, but, whether for its insufficiency or its non-conformity to prescribed rules or, indeed, for what other reason, I know not.  Such, however, I believe is the fact.  The present may be a case that requires the equitable interpretation of the Government.  It is, in my humble opinion, a very strong one, and if it could be presented in all its bearings I doubt not that it would receive, as I trust it will, their favorable regard.  Among the vouchers herewith sent are proof of the lunacy and Guardianship and also the Guardian's account, up to the time of his last settlement with the Judge of Probate, which amount, as you know, is required by the laws of Vermont, to be kept and rendered periodically.  And, in relation to that amount, it may be proper to remark that the labor of taking care of the Ward is greatly eschewed by the fact that he is now, has been for years, bedrid, and helpless in every respect.  Proof of this fact might have been taken but it was judged that the statement would be sufficient until further testimony was called for.  As touching, the labor of taking care of and lifting the old man I send you another deposition of Dr. Bowen, taken on the 29th of February, 1836.  It speaks, sufficiently, for itself.  On viewing the claim yourself, should you think it advisable to present this case, once more, to the War Department - together with the
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additional proofs, numbeered from 11 to 17, I have to request that you will go with it or request the Secretary personally to reconsider it.  The more especially6 because the pension was granted by him and also because the Commissioner's clerks do not, all of them, make accurate computations as witness the late case of  Abel Paine, in which his Rolls of Rhode Island show him to have served one year as a corporal, which should have given him 44 dollars, and Rufus Root Esqr of Windsor proved him to have served another year as sergeant, which should have given him 60 dollars, amounting together to 104 dollars per annum - whereas they allowed him but 99 dollars - 6 dollars left - a case which, "by leave of Court", I shall take up again at a future day.  In reference, further, to the case of Eastman, allow me to say that it should be considered with reference to some back pay.  How much must still be left with those who hold our, the people's, purse strings.  And, while on this topic, allow me a word upon the ungracious, penny-saving policy of somebody - for I don't know how projected it - of holding on, where pensioners are restored to a part only of former pensions, until they make up the amount alleged to have been over-drawn.  This keeping amounts of cents and dimes with men whose hearts blood has flown to enable their Government to disburse its millions!  Why not follow up the policy, I carry it out, by reserving back the amounts paid to those who were not entitled?  Many of them are able to refund, and the justice of doing so would be much above that of withholding, by the Treasury, in its own wrong, if I may to say, a pittance from those who have served their country in times of need.
J Gove
20 Apr. 1836
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April 26, 1935.

Mr. Albert F. Moe
Crystal Apartments, #32
Wakefield, Massachusetts.

BA-J/ILL
Eli Eastman 
S. 18810

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Eli Eastman, a pensioner.

The data given herein pertaining to Eli Eastman are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 18810, based upon his service in that war.

Eli Eastman was born April 29, 1749 in Fairfield, the state not shown.  His father, Timothy Eastmant, served as a private in Colonel Wyllys' Connecticut regiment in 1777.  The name of Eli's mother is not shown.

At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Eli Eastman was a resident of Woodbury, Litchfield County, Connecticut, where he was a school teacher.  He enlisted in the spring of 1776, served as orderly sergeant in Captain Abraham Bradley's company, Colonel Fisher Gay and Selah Hart's Connecticut regiment, was in the battle of Flatbush on Long Island in which he was [illegible] wounded above his right ear by a musket ball, was in the Battle of White Plains and was discharged in January 1777, length of service eight months, he enlisted in 1777 and served nine months as orderly sergeant in Captain Eli Leavenworth's company, Colonels William Douglas and Raturn Jonathan Meigs' Connecticut regiment; he enlisted in July or August 1778 and served six months as private and orderly sergeant in Captain Adam Hurlbut's company, Colonel Canfield's Connecticut regiments; he enlisted in 1779 and served three weeks as private under Captain Adam Hurlbut at Horseneck, and the in summer of that year, served two months as private under the same captain.  About the spring of 1780, Eli Eastman moved to Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont, where he enlisted and served three months as private under Captain John Spafferd in the Vermont troops; he served subsequently on several tours in the Vermont troops until the close of the war.
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Pension was allowed on account of the service of Eli Eastman in the Revolutionary War on an application executed November 17, 1832, in Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont. The soldier resided there with his son, Elisha Eastman, who was his legal guardian. Eli Eastman died June 4, 1837, in Clarendon, Vermont.
Eli Eastman married June 3, 1783, in Clarendon, Vermont,Rebecca Bears. She was a native of Sheffield, Massachusetts, where she resided until nearly twenty years old, moved then to Bennington, thence to Clarendon, Vermont; the day of her birth and names of her parents are not shown. In 1832, she was aged seventy-four years
and resided in Clarendon.
In 1832, soldier's son, Elisha Eastman, referred to above, was aged forty-seven years; reference was made to his family but no names were designated. John Eastman, his brother, was then said thirty-four years, his residence in 1835, Sherburn, Vermont. 
In 1835, Sally Eddy, soldier's daughter, was aged forty-six years; she stated that she had lived at home with her father until aged thirty-two years, since which time she had resided within a few miles of his home, but she did not state the name of her husband.
 In 1839, the names of three other children who survived their father, in Eastman, were given as Betsey Cooper, Daniel Eastman, and Eli Eastman,
Junior. There are no further data relative to them.
In 1835, Benjamin Eastman of Fort Ann, Washington County, New York,
stated that he had been acquainted with the soldier, Eli Eastman, for more than forty years, but he did not state any relationship between them.
Timothy Eastman had a son, other that Eli, who served in the Revolutionary War; his name was not designated. In 1836, reference was made to Eli's brother who had died several years before in northwestern New York, his name not stated. In 1836, reference was made also, to the soldier's (Eli Eastman's) sister, who was the widow
of General John Mattoon; she was of western Massachusetts and had been
deceased then about two years.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 42

Conn.     Eastman, Eli       S18810
Vt
                                  carded
Page 43

Douglas and Return Jonathan Meigs' Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted in July or August of 1778 and served six months as private and Orderly Sergeant in Captain Adam Hurlbut's Company, Colonel Canfield's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted in the spring of 1779 and served three weeks as a private under Captain Adam Hurlbut at Horse Neck, and in the summer of that year he enlisted again and served two months as a private in said Captain Hurlbut.
In 1779 or 1780 he moved to Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont where he enlisted in the spring of 1780 and served over three months as a private under Captain John Spafford in the Vermont Troops. 
He was also out at various times on several other tours with the Vermont Troops until the close of the Revolution.
Pension was allowed in an application executed November 17, 1832 at which time he was a resident of Clarendon, Vermont. He died June 4, 1837.
Soldier married June 3, 1783 in Clarendon, Vermont, Rebecca Sears, a native of Sheffield, Massachusetts; she was living in Clarendon, Vermont in 1832 aged seventy-four years.
Their children referred to are as follows: John and Elisha aged forty-seven and thirty-four years respectively in
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1832, Sally Eddy aged forty-six years in 1835, Betsy Cooper, Daniel, and Eli Eastman, Junior.
     Soldier's father Timothy Eastman was also a soldier of the Revolution and served as a private in Colonel Wyllys' Connecticut Regiment.  There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file on account of his services.
            **********************************
     From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 77 it appears that Robert Edwards was born February 13, 1750 in Chatham County, North Carolina.
     While a resident of Chatham County, North Carolina he enlisted in 1778, or 1779, served as Orderly Sergeant for nine months in Captain William Lytle's Company, Colonel Thackston's North Carolina Regiment and was in the battle of Stone where he was wounded in the thigh and breast.
     He served a second tour as light horseman against the Tories near White Marsh, North Carolina , the date, officers' names, and length of service not stated.
     He enlisted in 1781, served two weeks as Orderly Sergeant in Colonel Robert Mobane's North Carolina Regiment and was at the battle of Lindley's Mill.
     He enlisted again in 1781 and served three months in Captain Joseph Rosser's or Ross' North Carolina Company. He
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died November 17, 1831 in Wilson County, Tennessee.
     Soldier married soon after Peace was declared, Nancy born December 24, 1767 whose maiden name is not given.  She was allowed pension on her application executed February 14, 1839 while a resident of Wilson County, Tennessee.
     Their children were
Nicholas     born August 24, 1787.
Elie              born October 15, 1789.
Mary           born May 16, 1791.
Edward       born May 8, 1793.
Elizabeth    born November 5, 1795.
Henry          born February 23, 1798.
Lucy            born October 7, 1800.
Hanah         born December 1, 1802.
Hugh           born May 28, 1805.
Polley Epes born February 8, 1807.
Nancey        born April 11, 1810.

     Owing the great pressure of current work, the large number of similar inquiries and the lack of clerical force available for the purpose, not more than two reports are made for each inquirer.
     The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau are open to the public for research work under the provisions of the Act of March 3, 1901,  and you or any one designated by you, may examine and collect data from Revolutionary War pension claims by calling at the Bureau.
                       Respectfully,
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September 23, 1924

Eli Eastman,
Victor, Iowa

Sir:
     I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 18810 it appears that Eli Eastman, the son of Timothy Eastman, was born April 29, 1749 in Fairfield.
     While living in Woodbury, Litchfield County, Connecticut, where he was a school teacher, he enlisted in the spring of 1776, served as Orderly Sergeant in Captain Abraham Bradley's Company, Colonels Fisher Gay and Selah Hart's Connecticut Regiment, was in the battles of Flatbush and White Plains, the former in which he was severely wounded in the right side of his head by a musket ball, and was discharged in January 1777 having served eight months.
     He enlisted in 1777 and served nine months as Orderly Sergeant in Captain Eli Leavenworth's Company, Colonels William Douglas and Return Jonathan Meigs' Connecticut Regiment.
     He enlisted in July or August 1778 and served six
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months as private and Orderly Sergeant in Captain Adam Hurlbut's Company, Colonel Canfield's Connecticut Regiment.
     He enlisted in the spring of 1779 and served three weeks as a private under Captain Adam Hurlbut at Horse Neck, and in the summer of said year he enlisted again and served as a private two months under said Captain.
     In 1779 or 1780 he moved to Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont where he enlisted in the spring of 1780 and served over three months as a private under Captain John Spafford in the Vermont Troops.
     He was also out at various times on several other tours with the Vermont Troops until the close of the Revolution.
     Pension was allowed on an application executed November 17, 1832 at which time he was a resident of Clarendon, Vermont.  He died June 4, 1837.
     Soldier married June 3, 1783 in Clarendon, Vermont, Rebecca Sears, a native of Sheffield Massachusetts.  She [handwritten] was a resident of said Clarendon in 1832 aged seventy-
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four years.

Their children referred to are as follows: John and Elisha aged forty-seven and thirty-four years respectively in 1832, Sally Eddy aged fourty-six years in 1835, Betsy Cooper, Daniel and Eli Eastman, Junior.

Soldier's father Timothy Eastman was also a soldier of the Revolution and served as a private in Colonel Wyllys' Connecticut Regiment,

This Bureau is unable to furnish the full history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services, and a careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of the said Timothy Eastman.

Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner.
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Owosso, Mich. Feb. 7, '40

Pension Bureau,
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.                        only one

Gentlemen:
I am in search of the Revolutionary record of Eli Eastman.
He was the son of Azariah Eastman, of New Fairfield, Connecticut. 
He later lived at Clarendon Springs, Vermont, and died there.
Our record said he was teaching school at the time he was enlisted and that he was wounded at the battle of Flatbush.
I have given this account of him as it was possible there was more than one Eli Eastman
in the Revolutionary War. 
Any information you may have of him or his family, I shall greatly appreciate having and if you will notify me concerning any fees connected, I shall gladly remit at once.
Respectfully,
Grace E. Jacobs

220 N. King St. 
Owosso, Mich.
Page 50

Crystal Apartments, Apt. 32,
Wakefield, Massachusetts.
10 April, 1935.

[Illegible Seal]

Bureau of Pensions, 
Revolutionary War Section,
Department of the Interior, 
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Eli EASTMAN, born April 29, 1749, at Fairfield, Connecticut, participated in the Revolutionary War and was pensioned during 1832 or 1835.

