Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 12213, Nicholas Arnold, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
R.D.

Arnold, Nicholas
             Hannah

NUMBER
W. 12213

CONTENTS
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6078
Rhode Island
Nicholas Arnold of Kent in the State of Rhode Island who was Corporal in the Company commanded by Captain Whitman of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Waterman in the Rhode Island line for 3 months Private Corporal

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 43 Dollars .... Cents per month to commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of July 1833 and sent to Hon D.G. Pearce H. R

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 - 64.30
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March - 21.30
$86.60

Recorded by Daniel Boyd, Clerk
Book 8 Vol 3 Page 101
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Nicholas Arnold

12.878
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State of Rhode Island in Kent County
 Court of Common Pleas Aug 29 A.D. 1832
On this twenty ninth day of August A.D. 1832 personally Appeared in open court Before the judges or justices of the court of common pleas were setting at East Greenwich in Kent County, Nicholas Arnold a resident of the town of Warwick in the county and state aforesaid aged seventy-four years who being first duly sworn according to doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he was born at said Warwick on the third day of April 1758 and that his age is recorder on the Family Bible and that he has always resided in the said town of Warwick
That in the spring of the year 1775 he was drafted in the militia at said Warwick to go to Boston but was countermanded after
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1776
That after the death of Captain Whitman there was a shift of oficers and sometimes served under Captain Rice sometimes Captain Millard & at other times Captain Randell, commanded the company.

1777
That he served in the [illegible] of the land years one month under Captain Millard at Warwick Neck in said Warwick when he did duty as corporeal.

1778 
Spring of the next year under Captain Rice at said Warwick Neck one month.

1778
That he again served under Captain Millard on Rhode Island with General Sulivan, as what was called General Sulivans Expedition nine days when he with some others were detached to Buttes Hill to go with Captain Pierce to row boats and continued with him sixteen days when they retreated of the Island in August 1778.

1778
That after his return from the land expedition he again was called up to go Warwick Neck when he thinks he was under the command of Captain Rice, Col. Waterman Redgement where he done duty one month.

1779
That early in the spring of seventeen hundred & seventy nine he again served under Captain Randell Col Watermans Redgement at Warwick Neck in said Warwick Neck one month.

That he again in the month of July he went to Bristol under the command of Captain Rice and when they expected orders to go on to Rhode Island. But, being countermanded were
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I Nathan Miller of Warwick in the county of Kent and state of Rhode Island do certify that Nicholas Arnold of Warwick in the county of Kent served in the revolutionary war from the beginning of the war that he served in the same company with me on alarms and other duty which I am unable to enumerate but think in the whole he served six or more months that I distinctly recollect. But he had other service, which I am not account for.
Nathan Miller - X his mark

