Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 12718, James Davidson, Continental Penn.
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SERVICE
Continental Penn.

Davidson James

NUMBER 
S12718

carded
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[Illegible]
954

Increase. [underlined]
14768
city [underlined]
New York

James Davidson, dec
of N.Y. City in the state of New York 
of hospital
who was a [illegible] in the        commanded
by Captain     of the         commanded
by        in the [star] Revolutionary army
line for two years Pa [star] Continental
Nov [illegible]
Records completed.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 585 Dollars 00 cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & end 25 Novem 1840, when he died.
Certificate of Pension found the 4th day of April 1850. and sent to Hon N. Putnam, H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending 
Increased from $288.00 [underlined]
Payable to his widow Harriet D. Field
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. P. Chase Cler
Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 18
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Hospital Commissary
pay 20$ from June 76 to 7. Apr 77- 9m.7
40$ from 7 Apr '77 to Jan.y. '79
20 mo. 23 ds (days)
New York City, NY
October 27 1832
Declaration of James Davidson, Under the Act of June 7 1832 and Accompanying papers
In the matter of the application of James Davidson for the benefit of the Pension Act
Al Mr [illegible] No 74 Broadway
admitted
2 years Hospital commissary store keeper
120$
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Declaration of James Davidson in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.- 

State of New York
City and County of New York C. on this twenty seventh day of October in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred thirty two, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York, now sitting. James Da-vidson a resident of the City of New York in the County and State of New York, aged Seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War, at Philadelphia, where he then resided, as a volunteer in the light infant try company attached to the second battalion of Infan- try of the State of Pennsylvania commanded by Col. Roberdian immediately after the battle of Lexington in 1775. He remained as such until the first week in June 1776, when he was appointed by Dr. Morgan Director General, Chief Commissary of the General Hos- pital Department of the United States. In the capac-ity he served until January 1779 - a term of more than two years and six months - when he retired to attend to his private affairs. 
While the army remained in New York, the duties of the undersigned were very arduous, and he often found great difficulty in procuring many of the articles necessary for sick and wounded men; particularly as he had to supply daily from twelve
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to fifteen Continental hospitals established in the city and on Long Island, from the General Hospital Stores. After our retreat from [illegible] New York, The duties of the [?] were in many respects greatly decreased being with the sick and burned from place to place vis Newark, Hackensack, Elizabethtown and Basking Ridge, [?] Bethlehem in Pennsylvania chiefly relying on  personal [?] without settled quarters rations or pay for some months. After the ]?] battle at Trenton, the Hospital Department was divided into three establishments, and your applicant was connected with the eastern branch at Danbury and Fishkill.
The certificate of John Morgan Director General of the Hospital Department JohnDe La Mater Paymaster, Col Richard Varick former president and Leonard Bleeker Treasurer of the New York Society of Cincinnati is person of the mature and terms of Applicant service are herewith forwarded.He is deprived by death of the testimony of his friends, General Roberdeau], Col Willett, Drs Knight, Foster Eustis  and General Knox and he knows of no person surviving whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service, He therefore respectfully requests that as he had served for more than two years and a half as Chief of Commissary with pay during the greater part of the time, equal to, or exceeding that of a Captain in the army,  he may receive the pension of a captain, under the act of 1832.
The applicant has never received any pensions under any preceding act of Congress, declared that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state, and hereby relinquished every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and  year aforesaid. [?] Astern Clerk form[?] City of New York Signature illegible
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Thomas Lyell a clergyman residing in the city of New York, and James Swords residing in the same place, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Davidson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight 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 and year aforesaid 
[illegible] Club [illegible]
City and county of New York
[illegible]
James Swords
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Abraham Asten clerk of the court of common pleas for the city and county of New York, do hereby certify that the forgoing, contained the original (illegible word) (illegible word)  and court in the matter of (possibly Appraisal) of James Davidston for a pension

In testimony whereof I have (illegible word) set my hand and seal of office, this 27 day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two 

Hon Asten Clerk
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Brief in the case of James Davidson of City of New York in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? [illegible] court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 78 years old
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Years, Months, Days. As a... Gen.

Col Rabardeau
April In 1775
The final week in June was appointed [illegible] director general chief commissary of the general hospital department of the United States in this [illegible] city he served until January 1779 a term of more than [illegible] years + [illegible] months when he returned to attend to his private affairs.

5. In what battle was he engaged? None
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Philadelphia
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary incidental evidence, or by the rolls? documentary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[illegible] Examining Clerk
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12.718
Invalid
file #: 12.718
James Davidson
( illegible word)
act: June 7th 1832
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Pension Office
April 27. 1842 
Commi[illegible]  of Pensions
relative to the care of
James Davidson, [illegible] 
R74. Rie April 17, 1842

[illegible]  [illegible]  [illegible]  to [illegible]  from the [illegible]  of the [illegible]  of Pensions. [illegible]  [illegible]  [illegible] a [illegible]  of [illegible]  [illegible]  and [illegible]  [illegible]  [illegible] of any [illegible]  in it. 