I would like to obtain an abstract of his service and the place of his burial - if it all all possible.  I would also like to obtain any available information as to his ancestry (Names, places and dates).

I believe he married Rebecca SEARS about [illegible].  Information is sought as to the date and place of her birth and also as to her ancestry.

Any information you may be able to give me regarding the above requests will be greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

Albert F. Moe,
Crystal Apartments, Apt. 32, 
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Page 51

(Stamp)
PENSION
L
AUG 29 1924
U.S.
OFFICE

Victor, Iowa
Aug. 26, 1924
U.S. Pension Bureau 
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:
Would you kindly send me the Rev. War record of my grand-father? I think
Page 52

his name was the same as mine, but I’m not sure. My father’s name was Eli Eastman and he was from Rutland Vermont.

Thanking you in advance for the favor. 
I am
Yours very truly
Eli Eastman
Page 53

San Carlos, Ariz, 10/21/46

Pension Office
Washington, D.C
Rev. Sec.

Sirs:
Would it be possible for me to find out through your office the name and date of death
(or stopping of pension of my
great-grandfather?

He was either Eli or John
Eastman of Rutland, VT.
He died somewhere between 1840-1846.

I know he drew a pension for fighting in the Revolutionary War.
Sincerely Yours,
Anna Irving
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18810
Invalid
File No. [illegible]
Eli Eastman
Sergt Rev War
Conn
Act: May 28" 38
on Vermont Roll
Index: Vol. Page
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1916 Nov. 15. Hist. to Anna Irving. c.
[1924?] - Sept. 23 - Hist. to Eli
Eastman - MMHF
[illegible] May 13 Hist. to Marjorie
[illegible] Her letter in
[illegible] Robt. Edwards W. 79
hist [also?] was furnished
[illegible] Hist. to Grace E. Jacobs
ILL.
Page 55

Testimony in the case of
Eli Eastman
an insane person

Westfield
Del 13
free
Hon. Horatio Seymour
U.S. Senator
Washington
Page 56

State of New York, Chautauqua County for
David Rumsey of the said County 
a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Eli Eastman of the Town of Clarendon Rutland County and
State of Vermont - that he has known him for about sixty years past - that he was present in Roxbury Litchfield County &
State of Connecticut when the said Eli Eastman Enlisted -
that he enlisted for the term of Eight months under Lieutenant J. Blakesly Captain Bradly Coloniel Gay's Regiment - that he was a Sergeant in said Bradleys Company, that this deponent belonged to the same Company - that they marched from Roxbury to the City of New York, thence to Long Island - thence by
retreat to New York, thence to White plains where our Regiment was engaged in the battle at said place, that this deponent
in consequence of ill health was discharged before the term of his enlistment expired, and that the said Eli Eastman was in service at that time & further said not
Sworn and Subscribed
before me Dec. 10. 1832
David Rumsey
David Mann J.P.
State of New York
Chautauqua County
Clerk office
J.Z. Young Deputy Clerk of the
said County do herby Certify that David
Mana Esquire before whom the foregoing affectant purports to him been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice
of the Peace in & for said County, And further that I am
and acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice &
for his name subscribed to the said affidavit to
his proper handwriting & signature
Witness my hand & the said of the Court of Common
Pleas of said County this 12 day of December A.D. 1832
F. C. Young Deputy Clerk
Page 57

State of Vermont }
Rutland ss            }

I certify that I am well acquainted with
David Rumsey Esq. the within named
deponent, who recently resided in Vermont, and
that he is a credible witness.
R. Temple
Jus. Peace
Page 58

For
Hon R. Temple

Charges $2.00
Page 59

David Rumsey's
Deposition
Mr. Eli Easmon
Rutland
Vermont
[Hon?] H Everett
A R
I am slightly acquainted with Mr
David Rumsey & believe him to be
respectable. His brothers
are amongst our most influential
citizens,
A. Hazelton
Page 60

I David Rumsey now a resident of the town of Westfield Chautauqua County and state of New York do certify that I was well acquainted with Eli Easmon now a resident of the town of Claridon Rutland County and State of Vermont. In the last revolutionary war and that he then resided in the town of Woodbury Fairfield county and State of Connecticut and that he was enlisted as a sargeant by Tilly Blakesly into the Company Commanded by Capt Bradley belonging to Col Gays Regiment of the Connecticut Forces and after the death of Col Gay the said regiment was commanded by Lieut Col Hart and further that the said Easmon served as Sergeant in the above named company for the term of eight months this deponent further saith that he served in the same company with Eli Easmon during the above mentioned term of eight months in the year of seventeen hundred and seventy six. 
Dated Westfield March 13, 1835 David Rumsey
Sworn and submitted before me this 13th day of March 1835 Amos Atwater JP
State of New York
Chautauqua county
Clerks Office
George W. Terr clerk of the County in state aforesaid do herby certify that Amos Altwater, whose name is subscribed to the jurat above, was on the day of the date during a justice of the peace of said county duly elected and from; and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verify believe his signature thereto subscribed is genuine. I've testimony where I have hereunto set me hand of the seal of said county, this 14th day of March 1835
G. W. Terr Clerk
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Mr Eli Easmon
Sir Enclosed I send you my affadvit
and have said all that I could Recollect to
Testify to and as it Regards your being wounded
I could not state the particulars as it was so Long
ago But I think I Recollect Something to that effect
Westfield March [13?] 1835 David Rumsey
Page 62

The deposition of Rebecca Eastman of Clarendon in the County
of Rutland & State of Vermont of lawful age who deposes and says
that she is the wife of Eli Eastman & has been for upwards of fifty years and have during the period last named lived
with my husband and have resided in the Town of Clarendon
aforesaid I have often in the early acquaintance with my husband
heard him relate the story of the Revolutionary war he was in
former years an active intelligent man and one whose character for truth & veracity was not called in question and this Deponant
knows he was very much respected by all the good citizens of the Town of Clarendon But my said Husband has always been
subject to temporary turns of mental alienation which has been increasing upon him as he advanced in life until for the
last ten or twelve years he has been totally changed and incapable of doing any business whatever, he is now confined to his room and bed and has been for the last four or five
years my said Husband was for many years previous to his total alienation of mind above named aware that the cause that produced said alienation was a wound he received
by a musket shot which now is plain to be seen about an inch & a half long on the head above the right ear, said wound was received in the battle of Flatbush on Long Island in a
battle with the Hessians in 1776 as he has uniformally told me ...
And this deponent further testifies & says
that she has often heard her husband say that he first enlisted into the service of his country for one year but did not into immediately upon duty and that he served but
about eight months on that enlistment & that he then lived in Woodbury in the County of Litchfield Connecticut and I have heard my said Husband often talk about the officers
under whom he served and that he joined his Regiment at Newport and was there appointed on duty sargeant & performed the duty during the remainder of the term. My said husband has often told me that he used in his young days to teach a school at Woodbury his former place of residence
Page 63

It was during the first term of service that he received the wound on the head above named and at that time he served under the
following officers to wit Capt Abraham Bradley Col Gay
Col. Heart this deponent has often heard her said Husband say he was in the Battle of White Plains and that it was about
two months after the battle of Flatbush.
And this deponant further testifies & says that she has heard her said husband relate further that he entered the service the next
year for the term of nine months as a Sergeant and was in Capt. Leavenworth's Company & during the time aforesaid he was in several Regiments & that Col Douglas & Col Meigs Commanded he always called this the Ranging Servis and this deponant further testifies & says that she has heard her
said Husband say that at the draft of the Militia at s Woodbury to go to Horseneck he volunteered for six months & marched
there under the command of Capt Adams Hurlbut and that when they arrived at the neck the Company lay there several
days without provision other than such as they purchased with their own money on account as he said that the Capt or
the orderly Sargeant were not schollars enough to draw an order on the Commissary for their rations and my said Husband
having before service in the capacity of an orderly & understood the duty informed Capt Hurlbut that he could draw in order &
upon that the orderly say of the Company offered to return into the ranks & let my Husband take his past the arrangement
was approved of by the Capt. & my said Husband did this duty of orderly while the camp remained at the Neck which
was six months as he has often told me
And this deponant further says that she has heard her said Husband often tell the story of his going out from Horses Neck
while stationed there with a Sergeants guard & taking 5 - Crow boys prisoners & returning with them to the [illegible] -
and I have heard him say that Col Canfield commanded during this term of his service
And further this deponant saith not
her
Rebecca Eastman
Mark
Page 64

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss
Clarendon April 23d 1835 personly
appeared Rebecca Eastman and made
solemn oath that the foregoing affadavit
by her subscribed to contains the truth
the whole truth and nothing but the
truth before me Joseph A Hays Justice Peace
I certify that Rebecca Eastman the above
named deponent is a venerable old Lady
who I have personly known for many
years & am of opinion that her character
stands fair for Truth and Veracity
Joseph A Hays Justice Peace
April 28 1831
Page 65

State of Vermont
Rutland County
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of
the County Court for the County
of Rutland certify that
Joseph A Hays is a Justice
of the peace for said County
duly commissioned and that
I believe his signature to the
within certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court at Rutland this 16th day of May
AD 1835

6
Rebecca Eastman's 
Deposition
Page 66

The deposition of Lewis Walker of Clarendon
in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont,
of lawful age, who deposes and says, that he
has been personally acquainted with Eli Eastman
of said Clarendon, for upwards of forty years
now last past, during all which time, the
said Eastman has resided in that town, and
still resides there. Mr. Eastman is now, and
has been for many years past, been laboring,
under a mental drangement; to such a degree,
as to be totally incapable of taking care of
himself, or his business. Many years ago,
when this deponent was young, and when the
said Eastman was in his right mind, he
was a frequent visitor at this deponent's
father's house; when, as a boy, and often times
since, this deponent has listened with delight,
to the war stories of the Revolution related by
the said Eastman; and this deponent remembers
to have heared the said Eastman rehearse the
story of the battle at the White Plains, in
which he was engaged - and many other
battles: and this deponent has often heared
the said Eastman speak of himself as being
a sergeant in the revolutionary army -
but this deponent cannot now remember
the times, nor the places where said Eastman
claimed to have served in that capacity.
Mr. Eastman was always esteemed in his neighborhood,
to be a man of truth; and this deponent
has not now, nor never had any doubt as
the truth of his statements. And further
this deponent saith not.
Rutland, 26 Feby 1835.
Lewis Walker
Subscribed and sworn before me
E L Ormston, Justice of the peace
And I do hereby further certify that I am personally acquainted
with the above named deponent, Lewis Walker Esqr. and that
he is reputed to be a credible witness for truth and veracity
E L Ormston Justice of the Peace
Page 67

State of Vermont
Rutland County s
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the
County Court for the County of
Rutland certify that Edgar L.
Ormston is a Justice of the
peace for said County duly
commissioned and that his signature
to the within certificate
is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
affixed the seal of said Court at
Rutland this 11th day of May AD 1835
R. Pierpoint
Page 68

3
Comptroller of Connecticut
14 March 1835.

Jesse Gove Esq
Rutland Vermont
single
Page 69

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's office
Hartford
14th March 1835
On examination of the books of this office, it appears that in June 1776, Seven Battalions were ordered to be raised by enlistment, to march to New York and join the continental
Army, and to be holden in said service untill the 25th day of December next
That one of said Battalions, to wit the second; was commanded by Fisher Gay Esq Colonel Selah Hart Esq Lieutenant Colonel & Edward Mott Esq
Major (said Mott appointed July 2nd in the place of Benadam Gallup resigned)
That Abraham Bradley was captain
Tilley Blakesley was first Lieutenant
Thomas Catlin was second Lieutenant
James Morrisson was Ensign
of the fifth company in said Battalion
That among the files of this office is a return
made by major Mott of the Guns lost by said regiment
the caption to which is as follows: viz
An account of the Guns that were lost in the regiment
late Col Gay's while in the Continental service
under the command of Genl Washington AD 1776
where last, and in what manner and those ordered
with the baggage by the General

mens names & what
company they belonged to
Capt Bradley's Company
Lieutent Blakesley
Eli Easmon

