Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20811, Elisha Aldrich, Navy. R.I.
Page 1

SERVICE: Navy R.I.
Aldrich (Aldrick), Elisha 
Burlingame, Content (Former widow)
NUMBER: W. 20811
Page 2

Rhode-Island. 
17,894
Elisha Aldrick, 
Providence Co. R.I. R 
Mariner on board the frigate Providence, 
Capt. A. Whipple 1779 & 1780 
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War 

Inscribed on the Roll of Rh. Island, 
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 14. of January, 1820. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 18. of Oct. 1820
and sent to Benjamin Cowell, agent, 
Providence, R. Island 

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1820.  $61.71
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1821 48.00
[=] $109.71
7 mos: 18/31 & 4/30
{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}
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Rhode Island District 
Be it remembered that on this Second day February 1819 personally appeared before me the within named Elisha Aldrich & made ^solemn affirmation to the truth of the within declaration by him subscribed 
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & have caused the seal of the Court to be hereto affixed. 
N.B. } E. Aldrich is of a Quaker family - 
and of late years has been in principle
against taking an oath.
[Signed] David Howell
District Judge.

Rhode Island District 
January 14. 1820
I am satisfied that the aforenamed Elisha Aldrich served the nine months required by Statute, that he is poor and needy - and so entitled to claim the pension granted the Act of Congress passed 18 March 1818.
[Signed] David Howell 
District Judge.

[SEAL]
The signature of the Judge in his own proper hand writing and the Seal of the U.S District Court are hereto affixed 
witness [Signed] Benjamin Cowell Clk.
Page 4

The application of Elisha Aldrich of Foster in the State of Rhode Island who being now in the 62d year of age - says, That in the month of October AD 1779 he entered as a mariner on board the Frigate Providence, a Vessel of War then in the service of the United States & Commanded by Abraham Whipple Esqr. when this applicant entered said Vessel was lying in Boston & bound a voyage to the Southward. The Frigate sailed from Boston in November & after ^a cruise of some months in the West Indies arrived in Charleston South Carolina in December of the aforesaid. The Frigate lay in Charleston untill that city surrendered to the enemy sometime in May 1780 - when this applicant & others with all the Crew were made prisoners of War. That soon after the capitulation of Charleston in the month of June, according to his best recollection, he was sent in a Cartel to Philidelphia [sic] & from there he came home, having been absent almost ten months. That at Philidelphia he recd orders to draw provisions upon the continental stores untill his arrival home, & afterwards he recd his wages from the time he entered board untill he arrived in Rhode Island - in the month of July about the middle of the month or the latter end thereof.
This applicant further declares that by reason of his reduced circumstances he now stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support.
[Signed] Elisha Aldrich
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Elisha Aldrich
Elisha Aldrick
17,894
Mar: 21

Con
J.L.E.
Page 6

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
County of Providence Court of Common Pleas ^December Term, AD 1820. 

On this fifteenth day of December 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for said County - Elisha Aldrich aged 63 years, residing in the town of Foster in said County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: That he served upwards of nine months on board the Frigate Providence A Whipple Esq. Commander 
that he made a previous declaration on the _____  day of 181__, and that he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 17894 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war,” passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed and this affirmation I make on the pain of the Penalty of Perjury 
[Signed] Elisha Aldrich 

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of Elisha Aldrich - viz. one hog - 6 Chairs, 2 Kettles & 2 Pots 
1 Tea Kettle, 2 Tables, nine cups & saucers 6 knives & forks, 2 tubs
1 looking glass - And this declarant further saith that he is a labourer but is unable to do much with in consequence of Infirmities - that he has a Wife aged Fifty six years. that he is also involved in debt; under all these circumstances he thinks himself entitled to a continuance of his Pension. 
[Signed] Elisha Aldrich 

Affirmed to and declared in Open Court on the 15th day of December 1820 before 
[Signed] Wheeler Martin
Chief Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas for the County of Providence, State
of Rhode Island