C. She[illegible] 
Apri 30. 1862

*signature
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Sent to Nicholas Carroll (illegible wording)
to (illegible wording) March 11, 1845
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New York 147[illegible] 8

James Davidson
of N.Y. City in the state of N.Y. 
who was a [illegible]  [illegible]  in the _______ commanded 
by Captain ______ of the ______ commanded 
by ______ in the [illegible]  of the Revolutionary Army. 
2 years [illegible]  [illegible]  [illegible]  
Increased to $288 per annum 

Incribed on the Roll of N.Y. 
at the rate of 120 Dollars ____ cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 

Certificate of Pension [illegible] the 19. day of [illegible]  1833 and sent to 
Pensions, at M[illegible]  Lewis No 74
Broadway NY 

Arrears to the 4 of March 33.          240 "
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.   60 " 

                                                              300.00


Recorded by [illegible] Clerk, 
Book 6. Vol. [illegible] Page 54

*THE FOLLOWING IS ON THE RIGHT OF THE IMAGE* 
Letter to [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] 
16 Nov. 1833.                              (Dead)
Ser. J. [illegible] [illegible]  '34 

do. to A. Ray Feb 24 1842 
do. to [illegible]  April 18. 1842
do. to Sec. War April 27. 1842
[illegible] from Sec. War 30 [illegible] 1842 [illegible] Ray 
do. to [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] 29 Sept 1842
do. to A. Ray Oct. 6. 1842
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Payment to 
[illegible] 
[illegible]  
1811
(No4)
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[illegible] July 10 1811 [illegible] James David 
[illegible][illegible][illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] for his [illegible] in the [illegible] Society 
$40- 

L.W. Bleecker 
[illegible] [illegible]
Society [illegible]
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William Rich Yaneck
to JD
No. 3
William James Davidson
at
New Haven, Connecticut
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New York 19th June 1843. 


Dear Sir, 
Yesterday I had the honor of [illegible] you [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] His [illegible] with your [illegible] have, [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible] of him [illegible] [illegible].  I wish you a [illegible] [illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible]with [illegible][illegible] 

D [illegible]

Your [illegible][illegible] 
Rich Patrick


W. James Davidson
[illegible] [illegible]
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I do certify that the Bearer [illegible] Mr. James Davidson late of this city [ship handles}, but [illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible][illegible] of his [illegible] [illegible] of his
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180 [illegible] [illegible] 
New York Oct 20 1844

Sir, 
I enclose the Power of Attorney of Mrs. Harriett D. Field, widow, [illegible] and [illegible] [illegible] under the will of James Davidson Esq. [illegible] and [illegible] the wife of C. C. Field Esq. in [illegible] citizen and [illegible] of [illegible] city. 

Mr Davidson was Hospital Commissary and was [illegible] under the Act of 1832 [illegible] that service at $288 per annum. 

The [illegible] application is for the difference between the [illegible] he did [illegible] , $288 per annum and $600 per annum to which he is entitled, [illegible] the  6th March 1831 to his death 

In Volume 2 [illegible] 83 + 84 of the [illegible] of the Old [illegible] the [illegible] of "Hospital Commissary"
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when the commissary's pay was $2 per day.
I am aware that there were two James Davidsons, the one James Davidson was [ Surgeon?] of the 5th Pa Line. and was in the service until the [close?] of the War. But this one that in present was
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12718
James Davidson
Continental Pa
John Morgan
Certificate [illegible]
Gen. Hoss Depot
1786
No 1
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To all whom it may concern
This is to certify that Mr. James Davidson served the United States in the quality of Chief Commissary of Stores in the General Hospital, when under my superintendence as Director General in the years 1776 and 1777, during which time he conducted himself in that
office with great ability, unremitting zeal and
irreproachable fidelity. I therefore freely recommend him as a Gentleman of approved
character to the confidence of the public.
Witness my hand at Philadelphia this 15th day of March 1786
John Morgan
In 1777 the General Hospital department was divided into 3 divisions and J. Davidson was established in the Eastern - by Danbury and [illegible] which service [illegible] in 1779
James Davidson
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This may Certify that Mr. James Davidson entered into the American Military Hospital  service, in the [illegible] of Hospital Commissioner of the [illegible], the beginning of June 1776 and continued in the aforesaid service till January 1 1779 (from June 1776 until April 7 1777 his pay was twenty dollars per month and from that period until the time of his leaving the service it was forty dollars per month) for which service he has duly been paid in Continental money at a very depreciated sale.
John De La Mater
[Illegible] Hospital Pay Master