What Place Guns lost
at White Plaines
Stolen on N. York

What order or reason
When sick

Certified by Edward Mott Majr commdt

over
Page 70

That in October 1776. Eight Battalions were ordered to be raised
in compliance with the requsitions of Congress, to serve during
the war. That one of said Battalions was commanded by Colonel William Douglass untill about the 24th Sept 1777, at
which time Retune Jonathan Meigs was appointed Colonel
That Captain Eli Leavenworth commanded a company
in said regiment That in 1777, there were men raised to
join said Battalions for Eight months, and called short
Levies, and were paid a Bounty of 3 pounds each
That on the 18th Feby 1778 there was paid to Timothy
Eastman & Son for 8 months bounty in 1777- £6.0.0 - as having joined Col Samuel Wylly's Regt
Certified by Roger Huntington
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Page 71

Hartford 14 March 1835
Jesse Gove Esq
Sir
Since I wrote you yesterday I have accidentally
found a document certified by Major Mott
which I think places Mr. Eastman's service
in 1776 very clearly in Capt Abraham Bradley's
company in Col Gay's regiment; the difference
in the spelling of the name can easily be reconciled
where it is recollected that the subaltern officers &c who
made up the statements were not men of the best education - He claims in 1777 under Capt Bradley
in Col Hart's regt thinks it was part of the time commanded by some other colonel or he was transferred to Col Meigs Regt. It appears that Col Meigs commanded a regt the latter part of 1777. & that Capt Eli Leavenworth belonged to it - If the payment made to Timothy Eastman & son included this
man, it will establish the claim pretty fully in both of these tours -
Your most obt
Roger Huntington
Page 72

2
Comptroller of Connecticut
13. March 1835.

Jesse Gove Esq
Rutland Vermont

single
Page 73

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford
13th March 1835
On examination of the books of this office it appears that, in June 1776, 7 Battalions were ordered to be raised to march to New York and join the continental Army, and to be holden in service untill the 25th day of December.
That the officers appointed to the command of the second Battalion were, Fisher Gay Esq - Colonel, Selah Hart Esq Lieutenant Colonel, Benadam Gallup Esq. Major. July 2nd, major Gallup resigned & Edward Mott Esq. major in his room, that Lieutenant Colonel Hart was taken prisoner by the British. That the money advanced Col Gay was accounted for by major Mott. That the wages of the said regiment were generally paid by the United States; That major Mott was allowed £42.17.10 for his expenses in going after the pay for said regiment - there are no payrolls found in this office of said regiment. 
That in May 1777, Captain Abraham Bradley was appointed to the commander of a company in Col. Roger Enos Reqiment raised to serve in this state untill the first of Jany.  That on the 17th Jany 1778 Captain Abraham Bradley rendered the account for his company in said regt. accounting to £1580.9.0 which was allowed and subsequently charged to the United States. there are no payrolls found in this office of said regiment.    That
Page 74

That on the 2nd day of April 1779 Captain Adam Hurlburt received an order on the treasurer for the amount of his pay roll militia at Horse neck Alarm £5.9.1 -
That on the 13th day of September 1779. Captain Adam Hurlburt received an order on the treasurer for the amount of his pay roll New Haven Alarm £82.12.0 -
That on the 1st day of December 1780. Captain Adam Hurlburt, received an order on the treasurer for the amount pay roll for service at Horse neck £81.2.7 -
no pay rolls found of said service -
Certified by Roger Huntington
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Page 75

Hartford 13 March 1835

Jesse Gove Esq
Sir.
Mr. Eastman claims service in the Regt. commanded by Gol Gay - Lt Col Hart - Capt Leavenworth in 1776 - I do not find any evidence that captain Leavenworth belonged to that Regiment -
Captain Eli Leavenworth commanded a company in William Douglass' Regiment in 1777, which after Col Douglass died, Col Meigs commanded -
Mr. Eastman claims in 1777 in Captain Abraham Bradley's company in Col Hart's Regt. and in Col Meigs' regt. - I find Capt Bradley was in Col Gay's Regt in 1776 and in Col Enos regt. in 1777 -
The service he claims under Capt Adam or Adams Halliburt, I find nothing that appears more like it than Capt Adam Hurlburt—
Your most obt
Roger Huntington
Page 76

Statement of Eli Eastman of Clarendon in the
County of Rutland in the State of Vermont, a
Pensioner placed on the Pension List of the United States on the 17th of January, 1833; made by his son Elisha Eastman of the Same Clarendon, who has been duly appointed, conformably to the laws of Vermont, guardian of the said Eli Eastman, who now is, and for more than two years last past hath been non compos mentis and incapable of
taking care of himself - as follows:
I have always understood from my father,
when he was in the full possession of his
right reason, that he first entered into the
service of the United States as a Sargeant in
the year, 1776, at Woodbury in the State of
Connecticut; and that he inlisted at
that place under a Capt Eli Leavensworth of the New Levies, so called, for
the term of eight months; and soon afterwards joined the Regiment, then commanded by Col. Gay at the City of New York. While lying at New York, Col. Gay died, and was succeeded by a Col. Hart. 
He continued in the service until the expiration of the term of his enlistment; was in the battle of Flatbush on Long Island in August of that year; and afterwards in the battle of White Plains in October following.
It was at the battle of Flatbush, as I have understood from my father, that he was wounded in the head by a musket ball (from the Hessian troops as he believed) passing just above the right ear and laying the bone bare for the length of two or three inches. This wound, for want of proper surgical aid, did not heal during that period of his enlistment. He, nevertheless, continued with the army and in the discharge of his duty; and while lying at the High Lands on the Hudson
River, he took cold in his head from
exposure to the weather (being obliged
Page 77

to sleep on the ground in the open air)
which had the effect, at that time, of depriving him temporarily of his reason, and inducing a State of Mental imbecility which has been increasing upon him ever since, until, at this time, he is wholly incapable of taking any care of himself or his affairs.
In 1777 the said Eli again inlisted for the
term of nine months, as a Sargeant, in a Company commanded by Capt. Abraham Bradley of the Connecticut troops; and during the time, his Regiment was commanded by Col. Hart, and by Col. Meig;, or as he was transfered into the two Regiments commanded by those officers. He was near Esopus, at the time Burgoyne was taken by the Americans at Stillwater.
In 1778 he was drafted at Woodbury in
Connecticut, for the term of six months, and
joined Capt. Hollibart's company in Col.
Canfield's Regiment. He was stationed, most of the time, at Horse Neck; and during this
term of service performed the duty of orderly
Sergeant. He was not appointed a Sargent at
this time: but, the Sergeant of the Company
being incompetent to the post, voluntarily
entered the ranks, and requested the Captain
to appoint the said Eli in his place; which
was done accordingly; and the said Elie
filed his term of service in that part.
The said Eli was out on several occasions
in scouting parties, while he lived in Connecticut.
In 1779 or 1780, he removed into the town of
Clarendon in Vermont; where he has remained ever since. After his removal to Vermont, and during the war, he was out in several scouting parties; in one, under Capt. John Spafford of the Vermont troop, where he
was gone three or four weeks.
The States to which the said Eli belonged
when he performed the above mentioned services
Page 78

the names and rank of the officers under
whom he served - the sections of County in
which he served  - the battles in which he
was engaged - the description of force
with which he was employed - the length
of time which he served, as near as I can now
recollect, - will all appear from the proceeding
Statement.
The said Eli Resided in Clarendon
when application was first made by me
for a pension for him.
I resided there, also, myself, and made the declaration for the said Eli and swore to the same before Robert Temple Esq. then a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Rutland, now deceased.
I have drawn for my fathers pension
at the rate of one hundred and fifteen
dollars per annum, and the last payment
was drawn on the 4th of September, 1834.
Rutland  9. February, 1835.
Witness present
Gove
Elisha Eastman
Page 79

1
Elisha Eastman's
Supplemental Statement
May 4. 1835.

H. Everett
Page 80

State of Vermont,
Rutland County, ys.
On this 4th day of May, 1835,
personally came before the undersigned authority, Elisha Eastman of Clarendon in said County, to me well known, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, in addition to and in Explanation of, his former declaration made for and in behalf of
his ward and father, Eli Eastman, of the same Clarendon, in order to obtain for the said Eli the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June, 1832.
That the said Eli served as a Sergent, eight months, in 1776, in New York and on Long -Island, under Capt. Abraham Bradley in Col. Gay's Regiment.
That in 1777, he served nine months, in Captain Eli Leavenworth's Company, in Col. Meig's Regiment, as a Sergeant.
That in 1778, he was drafted, and volunteered
for six months, to go to Horse Neck, as a private, under
Capt. Adam Hurlburt; and was there appointed a Sergeant, and performed that duty for six months
That in the spring of 1779, he performed another tour of duty, as a private, under the above named Capt. Adam Hurlburt, at said Horse Neck, for the term of about three weeks.
That in the latter part of the summer of 1779, he performed another tour of duty, under the said Capt. Adam Hurlburt, for the term of about two months, at New Haven in Connecticut.
That Timothy Eastman was the Grandfather of this deponent, and the Father of the said Eli Eastman.
Elisha Eastman
State of Vermont
Rutland County, ss.

The above declaration of Elisha Eastman was
subscribed and sworn to, the day and year therein first above written,
Before me
A L Brown
Justice Peace
Page 81

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland certify that Andrew L. Brown is a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that his signature to the within certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Rutland this 16th day of May AD 1835
R. Pierpoint
Page 82

State of Vermont.

Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier May 13. 1835.

I hereby certify that the Honorable Charles K. Williams is Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts and attestations as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of court - that I am acquainted with his handwriting and believe his signature to the preceeding attestion to be genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this office this thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.
Timothy Merrill
Secretary of State
Page 83

I Henry Hodges of Clarendon in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont testify & say that I have resided in the same Town and been acquainted with Eli Eastman for about forty years have had dealing with him in the way of business and known him personally and have ever esteemed him a man of Integrity and veracity in all his statements
Rutland May 9. 1835
Henry Hodges

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
Sworn to this 9th day of May, 1835.  And I certify that I am well acquainted with Judge Hodges the above named deponant, and that he is a witness of truth & veracity.
Ch K Williams Chief Judge Sup Court
Page 84

State of New York}
Washington County} ss
Benjamin Eastman of the town of Fort Ann County of Washington and State of New York being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he has been well acquainted with Eli Eastman of the town of Clarendon County of Rutlan [Rutland] and State of Vermont for more than Forty years last and for the first twenty five years he was more familiarly acquainted and was very frequintly [frequently] in his [illegible] during the several Interviews he has heard him say that he first inlisted living in Woodbury State of Connecticut for one year and that he served eight or nine months under Capt Bradley 
Lieut Blakesley, in Col Gays Regiment - That he joined Col Gays Regiment at New York City when he was in a battle with the British troop and was wounded with a Musket Ball on his head over the right ear which this deponat [deponant] has frequently seen.
And this deponant further saith that he thinks it was at the battle of Flat bush he was wounded as above instead of the City of New York that he served as an Orderly Sergent [Sergeant] and served as Lieut during the said Eight month
And this deponant further saith that he has heard him the said Eli Eastman very frequently relating his war stories as he called them and he recollects well that in the year of 1777 he enlisted for nine months in Capt Levensworth company of State Troop Connecticut line  that he was listed and served as the first Sergeant in said company during the whole of nine months went from Woodbury in said State of Connecticut thinks he heard him say he belonged to Col Jonathon Meigs Regt - And also that in the year 1778 he vollunteered [volunteered] instead of being drafted for six month and was marched to horse neck in the Connecticut State troops from the said Woodbury.  and at horse Neck he was appointed and listed the first Sergeant in which capacity he served during the said Six months in Capt Adam Hurlburt or Holliburt Company in Col Canfields Regiment.  That he recollect that during his being at horse Neck there was a bridge called Birams bridge on which there were centinels [sentinels] placed and they were shot on the bridge untill [until] said Eli Eastman with a Sergeant Guard took 4 or 5 of them prisoners and for that time put a stop to the centinals [sentinels] being killed
Page 85