[SEAL]
RHODE-ISLAND Providence ss. 
Clerk's Office of the Court of Common Pleas, A. D. 1820 
I Dexter Randall Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Eighteen dollars and 50 cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Twentieth day of December 1820 
[Signed] Dexter Randall Clerk of said Court.
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V 2378
Content Burlingame
Rhode Island
Act 4 July 1836

served nine months as a Corporal of Mariners
Page 8

I Mary Martin of the City and County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of the age of Sixty Seven years and upwards do testify and declare --
That my sister Content Burlingham was married to Elisha Aldrich of Smithfield in said County of Providence in the month of September in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty One. They were married by the Rev Joseph Snow of Providence, since deceased - I was present at their wedding and a witness to the Ceremony. They lived together ^until twelve or thirteen years ^since and until the decease of the said Aldrich. He was allowed a Pension in Consideration of his services during the Revolution it was granted a short time previous to his decease, by the government. At the time of his death he the said Aldrich resided in the Town of Foster in this State where my sister Content still resides
furthermore this deponent sayeth not 
[Signed] Mary Martin

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
Providence ss.
In the City of Providence this Twenty seventh day of June in the year Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Seven Personally came the said Mary Martin subscriber to the above deposition and on oath before me declared the same is true in all its parts. I further Certify that I am acquainted with the said Deponent and believe her to be a person of truth and veracity and that her testimony is entitled to full credit and belief 
[Signed] Horace A Manchester Justice of the Peace
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I Joseph Ide now residing in Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law do testify and say that I was in the war of the revolution nearly the whole time of the continuance of said war that I was acquainted with Elisha Aldrich that I knew of said Aldrich being in the service as a soldier in said war in the State of Rhode Island that I was in company with him as soldier ^in said war in the town of Providence and Warwick in said state in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two the length of time said Aldrich was in the servis [sic] I cannot at this time particular reccollect [sic] and I further say that I am seventy nine years of age 
[Signed] Joseph Ide

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation 
Providence ss.
At Foster July 7 AD 1837 
Personally came Joseph Ide subscriber to the above deposition and on oath before me declared the same to be true in all its parts and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Joseph Ide and that he is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit 
[Signed] Wm Potter Justice of the Peace
Page 10

I Ezekiel Hopkins of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age and ingaged [sic] according to law do testify and say that I am seventy nine years of age that I was a soldier in the army of the revolution that I was acquainted with Elisha Aldrich that I knew of said Adrich being in the service at the last close of said war in the state of Rhode Island I cannot particular reccollect [sic] the exact time   according to the best of my recollection it was in the year 1781 or 1782 
[Signed] Ezekiel Hopkins 

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation 
Providence ss. 
At Foster July 7 AD 1837 
Personally came Ezekiel Hopkins subscriber to the above deposition and on oath before me declared the same to be true in all its parts and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Ezekiel Hopkins that he is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit 
[Signed] Wm Potter Justice of the Peace
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I Oliver Cornell of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island engaged according to law do testify and say that I am seventy seven years of age that I was a soldier in the revolutionary war that the last time I was in the said service was in the town of Providence in said state and that at that time I saw Elisha Aldrich in said service doing duty as a soldier whi[ch?] it was at or near the Close of said war which according to the best of my reccollection [sic] was in the year AD 1781 or 1782. And I further testify that I was at the funeral of Benjamin Burlingame of Killingly in the State of Connecticut Husband of Contente Burlingame the former widow of Elisha Aldrich Deceased   said Burlingame died in the month May AD 1834 
[Signed] Oliver Cornell 

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation 
Providence ss. 
At Foster July 10 AD 1837 
Personally came Oliver Cornell subscriber to the above deposition and on oath before me declared the same to be true in all its parts and I further certify that the said Oliver Cornell is a person of truth and veracity that I am personally acquainted with him that his testimony is entitled to credit.
[Signed] Gideon Burgess Jr  Justice of the Peace
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I Simon Hopkins of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful and state age and engaged according to law do testify and say that I was present at the death of Elisha Aldrich ^of Foster he died in the month of July AD 1825 the said Aldrich was the husband of Contente Aldrich who some time after his decease married Benjamin Burlingame of Killingly in the State of Connecticut who is now deceased 
[Signed] Simon Hopkins 