New York May 1 1796
Owing to the great depreciation of continental paper in 1777 - the pay of the Hospital Surgeon, Commissary and Paymaster, was raised to 60 dollars per month, value in [illegible] to about 8 or 9 dollars, but owing to the difficulties of procuring many articles for the [illegible] branches at Danbury and [illegible], I parted with 20 dollars [illegible] of my pay to a person who collected them in the give over [illegible] - which a month for my not receiving but 40 dollars of the Paymaster - In fact our pay had become so [sp: trifling?] in value that none are but litter about [illegible].
James Davidson
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Claim of Mrs. Harriet D. Fielt, widow and executrix of James Davidson, to arrangers of pension not allowed him during his lifetime. 
Mr. Davidson served as Hospital Commissary from June 1776 to January 1779. The question involved is, what was his rate of pay in service? Whatever it was his pension should be rated accordingly. It appears from the certificate of the Hospital Paymaster that from June 1776 to April 7th, 1777, he was paid at the rate of $20, and thereafter to January 1779, $40 per month
"in Continental currency at a very depreciated rate." The rate of Pension first allowed him was $10 per month - the pay of Quarter Master Sergeant, by whom the duties of Hospital
Commissary were frequently performed. On a subsequent examination, the [Commissioner] of Pensions states it was found that on the day his pay was increased from $20 to $40 the office of Hospital Commissary was distinctly
established, the pay of which was 6/10 that of Hospital Surgeons, and amounted to $24 in specie; and Davidson's pension was increased to this rate. The Attorney of Mrs. Field entered into a long assessment to show that according to the relative position of persons holding similar stations in the late war, Davidson should be regarded as having held a position which entitled him to Captains pay, and a pension accordingly. This amounts to nothing: they may have held the same relative position in the war of the revolution, or they may not. He knows fully back upon the resolutions of Congress of April 8th, 1777, fixing the pay of Hospital Commissary at $2 and 4 rations per day, and he
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he contends, in specie or its equivalent. This must be the act referred to by the Commissioner of Pensions, as it is the only one of the kind upon the subject, but how he arrives at the conclusion that under this act the pay of Hospital Commissary was 6/10 that
of Hospital Surgeon, and was $24 in Specie is not explained.  The act creates then grades of those Surgeons - Senior at $4 and 6 rations per day; Second at 2-4; and mates at 1 1/3 - 2; and, as stated by the Attorney in this case, allowed Hospital Commissaries 2 - 4. Whether these allowances were within specie or its equivalent, or if not what they amounted to in Specie, is not explained, and then no evidence. The Com of Pensions thinks the just increase of pay, without any [illegible] incur in extent and responsibility of duty was intended to make up for depreciation. One thing [illegible] appears certain-- it is not
satisfactorily established by proof that Davidson was entitled to a greater rate of pension than was allowed them.
J.T.C.
Office Secy appear
October 30, 1842
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Pension Office 
September 29: 1842

Sir

My views have not undergone any change in relation to the case of James Davidson deceased since I had the honor of making a report to you on the subject on the 27th of April last. My letter to the Secretary of War of the 16 November 1833, a copy of which is enclosed, will show why Mr. Davidson was allowed only $288. I again enclose all the papers in the case, and respectfully ask a return of them to this office.
It is alleged in the letter of the 30' of July last addressed to you by the claimant's agent that other Commissaries of Hospitals have been paid at a higher rate of pay than Davidson received. I cannot make any reply to this allegation, as no name is mentioned. If the cases were pointed out, the necessary explanations mighty be given. 
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
Your Obed. Ser.
J. L. Edwards

Hon. John C. Spencer
Secretary of War.
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Washington July 30th 1842

