Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10,734, James Gifford, Mass.
Page 1

James Gifford

Page 1
(3-1776)
SERVICE
Mass.

Gifford, James

NUMBER
S.10,734

Carded

CONTENTS

[Blank]
—----------
Page 2

[Left-hand side of page, handwritten]
75
Bristol

[Right-hand side of page]
27157
Massachusetts
James Gifford
of Bristol in the State of [blank]
who was a private in the Compy. commanded
by Capt. Claghorn of the Regt. commanded
by Colo. Hathaway in the Mass. 
line for 17 months pri. 
			mil.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass.
at the rate of 54 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Feby.
1834—and Sent to.
Bassett Esq. Taunton Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1833 .................136.65
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34. ...... 27.33
................................................................ $163.98
{Revolutionary Claim 
{Act June 7, 1832	
Recorded by George Taylor, C [page torn]
Book E  Vol. 2  Page 30
Page 3

James Gifford, son to Benjamin Gifford and Mary
his wife, was born in Freetown, June the first seventeen
hundred and fifty-nine.

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of Record
Attest Thomas Bump   	{Clerk of the said 
                                           {Town of Freetown
Page 4


Town Clerk Certified [Certified is crossed out]
Page 5

I Stephen Gifford of Westport in the County
of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Seventy
two years testify and say that at the Commencement
of the war of the Revolution, I lived at Fall River and
continued to live at Fall River untill some time in the
year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight when I moved
from Fall River, about three miles, where I continued to 
the close of the war, — I am well acquainted with
James Gifford who now lives in Dartmouth in the state
aforesaid — I have known him and been acquainted with
him during my whole life, while I lived at Fall River
aforesaid we both lived in the same House untill I 
moved in Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight — I recollect
that after the British came to NewPort and took Possession
of Rhode Island, that a Guard was kept up at the Fall River
and continued so long as they the British had Possession
of said Rhode Island — I recollect that that in the year 
Seventeen hundred and Seventy Six the said James Gifford
had attached himself to the Militia under Oliver Reed.
I also Recollect that in the latter part seventeen hundred 
and Seventy Six as soon as the British landed at New
Port, Joseph Dufree of said Fall River being then a 
Captain or Major, had the Command of the guard which 
was raised at said Fall River, a guard was kept up 
under the Command of said Dufree to my knowledge
through the years Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven &
Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight. I recollect that
James Gifford aforesaid, belonged to said guard, and
performed the duty of a Soldier in said guard during said
term and I have no hesitation in saying that he performed
the duty of a Soldier during the time aforesaid, as much
as twelve months ___ ____ I also recollect that the said
James Gifford in the month of February or March, of 
the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine, left Fall 
River and went to New Bedford, and commenced work
on the Sails of the Sloop of War Providence, in the
month of April of the same year–according to the 
best of my recollection, the same James Gifford
                                                        over
Page 6

was enrolled in the Company Commanded by
Capt George Claghorn, I was frequently at New Bedford
and from my particular acquaintance with the
said James Gifford — (he being a brother of mine)
I was induced to enquire into his business and
to visit him, by which I knew when and how long
he was a Soldier under the command of Capt. George
Claghorn — and from my knowledge — the said James
was under Capt Claghorn from March 1779 untill
September or October of the same year, during said
time, that he was employed as a soldier, on guard
duty — which at the least was five months time,
                                    Stephen Gifford [signature]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County S.S. On this thirtieth
day of July AD. 1833, personally came before
me the above named Stephen Gifford and
made Solemn Oath — that the deposition
aforesaid by him subscribed is true.

And I do further Certify that the said 
Stephen Gifford is well known to me,
that he is a man of good Character for
Truth, ___that in my Opinion his statement
is entitled to full Credit
Abner B. Gifford [signature] Just. of the Peace
Page 7

James Gifford
27.042
Bristol Co.
Mass.
Oct. 
17 pri.
Capt. Reese Colo. Kimper  [Reese Colo. Kimper is crossed out]
Claghorn  Colo. Hathaway

A. Bassett Esq.
Taunton Mass.
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, }
			               Bristol, SS. }

At a Court of Probate holden at Westport in and for said County on the
thirtieth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty three before the Honorable HODIJAH 
BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared James Gifford
a resident of Dartmouth in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy four years,
passed June 7th, 1832 make the following declaration.
	That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter sta-
ted; to wit: under Capt. Oliver Reed, Captain George Claghorn, Major 
Joseph Durfee, and Colonel Manassah Kempton a particular account
of his services is stated under the 5th Interogatory [Interrogatory].