And again he this deponent recollects to have heard him the said Sergeant Eli Eastman say he was present when Gen Putnam rode down the Rocks at that place and further this deponents state that now he resides and has done for several years past about forty miles from him   And further this deponent saith not
Benj. Eastman

Subscribed and Sworn before me this
27th day of April A. D. 1835.  I also certify that I am well acquaint with Benjamin Eastman & that he is reputed to be a man of truth and veracity
John Moss 
a Judge of Washington County Courts

State of New York}
Washington County} ss
I Edward Dodd Clerk of the said County do certify that John Moss before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Judges of Washington County Courts in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper handwriting and Signature -
Witness my hand and Seal of Office 
this 4th day of May 1835
Edward Dodd Clk.
Page 86

The deposition of Sally Eddy Daughter of Eli Eastman of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont of Lawful age who deposes and says that she is now forty six years old and that she has always lived in her Fathers family intill [until] she was thirty two years old and since has lived only about two miles distant and has often heard him relate the account of his services in the war of the Revolution.  that from her earliest reccollection [recollection] he was an active man and inteligent [intelligent] and clear in the manner of communicating his views of any former transaction which he wished to describe Except occasionly [occasionally] he was subject to turns of mental derangement which lately have increased upon him as he grew older, untill [until], within ten or twelve years past he has been entirely incapable of transacting any business whatever and is now confined to his room and bed and has been for the last four years  I verry [very] well remember that he while in his lucid intervals spoke of & seemed to be sensible of the derangement above described to which he was subject and always ascribed it to the effects of a musket shot wound (which now shews  an indent, or scar about an inch and a half long on the head just above the right ear) which he said was received from the Hessians in Battle, have often heard him say the [he] lived in Woodbury in the State of Connecticut at the time he went into the army and have heard him mention the names Bradly, Gay, & Hart as officers under whom he served  have heard him mention being in Battle at Whiteplain and well remember to have heard him say he served under Capt Levensworth and have heard him mention Col Meigs as com. of his officers (do not remember how long he said he was in the in army—) and I well remember he said he served
Page 87

served in the capacity of a Sergeant
I recollect to have heard him relate that he volunteered to serve at horsneck [Horse Neck] six months at the time there was a draft of Militia from the Town of Woodbury for that place under Capt Halliburt  I recollect to have heard him say while at horse neck the company were on their first being at that place destitute of provisions in several days for the reason that the orderly Seargeant [Sergeant] and other officers of the company were unable to make a proper order on the commissary for the rations and he said he informed Capt Halliburt that he could draw an order properly haveing [having] served previously in the capacity of orderly and understood the duties of the post and that Capt Holliburt accepted of his offer and that he served during that term of service as orderly Sergeant that he was one of the soldier's who joined Genl. Putnam at horse neck and saw Genl Putnam verry [very] soon after he rode down the rocks at that place  have heard him speak of Col Canfield being the Col under whom he served and further this deponent saith not
Sally Eddy

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
Clarendon April 24th AD 1835
then personally appeared Sally Eddy and made solim [solemn] oath that the foregoing affadavit by her subscribed contains the Truth the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth—
before me
Silas W. Hodges Justice peace

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
I certify that Sally Eddy the above named Deponant is a person I have known a long time (personally) and believe her character stands fair for Truth & veracity
Silas W Hodges Justice peace
Page 88

I hereby certify that I have known Eli Eastman of
this Town forty years that he has always been of
good character and has maintained an unsul[l]ied
reputation for honesty and integrity and has I believe gained belief in any statements he has made in the circle of his acquaintances.

Silas W. Hodges Justice peace
Page 89

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss.}
Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland Certify that Silas W Hodges is a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that his signature to the within certificates I believe to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Rutland this 16th day of May A. D. 1835
R. Pierpoint



Sally Eddy's Deposition
Page 90

Rutland Vt. 29 June 1835

Sir—
I have now the honor to inclose to you the additional and explanatory declaration of Elisha Eastman, made for and in behalf of his father and ward, for military services performed during the revolutionary war; for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7 June, 1832.
1.—  By this new declaration it will be seen, that Mr. Elisha Eastman claims for his father, 8 months service, as a Sergeant, in 1776, in Capt. Bradley's Company and Col. Gay's Regiment.
2.—  That in 1777, he served 9 months as a Sergeant in Capt. Eli Leavenworth's Company and Col. Meigs' Regiment.
3.—  That in 1778, he served 6 months as a Sergeant under Capt. Adam Hurlburt at 
Horse-Neck.
4.—  That in 1779, he served, 3 weeks as a private under the same Capt. Adam Hurlburt, at Horse-Neck.
5.—  That in 1779, he served again for 2 months as a private under the same Capt. Adam Hurlburt at New Haven.  And,
6.—  That Timothy Eastman was the grandfather of the said Elisha Eastman; and, consequently, the father of the said Eli Eastman:  amounting to the sum of 23 months service, as a Sergeant; and the further sum of 2 months and 3 weeks, as a private.
In support of this claim, I refer you to the following proofs herewith inclosed:
1.—  To the declaration of Elisha Eastman, sworn to in due form, on the 4. May, 1835.
2.—  To the Certificate of the Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, date the 13. March, 1835; and, to his letter to me, of the same date, attached:  and,
3.—  To another certificate from that officer, and accompanying letter, dated the 14th of March, 1835.
4.—  To the deposition of David Rumsey, proving 8 months service of Eli Eastman, as a Sergeant in 1776.
5.—  To the deposition of Benjamin Eastman of Fort Ann, proving the repeated statements of services of the said Eli Eastman, made when in the possession of his right mind.
Page 91

6.—  To the deposition of Rebecca Eastman, to the same services.
7.—  To the deposition of Sally Eddy, to the same services.
8.—  To the two depositions of Andrew Potter, and John Eastman, to the same services.
9.—  To the deposition of Lewis Walker; and
10.—  To the deposition of Judge Hodges:  both of which last mentioned depositions prove the good standing for truth and veracity, and in other respects, of the said Eli Eastman:  to which points, also, the depositions of [And]rew Potter, and Rebecca Eastman are both full.
It was my intention, moreover, to have returned the original Pension Certificate; but Mr. Eastman has inadvertantly carried it home.  It shall be done hereafter, if required.
In reference to the oversight, mentioned in your letter of the 17 February last, of issuing the certificate for $115, Mr. Eastman instructs me to say, that he had been informed by Mr. Temple, that it was issued for too small a sum, even now:  that the papers had been first marked at $40, by some person in the Pension Office; from which decision he had taken an appeal to the Secretary of War; and, by his order, procured an enlargement of $115—  for which service Mr. Temple actually retained, out of Eastman's first payment, as he says, the moderate sum of 80 dollars.
How the proofs stood, that were actually presented by Mr. Temple, Mr. Eastman never knew—  excepting, that from your letter, he concludes, that many of them must have been withheld, suppressed, or withdrawn.  But, that the proofs furnished to Mr. Temple, were more ample than Mr. Eastman is now able to adduce, is p[r]etty certain; because he says, that several of the witnesses whose testimony was procured for the first application, are now deceased; and his father's mind is now so utterly decayed, that no clue whatever can be obtained from him, either of the names or residence of any others.
I have not thought it necessary, in this case, to recapitulate the testimony herewith presented, otherwise than by referring to it numerically.  Its perusal, I trust, will satisfy you, that the claimant has actually performed the services asserted by his guardian.
I have the honor to be,
very respectfully Sir, your obt. sevt
Jesse Gove

To Honble. James L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Page 92

The deposition of Abel W. Potter of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 46 years, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that for the term of forty years past, he has been well acquainted with Eli Eastman, of the same Clarendon, who is now a non compos mentis—  that the said Eli hath been, by turns, ever since deponent's first acquaintance with him, subject to occasional mental alienation—  that for about four years past, he has been constantly in a state of lunacy—  that he is now in that situation; and, it is the opinion of this deponent, that he can neither be relieved, nor cured.  Deponent is a Physician and Surgeon by profession, and hath been frequently called to examine, and consult with other professional men, upon the case of the said Eli; and the preceeding opinion is founded upon those examinations and consultations.
And the said Potter further deposes and says, that he hath always regarded the said Eli, when in his lucid intervals, as a man of the strictest truth and veracity—  that said Eli hath frequently, when rational, informed this deponent, that he was wounded by a musket shot in the battle of Flatbush on Long Island in the revolutionary war, in 1776—  that deponent hath often examined the said wound, which appears to have been made on the right side of the head, just above the right ear, and now shows an indent of the bone of the scull, about two or three inches in length, and producing an unnatural pressure upon the substance of the brain.  This pressure, deponent considers a sufficient cause (and he knows of no other, in said Eastman) of the permanent lunacy under which said Eastman is suffering:  and knowing no other cause, he can ascribe his present state to nothing but the continued and now permanent effects of said wound.  And further the deponent saith no.
A W Potter MD

State of Vermont,}
Rutland County ss}
Be it known, that on the 12th day of September, 1835, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Abel W. Potter, to me
Page 93

well known, and made solemn oath, that the facts therein stated by him contain the truth, and nothing but the truth.  And I do hereby certify, that the said deponent is reputed to be a credible witness, and reputable in his profession.
S. Foot Justice Peace.

State of Vermont}
Rutland County}
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the Conty of Rutland certify that Solomon Foot is a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned, and that his signature above is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Rutland this 27th day of April A. D. 1830
R. Pierpoint
Page 94

I Silas Bowen of Clarendon County of Rutland & State of Vermont, of lawful age, being duly sworn, do depose, testify and say that for the thirteen years last past I have been well acquainted with Eli Eastman, of Clarendon aforesaid, That during the thirteen years aforesaid, I have been the family Physician, of Elisha Eastman, Son of said Eli, and in whose family the sd. Eli Eastman resides.  That I have often heard the said Eli, state that he was wounded in the head by a musket ball in the revolutionary war - the battle of Flatbush on Long Island in 1776 was the time and place.  I have often examined the right side of his head a little above the ear where there is a scar, the bone indented & has all the appearance of such a wound as he use to describe -
And I would further depose & say that all the time I have been acquainted with said Eli Eastman, he has been subject to turns of alienation, or deranged state of mind similar to those I have known when there has been an injury which has caused a depression of the bone & consequent pressure on the brain - and this pressure has been continued for that length of time that he can neither be eased or relieved  
The said Eli is now I should judge all of eighty years of age & has been for 4 or 5 years past so entirely deranged in his mind as to appear like an death - altho formerly in his lucid intervals a man of good sense & the strictest veracity.  I would further state that I have been regular in the practice of medicine & surgery for thirty seven years past - and am fully satisfied that the wound above stated, which the said Eli Eastman, received is the cause of his former crazy turns & present deplorable state of mind.  and further this deponent saith not
Clarendon 29th Octr. 1835
Silas Bowen M. D.

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
Be it known that on the 29th October AD 1835 before me the Subscriber, a Justice peace in and for said County personally appeared Silas Bowen to me known and made Solemn oath that facts therein stated by him contain the Truth & nothing but the Truth, and I do hereby certify that the said Deponant is duly entitled to relief
Silas W. Hodges Justice peace
Page 95

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}

I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland Certify that Silus W. Hodges is a Justice of the peace for said County duly Commissioned and that his Signature to the within Certificate below is genuine

In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and Certified the Seal of said Court at Rutland this 27th day of April AD 1836
R. Pierpoint
Page 96

Eli Eastman
non com. Guar. Acct.
Exemplification

Hon. H. Everett HR
16
Page 97

proof, established by the several acts of Congress relative to persons disabled by known wounds received while in the line of their duty in the service of the United States. And, although your petitioner doth verily believe that the said Eli did actually serve for the period of nine months as above stated under the said Captain Leavenworth; yet, long before, and since the month of March, 1818, the mind of the said Eli hath been so much deranged, that he did not know that he would have been entitled to a pension for that service: and the witnesses, known to your petitioner by whom the said Eli could have proved his services, excepting the depositions of the witnesses herewith presented, are all now deceased, or removed to posts unknown to your petitioner.