Sir

I feel it imperatively due to my client, to make another effort to bring his case to your consideration, being firmly persuaded that if you can find leisure to give it your personal consideration, unenfluenced by previous, decisions, of the Pension Office you will justify me in the grounds upon which, I claim for her an increased allowance. The history of the case is briefly this:- James Davidson dec'd, served as Hospital commensary in the revolutionary was, from the 7 June 1776 to the 1 Jan 1779. [paper makes N.1.] a period of two years and seven months, under the act of June 7 1832, he applied for, and obtained a pension. The rate of which seems to have been fixed by some arbitrary rule of the Pensiojn Officce, since no record has been produced to shew the amount of pay allowed to the deceased while in the service. The widow is dissatisfied with the rate fixed by the Pension Office, on the ground, that the full pay of her husband was at or much higher rate, and that he was entitled under the act to an allowance equivalent to his full pay. To my appreciation, as her attorney, for this augmentations, the commissioner of pensions on the 24 Feb. last, [N.J.] replied that James Davidson dec'd "was paid for his Services as Hospital Commissary at the rate of $288 per annum under the act of June 7. 1832. Unless it can be shown that he received while in service higher pay than the above amount in specie no increase can be allowed." To my further appreciation for the evidence upon which his decision was founded the commissioner laconically replies that Davidson "was paid in paper currency and the species value of it was about $9 per month," some further correspondence has passed chiefly in relation to the depreciation of the of paper currency, Which may be hereafter noticed, but which is unimportant to the merit or the question to which I desire to refer to your decision.
The office of Hospital Comminsary has been unknown to the Military establishment gf the United States since the revolution and in the absence of all evidence as to the rank which the officer so called bore, or, of the rate at which he was paid for his service, we can have no better rule for our guidance than analogy.
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The duties of commissary in general, are to purchase, or to take care of the supplies required for the various departments of the army, and in some instances both to purchase and keep safe, Now, it may be fairly inferred, that the duties of a Hospital commissary were to purchase every thing necessary for the use of the Hospital, upon the requisition of the Hospital surgeon, such duties are not only highly important, but they involve great responsibility. During the last war with Great Briton, congress passed an act authorizing the appointment of several Apothecaries, who were appointed to the General Hospital in the most important Districts, and who were directed to furnish the various supplies required for the medical department upon the requisition or the chief surgeon of the District. In rank pay and envolvement these apothecaries were placed on a footing with assistant Hospital Surgeons; and it cannot be doubtful, that the Hospital commissary of the Revolution having similar duties to preform, had at least equal rank pay and involvement. In the case of James Davidson I have said that the rate of his pension seems to have been fixed by some arbitrary rule at the Pension Office, This will appear, I think, from the scommissioners several letters to my interrogations. In his letter to me or the 18 April-last he says, "He [Davidson] was paid in paper currency and the species value of it was about $9 per month." Now if this had really been the full amount of his regular pay while in service, his widow should not under the act of June 7 1837 be entitled to a higher pension than at the rate of $108 per annum for that act, expressly limits the pension to "full pay" within a specified amount, And yet in his letter of the 24th Feb. the commissioner says "he was paid for his service as Hospital commissary at the rate of $288 per annum under the act June 7, 1832." A ?? ?? by $180 per annum then that act must have authorized as a pension had his "full pay" while in service been no more than "about $9 per month" as Stated. There is no reason alleged by the commissioners why this acceptation what he appeared to be the regular pay, was allowed as a pension under the act quoted nor are there any data upon which, I can
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from a conjecture as to the grounds of his decision, If there be no record evidence at the rate at which this officer was actually paid during his revolutionary service, then I contend that it would be but just to approve that he was paid and rated as officer having similar duties to preform have been subsequently rated and paid, and that as the rank and pay of an (??) Hospital Surgeon would entitle him to a Captains pay under the act June 7. 1832. The allowance in this case, ought of right, to have been fixed at the same rate. But she, as I have already stated in my letter to you on the 26th last the pay of a Hospital commissary was actually fixed by resolution of Congress [April 8 1777 Journal of Congress vol 2 page 83. 4] at $2 and 4 rations per day, and whether he did, in reality receive that amount of pay while in service, or not, it is undeniable that he was entitled to it, and entitled to it too in specie or its equation, As to the depreciation of the revolutionary currency, I do not see that its fluctuation have any thing whatever to do with the question as (??) between the commissioner and myself. In his report to you on the 27th late, the commissioner advanced the opinion that it is difficult rightly to understand, the Journal of the old Congress and the Washington accounts, in order to ascertain the amount to which a revolutionary officer was entitled. " and almost says that no one but himself can understand them, For he there expects himself : they "in most cases mislead any one who is not acquainted with the subject". and to strengthen the acquisition says "in 1780 the pay of a company of Military Stores was declared to be not less than $360 nor more that $1750 per month. The commissioner has dropped the subject; had he started and I must presume he was acquainted with the fact, that the high rate of pay allowed  made the resolution of the [12 aug 1780] for this resolution he alludes. (underlined starting with bracket) was at a period when the continential currency (??) to a much alarming depreciation and when too the resolves of congress the [78 decline 1780] had not mattered. Five months after it went on the [12 Jan 1781 vol 2nd of Congress III page 565] Congress Resolved That from and after the 1st day of August last the pay of the (underlined from Resolved to end)
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Offices in the department of the Commissary general of Military Stores: to be 100 per month. (underlined from beginning) according to the original pay on the 11 Feb 1778 its bills of the new emission (underlined from 11) Species or its equivalent, and directed all money received in bills or the old commissions or species the 1st day of August last (1780) to be accounted for (??) to the table of depreciation. (underlined from all money) If the commissioner had have placed the subject fully before you, the impression a partial statement conveyed would have placed the whole matter in a different point of view, and would not have confounded the pay of a (??) company, with that of a company of military Stores.
But again, he asserts, that the $2 and 4 rations per day, allowed to the Hospital company was designed by the old congress to be regarded as a merely nominal pay, to be fully satisfied with paper currency, at any depreciation, I feel (??) to show that he does injustice to the honorable character and principles of that congress and that he spoke not only without authority but directly against what, he ought to have known had been the the decision and practice of the Treasury Department as will appear by the accompanying letter proven the regular Office Treasury Department. This, I cannot but hope will be sufficient to place the question of allowance between the commissions and myself beyond further controversy. He admits the pay of the Hospital commentary was $2 and 4 rations and it is proven "that upon settlement at the treasury department the accounts of officers in the staff Department, who had delivered continental money, their pay was allowed in (underlined from Their) or liquidated by certificates or registered debt, considered as equivalent to,
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SERVICE                                                  NUMBER
Continental         Davidson    James     S12718