and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit: 
      1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Freetown in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts
in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine June the 1 day.
      2. Have you any record of your age; and if so,  where is it?
Ans. I have no further record of my age than what I obtain from the books from the Town of Freetown where my age is recorded, a certificate of which is hereunto annexed.
       3.	Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
	Ans. I have lived at Fall River aforesaid when I was called into Service.
	I have lived in Dartmouth in the County of Bristol since
	the Revolutionary war and now live in Dartmouth.
      4.   	How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer,  or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
	Answer: I was called into or entered the service by volunter [volunteer]
Page 9

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.  [Ans.] at the Commencement 
of the Revolutionary war I lived in Freetown, being by native place (since which) 
that part Where I lived has taken the name of Troy, but is usually called Fall 
River and now goes by that name, in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy 
Six I was enrolled in the Company of Captain Oliver Reed, who then lived at Fall River 
with the expectation of Marching to any place where the Officers might [illegible] in case of any 
invasion from the Enemy in and about Fall River or the shores of Tiverton, Little Compton, 
during that year. I was not called away from Fall River to perform any particular Service 
in the war, but attended to the drilling and exercises in the Company under Capt. Reed, the 
latter part of that year the British landed at NewPort and took Possession of Rhode 
Island and from the time they took possession of Rhode Island untill the month 
of March Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine a period of a little more than 
two years. I was under the Command of Major Joseph Dufree as a volunteer
Soldier during which time I performed all the Service required of me as a volunteer
Soldier, was on guard duty at various places during said time watching the movements
of the Enemy, was engaged in Collecting Materials for the boats which were prepared for 
Spencer, and when that expedition failed, I was one to help return the boats
and take care of those that belonged to the government, passing through the year
Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven, I continued on in the Service as a [illegible] in and about
the Shores of Fall River and Tiverton and Little Compton, and Howland’s Ferry,
was at Fall River in the Service when the British came there, Major Durfee had
Page 10

Command of the guard I think this was in may or June of the year 1778.
Major Durfee being absent out of health at the time the British Came, They
took and carried off a gun boat with the people on board. About two weeks from 
this time the British came again to Falls River, landed their men and set fire to some
buildings, at this time Quite a battle took place between the English and 
americans, the English were repulsed with some loss, although their numbers
were about two hundred and ours about twenty.---after this in the same
year I was in Sulivan’s Expedition, a particular History it may 
not be important to relate, I do not here undertake to say that I was
during the whole time aforesaid, actualy [actually] out on duty and Stationed at
the different places, but was during all said term under the direction of the
Officers aforesaid, that upon a Computation of time I do say that I
served equal to twelve months actual service.
That in the Spring of Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Nine I think in the 
Month of February, I went from Fall River to New Bedford to work
upon the Sails of the Sloop of war Providence, while I was at New Bedford
the Inhabitants were annoyed by the refugees, Colonel Manassah Kempton
gave orders to call out the Militia to guard the Shores of, and from said
New Bedford to Clarks Point, I was then enrolled in Capt George Claghorns
Company as a Soldier under Colonel Manassah Kempton–entered said
service in the month of April and continued in said service till
September – a term of five months – during which time
we was on guard duty – a part of the time I Quartered at the
Page 11

[From the previous page:]
Company as a Soldier under Colonel Manassah Kempton–entered said
service in the month of April and continued in said service till
September – a term of five months – during which time
we was on guard duty – a part of the time. I Quartered at the


[This page:]

Benjamin Allen House at the Cove – and part of the time at
New Bedford aforesaid. 

[At the bottom right of the page:]

Gifford, James
Mass    S10734
Page 12


6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if a Soldier, did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and, if so by
whom was it given, and what has become of it? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and, if so by whom 
was it signed, and what has become of it?
Ans.  I was a volunteer Soldier, and have no recollection of ever 
receiving a written discharge

7. State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to
your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Elder Daniel Hicks, John Rogers, Gideon Rogers, Isaac R. Gifford, William
Potter, William Cummings, Benjamin Potter, Joseph
Masher, Joseph Gifford, Esq., John Cummings, and Capt.
William Tucker. 
	And the said James Gifford doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension of the Agency
of any State, _ _ _ _ [words deleted: (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of]  James Gifford [signed]

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.  H. Baylies, Judge of Probate 

WE Howard Tripp a Clergyman 	residing in Dartmouth
			and Abner B. Grifford      residing in Westport hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with James Gifford — who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the 
neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Abner B. Gifford, Howard Tripp,  
							H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
Page 13

