Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11808, William Wood, Penn
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Service: Penn  
Wood, William
Number: R. 11808
Born in Penn
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State of Pennsylvania
County of Lebanon

Personall appears in open Court, this 19 day of March 1833, before the Honorable the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Lebanon, now sitting, Dr William Wood, a widow of Jackson Township in the county of Lebanon and State of Pennsylvania, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, oth his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of CongreS [unknown] June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named offices and served as herein stated
I served as saw [crossed out] surgeon John Cadwallador when in the year 1776 he was elected Colonel of the 3d Philadelphian Battalion, I was out from November 1776 to April 1777 and a second time entered the service under Co. John  Meas, in the fall of 1777 a [unknown] lantern corps being rasied at Reading where I then resided: we then marched to the neighborhood of Chesnut Hill where I continued engaged in my duties as an army surgeon for two months.  The first time that I entered I [unknown] in Philadelphia.  Col. Cawallader gave me and order on Sharpe Delany a druggiest then residing in Philadelphia, for a medical chart, medicine and surgical instruments, these I obtained and then marched with said Battalion to ready opposite Trenton after the defeat and capture of the Hessians at Trenton, the battalion marched to the neighborhood of Bristol and I accompanied it- At this place, I became acquainted for the first time [something unknown crossed out] with Col. Sharp Delany 9upon whom Col. Cadwallader had given me the order)  Major Levi and Major Rud, as also many other officers whose names I cannot now distinctly recollect, but who are now all dead.  We received orders to croS the river, but owing to the great preS of ice on the Eastern shore we were unable to croS- we at length [unknown] a [unknown] and marched to CroSwicks in N. Jersey and then Gen e Mifflin prevailed on the 6 months men to remain with the army, we then marched to Trenton.  The British army advanced on us and we by a circuitous route arriving them, attacked the Hessians [crossed out] British at Princeton, [uknown, crossed out] and retreated to Trenton.  When our baggage came over we marched to the highland; of Jersey & Moristown where we lay until April when I returned to my father; in Reading Pa
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I have no documentary evidence, I served seven months during the war all the time as a surgeon.  The [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] every claim whatever to a pension or annuity and declare that his service is not in the pension role of any state.- I must state that I never received a written commiSion, I only [crossed out] was only desired to act as surgeon by Col. Cadwallader and Col. Neas and complied with their request.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year [illegible] in open court.-
before me Adam Ritscher Clk.  Wm Wood