Penn  Carded
Page 31

Pension Office April 27, 1862

Sir, 
I do not think it necessary to make any other remark on the enclosed letter complaining of the decision in the case of James Davidson, dc than that the letters from this Office of the 24th of February last and the 18th of the present month do not contain the reasons for not allowing an increase of pension, but were written in reply to certain questions. Reference to the Journals of the old Congress in order to ascertain the amount to which a revolutionary Officer was entitled will, in most cases, mislead any one who is not acquainted with the subject. In 1780 the pay of a Commissary of military stores was declared to be not less than $360 nor more than $1750 per month; that of a Captain of Artillery Artificiers $900 per month [illegible]. Now every one must perceive at once that such rates of pay could not have been in [illegible]; but was in depreciated paper currency. In April 1777 when the Hospital Commissary was allowed in paper currency $2 per day, the Senior Surgeon was allowed $4 per day; but in the final settlement of the Surgeon's account he was allowed but $40 per month in specie. The Commissary could not have been allowed in speice, therefore, if the same scale of  depreciation was observed in both cases, more than $20 per month. Reference to Washington's accounts is also calculated to mislead. It is not
Page 32

true that the depreciation of the continental money did not commence till August 1777. In January 1777 one dollar and a half in paper was given for one dollar of specie. This will be seen by the 3 vol. of State Papers, Doc. No. 107. 20th Congress, [illegible], Session, House of Reps. Treasury Department. Published in January 1828. 
I enclose the papers in the case of James Davidson, in order that the claim may have the benefits of the original claimant's own statement while living. I respectfully request a return of the papers. ave the honor to be very respectfully your obd servent.  J L Edwards

Pension Office April 27 1842 
Commission of Pensions
Report in the case of James Davidson, decd
Page 33

Washington, D.C.
April 26.1842
A Ray
Appeal from the decision of
the Pension Office in the case 
of James Davidson, dec?
T. C. Spencer -
R {/4 Escape?} 2714
Secretary of War
Pension Office
upon {scribble} Washington
Page 34

Washington
April 26th 1842

Sir
As attorney in fact for Mr. H. D. Field of the city of New York, Mrs. was widow of James Davidson dec'd. late a pensioner on the New York roll under Act 1832, as Hospital Commissary at the rate of $288 per annum: Upon application being made by Mrs. Field for an augmentation of her late husbands stipend, The commissioner of Pensions, rejects the claim to an increase, on the very extraordinary ground, that James Davidson as Hospital Commissary was paid in paper currency, Whatever the reasons of the Commissioner of Pensions, may be, for discarding the more liberal principle of his former practice, and adopting a narrowed rule of rating pension according to depreciated paper currency, I know not,  If adopted in one case it would appear to be applicable to all classes of officers and soldiers of the revolution, unless it can be shewn there were two depreciated currencys during the continental war. And being persuaded that no view of the question which I could present, would change the commissioners decision. Is the consideration which imposes on me the necessity of troubling you Sir, and I must respectfully solicit your attention to the case.
It is admitted paper N1 "that James Davidson was a Hospital commissary,"  N 2 "That he entered the Military Hospital on the first of June 1776 and served till Jan. 1779" It is stated "He was paid in paper currency and the specie value of it was $9 per month." We will endeaver to shew the commissioner of Pension is mistaken in supposing the payment made to officers and soldiers for military Service during the war of the revolution was in nominal paper and especially in this case. With a view then, to arrive at a proper base for the calculation of depreciated paper at different periods of the war, and how it was received and paid out, we will take for our guidance and would beg to refer you, to the "Facsimile or Washington's accounts
Page 35

from 1775 to 1783 accompanying this communication page 53. 
By which you will perceive, there was no depreciation till August 1777. and in Dec 1778. the depre-ciation was not of to 1 in  [specie], we state these periods,--because they embrace the time James Davidson Served
as a Hospital Commissary,
so we find from June 1776
to August 1777 being 14 months of his service no deprecia-tion whatever, and from Aug 1777 to Dec 1778, the over-age was about 3 to 18. If then, the statement of Gen
Washington accounts be correct, It conclusively shows the
commissions of Pensions to be in error, the statement pre-sents the fact, too; that nominal paper was credited by
depreciation, and consequently was received and paid out at different time according to the varied rates, If
therefore, the government was indebted $50, it required
in May 1781, 2000 nominal paper to discharge the obligation, there was no discrimination in the payments
of offices in the revolutionary War, the payments were {hear] on its equivalent, and it would appear by Gen
Washington accounts, the continental paper was at all
times brought to that standard,
I have endeavors to place this point of the case before you as summary as possible-- and hold to the
opinion that depreciates paper currency has nothing to do
in ration of pensions nor the Commissions of Pensions
any thing to do with [completing] paper currency.
If not find the view I have taken of the subject to be a
correct one, then the question may arise, in the grade of a Hospital Commissary equal to the of an assistant [com-pay]
of issues, at the rate of pension allowed to a Capt.
of Artillery for two years service, I cannot but hope [?]
that upon examining the merits of the question, your views
will accord with my own, and that as the Head of the
Department to which the subject belongs you will take such order therein as may ensue to my constituent the relief
 sought.
                             I have  the honor to  remain 
Hon J. C. Spencer             Your most hon Sevt
Sec. of War                                         Alex Ray
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Note, It may be proper to remark as it is not shown in the index of the Journals of Congress The establishment of the medical department, and fixing the rate of pay, that it may be found in vol. 11 page 83-4 at a period when there was no depreciation. The resolution of Sep. 8 1777 continued in force till Se. 30 1780. Under the first resolution a commissary at Hospital was allowed 2$ a day and four rations. 
Alex Ray
Page 37