	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 abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as 
he states. and the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Howard Tripp, who has signed the 
preceding certificate is a Clergyman — resident in the Town of Dartmouth in said County of 
Bristol, and that Abner B. Gifford who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is a credible
person and that their —-- statement is entitled to credit.
				H. Baylies, Judge of Probate. [H. Baylies is a signature]
				[“Register of Probate.” is typed here and crossed out]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,}
BRISTOL, ss.}
I Anselm Barrett  Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of James
Gifford — of Dartmouth in said County, for a Pension.
	In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year above written.
		Anselm Barrett [signature]

[illegible seal on the left side of the page]
Page 14

Rev War [handwritten on the side of the page]
10.734
INVALID.
File No. 10.734
James Gifford
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7, 1832.
Index: –Vol. A, Page 142
{Arrangement of 1870}
Page 15

I Joseph Durfee of Fall River in the County of Bristol
and State of Massachusetts — testify and say — in
addition to what I heretofore have said, respecting
the military Service of James Gifford of Dartmouth
that the said James is well known to me and was
during the war of the Revolution. — That in the years
1777 & 1778 he was a Soldier under my Command, in
the Regiment of Colonel John Hathaway — that to my
personal knowledge he performed Military Service
in the war of the Revolution under my Command
in the years 1777 & 1778 - at least twelve months —
in the aforesaid Colonel John Hathaway Regiment.
			Joseph Durfee [signature]

Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. }  Bristol County Ss,
on the twenty seventh day of December AD. 1833, personaly [personally]
appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace
for said County of Bristol, the above named Joseph Durfee
and made oath that the deposition aforesaid by him
subscribed is true — and I do further Certify that the above said
Joseph Durfee is well known to me that his character for 
truth and veracity is — good, that his statement is entitled 
to full Credit.
			Abner B. Gifford [signature] Justice of the Peace

7
Page 16

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett Register of 
the Court of Probate and & for said County
do hereby Certify that Abner B. Gifford
before whom the within affidavit
was sworn is a Justice of the Peace
for said County.
In testimony whereof I have 
herewith set my hand and
the seal of said Court this
twentieth day of January Eighteen
hundred and thirty four.
           Anselm Barrett [signature]
Page 17

Personaly [sic] appeared before me, the undersigned
a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of
Bristol, James Gifford, 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 one year I served as a private under the command
of Major Joseph Durfee in Colonel John Hathaway
Regiment —-
and five months I served as a private in Captain
George Claghorn Company in Colonel Manassa [Manassah] Kempton
Regiment —- and for such service I claim a pension.
			
James Gifford [signature]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Bristol County S.S.
On the twenty sixth day of December AD 1833,
personaly [sic] appeared before me the subscribed a Justice
of the Peace for said County of Bristol the above
named James Gifford being the same person named
in his original aplication [sic] for a pension to which this is
annexed and made Oath that the statement above by
him subscribed contains the truth according to the best
of his recollection
	Abner B. Gifford [signature] Justice of the peace
Page 18

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol SS.

I Anselm Barrett Register
of the Court of Probate in & for said
County, do hereby certify that
Abner B. Gifford is a Justice of 
the Peace for said County &
that the Signature to the within
certificate purporting to be his, is
genuine.

In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand & the seal
of said Court this twentieth day of
January Eighteen hundred and 
thirty four        Anselm Barrett [signature]
Page 19

27042
James Gifford
C
Adm
17M-private
Cap Claghorn Colo Hathaway
A. Bassett
Taunton
Mass
Page 20

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

Nov. 9, 1833
Sir,

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

A Statement, shewing [sic] the Service of James Gifford
[Column headings:]
[Col. 1] Period when the service was rendered. 
[Col. 2] Duration of the soldier's service. 
Years. Months. Days.
[Col. 3] Rank of the Claimant.
[Col. 4] Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
[Col. 5] Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
[Col. 6] Proof by which the declaration is supported.
[All columns are blank.]