Kent Sc. Court of Common Pleas August second AD 1832 sworn to in open court the seventh day of the term.
Witness John Brown Clk.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the ___ and that Benjamin Remington & Nathan Miller who also signed the same are residents in the town of Warwick in our county of Kent and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, John Brown, Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nicholas Arnold for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this sixth day of September in the year 1832.
John Brown
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I Benjamin Remington of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island do certify That Nicholas Ardnold [Arnold] of Warwick in the County of Kent served in the revolutionary war from the begining [beginning] of the war that he served in the same Company with me on alarms and when drafted.  But can not distinctly recollect the periods of which they served together except Sulivans [Sullivans] expedition at which time he recollects seeing him and thinks his service on alarms as set forth in his declaration correct  I am also acquainted with him through life and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity
[signature] Benjamin  Remington
Kent sc
Court of Common Pleas August Term AD 1832
Sworn to in open Court the seventh day of the term
Witness [signed] John Brown, Clk
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Dismissed [the word Discharged was crossed out] and Returned home after serving Fifteen days there
That this Claimant recollects that he was called out several times, on Military [illegible] and for the purpose of makeing [making] drafts and for the other necessary business of the Redgement [Regiment]
That he was also called out on sudden alarms to oppose the outrages of Captain Wall who kept continually traversing on the waters contiguous to the shores of Warwick and from the best of his recollection of the long and painfull struggle of the Revolutionary war 
That he was engaged in Military trainings & that for five months or more makeing [making] about Twelve Months of actual service he also states that he was Corporal for the greatest period of his service
He hereby relinquishes every Claim whatever to a pension or anuity [annuity] except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
[signature] Nicolas Arnold
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No. 12,878
Nicholas Arnold
5-11 & 12 06
Jany 19 1833
3 mos private
9 mos Corporal
12 mos Admd.
$45
P-207
Whitman
Waterman
Jno. K. Turnbull esqr.
Greenwich R. I.
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No. 12,878
Nicholas Arnold
5 - 11 & 12 06
Jany 19 1833
3 mos private
9 mos Corporal
12 mos adm'd
$45
p-207
Whitman
Waterman
Jno. K. Turnbull esqr.
Greenwich R. I.
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BRIEF in the case of Nicholas Arnold of the County of Kent in the State of R. Island
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.  How old is he?  74 years
4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
In 1775
In 1776
In 1777
In 1778 different times
In 1779
at various times
Duration of Service.
3 Days
2 Months
1 Month
2 Months 25 Days
1 Month
5 Months
Rank.  As a
Drafted
Volun'r.
Corporal
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen.
Col. Waterman, Capt. Reuben
Col. Same, Capt Whitman
Capt. Millard
Same Col., Capt. Rice, Pierce
Same Col., Capt. Randall
see new declaration
5.  In what battles was he engaged?  none
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Warwick
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Depositions
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?
no Clergyman's Certificate
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signature] Levin Bell-
Examining Clerk.
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Rhode Island 509 Hannah Arnold of Kent Co in the State of R.I. who was a in the commanded by Captain [illegible] commanded by in the line for widow of Nicholas Arnold decd. late a private in the Revolution R.I. 
Inscribed on the Roll of R Island at the rate of 26 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. [illegible] at same rate to 14 Feb. 1835 to be deducted. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Feby 1837 and Reut Cowell R. Knight senate U.S. 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1836 $145.42 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 57 13.22 $158.64 3 Sect act 4 July 1836 Revolutionary Claim, Recorded by DD Addison Clerk Book A. Vol. 1 Page 96

let to B Cowell June 7 1843
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N. 649  3. Sec.
Declaration of
Hannah Arnold.
N. Whiting, Agent
married 24 June 79
6 mo. 28 specified in original papers of her husband
1 - in the addl. proof in 91 under Capt Millerd
7.28 pri-
Corpl. not sustained
admd.
7.28 pri
deduct died 14 Feby '35 & paid up.
Hon. N. R. Knight
Senate
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State of Rhode Island County of Kent Sc. On this Eighteenth day of November AD 1836 personally appeared before the subscriber William Carder, one of the Associate Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Kent, Hannah Arnold, a resident of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, aged Seventy Eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Nicholas Arnold who was a private and Sergeant in the Militia Service of the said State of Rhode Island in the revolutionary war, and who was placed on the Pension Roll for those services under the Act of Congress passed June AD 1832 at the rate of Forty three Dollars per annum, which he received in his life time, and the balance of which, this Applicant has received, that was due at the time of his decease. This Applicant is unable at this time to state the particular Services of her said husband in the war, and begs leave to refer the Commissioner of Pensions to his Declaration now on file in the Pension office together with the proofs of his services. She further declares that she was married to her late husband the said Nicholas Arnold, on the Twenty fourth day of June AD 1779; that her husband the aforesaid Nicholas Arnold, died on the fourteenth day of February AD 1835; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Hannah Arnold Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me And
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and I certify that the said Hannah Arnold is not able to attend a Court by reason of bodily infirmity Witness Wm Carder Justice CC Pleas 

We Russell Arnold and Susan Arnold both of Warwick in the County of Kent, do certify and say on oath that Nicholas Arnold late of said Warwick decd died at said Warwick on the fourteenth day of February AD 1835 leaving Hannah Arnold his wife a Widow and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period. Russell Arnold Susan Arnold 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first written before me and I certify that the said Russel and Susan Arnold are credible witnesses M. Carder Justice C.C. Pleas

State of Rhode Island &c. Kent Sc. Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas I certify that Wm Carder is a Justice of said Court of Common Pleas that the above is his proper signature in his own hand writing and that full faith & credence is & ought to be given to all his official acts. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at East Greenwish this Eighteenth day of November in the year AD 1836 Jer. S. Slocum Clk.
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This is to sertifie whome it may concern that Mr. Nicholas Arnold Son of Mr. Joseph Arnold of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island and Ms. Hannah Vaughn daughter of Mr. Christover Vaughn  of East Greenwich in the County and State above said was Lawfully joyned together in the Honnourable State of Marriage in Said Greenwich on the 24th day of June AD 1778 by me John Gorton Elder
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Recorded in the Register of Marriages belonging to East Greenwich R. I. 
[The remainder is illegible]
Page 18