And your petitioner doth further represent, that the said Eli, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of assistance from his Country.

And your petitioner doth further represent, that by reason of the labor, care, watching, lifting and looking after the said Eli, year after year, and not having the means of hiring other suitable and convenient nurses, your petitioner's, and his wife's health have become greatly impaired, so that their recovery is now altogether [dispaired?] of.

Wherefore, your petitioner humbly prays your Honor to take the said Eli's care into your wise consideration, and to grant him such relief, the premises considered, as to your honor may deem most and just.

Dated at Clarendon aforesaid the 28th day of December, A.D. 1835.
Elisha Eastman

[illegible........] this 28th day of Dec, 1835
[(signature)]
Page 98

STATE OF VERMONT.
TO ALL PERSONS TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME,
GREETING.

Know ye, THAT having inspected the records and proceedings *aining in the Register's Office of our Court of Probate for the District *tland, we do there find remaining a certain record of an original Guardian's account in the words and figures following, to wit:
State of Vermont}
District of Rutland, ss.}
Be it Remembered that at a stated Probate Court held at Rutland within and for said District on the first Monday being the fourth day of January, 
A. D. 1836: 
Present, the Hon. William Marsh, Judge:
Elisha Eastman, Guardian of Eli Eastman, a non compos mentis of Clarendon in said District, presented for allowance the account of his Guardianship of his said ward; and the same having been examined and audited:  Ordered.  That said account pass and be recorded as follows, to wit.
F. W. Hopkins, Register

*Part of the document was covered and unreadable.
Page 99

HR 405

25th CONGRESS, 
2d Session.
[Rep. No. 382.]
HO. OF REPS.

ELI EASTMAN.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 405.]
JANUARY 12, 1838.

Mr. WHTTLESEY, of Connecticut, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT, As made to the last Congress:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Elisha Eastman, guardian of Eli Eastman, ask leave to report:
The petitioner is the son of Eli Eastman, a soldier of the Revolution, whose father has been reduced, by wounds and bodily infirmity, to a state of insanity.  The petitioner has been appointed the guargian of his parent, and asks that his name shall be placed upon the pension list.
The papers in this care are voluminous, but there is sufficient proof that Mr. Eastman served eight months as a sergeant in Captain Bradley's company, of Colonel Gay's regiment.  During this tour, which was in 1776, he was at the battles of Long Island and White Plains, and in the former conflict received a severe wound in the head from a musket ball.  He served a further period of eight months, in 1777-'78, in Captain Leavenworth's company, of Colonel Meigs's regiment, in the same capacity he had preciously acted in his former tour of duty.
It appears that the petitioner's father was placed upon the pension list under the law of 1831, and was paid his yearly stipend until the 4th day of September, 1834, when the payment was suspended, and has, from that date, been refused by the War Department.
The apology given for the act of the Secretary of War is, that the pensioner had the misfortune to constitute as his agent to obtain his pension, originally, R. Temple, who, it is alleged, had defrauded the Government by forged certificates and perjured witnesses; and in the general mass of what were deemed false claims, the innocent with the guilty were alike included.
How far the suspension was proper, or its expediency ever was justifiable, the committee will not now inquire; they are satisfied that Eli Eastman is entitled to the benefit of the law of 1832, and ought now to be on the pension list.  They therefore report a bill directing that he should be paid the sum of $66.66 per annum, commencing on the 4th day of September, 1834.
'Thomas Allen, print.
Page 100

I Joseph Bevins of the Town of Hague in the County of Warren and State of New York aged Seventy five years being duly sworn according to law, do depose testify and say, that during the Revolutionary War between the years 1780 and the Fall of 1783, I resided in the Town of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont,  and occasionally labored for Capt. Abraham Salisbury and Mr. Eli Eastman deceasd. then both of the same Clarendon, with both of whom I was personally well acquainted - and I well remember that at one time before the close of said war, and after the Marriage of said Eastman to Rebecca Sears now residing in said Clarendon, who is his Widow,  he marched from that Town as a private soldier in a Company then commanded by Capt. John Spafford of Tinmouth in said County of Rutland, and went to Lake Champlain on a Military expedition relating to said War where he was gone from home about three or four weeks - I was at work there then and well know the fact of Eastman's performing that service - I know also that said Eastman performed ten or fifteen days service at some of the then frontier  Posts at Castleton, Hubbardton, or Rutland - before the close of said War - and after his marriage as aforesaid under the said Capt. Salisbury but to which of those Posts he went I cannot now remember - And further this Deponent saith not—

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
Be it known that on the 10th day of April 1838 at  Cornwall in said Rutland County before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland aforesd. personally appeared the said Joseph Bevins who hath subscribed the preceeding Deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  And do hereby certify that I know nothing but that the said Deponent is a credible witness
Roswell Batterson Jr Justice Peace
Page 101

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}

I, Robert Pierpoint, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby certify that Roswell Bottom junior is a Magistrate as above written; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 11th day of April, 1838.
R. Pierpoint
Page 102

I HEREBY certify, that the accompanying pages numbered from one to twelve, inclusive, are truly copied from the originals in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of War.
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

BE IT REMEMBERED, That JAMES L. EDWARDS, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions: and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to affixed on this eighteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
B. F. Butler
Secretary of War,
ad interim
Page 103

I, Lewis Walker, of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, being fifty-one years of age to testify and say that I am personally and well acquainted with Eli Eastman of Clarendon, aforesaid, have known him for more that forty years, and I have often heard him tell of being in the service during the revolutionary war have heard him relate the particulars relative to the battle of White Plains, and have no hesitation in saying that I believe that he was present at that engagement, and that the said Eli Eastman did perform military services during part of the time while the war continued but how long the deponent does not recollect, and I further say that I have heard the said Eli Eastman say that he was sergeant while in the service of his country. I further say that the said Eli Eastman is at this time and has been for quite in a number of years in a state of mental derangement, and is now and has been for a long time unable to attend to any kind of business. 
And further this deponent saith not.
Lewis Walker

State of Vermont,
Rutland County, Clarendon, November 26, 1832.
Then, personally appeared Lewis Walker, the signer of the above Affidavit, and made solemn oath that the same contained nothing but the truth before me.

Daniel S. Ewing, Justice Peace.
I certify that Lewis Walker the signer of the affidavit above is a justice of the Peace for the county of Rutland, is representative for the Town of Clarendon, for the yar ensuing and in my opinion his affidavit is entitled to full credit.
Daniel S. Ewing
Page 104

2
Rebecca Eastman, of Clarendon in the County of
Rutland & State of Vermont, being seventy four years of age do depose and say that I am the wife of
Eli Eastman of the same Clarendon was married
to him the 3rd day of June 1783 and have lived
with him ever since. I was born in the town of Sheffield in the State of Massachusetts, where I resided
until I was near twenty years of age - from Sheffield
I removed to Bennington in this State - from there
I came to this Town where I was married to my
present husband Eli Eastman. I further depose
& say that my husband has been in a state of
mental derangement for something near fourteen
years, during which time he has been unable to
attend to any kind of business. I further depose
and say that I have repeatedly heard my husband say during the time he was of sound mind
and memory that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war - that when he first enlisted into the
service he lived in Woodbury in Connecticut that he
enlisted under Captain Leavenworth for the term of
eight months, and did the duty of sergeant - that he
joined the regiment at New York - Col. Gay
commandant at which place the Col. Died &
after him Col Hart took the command of the
regiment. I have heard him say many times
that he was in the battle of at the White Plains,
and that from New York he retreated with the
service army up the river to what he called the
High lands - I further say that he has often told
me that after his term of enlistment was out he
again enlisted under Captain Bradley for nine months,
which was in the year 1777 that he did Sergeant's duty
under him and that during the term of nine
months
Page 105

months was for the most part of the time in the
State of New York was not present when Burguisie surrendered his army but was at a place called
Loper's on his way to meet him out the
army was taken before his arrival.
I further say that my husband has often told
me that while under Captain Bradley he was
wounded by a musket ball on the head - the sear
is now plain to be seen on his head at this time.
I further say that I have heard my husband say
that in 1778 he was drafted as a militia man,
and did duty under Capt. Hurlbus, and was at a
place called Horse-neck - was present when Putnam
fled before the British troops, and escaped by riding
down the rocky steep that in consequence of ill
health he obtained from his Capt. a furlough and
went home - how long he was out I do not recollect
to have heard him say.
I further say that I have
heard my husband say that whenever he got a bad
cold the wound in his head was very troublesome.
And further this deponant says not.
her
Rebecca Eastman
much

Witness
Daniel P. Ewing

State of Vermont,
Rutland County
Town of Clarendon, 23d day of
November, 1832, then Rebecca
Eastman of Clarendon
in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont,
personally appearing and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the
above and foregoing affidavit by her subscribed
contains nothing but the truth.
Before me Daniel L. Ewing
Justice Peace
Page 106

4
State of Vermont,
Rutland ss
On the twenty-sixth day of November, 1832, personally came before the undersigned authority, Andrew Potter, of Clarendon, who being duly sworn
doth depose and say, that he is well acquainted with
Eli Eastman, and has been acquainted with him for
30 years past, living about half a mile from him - that
he has frequently heard said Eli state his services
in the Revolutionary war before he became deranged,
which were the same as stated by his sons in this
declaration, and he has no doubt of the truth of them
these statements were made before the passage of any
pension laws - he further stated the manner of placing
the chevaux de friese, or chain across the North river
to prevent the enemy's ships from passing up - and
that he was present when they broke the chain
and passed up - and if the deponent mistakes not,
be the said Eli said he assisted in placing the
chain in the river. That he has frequently related
that he was wounded at Red Hook, as the deponent
believes, and has frequently showed the deponent the
place in the head where the ball struck him, and
there is now a hole in the side of his scull
large enough to put his finger in, and it is believed by many that his insanity was caused by the
effects of that wound; but of this, the deponent
is not competent to judge.
Sworn before me the day and year aforesaid,
the said Andrew Potter being well known to me & a credible witness
R. Temple, Jus. Peace
State of Vermont,
Rutland County, ss.
On this 17th day of November AD.
1832. personally appeared in open court before the Judge of the
Page 107

5
the Probate Court of Rutland District, now sitting John
Eastman, a resident of the County of Rutland and State of
Vermont, aged forty-seven years, & Elisha Eastman
of said County, aged thirty four 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, for the benefit
of their father Eli Eastman of said County, who is
83 years old, and is in a state of insanity
That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers and served as herein
stated, as he has always stated to his family, and
to these deponents in particular, before he became
insane,
That in 1776 their father, the said Eli Eastman
lived in Woodbury, Connecticut and that he served that
year eight months as sergeant in Capt. Leavenworth
company, Col. Gay's regiment. That his Colonel died
at New York during the time, after which the regiment was commanded by Col. Hart or Col Meigs - that he was at New York and Long Island in
service when the enemy drove them out, and retreated to White Plains and was in the battles of Long
Island & Red Hook, and White Plains, and was
discharged at the Highlands. In 1777 he enlisted into
Captain Bradley's Company, Col Hart's regiment
and served as Sergeant nine months, and was at
the highlands, and was near Esopus when it was
burnt he came near being taken prisoner at Long
Island, and was wounded by a musket ball which
grazed the side of his head, it has been thought
that the injury of this wound increased and produced
his insanity, which became confirmed about fourteen years ago. In 1778 he was drafted and
served
Page 108