Sir
Washington Feb 25. 1842
Your letter of yesterday is now before me, in the case of Mrs H. D. Field of New York, widow of James Davidson decd disallowing the claim to an increase pension under act June 7, 1832
Your decision is so different from the
result anticipated by the applicant who represented to me, that James Davidson served as a Hospital Commissary for several years, and acquired
a right to Land from Pennsylvania-
And to satisfy Mrs Field, I must ask the favor of
you to inform me, from the evidence in your
possession, when James Davidson was appointed a
Hospital Commissary and the duration of his
service, should ther exist any doubt with you
as to his appointment; I am sure I can furnish
evidence of the fact from Harrisburg, as I have a
distinct recollection of seeing his name among
the Staff officers, in the office of the Secretary of the State of Pennsylvania,
                                      I am most respectfully
J.L. Edwards, Esq. L.S.         Alex Ray
Page 38

service                                    number
Continental  Davidson  James  S12718
Penn.
loarded
Page 39

New York City, NY.

Dec. 10 1841

Affidavit of Harriet D.
Field, formerly widow of
James Davidson dec'd.
Page 40

Continental                Davidson  James    S12718
Penn


Carded
Page 41

J. L. Edwards, Esq.   New York 28th Nov 1833

Sir

I return the Pension certificate sent to me, and shall be obliged to you to (??) the other as soon as it is ready__
I must (Crossed out word "Yet") take the Liberty of rectifying what I perceive is not altogether understood vz. (crossed out word "that") my duties as chief Commissary of the Gen Hospital Department was never done by ""In " Mas. Sergeant.
It is true in 1776 we were rather novices in our duties, but those devolving on one were difficult and laborious, having no other assistants then Fatigue-inen (except deputies appointed by me at different stations) The certificate of Doc. John Morgan Div. General of the Hos'l. Dept.-which, was sent with my original declaration I should think specified all that was necessary respecting my duties and performance of them- The following is a copy of his certificate;-"To all whom it ("my" crossed out)may concern--This is to certify that Mr. James Davidson served the United States in the quality of his Commissary of Stores in the General Hospital when under my Super-intendence as Director Gen'l. in the year 1776 and 1777 during which time he conducted himself in that office with great ability, unremitting Zeal and inreproachable fidelity----
I therefore freely recommend him as a Gentleman of approved character to the confidence of the Public-- Witness my hand at Philadelphia this 15th day of March 1786
John Morgan
The Journal
Page 42

The Journal of Congress, referred to in your Letter I presume applies to the Regimental (underlined) Commissares and Surgeons. I think you will find in their Journals in 1777 or 8 that the pay of Commissary, Pay-masters, and Surgeons of the General Hospital Department were all raised to 60 $ per month yet when I left the service in 1779, sixty Dollars in Continental Paper did not command more than from 10 to 12 $ Specie, this (Crossed off "certainly) certainly could never have been intended to cover such a depreciation, therefore I have thought myself entitled to the full Pension allowed by Congress; however Sir, I doubt not you will, on reviewing the subject send me the certificate made out according to what may be my just due.
Yours very respectfully
Ja Davidson
at (Words crossed off) No. 74 Poroad Way

PS. I have retained a copy of the included Letter, but have sent the Original, thinking it might be wanted in your Office---
Page 43

War Department, Pension Office Nov. 11, 1833.

Sir, 
In obedience to your order, the papers relating to the claim of James Davidson of the City of New York, have been examined. 
It would appear from his origianl declaration, that his duties were merely those of Hospital Commissary and Storekeeper, which in many instances were performed by Sr. Master Sergeants, and his certificate was computed accordingly. The full account of his duties disclosed in his letter to you of 27 Aug. and which is filed with his papers, together with the fact of his admission into the Society of the Cincinnati, would authorize a different view of his case. But a difficulty exists in ascertaining the rate of depreciation. At appears by the certificate of the Hospital Paymaster, that he was paid 20$ per month from June '76 to April '77 and 40$ per month thereafter to January '79. This great increase of pay without a corresponding increase in the extend and responsibility of his duties, would appear to have been made to cover the depreciation. It appears from the Journals of Congress, that on the day his pay was increased to 40$ per month, the Office
Page 44

office of Commissary and Store Keeper in the several Hospitals was established, and agreeably to the pay and rations allowed to the difference officers by that act, including the commissaries, it would appear that their pay and rations were 6/10 of those of the Hospital Surgeons, which would be 24$ specie per month. There would be no difficulty in making that increase of Mr. Davidson's pension, if he would return the certificate now in his recession. The letter of Mr. Throop is herewith returned. 

I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Yr Ob Serv. JL Edwards
Page 45

(Copy)

War Department Pension Office Nov. 16, 1833.

Sir,
In obedience to your order, the papers relating to the claim of James Davidson of the City of New York, have been examined. 