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation 
Providence ss. 
At Foster July 6 AD 1837 
Personally came before me the Subscriber Simon Hopkins subscriber to the above deposition and made solym [sic] oath to the truth of  the same and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Simon Hopkins and that he is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony entitled to credit
[Signed] Gideon Burgess Jr Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c
Providence ss. I Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court Common Pleas within & for said said County - being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Rufus Clagett Esqr before whom the affidavit of Richard M Field was sworn: That Horace A Manchester Esqr before whom the affidavit of Mary Martin was sworn are respectively Justices of the peace in the City of Providence: and that William Potter Esqr before whom the affidavits of Joseph Ide & Ezekiel Hopkins were sworn is a Justice of the Peace in Foster in said County: and that Gideon Burgess Junior Esqr before whom the affidavits of Oliver Cornel & Simon Hopkins were sworn is ^a Justice of the Peace in Foster in said County; and that the said Rufus, Horace, William & Gideon are severally & duly authorized & empowered to administer oaths & take depositions: and that their several signatures before written are Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Providence this twenty fifth day of July AD 1837
[Signed] Dexter Randall clk
Page 14

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations 
Providence ss. 
On this eleventh day of July 1837 personally appeared before me, Samuel Sture, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said county of Providence, Content Burlingame, a resident of Foster in said county, aged seventy three years, who, being first duly sworn, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed at the last session of Congress 
That she was, in the time of the war of the revolution, the wife of Elisha Aldrich late of said Foster, deceased, who was a private soldier in the Naval service and in the militia in the revolutionary war, and obtained a pension of Ninety six dollars per year, under the act of congress of eighteen hundred and eighteen, as will more fully appear by reference to the pension records in the War office of the United States, to which she refers for evidence to support her claim. She further declares that she was married to her first husband, the said Elisha Aldrich, on the twenty third day of September, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one; that after her marriage to the said Elisha Aldrich, her said husband served as a private soldier in the militia of Rhode Island, she thinks in Capt. Gideon Cornells company at two different times, but she is now unable to recollect the precise times when he was called out, in said company or when he returned from said service. She further states that her said first husband, Elisha Aldrich died on the twelfth day of July 1825; that afterwards, on the fourteenth of December 1826, she was married to Benjamin Burlingame, late of Killingly, in the State of Connecticutt [sic], deceased, who died on the twenty ninth day of May 1834, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. 
[Signed] Content Burlingame 

Providence ss. in Glocester [sic] July 11th A.D. 1837. Then personally appeared the above named Content Burlingame and made solemn oath, before me, to the truth of the above
Page 15

declaration by her made and signed. And I certify that I am well acquainted with said Content Burlingame and that she is a credible person whose statements are entitled to credit: And I certify that said Content Burlingame is unable on account of advanced age and bodily infirmity to attend court. 
[Signed] Saml Sture J.C.C. Pleas 

State of Rhode Island &c. 
Providence ss. I Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County being a Court of Record do hereby Certify that Samuel Sture Esqr before whom the preceding affidavit was sworn is a Justice of said Court; that he is, by Law, duly authorized & empowered to administer oaths & take depositions and that his signature above written is Genuine 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Providence this 25th day of July AD 1837  
[SEAL]
[Signed] Dexter Randall clk
Page 16

11,671
Rhode Island
Content Burlingame [dec?]
widow of Elisha Aldrich
who died on the ---- 
of ---- in the State of R.I.
who was a Corporal of
R.I. mariners in the ---- commanded
by Captain ---- of the ---- commanded
by ---- in the Revolution
for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Providence 
at the rate of 36 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836 & Endg 2d June 1839

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of
May 1836 [?] and sent to
A.H. Markham Present

Arrears to the 4th of _____
Semi=anl allowance ending ____
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by H.R. Weightman Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 Page 103
Page 17

Content Burlingame formerly
widow of Elisha Aldrich,
R.S.  Act f 1836.
36 Rej
Page 18

State of Rhode Island &c} 
County of Providence }
Be it Known, that on this Fourteenth day of May A.D. 1853, before me, the under signed, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Asia C. Law of Glocester in said County & Anthony S. Aldrich resident of Foster (address Chepachet P.O.) in said County, and made oath according to law that they are the only children of ^ Elisha Aldrick & Content Burlingame widow of said Elisha who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of [blank] 
That they only are directly interested as a claimants in said Pension, and make this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim. 
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT, of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of ourselves as chi[l]dren of said Elisha & Content for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes here expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises. 
[Signed] Asha [?] C Law 
[Signed] Anthony S. Aldrick

Sworn to, Subscribed, and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and they have the said Anthony S. Aldrich & Asia C. Law to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged. 
[Signed] Ezra Hawkins Justice of the Peace 