Lebanon County [illegible initials]
Personally appeard in open court John Boyer a credible witneS who being duly sworn and doth depose and say that he was an indented servant to Col. Joseph of Wood of the city of Philadelphia before and during the revolutionary war and soldier in the years '76 and '77 at the time the British were overrunning New Jersey, that Dr. William Wood was employed and acted at the time as Surgeon to the third Philadelphia Battalion for nearly five months, that during the winter in which the British army was in poSeSion of Philadelphia Dr W. Wood acted as surgeon to one of the Bucks County militia battalions, was in the battle of Germantown and in the vicinity of Chesnut Hill two months and further [illegible] saith not
John X his mark Boyer
Sworn to and subscribed in open courth this 19 day of March 1833 the words a credible witneS was interlined before the administration of the oath to the witneS. Adam Ritscher, clk.
I Adam Ritscher Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Lebanon do humbly certify that the above declaration and deposition was sworn to and subscribed in open court and that the signatures are genuine.  In testimony whereof I have [illegible] placed my hand and seal of said court, this 19 March 1833. Adam Ritscher. clk
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19958
Doct William Wood
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The following Questions were propounded to William Wood an applicant for benefit of the Act of CongreS prepared 7 June 1832 by the Court at the time of filing his declarative.
First. Where and in what year were you born? I was born in the year A.D 1756 on the 4 June in the City of Philadelphia.
Second. Have you any word of your age and if so, where is it?  My age is recorded in my father's family Bible and is now here in court.
Third.  Where were you living when called into Service; where have you lived since the revolutionary was; and where do you now live?  I lived in the city of Philadelphia in November 1776 when I first entered the Service and September 1777 when entered the second time I resided in the Town of Reading, Bucks county [illegible] State of Pennsylvania.  F [crossed out] Since the Revolutionary war I have lived in [illegible] and in Lebanon County )formerly Dauphin] and now reside in Jackson Township Lebanon county aforenamed_.
Fourth.  How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute for whom?  I was called into service by Col. John Cadwallader as a surgeon to the third Philadelphian Battalion commanded by Col. John Cadwallader and also by Col. John Mears who commanded a volunteer corps at Reading in the county of Bucks.
Fifth.  State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you [illegible]; such continental and militia regiments as you recollect and the general acquaintances of your service.  The names of the officers were Col. John Cadwallader, Col. Mears, Major MoSes [illegible], Major _ Reed, General Washington I had the pleasure of seeing often during the time times [crossed out]  I was with officers where names and recollections of them has gone from my recollection [crossed out] memory_  I have no recollections of the names of the Batalions or Regiments but I think the first second and third city Battalions  were sent with us and this army which then lay in Jersey I have stated as fully as I can the circumstances of of my service in my declaration but my age has nearly destroyed my recollection at all transactions.
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Sixth. Did you ever receive a discharge commission [inserted] from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and
what has become of it?
I never received a discharge except a verbal discharge_
I never received a commission being only  verbally required to serve as a surgeon_
Seventh. State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution!
John Bayer, Dr Henry Bower and all my neighbors and
Valentine Shouffler.
We hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Wood who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration and we believe him to be nearly Seventy Seven [inserted] years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the
revolution and that we concur in that opinion.-
Sworn and subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid.-
Adam Ritscher Clk.
H. Bower
Valentine Shouffler
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 Valentine Shouffler & Dr. Henry Bower are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
[Signature illegible]
Batdorff
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I, Adam Ritscher, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Lebanon
aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of Doctor William Good for a pension. _
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this 17 day of January [inserted of crossed out word] 1832. In Testimony-
Adam Ritscher. Clk.
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W.
No 19958
Wm. Wood Surgeon
had no [illegible]
29 Jany 1833
Obj.. 5.14.16
Hon. J. C. Bucher ┃
H. [Illegible]
1833
Rejected. See letter to
Hon. W. Clarke De. 24 . 1833
P. 226
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Brief in the case of William Wood of Lebanon, Pa. in the State of Pennsylvania (Act 7th June, 1832.)
Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Common Pleas
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 77 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. In 1776 from [inserted] Nov. to April 1777 Fall
Duration of Service.
Years Months Days.
Boyer's affidavit says)
nearly 5 _ ..
.. 2 ..
Rank. Surgeon
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Cadwallader. Col. 3rd Philad. Battalion
Col. John Meas
5. In what battles was he engaged?
[6. assumed] [Damaged text followed by] entered the service? Philadelphia
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary_  A living not certified to be credible