It would appear from his original declaration, that his duties were merely those of Hospital Commissary and Store Keeper, which in many instances were performed by Sr. Master Sergeants, and his certificate was computed accordingly. The full account of his duties disclosed in his letter to you of the 27th August, and which is filed with his papers, together with the fact of his admission into the Society of the Cincirinati, would authorize a different view of his case. But a difficulty exists in ascertaining the rate of depreciation. It appears by the certificate of the Hospital Paymaster, that he was paid $20 per month from June '76 to the 7th April '77, and $60 per month thereafter to January '79. This great increase of rate without a corresponding increase in the extent and responsibility of his duties, would appear to have been made to cover the depreciation. It appears from the Journal of Congress, that on the day his pay was increased to $40 per month, the Office of
Page 46

Commissary and Store Keeper in the several Hospitals was established, and agreeably to the pay and rations allowed to the different officers by that act, including the Commissaries, it would appear that their pay and rations were 6/10 of those of the Hospital Surgeons, which would be $26 specie per month. There would be no difficulty in making that increase of Mr. Davidson's pension, if he would return the certificate in his profession. The letter of Mr. Throop is herewith returned.  

I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Ob. Serv (signed) J. L. Edwards
Page 47

New York City, NY
August 27 1833

James Davidson in
relation to his claim


Hon,bl. Lewis Cass
Sec-ry. at War
Washington (underlined)
Page 48

Hon. Lewis Cass
Sec. of War

New York 27th Aug. 1833

Dear Sir---

I am very unwilling to take up unnecessarily a moment of your time, but I cannot avoid calling your attention very briefly to a decision lately made upon my application for a Cap't. Pension under the act of 1832 which decision ranks me as a Sergeant merely and assigns me accordingly only 10 doll a Mo.
Setting aside peunniary considerations my feelings have been very much hurt at viewing myself placed on such a footing, especially when I recollect my friendship & intimacy with many (line crossed out) high officers of the Army, now no more, who did not at that time, look upon me as a mere sergeant and rate my veracity upon that scale.
If I do not misunderstand the decision of the officer at the Pension Office (G. W. C. is the signature) My depreciation pay ( last 3 words underlined) is more a reason for assigning me the pay of a Sergeant, and there Mr. Wm. De La Mater statement, (see his certificate) which justly enhances ( last word underlined) my claim upon the country is made to originate against me, It is certainly unnecessary to say to you that my pay was not more Depreciated than that of other officers at the time when 50 $ per month in ( Continental crossed off) Continental money would not procure for any one the bare necessities of life, I never received more than a mere subsistence from my nominal pay, besides experiencing all of my personal property which escaped destruction by the (Brichit crossed off) British at Danbury, but my claim cannot be the less on that account--I arrived more that one year as an Infantry ( volunteer crossed off) volunteer, at Phila. and then for more than two years and six-months as Comm't-General in Chief Comm't of the Hospital Department of the United States.--The addition of the word "Store-keeper" (underlined) in Mr. De La Maters Certificate what ever may be the rank and consideration
Page 49

of such an officer at the present day, or when unconnected with higher duties, may have willed the exam-iner  at the Pension Office. The custody of Stores was a
small part of my duty. The active and arduous work of the general Hospital Commissary, at that time are well known, and I would refer you to my application, and the certificate o 
f[?Soutname?] Mr De La Mater] without dwelling longer on this point, except to say, that if I had supposed it necessary, I might have gone more minutely into the particulars of my services, and will do so, if it be desired in proof that I performed responsible duties, & very different and unlike those of Sergeant--------

With regard to my compensation Mr De La Mater's  certified that I received as commis
 that I received as Commis
twenty $$ a Mo For the first 10 months, and Forty doll a Mo for for the remaining year and nine months;┃
toward the latter part of my time of service my
pay was raised to sixty dollars a Mo, this was 6
months at least before I left the service, this
Mr De La Mater has omitted to state as he has
also to give me my full designation of his commis to which it appears I was entitled by the Certificanof SoS Morgan director General - when there certifi-cates were given a little thoughts of even calling on the justice of the Country in the way I do now
or I should have obtained more ample testimony.
By the Court of the Army I was designated
Major, in accordance with the pay I received.
The society of Cincinnati receive one months
pay upon the admission of a Member, Mr Bleecker,
receipt of 40 doll show,  they considered me at least as high as Capt, No Sergeant can be ad-mitted into that Soc and I had no commission, it is
true, nor had any other Commissioner Sargeants, not that I can learn, yet I understand the latter have been
rated Lower than their pay -
I am not acqua
Page 50

inted with all the circumstances in the case of
Major [Shall] think, a commiss; but I am informed that after a reference to the Atorney General, he was allowed a Pension according to his former pay: Will you be so good as to recall this case
to mind. I think that his duties could not well have exceeded mine If compensation during the Revolution is to be taken as the criterion of
claims at the present time, and I do not see what
other rule can be adopted with with regard to our Department, I am at a loss to perceive how
I can be entitled to less then what I ask