State of Rhode Island }
County of Providence}
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of Probate for said Glocester the said Anthony S. & Asia C. the partys who have sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney are the children of Elisha Aldrich reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that Ezra Hawkins Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this Fourteenth day of May 1853 
[SEAL]
[Signed] Clovis H. Bowen Clerk 

1. Claimant's name or names in full. -2. Post Office address. 
3. "That he is the identical man," or "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c. &c. . 
4. Leave this line blank. -- 5. "He is," "she is" or "they are." 6. Revolutionary soldier's full name - 7. Claimant's signature. -8. Claimant's name. - 9. Magistrates signature.
10. "Identical," "widow of," or child of." - 11. Magistrate's name." - 12. Clerk's signature. 
N. B. -- Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.
Page 19

Sept. 22 1782
Elisha Aldrige of Glocester and Content Cornel resident in Providence were lawfully joined together in Marriage on the twenty second day of September A. D. 1782.
Pr. Jos Snow Pastor
I, Jonathan Leavitt, Pastor of the Richmond Street Church in Providence Rhode Island Do Certify that the above is a true copy from a Record of Marriages kept by the Revd. Joseph Snow, a former Pastor of said Church, and that said Records are now in my charge and keeping as present pastor of said Church 
Providence  March 2nd 1854
[signature] Jonathan Leavitt
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence County ss.
In Providence this Second Day of March A. D. 1854
Subscribed and sworn to by Jonathan Leavitt.
Before me.
[signature] Henry Martin Justice of the peace
This must be properly certified before it can be received as evidence.
Page 20

State of Rhode Island and}
Providence Plantations} Providence Sc
In Glocester May the 4th 1854
I Ebenezer Aldrich of said Glocester being of lawful age, and duly sworn according to law, do testify and say I was aquainted [acquainted] with Content Burlingame, who was the widow of Elisha Aldrich of Foster R. I., Providence County who drew a Pension, for his services as a soldier, rendered in the Revolutionary service, and that said Content Burlingame died on the second day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, leaving but two children and no more, one a son the other a daughter who are now both a living, their names and residences are as follows to wit, Anthony S. Aldrich now of said Foster, and Asha C. Law of said Glocester, furthermore the affiant saith not.
[signature] Ebenezer Aldrich
Witness [signature] L. R. Williams
Providence Sc.  In Glocester this 4th Day of May AD 1854.
Then personally appeared the above named affiant Ebenezer Aldrich and was duly sworn to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence and before me
I further certify that the above named affiant Ebenezer Aldrich is a credible witness.
[signature] Leonard R. Williams  
Justice of the Peace
Page 21

State of rhode island and}
Providence Plantations}  Providence Sc. 
In Glocester May the 4th 1854.
I Adden S. Shipper of said Glocester being of lawful age and duly sworn according to law, do testify and say I was aquainted [acquainted] with Content Burlingame, who was the widow of Elisha Aldrich of Foster R. I. in the County of Providence who drew a pension for his services rendered in the Revolutionary War, and that said Content Burlingame died on the second day of June in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty nine (1839) leaving but two children and no more, one a son and the other a daughter, who are now both liveing [living]; their names and residences are as follows to wit, Anthony S. Aldrich now of said Foster and Asha C. Law of said Glocester, furthermore the affiant saith not.
[signature] Adden S. Shipper
Witness [signature] L. R. Williams
Providence Sc.  In Glocester this 4th day of May 
AD 1854.
Then personally appeared the above named affiant Adden S. Shipper and made sollum [solemn] oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me, and in my presence, I hereby certify that the above named Adden S. Shipper is a credible witness.
[signature] Leonard R. Williams  
Justice of the Peace
Page 22

At a Court of Probate holden in and for the Town of Glocester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island on the 13th day of May 
A. D. 1854.--
Satisfactory evidence was produced before the Court, that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavits are true:  that said Content Burlingame, formerly widow of Elisha Aldrich, departed this life on the second day of June A. D. 1839- that she left two children only to wit, Anthony S. Aldrich and Asha C. Law, who are now living and are of lawful age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year first aforesaid.
[signature] Clovis H. Bowen  Probate Clerk
Page 23

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 20811
Content Burlingame
Widow of Elisha Aldrich
Manner & Corp. Rev. War

Act July 7 1838
Index: Vol. A, Page 105[?]