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Improperly attached
I cerity that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
D Brown
Examining Clerk.
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26.783
William Wood
Pennsylvania
Rejected
Rejected. See letter to
to Hon. W. Clark HR
Dec. 24th 1833 let to Hon. J. G. Watmough, H.R. May 12 1834
Lebanon Pa.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These 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 with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of William Wood of Lebanon Co.
Period when the service was rendered. Nov. 1776-77  About the middle of Nov. 1776 to the middle of April 1777
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months. 4 ┃2  Days.
Rank of the claimant. Surgeon ┃Surgeon
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Genl. Washington ┃Col. Mears
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
77 years Philad.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary evidence
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 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
On this 
day of
A. B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
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 7th, 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 do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court of [inserted] 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 foregoing, 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
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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.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
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 testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[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, be 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 mentionn 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 offical charact and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papaers.
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.
[illegible]Thenotes form [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the caces 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.
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Note of July 14, 1862, and March 9, 1878.[ crossed out]
11808
P. O.
Wm. Wood
Service:
           REJECTED [stamped across this area of document]
Enlisted:----,18
Discharged:----,18
Application filed:----,18
Alleges:----
Re-enlisted:---
Attorney:---
P. O.---
---Recognized.
---Contract
---Cert.  of Dis. 
Searched for--------,18
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State of Pennsylvania
County of Lebanon ⎬
On this 5 day of August 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County aforesaid, now holding a Court of Quarter SeSions in and for said county, Dr William Wood, a resident of Meyerstown, in the County of Lebanon and State of Pennsylvania, aged seventy seven years, who being first, duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration-
That he entered the army of the United States and served [crossed out] under the following named officers, and served as herein stated
That he was born June 4. 1756 in the City of Philadelphia, a son of Col. Joseph Wood of the regular army: that at the time the British army was desolating and overrunning N. Jersey.  He was a student of medicine under the superintendance of Dr Thomas Cadwallader - his son John Cadwallader was elected Colonel of the third Philadelphia Battalion which was soon after sent into the Jerseys. Before they started Col. Cadwallader came to him and offered him the situation of Surgeon and that of surgeon's mate to another being gentleman, a fellow resident, named Evans- it was accepted by both-- that Col. Cadwallader gave him an order on Sharpe Delany (druggist and afterwards Col. of another Philadelphia battalion) for surgical instruments and medicine which was honoured at sight- that he also received an order from Dr Jonathan Potts at that time Surveyor of the hospital for the same purpose and on the same person- that he was present at the battle of Trenton and performed his duties as surgeon there to the wounded-- that he was also present at the battle of Princeton and from thence retired with the army under Washington to Morristown - that he was out on this tour from about the middle of November to the middle of April in the year 1776-77- that after his return home (his parents having in the mean time removed to Reading), in the fall of the year 1777 he left Reading, in the situation of surgeon to a battalion of Militia commanded by Col. John Mears- that the marched with them to the neighbourhood of Chesnut hill, was present at the battle of Germantown and remained in that vicinity for upwards of two months that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows no person, now living, whose testimony to his services he could procure with the exception of John Boyer whose deposition, properly attested is hereunto annexed - that [crossed out] he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Wm Wood
Sworn and subscribed the day & year first above written in open court- 
A
Adam Ritscher Clk
Head
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Supplementary declaration.
Personally appeared, in open Court, this 5th day of August 1833, being [crossed out] sworn [crossed out], deposeth [crossed out] and [crossed out] saith [crossed out] the [crossed out] Dr William Wood, who, being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively 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 grade- For five months I served as a Surgeon on my first tour, and again in the same capacity on my second tour; and for such service I claim a pension sworn and subscribed [illegible and crossed out] the day and year aforesaid, in open court- the words in the second line between "1833 "Dr" and in the 11th "before me" struck out before signing
Wm Wood
---
Adam Ritscher Clk