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 21

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, 
and to include under the terms “Continental Line,” “State troops,” “militia,” and “volunteers,” all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who 
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
	Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
                      1.     The Regular Troops.
                      2.     The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
                      3.     Persons employed in the Naval Service.
                      4.     Indian Spies.
     As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [sic] or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
                                  DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of __________  } 
            County of ____________________  } ss.
On this _____ day of __________ personally appeared (a) before _______________                              
A. B. a resident (b) of _________________ in the county of ________________ and State, Territory or District 
of ______________aged (c) ______  years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) __________, with ____________ and 
served in the ________(e) regiment of the ________ line, under the following named officers: ___________________________________
      [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the time he left the service; (and if he 
served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension, or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of 
the Agency in the State of _____________________________
	Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. ___________________ :A. B.
	     [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
	
     And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
 soldier, and served as he states.
	I _________________ of the Court of_______________ 
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of  _________________ for a pension.                                                                               
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
of office, (i) this 
_________ day of _____________________ &c.

	If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
	Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the forgoing, with the following additions, viz:
	(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ____________________and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____________________, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _________________
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier 
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
		Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
	       [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
     And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after 
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary 
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. 
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _______________________
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the____________________                                    
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
     I, 	__________________Clerk of the Court of ______________				do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ________________________
for a pension.
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this _______ day of _________________	&c.

	Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if 
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the 
services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
     If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will 
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 22

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

         [a]    The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow
the rule laid down for his guidance.
	[b]    The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
         [c]    The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
	[d]   The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he 	served. 
	[e]   Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making, an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &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 periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: _For____year _____months, and ________
days, I served as a ____________, For _______ months and ________ days,  I served as a ____________________; and for such service I claim a pension.”
	It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months, 
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
In the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority;
that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit. 	
         [f]   The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
	[g]   The opinion of the Court is always required.
	[h]   The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
	[i]    The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers. 

Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, 
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant’s entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses,
and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[symbol of pointing finger] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in 
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
	[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
	[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
	[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 23

John Sherman of New Bedford in the County of Bristol
and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty four years, a
Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States—testify and 
say that I am acquainted with James Gifford of Dartmouth
in said County that I was a soldier in the war of
the Revolution, that in the year of Seventeen hundred and Seventy
nine I was in the Company of Capt George Claghorn and
acted as orderly Sergant [sic] in said Company—that sometime
in the summer of that year as near as I can recollect
while the Soldiers were on duty—and Quartering at the Benjamin
Allen house, at Clarks Cove so called I knew James Gifford
aforesaid—he was a private in the same Company with
me and Quartered at the same House with me at
least One month. I recollect the same James Gifford
previous to the above when he was in the said Loft with
John Lanquarthy. 		John Sherman [signed]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol.  S.s.  on this fifth day of
June AD. 1833 — personaly [sic] appeared the above
named John Shearman and made Solemn Oath
that the deposition aforesaid by him Subscribed
 is true — and I do further Certify that the 
said John Shearman is well known to me, that
I believe him to be a man of good character for
truth — that in my opinion his statement is
entitled to full Credit.
		Abner B. Gifford, Just. of the Peace [signed]
Page 24

I, Joseph Durfee of Troy, Fall River, in the
State of Massachusetts – aged Eighty three
years say— that in the year Seventeen hundred
and Seventy Seven —and in the year Seventeen
hundred and Seventy Eight of the war of the
Revolution, I lived in Fall River in said
State of Massachusetts, and held a Commission
of Major in the Militia, and was in the
service of the United States during said time
that while the British had possession of Rhode Island
the whole Country about Fall River, and the
Shores of Tiverton & Little Compton were exposed to
the Enemy — that many of the Citizens volunteered
their Services in the defense of the Country to keep
guard and wash [watch] the movements of the enemy — that
during said years: 1777 & 1778. I recollect James
Gifford who now lives in Dartmouth — then lived 
in Fall River aforesaid — and was a volunteer
Soldier under my Command, and according to the
best of my recollection he performed the duty of a 
volunteer Soldier twelve months — being actualy [sic]
engaged in the Service. I will further add that
I am now in receipt of a pension —-------
			
                                            Joseph Durfee [signature]

Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts.   Bristol County S.s.
On this 26th day of July AD. 1833 personaly [sic] appeared
before me Abner B. Gifford a Justice of the Peace for said County
the above named Joseph Durfee, and made oath that the
Deposition aforesaid by him subscribed is true.  And I
do further Certify that said Joseph Durfee is well known
to me, that his Character for truth and veracity is good
and that his statement is entitled to full Credit.
                       Abner B. Gifford, Just. of the Peace [signature]
Page 25

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett Register of 
the Court of Probate in & for said County
of Bristol, do hereby certify that Abner
B. Gifford whose signature is affixed
to the foregoing certificates, is a 
Justice of the Peace, for said County.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand & affixed the seal of said 
Court this third day of August 1833.

		Anselm Barrett