[bracket] Arrangement of 1870. [/bracket]
Page 24

Document is too dark to read.
Page 25

Pension Office
May 25. 1854
Sir
Please state to what time the pension of Elisha Aldrich, within named, was paid.
Very Respectfully
S. Cole
for Commr.
Fr. Burt Esq
3d Audr
Elisha Aldrick, 1818, $8 per month, paid to 4 Sept. 1823.
[signature] F Burt
Auditor
Page 26

Notification sent 28th June 1821, to Benjn. Cowell, Esqr. Providence R. I.
Page 27

Rhode island
Elisha Aldrick, of Providence Co. in the State of Rhode Island, who was a mariner in the [the words Regiment commanded by Colonel of the line were crossed out] Trig: Providence for the term of 1 yr.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2d of Feb. 1819.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th of Octo, 1820 and sent to Benjn. Cowell, Esqr.
Providence, R. I.
Arrears to th of Sept. 1820  $153.06
Seni-anl. all'ce ending  48.00
$201.06
1yr.
7 mos.
4/30
{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818.}
Continued.
Page 28

See letter within from Pension Agent, and letter to Hon. Tristran Burgess, 2 May 1826
Page 29

No 15.174
Content Burlingame fr widow of Elisha Aldrich 
R. I.
Act 7th July 1838
Page 30

Document is too dark to be read.
Page 31

+Married Sept. 1781.
died 1825.
# [illegible]
+Only witness Mary Martin 67 years
#sub. Jos Ide ser'd same Co. 1783# Ol Cornell says 1781 or 1782 he was with him
Page 32

City Clerks Office Providence July 13-1837
I Certify that there is no record of the marriage of Elisha Aldrich to be found in this Office.
Attest [signature] Richard M Field
City Clerk
Providence Sc.  Providence July 13, 1837
Then personally appeared the aforenamed Richard M. Field City Clerk of the city of Provicence in said County, and made oath that the aforegoing cetificate [certificate] by him subscribed is just & true
Before me
[signature] Rufus Claggett
Page 33

It is required, that the Judge certify the credibility of the witnesses in relation to the service of the applicant, and that the Clerk certify, under the seal of the Court, that he was a judge at the time.
5673
Elisha Aldrick, mariner, Foster, R. Island,
frigate Providence, Capt. A. Whipple, 1779 to 1780.
14 January, 1820.
The testimony, on oath, of two or more disinterested and credible persons, certified as such, by the judge, proving the applicants' service, is required.
Service proved by two credible witnesses.
[signature] David Howell, judge.
Page 34

Rhode Island District
In Providence July 28 1820

I certify that full credit is due to the depositions of John Eddy & Christopher Smith taken to be used in this application

David Howell
District Judge.

Rhode Island District [illegible] office Dist Court
In Providence 5 October 1820

I certify, that the signature of David Howell, Judge of the District Court of the United States for said District, duly commissioned by James Maddison late President of the United States, as appears by a record of his Commission recorded in this office, is affixed to the above certificate. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day above written

Benjamin Cowell [illegible]
Page 35

The Deposition of Christopher Smith of Scituate in the State of Rhode Island who being engaged according to law testifies & says-  that in the month of September 1779- he entered on board the Frigate Providence commanded by Abraham Whipple Esq. as a marine- said Vessel was than lying in Boston,-  Soon after this Deponents enlistment, he well recollects that Elisha ^Aldrich now of Foster in said state entered on board said ^Frigate also in the capacity of Corporal of Marines.-  The Frigate sailed from Boston in November on a Cruise together with a number of Vessels all under the command of said Whipple-  after a cruise of several months, the fleet arrived in Charleston South Carolinia [Carolina]- where they continued untill the surrender of that city to the Brittish [British].-  this Deponent & the said Elisha were then made prisoners of War, & were put on board the same prison ship,- where they continued untill the latter part of June when they were sent in a cartel to Philidelphia [Philadelphia], after they landed at Philidelphia [Philadelphia], this deponent & the said Aldrich were separated & he saw no more of him untill he saw him at home-  This Deponent arrived home
Page 36

in August 1780- & he presumes it must be about that time before said Elisha arrived home also, & further this deponent saith not
[signature] Christopher Smith
28 April 1819 sworn to before
[signature] Benjamin Cowell
Commissor [sic] Dist Court
R. I. Dist.
Page 37