statement of Hannah Arnold & Testimony of Nathan Miller.
eight hundred & thirty six.
[signature] Silas Weaver Clerk.
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State of Rhode Island County of Kent Sc. At Warwick on this thirteenth day of December AD 1836 Personally appeared before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, Hannah Arnold of said Warwick, Widow of Nicholas Arnold, decd and having been duly sworn according to law, doth make the following statement in addition to her Declaration heretofore made, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provision of an act of Congress passed July 4th AD 1836. That she began to keep house and live with her said husband in the last of the year 1779. That she knows nothing of the services of her said husband in the revolutionary war, previous to that time except what she has been told about it. That after she lived with him, she well remembers that he was called away from home frequently and was in the service at Warwick, but does not remember of his being absent from home so much as a month at a time, when called out to do service in Warwick. She remembers fitting him out for the service with 3 days provision at several times, and at one of these times, he went to Newport, and served there as much as a month, before he returned home. There were often alarms, and the men were warned out, but she cannot recollect the length of time he generally was gone from home of these occasions. She does not know what officers he served under. She well remembers that when there were alarms, he used to warn the Company; and suppose she held some office in the Company. Hannah Arnold Subscribed and Sworn to the day and year above written before me Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace
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I Nathan Miller of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, aged Eighty five years, do certify that in the early part of the War of the revolution I belonged to a Company of Militia in said Warwick of which Squire Millerd was Capt. and that Nicholas Arnold late of said Warwick decd. belonged to the same Company and was, as I believe, a Corporal, as he used according to the best of my recollection to warn in the Company. And I was called out on alarms, and drafted and served with him, at various times, previous to the fall of the year 1776. When I left the Company and joined the Kentish Guards. That after I joined the Kentish Guards, I saw him in the Service at Tiverton under Capt. Millerd in the year 1777 and at Newport in the year 1778. That in the year 1781 when the French Troops were in Newport, I served one month there in the Kentish Guards under Col. Fry, and the said Nicholas Arnold was also there in the service during all the time I staid there. He was then, according to the best of any recollection, in a Company commanded by Capt. Johnson; and James Jerauld was the Lieutenant; and Col. Waterman commanded the Regiment. I am not able to say whether the said Arnold acted as a private, or Coporal, at this time. his mark X Nathan Miller State of Rhode Island Kent County Sc. Nathan Miller At Warwick Decr 13th AD 1836 Subscribed and sworn to before me; and I certify that the said Nathan Miller sustains a good character for truth and veracity. Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace
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Rev WIDOW, &c. File No. 12213 Hannah Arnold Widow of Nicholas Arnold Pri Rev War Act: July 4th 36. Index: - Vol. A, Page 18 [Arrangement of 1870.]
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R. Island Susd Nathan Whiting Decr 5 1836 to Hon N. R. Knight 8 Feb. 37
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Nicholas Arnold R.Id. Act 1832 when last pd? GM Feby 21 1837. Died 14th Feb 1835 paid to that person JH
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Jno Os 1.28 specified 
service on alarms &c estimated by claimant at 5 mo. Dec. 5 1836. lME
addl. proof specifies 1 mo under Capt. Millerd in 81 

12878 Declaration Nicholas Arnold
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Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in the town of Warwick State of Rhode Island &c. Nicholas Arnold who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not swear positively to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his Recollection served not less that Twelve as Corporal months and for such service I claim a Pension Nicholas Arnold Sworn to this 11th day of February AD 1833 Before me Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace

We, Thomas Manchester a Clergyman Residing in the Town of Coventry and Saml Miller of the Town of Warwick hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nicholas Arnold who has subscribed to the above declaration and affidavitt that we believe him to be 74 seventy four years of age that he is reputed and believed in the Neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion Thomas Manchester Samuel M.[illegible] Sworn and Subscribed This Eleventh day of February AD 1833 before me Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace
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At a Court of Probate Holden in and for the Town of Warwick on the 11th day February AD 1833 on the application of Nicholas Arnold for a Pension. 

This Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter by [illegible] over the original papers returned from the war office and from the addition of the affidavits on the other side this sheet of Nicholas Arnold who is entitled to Credit and of Thomas Machester and Suel Millerd was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he states. And the Court further Certify that it appears to them that Thomas Manchester who has signed the preceeding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island &c and that Samuel Millerd who has also signed the same is a resident in the Town or Warwick in said State and is a credible person and that there statement is entitled to Credit. I Charles Brayton Clerk of the Court of Probate of the Town of Warwick aforesaid do hereby Certify that the aforegoing contains the original proceeding of the Court in the matter of the application of Nicholas Arnold for a Pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this Eleventh day of February in the year one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty three. by order of Court Witness Charles Brayton Probate Clerk of said Town of Warwick
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Providence April 27 1843 Sir I am requested to send you the enclosed certificate of Hannah Arnold to have a mistake corrected, Her late husband, Nicholas Arnold was all owed $43 per annum, and it would seem from the Certificate that it was intended his widow should draw the same amount. but she has drawn $26.44 only per annum since the issuing of the certificate it would seem by the words of the certificate "the amount paid at the same rate to 14 February 1835 the day of her husbands death" &c could not refer to the sum of $26.44 but to the amount paid him viz 43 per annum. It was intended, I apprehend, she should have the same amount, especially as no notice of any reduction at the time was given her. I have to request this mistake may be corrected & that she be allowed $43 per annum & that another Certificate be granted with directions to the Pension agent to pay her the ballance. I am respectfully your obt servt Benja Cowell J.L. Edwards Esq.
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Jm at Jan 3d

J.L. Edwards Esq. Commis'r Pensions 

Hon N.R. Knight Senate US
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J.L. Edwards Esq. Sir The cases I mentioned to you this morning & to which your attention is desired, were Patience Greene, Elizabeth Arnold & Caleb Arnold. The papers were forwarded to your office by Nathan Whiting Esq. of East Greenwich Rhode Island. Respectfully your N.R. Knight Jan'y 3d '37
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Dec 19 R.I. 4 July '36 Addl/sff &engs

Honourable J.L. Edwards, Commr of Pensions Washington City

East Greenwich Dec. 14 Free
7108
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East Greenwich December 14th 1836. Sir, Enclosed you have a Statement of Hannah Arnold and Testimony in her case. You must excuse me for again urging your attention to the application of Mrs. Whitmarsh and Mrs. Greene. These venerable Matrons, I do assure you, are exceedingly impatient under the delay, that has already attended their claims. Nor can this be wondered at, as they are evidently founded in justice, and are moreover established by plenary Testimony. I hope they may no longer have cause to complain of delay, but that they may speedily realize the benefits proffered & provided for them by the Government. I have the same hope as respects this case of Hannah Arnold, and also fo Caleb Arnold now pending before you. I am Sir, your most obedient Humble Servant Nathan Whiting Honl. J.L. Edwards Commr of Pensions
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No. 12.878 Nicholas Arnold 
Jno K. Turnbull Esqr. Greenwich R.I.
Page 33

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which these
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Nicholas Arnold which require
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes in some cases no in some
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal? yes
Page 34

                                    2

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

XII. If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIV. If the applicant has documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, or they are persons of credibility? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?

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

          _________________________________

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

QUERY V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
    "Personally appeared before me the undersigned, Justice of the Peace,  &c. A. B., who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades:   For ____ year ____ ____ months and _____ days. I served as a ____. For ______ months and _____ days, I served as a ______; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 35

3 It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
January 19 1833
SIR:
I return herewith the papers in support of the claims of the persons whose names are hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective.  Eash case is accompanied by a brief.  The objections are contained in the negative answers, in red ink, given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us from attending to the applications sent by you.  The investigation of the cases presented under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is in the investigation of claims and writing letters.  Each case is considered correct in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative answer is affixed.  No other alteration or addition will be required.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
[signature] Benj. Lloyd Beale
for
J. L. Edwards
J. K. Turnbull, Esq} Nicholas Arnold
East Greenwich} Matthew Price
Rhode Island}
Page 37

Feb'y 19. 1837
I enclose you the letter of Mr. Whiting and an affidavit concerning the applications for pensions of Mrs. Greene & Mrs. Arnold by which it will be perceived that the papers required were long time transmitted per mail to your office
Yours
[signature] N R Knight
J L Edwards Esq.
Page 38

Continental
Arnold, Noyce.
B. L. Wt. 5_200_Lieut.
Issued May 8, 1782, to Isaac Bronson assignee also entered as above under B. L. Wt. 2607.
No papers.
{The above noted soldier is erroneously entered under BLWt. 1577 - Noyce, Arnols with reference to B. L. Wt. 2607-}