I appeal to you with confidence, and
need not trouble you with mentioning that 
Rank Rank, and emoluments, did not actuate the
Men of 1775- 76 & so-- those were secondary considerations
in the Breasts, of most of the
officers and soldier, in those trying times
the fact was, if an officer or soldier
could at at the end of each day
feel that he had done his duty, he was satisfied with scant Fear, light  clothing, bad Lodging
and depreciated pay. I am now nearly 80
years of age, and whatever award I may 
re-ceive, it cannot very long remain a burden
upon the Treasury of the country; you will con
-fer a favor upon an aged man who feels conscious
of having done some service to the State by per-using my Application and documents, record-ed as it appears in Book E. Vol 4- page 54,
Pension office and to which the following is the award- 
" Jas Davidson - Hospital Commit
"** & Storekeeper pay
 in depreciated paper
"at 20 and 40 $$ Month, Service and duties may ┃ be ranked with that of a Sergeant, for which certifi- "cate
 is computed"  [?] G. W.C.
Your giving as early a reply as convenient
Page 51

will oblig         Yours very respectfully
Jas Davidson
N7th Broadway New York
Page 52

Copy
Sir
Pension Office
April 18  1842.
In answer to your letter relating
to the case of James Davidson decd, I have to inform
you that he entered the Military Hospital on the
first of June 1776, and served till Jan 1. 1779
He was paid in paper currency, and the Specie
value of it was about $9 per month, the pension
cannot be increased,
I am respectfully
Your Ob. Serv
(signed)      J. L. Edwards
Page 53

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of
the 7th June, 1832, James Davidson
of the State of New York
who was an Hospital Commissary and store
keeper, during the Revolutionary War
is entitled to receive One hundred and twenty dollars and --- cents
per annum duing his natural lie, cmmening on
the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and
4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States
this Nineteenth day of
June one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-three

Cancelled    John Robb
Acting Secretary of War
Commissioner of Pensions.

Examined and countersigned }
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 54


Washington
Decr 29. 1841

Sir

You will receive enclosed, an application
made by Mrs H. D. Field formerly the widow of James
Davidson, late a pensioner on the New York roll
at the rate of $288-
asking for an increase of her
late husband's pension under act of June 1832,
as a Hospital Commissary
---
Will you be pleased to have the case
examined, and the proper allowance made, It has been stated to me by the party, the
service of James Davidson was upward of two yeas as a Cont. in the Hospital Dept.
Your man
respectfully

Alex. Ray
Page 55

Claim of the Executude of James
Davidson for  assurances of pension  not allowed during
his lifetime - appeal from des 
Cision of Court of Pensions.

Will Mr Edwards secure under [behest ?] of his affination,
and explain why he rates this 
pay of a Hospital Commissary
at  6/10 of that of a sergeant
and why his retention of Congress is not to be regarded as giving a specie compensation at his rate [illegible]
J.C.S.
October 5, [?]
Page 56


Washington May 4. 1842
Sir

I have received from the Secretary of War
a letter enclosing your report to him in the case of
James Davidson decd concurring in the news which
you presented,
as I wish to head the correspondence
before Ms Field and her friends,
I respectfully request
a copy of your letter of the 18 Feb. and the 18th ditto which I enclosed to the Secretary,
and also a return of the
Fac simile of Washington accounts.
I am very
respectfully your ob svt
Alex Ray
Page 57


Treasury Department
Registers Office May 25. 1842
Sir

On an examination made at your
request of the Revolutionary records in this office it appears
that upon settlements at the Treasury of the accounts of Officers
 Staff department, who had dispensed continental money.
their pay was allowed in, or liquidated by certificate of Registered
Debt, considered as equivilent to, specie
I am respectfully
your Obt Servant
M Nourse
Crt Clk
 Alex Ray Esq
Present
Page 58


Washington
March 28. 1850

Colo, 
James L. Edward
-
Dear Sir, It is
claimed there should be act
increase of Pension in the case
of James Davidson
New York,
a Revolutionary
Pensioner that the
evidence of increase 
is furnished by the names
now on file -
Will you have the goodness
to Examin the papers
and
allow increased pension if
the evidence permits- and
inform me
soon as convenient

I am  with great
Respect [illegible]
H. Putnam
Page 59

House of Reps
James L. Edwards

March 30, 1850
Esq, 
Sir, In relation to the
case of James Davidson and David
Mattue
both of New York Act 1832
which
I wrote you about on
Thursday- if they have not
be acted on, you will very
much oblige me to give them
your early
attention and report
to Mr Ray, the agent-
Your Most
Respectfully
H Putman
Page 60

Washn. July 30 1842
Alex Ray.
Resubmits claim of widow of James Davidson for an increase of pension, for decision of Secretary.
R132. Rce Aug 22/42
Pension Office
en TS.
Upon an examination  of the file and in accountancies of his [illegible], Saw of [illegible] that the decisions of his [illegible] of services is correct. This reference to his  rates of pay settled, when [illegible] [illegible] pay was [illegible], services to [illegible] [illegible] only safe guide.
signed J.C. Spencer
[illegible] S. 1842
Page 61

Note, It may be proper for me to remark the fact, that there are now persons who are in the receipt of pensions at the rate of $480 per annum, under the act 1836. as asistant commissaires to hospitals, similar service as may  performed. by James Davidson. 
Your most obsd. servt.. how? 
Alex. Ray
Washington July 30. 1842
Page 62

14,768
James Davidson, decd
New York City,

increase from $288 to $585 per [illegible] from 4 March 1831 to 25th November 1840,
Commissary of Hospital
payable to Harriet D. Field, his widow, 
 Hon: H. Putnam N.R.