We, Henry Groh- a clergyman and residing in the borough of Lebanon
and Henry Bower residing in Meyerstown hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Dr William Wood who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy seven 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
Sworn and subscribed the day & year ⎬ Henry Bro
aforesaid, in open Court.
Adam Ritscher Clk.
H. Be
-
=
2.
The following Interrogatories were propounded in open court; to Dr William Wood an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, by the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
1. Where and in what year were you born? I was born on the 4th of June 1756 in the city of Philadelphia.
2. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it? I have here in Court my father's bible, in which, and in his hand writing is a memorandum to the following affect: "William Wood born June the fourth 1756 half an have past three o'clock in the afternoon.
Page 17

3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War: and where do you now live? I was living at the time I first went out in the City of Philadelphia - at the second period, I resided at Reading- I resided at the latter place, (Bucks Cy Pa)) until the year 1785, when I moved to Towertown then Dauphin now Lebanon County- in the year 1795 I went to Woundsdorf Bucks Cy Pa and remained there until the year 1827 when I came to Meyerstown Lebanon Cy where I at present reside-
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute; and if a Substitute for whom? I volunteered on both occasions.-
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where
you served; such continental and militia regiments as you recollect, and the
general circumstances of your services! I recollect none at this distance of time
except General Mifflin - a circumstance that occurred immediately after the taking of the Hessians recall him more particularly to my mind. The six month men desired to return to their homes, as their time had expired-- General Washington, could ill spare them and requested Genl Mifflin to persuade them if possible to remain some time longer-- a hogs head was put up for him and the substance
of his oration was as follows: that he hoped they would not desert their noble commander now: that they had already gained a victory and thus broken the ice, that their next effort would certainly be crowned with complete success." and." said he," in conclusion, "if the married men will stay until after the next victory, they can then go home, and I will insure each a hero for a son, nor need the single men, fear that they will go unrewarded for, when they come home crowned with
victory, they will find Sweet hearts as plenty as blackberries." The soldiers cheered and remained. I can recollect no officers except Maj. Reed. my own Colonel
Cadwallader and Col. Sharpe Delaney, nor any regiment except my own- the third Battalion of Phila Militia. The general circumstances of my services are detailed in my declaration.-
6. Did you ever receive a commission: and if so by whom was it signed and
what has become of it? I cannot recollect whether I did or not, I rather think not:
I was desired to serve as Surgeon by Col. Cadwallader and did so: I cannot now say whether he got me a commission or not: If he did it islost.
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 in your services as a soldier of the revolution! Revd Henry Groh.-- and Henry Bowen M.D.
[Four lines crossed out that are a repetition of 6. above]
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26.783
William Wood

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 Henry Groh who has signed the preceding certificate, a clergyman resident in the borough of Lebanon, and that Dr Henry Bowen who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Meyerstown, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit;
Blythe Glaningon
Lebanon County SS
I Adam Ritscher, Clerk of the Court ,of Common Pleas in and for the County of Lebanon, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Dr William Wood for a pension.
In Testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this fifth day of August 1833 and that the above signatures are genuine
Adam Ritscher Clk.
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Bucks County S.S.
Personally appeared before me the subscribed ones of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Buck's John Boyer, who being first duly sworn according to law doth a [illegible] and say- that he was an indented servant to Colonel Joseph Wood of the City of Philadelphia before and during the revolutionary war and soldier in the year 1776 and 1777 at the time the British army  was overrunning N. Jersey, that Dr William Wood was employed and acted at that time,  as Surgeon to the third Philadelphia Battalion commanded by Col. John Cadwallader, that he marched with said battalion and performed the duties of surgeon to said Battalion for nearly five months- that during the winter that the British army are in poSeSion of the city of Philadelphia, the said Dr William Wood acted as Surgeon to one of the Bucks County Militia Battalions commanded by Colonel John Mears, marched with the same, was stationed at Chesnut Hill, was at the engagement at Germantown
and remained in that vicinity in his capacity of surgeon to the aforesaid battalion for upwards of two months- and further [illegible] saith when sworn and  subscribed before me this 2nd day of August 1833.

John X his mark Boyer
John [signature is illegible]
I, the subscriber a justice of the peace as above written, do hereby certify that I am of opinion that the above-named John Boyer has placed his signature to the above written deposition, is good and credidible witness and that his character for veracity is good-
John [signature is illegible]
Page 20

Pennsylvania
Berks County

I, Jacob Sallado, Clerk of the [illegible and crossed out] Court of Common Pleas [illegible] for the County of Berks do hereby certify that the within-named Joseph Hains, whose [illegible] nature is attached to the within written deposition and certificate is a Justice of the Peace, and that his acts as such are valid and of full effect. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 2nd day of August AD. 1833
Jac.  Sallado Prothy
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[All crossed out] Waiting the decision of W. Edwards upon the question, whether service
as Surgeon without a commission entitles him
to a pension?
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11808
Page 23

[Seal that states:] Lebanon County Common Pleas
19958
Please return this
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
William Wood which further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
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?
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 amout of pension he is entitled?
No. See quere 5.
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk real affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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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?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
  If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
  Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No. See Quere 16.
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &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.
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                                                                                                          3
it is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 shewn 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.
+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 authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
[Hand stamp pointing to this line] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
[Handwritten:] Should produce his commission or account for its absence.