6
served six months in Capt. Holaberds company in Col. Caufield's regiment, at Horse neck and on the lines.
He was also out several times for shorter periods,
but the deponents cannot remember the officers' names,
or the periods for which he said he served. The above
statement of services the deponents have repeatedly
heard their said father make as performed by him
before he became deranged, which they distinctly remember, and fully believed to be true. Further they
have heard him say he knew Genl Washington,
Greene, Putnam, Gates, and many others - that he
was in the battle with General Putnam, when he
rode down the stone steps - that they have been
unable to procure any testimony of his services, &
he is so much deranged that they can get no instruction from him on the subject. They have
always understood their father was born at Fairfield the 29 April, 1749, but they know of no
record of his age. He has lived in Clarendon in
the County near fifty years - the deponents were
both born there, they and their father are
known to the principal inhabitants of the place.
And in behalf of their father they hereby
relinquish every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present, and declare, that
his name is not on the Pension Roll of the
Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed John Eastman,
the day and year aforesaid, Elisha Eastman,
R. C. Royce, Regt
We John Peck, a clergyman residing in Clarendon and Hopkins Horton residing in the same place,
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
Eli Eastman, whose sons have subscribed and sworn
to
Page 109

7
to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
eighty one 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.
John Peck,
Hopkins Horton
Sworn and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
R. C. Rayes, Regt.
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
Eli Eastman was a Revolutionary soldier, and served
as stated by his sons. And the Court further certfies that it appears to them that John Peck who
has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman,
resident in Clarendon and that Hopkins Horton
who has also signed the same, is a resident in
Clarendon, and is a credible person, and that their
statement is entitled to credit. And I do further
certify that I attended at the residence of said
Eli Eastman for the purpose of taking his declareation; but from the diseased state of his body &
mind found him incapable of making it - but found it generally believed in the neighborhood that he served as stated by his son as aforesaid.
R. Pierpont, Judge Probate Court.
I Rodney C. Royce, Regt of the Court of Probate
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in the
matter of the application of Eli Eastman.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office this 20th day of Novr A.D. 1832.
R. C. Royce
State
Page 110

8
State of Vermont,
     I Robert Pierpont, Clerk of Rutland County court, do certify, that Daniel S. Ewing & Robert Temple, before whom the annexed affidavits were taken are Justices of the Peace for said County duly commissioned - and that their names subscribed thereto are in their own hand writing respectively.
     In testimony whereof I hereunto set my
hand and affix the seal of said Court this 26th
day of November, 1832. R. Pierpont.
State of New York
Chautauqua County, ss. David Rumsey of the 
said County, a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, being duly sworn, says: that he is well acquainted with Eli Eastman of the Town of Clarendon, Rutland County, and State of Vermont - that he has known him for about sixty years past. that he was present in Roxbury, Litchfield County, and State of
Connecticut, when the said Eli Eastman enlisted - that he enlisted for the term of eight months under Lieutenant T. Blakesley, Capt. Bradley, Col. Gay's regiment - that he was a Sergeant in said Bradley's company - that this deponent belonged to the same
company - that they marched from Roxbury to the city of New York - thence to Long Island -thence by retreat to New York, thence to White Plains - where our regiment was engaged in the battle at said place; that this deponent in consequence of ill health was discharged before the term of his enlistment expired. And that the said Eli Eastman was in service at that time, and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed before me Dec. 10, 1832.
['before me Dec. 10, 1832.' is written underneath the first half of the sentence, and the succeeding signatures are signed to the right]
David - Rumsey
David Mason, JP.
Page 111

State of New York
Chatauque County
Clerk's Office ss. I, G.C. Young, Deputy
Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that David Mann, Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit
purports to have been sworn was at the date of
the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County. And further that I am well acquainted with
the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily
believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit
to be his proper hand-writing and signature.
Witness my hand and the seal of the Court
of Common Pleas of said County this 12th day of
December, A.D. 1832.
G.C. Young, Dep. Clk.
State of Vermont,
Rutland
ss
I certify that I am well acquainted with David Rumsey, Esq. the within
named deponent, who recently resided in Vermont,
and that he is a credible person witness
R. Temple. Jus. Peace.

Statement of Eli Eastman of Clarendon, in
the County of Rutland, in the State of Vermont,
a pensioner placed on the pension list of the
United States on the 17th of January, 1833; made
by his son Elisha Eastman of the same Clarendon,
who has been duly appointed, conformably to the
laws of Vermont, guardian of the said Eli Eastman, who now is, and for more than two years
last past hath been, no compos mentis and
incapble of taking care of himself - as follows:
I have always understood from my father,
when
Page 112

10
when he was in the full possession of his right reason, that he first entered into the service of the United States, as a Sergeant, in the 1776, at Woodsbury [Woodbury?] in the State of Connecticut, and that he enlisted at that place under a Capt. Eli Leavensworth of the new levies, so called, for the term of eight months; and soon afterwards joined the regiment, then commanded by Col. Gay at the City of New York. While lying at New York, Col. Gay died, and was succeeded by a Col. Hart. He continued in the service until the expiration of the term of his enlistment, was in the battle of Flatbush in Long Island in August of that year; and afterwards in the battle of White Plains in October following. It was at the battle of Flatbush as I have understood from my father, that he was wounded in the head by a musket ball (from the Hessian Troops as he believed) passing just above the right ear, and laying the bone care for the length of two or three inches. This wound, for want of proper surgical aid, did not heal during that period of his enlistment. He, nevertheless continued with the army and in the discharge of his duty; & while lying at the High lands on the Hudson river, he took cold in his head from exposure to the weather (being obliged to sleep on the ground in the open air) which had the effect, at that time, of depriving him temparily [temporarily] of his reason and inducing a state of mental imbecility which has been increasing upon him ever since, until, at this time, he is wholly
incapable of taking any care of himself or his affairs.
     In 1777 the said Eli again enlisted for the
term of nine months as a sergeant in a company commanded by Capt. Abraham Bradley of the
Page 113

11 ┃
Connecticut troops; and during the time his regiment
was commanded by Col. Hart, and by Col. Meigs; or
else he was transferred into the two regiments commanded
by those officers. He was near Esopus, at the time
Burgoine was taken by the Americans at Stillwater.
In 1778 he was drafted at Woodbury in Connecticut, for the term of six months, and joined Capt.
Hollibarts company in Col. Canfield's regiment. He was stationed, most of the time, at Horse Neck; and
during this term of service, performed the duty of orderly
sergeant. He was not appointed a sergeant at this
time; but, the Sergeant of the company being incompetent to the post, voluntarily entered the ranks, and
requested the captain to appoint the said Eli in his place; which was done accordingly; and the said
Eli fulfilled his term of service in that post.
The said Eli was out on several occasions in
scouting parties, while he lived in Connecticut. In
1779, or 1780 he removed into the town of Clarendon
in Vermont, where he has remained ever since. After
his removal to Vermont, and during the war, he
was out in several scouting parties; in one, under
Capt. John Spafford of the Vermont troop, where
he was gone three or four weeks.
The States to which the said Eli belonged
when he performed the above mentioned services,
the names and rank of the officers under whom
he served - the sections of country in which he
served - the battles in which he was engaged - the description of force with which he was employed - the length of time which he served, as near as I can now
recollect, will all appear from the preceding
& testament.
The
Page 114

12
The said Eli resided in Clarendon when application was first made by me for a pension for him.  I resided there, also, myself, and made the declaration for the said Eli, and swore to the same before Robert Temple, Esq then a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Rutland, now deceased.
I have drawn for my father's pension at the rate of one hundred and fifteen dollars per annum, and the last payment was drawn on the 4th of September, 1834.
Rutland, 9 February, 1835.
Elisha Eastman

Witness present,}
Jesse Gove.}
Page 115

Rutland Vt 13 April 1839
Sir
Your letter of the 6th inst. advising that you
had instructed "The Agent at Burlington to pay the amount due
to Sally Eddy, John Eastman and Elisha Eastman, three of the
surviving children of Eli Eastman, deen" is received. You are
silent, however, as to the other surviving children of Eli Eastman,
in reference to whose shares I particularly intended to inquire in
my letter of the 30th of March.
It would seem, that I
have not yet succeeded in making myself understood. Allow
me, therefore, to state the case, once more:
For this purpose, I send again for your consideration
the "Copy of instructions to pension agents," issued with your circular
of the 5th Aug. 1835; and, also, the vouchers of Sally Eddy, John Eastman and Elisha Eastman. These vouchers are drawn in
conformity to the IIId particular of the 6th of those instructions:
the case when there is "no widow," but where there are "children."
They are drown, moreover, under the supposition, that, in
conformity with the 7th of those instructions, the original
pension certificate is surrendered with the vouchers of Sally
Eddy, John Eastman and Elisha Eastman, at the time of receiving their payments or shares.
These three children, then,
are supposed to have received their several portions, and to
have surrendered their father's certificate.
But, these are three other children (as will be
seen by the Certificate of the probate court) whose shares
have not yet been paid, and who could not, previously
to the surrendering of the original pension certificate, have
access to it, in order to enable them to embody a copy in
their affidavit of identity.
Will the Department, for that
reason, deprive them; and, at the same time withhold
the means of making such copy? Obviously, to my mind,
it would not.
Their claims are plainly provided for in
the "regulations" marked (E) in the second paragraph.
But the question, which I respectfully request to
have solved, is, what are the "proper vouchers" in that
2nd paragraph referred to, upon which "each child may be paid"?
In this case - and I beg to call your attention
Page 116

particularly to it— no form of voucher is prescribed; as is given in all the other cases comtemplated by the preceeding instructions.  You will see, that the three children, Betsy Cooper, Daniel Eastman, & Eli Eastman junr. live remote from the pension agency."  They have not as yet demanded their respective shares; and, when they do so - without having the original pension certificate before them - you require, that "the amount due to each child must be paid upon proper vouchers" - and that, too, "without requiring all the children to make application at the same time."
Had the Department set forth a form for this case, as it has done for the others, there would be no difficulty in drawing up a voucher.  I presume, however, that the Department does not intend to establish "instructions respecting the payment of arrears to children of deceased pensioners," without shewing how those instructions may be complied with.
I respectfully repeat the inquiry, What are the "proper vouchers" spoken of in the 2d. paragraph of the "Regulations" marke (E) in manuscript?
I am very respectfully Sir
Your obt. Sevt
Jesse Gove

James L. Edwards Esqr}
Com. of Pensions}
City of Washington}
Page 117

Elisha Eastman's
Statement,
December 9, 1835
[illegible] H Everett
[illegible]
Page 118

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
I, Elisha Eastman of Clarendon in said County, son and Guardian of Eli Eastman of the same Clarendon, a non compos mentis, being duly sworn according to law, do depose and say, in addition to, and in explanation of, my former declaration made for and in behalf of my ward and father the said Eli, in order to obtain for him the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7. June, 1832, as follows, viz:
As I have always understood from my father that he inlisted early in the spring of 1776, for eight months in Capt. Abraham Bradley's Company in Col. Gay's Regt. Connecticut troops, and joined the Regt. at New York, - where Col. Gay died, and was succeeded by Lt. Col. Hart.  That on joining the Regt. he was appointed an orderly Sergeant, and served in the capacity, until his time was out in January, 1777, when he was discharged, and got home in the month of March after.  That he was in the battle of Flatbush, where he received a wound in the head, as described in the accompanying depositions of Doctors Potter, and Bowen; of which would he has been ailing ever since.  That he partially recovered of his wound, so as to be able to join his company, just before the battle of White Plains  That the day before the battle, said Eli with about one half of his company, under Lt. Blakesley, and about the same number of a Rifle company, and a Lt. from the same, were detached and posted on a hill at some distance from the main army, with two flags, for the purpose of drawing off the enemy to that quarter, which had the desired effect - whereupon the enemy moved out in great force to surround them, and had effected their purpose, before they were ordered to retreat; which they accomplished, after first slaying their horse that was attached to their ammunition cart, and sinking both together in a pond near by; after which they retired thro' a cedar swamp, the only practicable point of escape; that after getting through said swamp, they were met by a body of Infantry & horse, posted in a cornfield behind a stone wall - that they drew up in order of battle, and while the said two Lieutenants were consulting about a surrender, that said Eli remarked to the men, That they should be as well used, after a trial of strength, as to surrender before, and gave orders to fire - that they did do, and made a passage through, with the loss of one of the party killed, and none wounded; that they continued their retreat to the Tide Mill in the vicinity, expecting the tide would be out, when they could ford the pond above the dam, but that contrary to their expectations, the tide was still in; that the rifle-men of their party, in attempting to ford below  [end of page]
Page 119