To the Honorable David Howell Esqr.
Judge of the District Court of the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations at Providence.
Inclosed is the Deposition of John Brown of Foster, in said District taken at the Request of Elisha Aldrich of said Foster, agreeably to an Act of the Congress of the United States, to be used as evidence for enabling the said Aldrich to obtain a Pension for Military Services by him done, in the Revolutionary War [illegible] Great Britain and [illegible]
Taken and sealed up by
[signature] Theodore Foster Jus. Peace
Page 38

I John Brown of Foster, in the County of Providence, in the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, being duly Sworn on solemn oath, Do Depose and Testify that I am a neighbour to Elisha Aldrich of said Foster, having lived within the Distance of about a Mile from him to the neighbors, in the same Town for more than Twenty Years past -- that on the First Day of November AD 1817 he conveyed Real Estate in that Town ^and Glocester by a Deed to which I was a Witness, in consequence as I was informed of later he profited from having been been concerned in a Cotton Factory -- that I have no knowledge of his having first owned any Real Estate, in either of those Towns or [illegible] and that said Aldrich for some years past has appeared to me to have been in an infirm state of health
[signature] John Brown
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation April 23. 1819
Then the above named John Brown personally appeared and being duly Sworn made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the Truth in all parts thereof, taken at the Request of the said Elisha Aldrich to be made use of to enable him the said Aldrich to obtain a Pension from the United States of America for services in the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States of America agreeably to a late Act of Congress granting Pensions to those who had done such services
Before Me 
[signature] Theodore Foster
Page 39

The Deposition of Charles Wade of Glocester in the state of Rhode Island who being engaged according to law says that he is well acquainted with Elisha Aldrich of Foster in said state, that he has known him for the last ten years & from his knowledge, he now believes him to be in reduced circumstances & deserving the assistance of his Country. This deponent has lived a neighbor to him & has had frequent opportunities of knowing his concerns.
Charles Wade
Providence, Rhode Island District
January 29[?], 1819
Sworn to before me
Benjamin Cowell
Commissioner for the Dist Court R.S.[?] Dist
Page 40

I Ezekiel Hopkins of [illegible] in the county of Providence and state of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law do testify and say that at the time I [illegible] Elisha Aldrich in the Revolutionary service which I attended to in my Deposition of July last which I gave at the request of Content Burlingame at that time said Aldrich was in the company commanded by Joseph Kimball, and the regiment was commanded by Col. John Calwell and awarding to the best of my recollection the time he was in the service was about three months

Ezekiel Hopkins

[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation
Providence sc[?]
Foster October 21 AD 1837[?]
Personally came Ezekiel Hopkins subscriber to the above deposition and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same and I further certify that the said Ezekiel Hopkins is a person of truth and veracity and that his deposition is entitled to full credit
By me
Calvin Brown Justice Peace
Page 41

To me Bosworth
Page 42

I Content Burlingame of Foster, in the county of Providence, in the state of Rhode Island &c. widow of Benjamingame Burlingame, late of Killingly in the State of Connecticutt, and formerly widow of Elisha Aldrich who was my first husband, on solemn oath do testify and say, that I have no record of my marriage with said Elisha Aldrich, in my possession and know of no such record which I can procure.
Content Burlingham

[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARVHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation, Providence sc[?] at Foster October 23 AD 1837
Personally came Content Burlingham subscriber to the above Affidavit and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same & I further certify that the said Content Burlingham is a person of truth and veracity and that her testimony is entitled to credit

Calvin Brown Justice Peace
Page 43

State of Rhode Island [illegible]
Providence sc[?] Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said county being a town of Record, do hereby certify that Calvin Brown Esq. before whom the preceding affidavits were sworn, is a Justice of the peace within & for the Town of Foster in said County. That, by Law he is duly authorised and empowered to administer oaths & take depositions: and that his signatures before written are Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal of the Court at Providence this thirteenth day of October AD 1837
Dexter Randall Clk
Page 44

I Joseph Ide of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age being engaged according to law do testify and say that at the time I saw Elisha Aldrich in the [illegible] testimony [illegible] that I attended to my [illegible] deposition which I gave at the request of Content Burlingame in July last at that time said Aldrich was in the companies commanded by Gideon Cornell and Capt Joseph or Stephen Kimball and I think the regiment some part of the time was commanded by that John Calwell and the length of time according to the best of my recollection that the said Aldrick was in the service at the said time alluded to was about three months.
Joseph Ide