the dam, were nearly all cut off, 28 of them being killed & drowned,
and only 4 escaping; that said Eli conducted the Infantry men of the
party into the margin of the pond above the dam, to the brink of
which they were closely pursued by the enemy's horse - that after
wading along the pond for some distance, the Americans in from
another quarter, seeing the pursuit, fired several cannon shots at
the horse and dispersed them, when the said Eli this party escaped.
That the next day, the day of the battle of White Plains, the survivors
of the party were told by Genl. Washington, that in consequence of the
service just mentioned, they were excused from that days service, and
they were sent off accordingly to the distance of about one mile. Toward
nightfall, when the cannon had nearly ceased firing, Lt. Blakesley
in approaching the battle ground, received a wound on the knee from a
cannon shot, [illegible] the knee-pain of which wound he died soon
after. That said Eli continued with the army, and was present
when the enemy broke through and passed the chain thrown across
the river at the highlands. That the said Eli's wound not
having yet healed, he took cold in the winter following, which
settled in that part of his head, occasioning great pain and inflamation, so that he was incapable of doing duty. In this condition,
two days before the rest of the company was dismissed, he
was discharged, and sent home under the care of two men by the
name of Frisbee, and Brownson, who were discharged for the purpose
at the same time. They wer 4 days in travelling 24 miles; and
then on account of said Eli's increased illness, were obliged to
stop and leave him. This was at the house of one Stephen
Griffin on Robbins Pattent in Oblong - here he remained sick and
deprived of his reason for 25 days - the swelling of the head gathered
and broke under the right jaw - after which his reason soon
returned - and his health mended, so that in the course of
about ten days more, he was enabled to pursue his journey
home to Woodbury in Connecticut, where he arrived
about the 1 of March, 1777.
And I, the said Elisha Eastman do further depose and say, that
it is my strong impression, that my father has always stated, further
that in 1777, he enlisted under Capt. Eli Leavenworth in Meigs'
Rigt and staid nine months. These troops he sometimes called
new levies, at other times short levies. What the term of inlistment
was, I do not know; but the term of service he always insisted
was nine months. The circumstances attending this enlistment were
Page 120

that there was an intimacy and friendship subsisting between
Capt. Leavenworth and my father; and the former being about
to raise a company, and knowing my father to be a good gunman,
and to have done the duty of an orderly Sergeant, solicited him
to go again in that capacity; stating, at the same time, that
whenever his health should prove unequal to the duties of the
office, that he would himself do the writing, and would
procure him other indulgencies, such as furloughs, as his
health might require. My father inlisted, accordingly, and
during the term had two furloughs of about 12 days each, to
return home. The bounty of £3 he received after his term closed.
I have heard him speak of being often at Col. Douglass quarters
on business of the Company; and, that Col. Douglass used to
release him from fatigue duties, on account of his ill health,
arising from the effects of his wound, which always troubled
him when put to hard duty, or exposed to cold. Col. Meigs
succeeded Col. Douglass.
My father with his company was
at or near Esopus, when that place was burned by the
British.
My father rulated, further, that in 1778, in July
or August of that year, he volunteered for six months, to go to
Horse Neck, as a private under Capt. Adam Hurlbut of
Col. Canfields' Reg't of Connecticut Militia. The circumstances
of this engagement were as follows: a draft of men was
called for, from Woodbury where he then lived - one man
out of three, was to be drafted from the several classes -
but, before drafting, my father offered the other two men of his
class, John Hunt, and Canfield, to volunteer, upon condition
that they would pay him five dollars a piece, they agreed
to do so, and he went accordingly.
On arriving at their
destined post, at Horse Neck, the Company was destitute of
provisions for 3 or 4 days, other than what they purchased,
and could not draw, on account of the orderly Sergeant
not knowing how to make the proper returns.
My father then informed the Capt. that he could make
out the returns - and upon that, he was directed to do so, and
at the same time was appointed orderly Sergeant, in the room
of the other orderly, who thereupon willingly went into the ranks.
He continued to do the orderly's duty, throughout the term
My father was near by, when Gen. Putnam rode down
Page 121

the precipices at Horse Neck saw him soon after and
marched with him in pursuit of the enemy.
He was
dismissed in January or February 1779
During this tour
of service, my father was stationed a part of the time, and
I do know but all the time, at Byrum Bridge. In discharge
of his duty he had often posted centinels at the bridge, as
Sergeant of the guard - several of which sentinels were killed on
their part by the cow-boys and tories. At one time, after
posting centinels in the evening, the centinels were fired at,
before he had retired 4 rods from the Bridge. The next
days he was despatched across the river, with 12 men in
pursuit. They were ordered to go out 5 miles, and search every house.
At the distance of one & a half miles, they
entered a suspected house, where they found & captured five
men that proved to be tories or cowboys. They were in an
upper loft. One of them, tho' a near neighbor, was busy
when the party entered, in hackleing[?] tow the other four
were were under a bead lying on the cords, and consealed by the
feather bead being made up, over them. On drawing them
forth and taking them out doors, one of the men whose
name
was Simmons, offered my father a purse about a foot
long, containing hard money, saying, that he should be hung,
if he were taken to Poughkeepsie, and that he would give
my father the money, if he would let him get off to the
distance of 12 rods; adding, that he had rather be shot, than
to be hung.
My taken brought them all in to Head
Quarters, that night and the next day they were
sent off to Poughkeepsie.
In the spring of 1780, my father moved into the town of
Clarendon, where he now lives; and, during the remainder of
the war, was out on service, several times, with the Vermont
troops - but I do know the number of times, or the length of them
services. He was once,
as he informed me, gone 3 weeks to the
Lake, with Capt. John
Spafford of Tinmouth, and was often
at the ports of Pittsford
Castleton, Rutland and Hubbardton.
Ever since my earliest recollection, my father's
head
and strength have been such, that it was with great difficulty
he could walk about
Although at all times temperate and
abstemious in his habits,
never tasting of liquor stronger than cider,
Page 122

and that but occasionally,
yet, such have been the effects of
the wound above mentioned on his health, as he has uniformly
declared, that when in his best state of health, his walk would
be unsteady and staggering, and in defiance of his best efforts
would be like that of a drunken man. At all times, when
effected with cold, he would be taken delerious, and in that
state would frequently flee from his house without his cloathes.
His complaining at such times, when he uttered any, would be of his
head. From the increased effects of his wound, he has been
now confined to his bead, totally incapable of helping himself
for the last four years, and has been incapable of transacting
business for about 12 years past.
Elisha Eastman
State of Vermont,
Rutland County
Be it known, that on this 9th day of
December, 1835, before me the subscriber, a Magistrate in
and for said County,
personally appeared Elisha Eastman,
to me well known,
who subscribed the preceeding deposition in
my presence, and made solemn oath, that the facts therein
stated are the truth and nothing but the truth, according to
his best knowledge, information and belief. And I do
hereby certify, that the said Eliza Eastman is a credible
witness
A L Brown Justice Peace
State of Vermont
Rutland County
I Robert Purperist Clerk of the
County Court for the County of
Rutand certify that Andrew L
Thorn is a Justice of the peace
for said County, and that his
Signature above is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of said Court of
Ruttland this 11th day of December AD 1835
R. Purperist
Page 123

No. 4127
Vermont

Eli Eastman of Rutland Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Leavenworth of the Regt. commanded by Colo. Gray in the Vermont & Conn. line for Militia.
23 months as Sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 115 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Jany. 1833. and given to Robt Temple

Arrears to 4th of Sept '32
Semi=anl. allowance ending 2 Mar '33
230 + 72.50 = 302.37
$115 per annum

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk,
Book D, Vol. 4. Page 55.
Page 124

let Elisha Eastman
17 July 1835

Let Jesse Gove 7 July 1835

Lett. to Hon. H. Everett, May 21st 1836.

Letter to Hon. B. Storer, Jan. 19, 1837.
Page 125

The deposition of Andrew Potter of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, of lawful age, who deposes and says, that he has been well acquainted with Eli Eastman of the same Clarendon, for about thirty-four years now last past; during almost all of which period, he has resided within half a mile of the said Eli, - has labored frequently and many days together with the said Eli, and heared [heard] him relate, very often, the story of his services in the Revolutionary War.  When this deponent first became acquainted with said Eli, he was an active, intelligent man, and whose character for truth and veracity, the deponent never heared [heard] called in question, and this deponent knows he was as much respected as any other man in said town.  But, the said Eli has always been subject to temporary turns of mental alienation, which have been increasing upon him, as he advanced in life; until, for the last ten or twelve years, he has been totally deranged, and incapable of transacting any business whatever— he is now confined to his room and to his bead [bed], and has been for the last four years.  Said Eastman, in his lucid intervals, was aware of the derangement above mentioned to which he was subject, and always ascribed it to the effects of a musket shot wound (which now shows an indent about an inch & a half long on the head just above the right ear) received from the Hessians at the battle of Flatbush on Long Island in 1776, as he said.
And this deponent further testifies and says, that he has frequently heard the said Eastman, when at work with him, relate, that he first inlisted into the service of his Country for one year, but was not called immediately into service, and only served that term about eight months.  At that time he resided in Woodbury in the County of Litchfield, Connecticut, as this deponent understood from said Eastman.  Said Eastman joined his Regiment at New York, and immediately on joining, he was appointed an orderly sergeant, and performed the duty, during the
[end of page]
Page 126

proof, established by the several acts of Congress relative to persons disabled by known wounds received while in the line of their duty in the Service of the United States.
And, although your 'petitioner' doth verily believe that the said Eli did actually serve for the period of nine months as above stated under the said Captain Leavenworth; yet, long before, and since the months of March 1818, the mind of the said Eli hath been so much deranged, that he did not know that he would have been entitled to a pension for that service; and the witness, known to your petitioner, by whom the said Eli could have proved his services, excepting the dispositions of the witness herewith presented, was all now deceased, or removed to parts unknown to your petitioner.
And your petitioner doth further represent, that the said Eli, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of a assistance from his Country.
And your petitioner doth further represent, that by reason of the labor, care, watching, lifting and looking after the said Eli, year after year, and not having the means of hiring other suitable and convenient nurses, your petitioner's, and his wife's health have become greatly impaired, so that their recovery is now altogether despaired of.
Wherefore, your petitioner honorably prays your Honor to take this said Eli's case into your wise consideration, and to grant him such relief, the premises considered, as to your honor may seem meet and just.
Dated at Clarendon aforesaid this 28th day of December, A.D. 1835.
Elisha Eastman
Sworn to before me in clear form of law, this 28th day of Dec. 1835
S. Foot Justice of Peace
Page 127

Eastman accordingly took the post, and performed the duty of Orderly Sergeant during the six months for which he was at the Neck.  He was one of the militia that joined General Putnam, at Horse Neck, in his pursuit of Governor Tryon— and saw Gen. Putnam, very soon after he rode down the rocks at that place.  It is this deponent's impression, tho' he is not positive, that said Eastman informed him, that Col. Canfield commanded the Regiment during this six months tour  All which is according to this deponent's best recollection and belief.  And further this deponent saith not.
Rutland, 28 February, 1835.

Question by Elisha Eastman, son and Guardian of the said Eli.  In your former deposition given in this case, did you, or did you not, relate, that said Eli, during his term of six months, above mentioned, served as a Sergeant?
Answer.  I do not recollect.  I know, that he has always told me, he did serve at Horse Neck in that capacity.
Andrew Potter

State of Vermont}
Rutland County}
Rutland 28th Feby 1835
Then personally appeared Andrew Potter & made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth, under form of law - Before me-
S. Foot Justice Peace
I also certify that I am acquainted with the said deponent & that he is a credible witness.
S. Foot Jus. Peace
Page 128

The deposition of John Eastman of Sherburn in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, of lawful age, who deposes and says, that having red [read] the body of the preceeding deposition of Andrew Potter, he fully concured in the Statements there made, of the revolutionary services performed by the said Eli Eastman.  This deponent is a son of the said Eli; and before he was taken permanently crazy, as he now is, has often heard him relate, in his rational turns, the same services as are there set forth— and this deponent doth verily believe that the said statement is altogether true.  And further this deponent saith not.
John Eastman

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
Be it remembered, that on the sixth day of March, 1835, personally appeared, John Eastman, who subscribed the preceding deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Before me,
Runt Parker Justis [Justice] Peace
And I further certify, that the said John Eastman is a credible witness.
Runt Parker Justis [Justice] Peace
Page 129

Andrew Potter's & John Eastman's Depositions

State of Vermont}
Rutland County ss}
I Ropert Pierpoint clerk of the county Court for the County of Rutland certify that Ruel Parker was on the Sixth day of March AD 1835 a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that I believe his signature within to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 16 day of May A. D. 1835
R. Pierpoint

And I further certify that Solomon Foot was on the 28th February AD 1835 a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that his signature to the within certificates is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court day & date above
R. Pierpoint
Page 130

STATE OF VERMONT.
TO ALL PERSONS TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME,
GREETING.

Know ye, THAT having inspected the records and proceedings remaining in the Register's Office of our Court of Probate for the District of Rutland, we do there find remaining a certain record of an original commission, Return and Decree thereon in the words and figures following, to wit:
State of Vermont}
District of Rutland ss.}
Be it Remembered that at a Probate Court holden at Rutland within and for said District on the eighth day of February A. D. 1833.
Present, the Hon. A. L. Brown, Judge:  The commission heretofore issued to the Select Men and Civil Authority of the town of Clarendon, in said district, to make inquisition in the case of Eli Eastman of said Clarendon, was returned into Court, and the said Eli was therein adjudged to be non compos mentis and incapable of taking care of himself; thereupon, it was ordered by said Court that a Guardian be appointed of the said Eli according to the Statute in such case made and provided; and Elisha Eastman of said Clarendon was appointed said Guardian, who accepted said trust and gave bonds, as required by law, in the sum of one thousand Dollars, Reuben R. Thrall of said Rutland as surety and a Seller of Guardianship issued accordingly.  And it was also ordered that said Commission be recorded with the doings, thereon, as follows, to wit:  
State of Vermont}
Rutland Probate District ss.}
The Hon. the Probate Court for the District of Rutland. 
{S.S.}  To the Select Men and Civil Authority of the town of Clarendon in said district,
Greeting
Whereas, Elisha Eastman of Clarendon aforesaid son of Eli Eastman of said Clarendon hath represented to this Court, that the said Eli has become non compos mentis and incapable of taking care of himself;
Page 131

and praying for a Commission, directed as above, commanding them to make inquisition in the premises.
Therefore, By the Authority of the State of Vermont you are hereby commanded to make inquisition in the premises, first giving notice, as required by law, to the said Eli Eastman; and if the said Eli shall be found by you or a major part of you, to be incapable of taking care of himself, you will certify the same hereon; and of this warrant and your doings hereon, make due return as soon as may be.
Given under my hand and the seal of this court at Rutland this seventh day of Feby. A. D. 1833.
A. L. Brown, Judge

Clarendon Feby. 8 1833
To the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Rutland.  Pursuant to the directions in the commission issued from said Court, we the undersigned Select Men and Civil Authority of the town of Clarendon after giving notice to the said Eli Eastman, have made inquisition in the premises, and find that the said Eli Eastman, within named, is non compos mentis and do adjudge that he is incapable of taking care of himself.
Allen C. Shepherdson}     Select Men
George W. Chaplin}
Josiah French Sr.}

Daniel S. Erving}     Civic Authority
Silas W. Hedges}
Thomas Stewart Sr.}
Jona. Dyer}
John L. Marsh}
Lewis Walker}
L. M. Walker}

"A true Record
Attest
F. W. Hopkins, Register"
Page 132

me which we have caused to be exemplified by these presents, and the seal of our said Probate Court to be hereunto affixed.
Witness, the, Hon. William Marsh, Judge of said Court at Rutland this twelfth day of December, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hunred and thirty five.
F. W. Hopkins, Register



Eli Eastman
non com. Guardianship
Exemplification

Hon. H. Everett HR
Page 133

Elisha Eastman
Guardian of 
Eli Eastman
Petition

June 21, 1836
Repd to Com Srv. Pensions
Not Acted on 4 July 1836

Decr. 19 1836
Refd to the Committee
on Invalid Pensions

Jan. 7 1837 Bill No. 817

H Everett 15. Inv Pens
Page 134

To the Honorable the Congress of the United States of America, now sitting at the City of Washington in the District of Columbia;
The Petition of Elisha Eastman of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, Guardian of Eli Eastman of the same Clarendon,
Humbly Represents,
That at Woodbury in the State of Connecticut, where he then resided, the said Eli, early in the spring of the year, 1776, inlisted for eight months, in Capt. Abraham Bradley's Company in Col. Fisher Gay's Regiment of Connecticut troops; that on joining said Regiment, he was appointed an Orderly Sergeant; that said Regiment marched to the City of New York, and there joined the Continental Army under Genl. Washington.  That Col. Gay died at said New York, and was succeeded in command by Lt. Col. Selah Hart, who was taken prisoner, when the command devolved on Majr. Edward Mott.  That on the 27th of August, 1776, the said Eli, with his Regiment was in the Battle of Flatbush, on which day, and when in the line of his duty, he received a severe wound from a musket shot, in the head, making a horizontal indentation of the scull bone, about three inches in length, just above the right ear; of which wound, the said Eli hath ever since been ailing:  that, in consequence thereof, his mental and bodily faculties have been constantly and prematurely decaying; and, for the last four years, he hath become bedrid, and non compos mentis.
That having partially recovered from his wound, he was able to join his Company before the battle of White Plains and, the day before that affair, was one of a party constituting an outpost of about 64 men, one half having been detatched [detached] from Capt. Bradley's Company under the command of Lt. Tilly Blakesley of the same company, and the other half from a Rifle company under the command of a Lt. from the same; which, having been surrounded by the enemy, made good their retreat, through the enemy's lines, with the loss of but one man; and,
[end of page]
Page 135

although hotly pursued, ultimately reached the main army, with the loss of but 28 more, of the riflemen, who where cut off in attempting to pass a ford at high tide near a tide-mill in that vicinity:  for which service, Gen. Washington excused the survivors from the fatigues of the battle on the 28 of October.  That two days before his term was out, being yet ill of his wound, and the same having become greatly inflamed by reason of a cold, so as to render the said Eli unfit for duty, he was discharged at the Highlands, where he then was, and sent home in the care of one Frisbee and one Browndon who were discharged at the same time for that purpose:  that they proceeded to the house of one Stephen Griffin on Robbin's Patent in Oblong, a distance of only 24 miles, which took them four days to accomplish, where, from the increased illness of the said Eli, and being unable on that account to pursue his journey, they left him; and becoming delirious from the combined effects of the fever and the said wound, he remained in that condition for the period of twenty five days; after which, he was unable to reach home until about the 1 of March 1777.—
And your petitioner doth further represent that the said Eli hath always heretofore, when in his right mind, related, and so your petitioner doth verily believe the facts to be, that afterwards, in the year 1777, he inlisted as an orderly Sergeant in a Company commanded by Capt. Eli Leavenworth in a Regiment, first commanded by Col. William Douglass, and afterwards by Col. Return Jona. Meigs, and served in that capacity for the term of nine months; that the said Eli hath sometimes spoken of these troops as being then called new levies, and sometimes short levies:  These men were offered, by the State of Connecticut, a bounty of £3, each; and, that after his return, he received said bounty, but, that he never obtained any wages.—
Page 136

And your petitioner further represents, that afterwards, in the month of July or August, 1778, the said Eli volunteered into a company of Militia commanded by Capt. Adam Hurlbut in the Regiment then commanded by Col. Canfield, for the term of six months, under the following circumstances, to wit:  a draft, of one man out of every three, was called for at that time in the said town of Woodbury where the said Eli still lived; where he proposed, that if the other two men of his class would pay him five dollars apiece, he would volunteer, without a draft; thay agreed to do so, and he volunteered accordingly.  On arriving at their destined post or station, the orderly Sergeant of said Company being unacquainted with the duty, and incapable of doing the business, voluntarily retired to the ranks, and the said Eli was thereupon appointed to that post, and actually served out the term, in that capacity.
And your petitioner further represents, that in the spring of 1780, the said Eli removed into said town of Clarendon, where he hath ever since resided.  That during the remainder of the revolutionary war, he was repeatedly called out into the service of Vermont; but, the number of times, or the amount of that service, your petitioner hath not the means of acurate knowledge, and doth not know, but he verily believes, that it was, in the whole, over three months:  he was at one time gone on an expedition to the Lake with Capt. John Spafford of Tinmouth 3 weeks; and was often called to the military posts of Pittsford, Rutland, Castleton, and Hubbardton, on the frontiers.
And your petitioner further represents, that he hath applied himself in behalf of the said Eli, to the Honorable the Secretary for the Department of War of the United States, comformably to the provisions of the act of Congress passed the 7 of June, 1832, entitled "an act supplementary to
[end of page]
Page 137

the 'act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution;'" and, that such proceedings were thereupon had, that on the 17. of January, 1833, the said
Secretary caused the said Eli's name to be inscribed on the List of Pensioners of the United States, at the rate of one hundred and fifteen dollars per annum; thereby allowing the said Eli for twenty-three months service, as a Sergeant, as aforesaid, in the army of the revolution; which pension commenced, agreeably to the provisions of said act, on the 4. of March, 1831: the payment of which pension hath been suspended, since the 4. day, of September, 1834.
     And your petitioner further represents, that the said Eli, by reason of his infirmity aforesaid occasioned by the said wound, having now become permanently lunatic
['lunatic' is underlined] and non compos mentis ['non compos mentis' is underlined], is wholly unable to relate any part of the history of his said services, or, to inform where the proofs of the same, if any of the witnesses are yet in life, may be found and their testimony obtained: the statement herein before made, being a succinct account, according to the petitioner's best recollection thereof, from the frequent and uniform rehearsal of his said ward and father, in his lucid intervals, and before his permanent dementation.
     And your petitioner doth further represent, that the said Eli at all times heretofore, when sane, hath uniformly represented, as well to his family, as to his acquaintances, that the wound aforesaid was received in the manner above stated. And, he hath, also, further represented, that the said Maj. Edmond Mott who commanded the Regiment after the captivity of the said Lt. Col. Hart, and was well knowing to the wounding of the said Eli as aforesaid, had assured him, that he would assist him in obtaining a pension, on account of said wound. But, the said Mott, either just before, or soon after the war, deceased: so that, it hath not been in the power of the said Eli, as your petitioner verily believes, to comply with the requisitions respecting,
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proof, established by the several acts of Congress relative to persons disabled by known wounds received while in the line of their duty in the service of the United States.
     And, although your petitioner doth verily believe that the said Eli did actually serve for the period of nine months as above stated under the said Captain Leavenworth; yet, long before, and since the month of March, 1818, the mind of the said Eli hath been so much deranged, that he did not know that he would have been entitled to a pension for that service: and the witnesses, known to your petitioner, by whom the said Eli could have proved his services, excepting the depositions of the witnesses herewith presented, are all now deceased, or removed to parts unknown to your petitioner.
     And your petitioner doth further represent, that the said Eli, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of assistance from his Country.
     And your petitioner doth further represent, that by reason of the labor, care, watching, lifting and looking after the said Eli, year after year, and not having the means of hiring other suitable and convenient nurses, your petitioner's, and his wife's health have become greatly impaired, so that their recovery is now altogether dispaired [despaired] of.
     Wherefore, your petitioner humbly prays your Honors to take the said Eli's case into your wise consideration, and to grant him such relief, the premises considered, as to your honors may seem mid and just.
     Dated at Clarendon aforesaid this 28th day of December, A.D. 1835.
Elisha Eastman
[handwriting changes in the last lines]
Sworn to before me in due form of law,
this 28th dy of Dec. 1835
S. Foot Justice Peace