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation
Providence sc[?]
Foster October 21 AD 1837
Personally came Joseph Ide subscriber to the above deposition and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same and I further certify that the said Joseph Ide is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony is entitled to full credit
by me
Calvin Brown Justice Peace
Page 45

I Oliver Cornell of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law do testify and say that at the time I saw Elisha Aldrich in the revolutionary service which I alluded to in me deposition of July last which I gave for [illegible] at the request of Content Burlingame at that time the said Aldrich was in a company commanded by either Joseph or Stephen Kimball I cannot recalled which one and the regiment was commanded by Col John Calwell the length of time said Aldrich was in the service I cannot recalled
Oliver Cornell

[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [/stamp]

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence sc[?]
Foster October 21 AD 1837
Personally came Oliver Cornell subscriber to the above deposition and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same and I further certify that the said Oliver Cornell is a person of truth and veracity and that his testimony is entitled to full credit
Before me
Calvin Brown Justice Peace
Page 46

Providence ss[?] to the Honerabel Judg Marvel[?] Esqr containing the Deposition of John Eddy to Be [illegible] in the trial of Elisha Aldrich as Pentioner taken Before and sealed up By me the Subscriber Wm Potter J Peace
Page 47

I John Eddy of Foster in the County of Providence of Lawfull age and Engaged according to Law testify and say that I Entered aboard of the Ship Providence the 29 Day of September AD 1779 according to the Date of my Discharge and Was Discharged on the 11 Day of July 1780 there in the youknightted States Servis under the Command of Commodore Abrham Whippel and Soon after I entered aborad of said ship I Became acquainted With Elisha Aldrich there corporral in the mariens Department and said aldrich sailed in the Ship Providence With me from Boston to Charlotte and While We Was Sattioned in the port[?] in Charleston he Was taken Prisoners With me, then he was put aboard of acartiail[?] and sailed to Philadelphia then Received [illegible] to Come Home, and got Home on the 11 Day of July AD 1780, according to my Discharge and said aldrich Lived a grater Distance from Phillidelphia then I did and on What Day, said aldrich got Home I cannot tell and I Received my Pay for for the time that I Entered aboard of said ship untill the Day of my Discharge -- The Deponant further sayith Not
John Eddy

Providence at Foster april the 14[?] AD 1819
Personally came John Eddy Subscriber to the Before Written Deposition and after Being Lawfully Examoned and Duly Cautioned to testify the truth made solemn oath of the same Before me Wm Potter J Peace
Page 48

I certify that the within named John Eddy is well known to me and is a man whose character for truth a veracity is good, and I know of nothing to impeach his character as a witness. John Smith. 

Providenc Ss to the Honorabel Judg Manuel containing the Deposition of Juhn Eddy to Be [illegible] in the trial of Elisha Aldrich as Pentioner taken Before and Sealed up By me the Subscribed Wm Potter J Peace
Page 49

Elisha Aldrich Red May 1, 1826 Seth Wheaton Esq Providence R.I. 

25 J.L. Edwards Esqr Pension Office Washington
Page 50

Office Discount & Deposit Providence 25th AD 1826 Sir, I received your letter of the 17th instant, the representation made at your office in the case of Elisha Aldrich is not correct, in the autumn 1823 I was informed that Aldrish was not entitled to the pension greatly to a law passed in May 1818. That he was owner of considerable estate at the time the pension was [illegible]. This I communicated to him & in a subsequent conversation on the subject he declare he would not earn again, and never applied after, nor has any formal demand been made by his administrator. Payment will be suspended until further instruction. I am respectfully your obt servt. Seth Weathen Asst. for paying Pensions. J.L. Edwards Esqr. Washington
Page 51

Content Burlingame Wid. Elisha Aldrich R.I. 1836 Suspd.

A.H. Markland
Page 52

Washington City May 23rd 1854 Hon L P Waldo, In compliance with your letter of the 29th March 1854, I herewith enclose, herewith the necessary certificate of court showing the date of the death of Content Burlingame widow of Elisha Aldrich of R.I. Whose claim was suspended under act 4th July 1836. I hope the certificate for pension will now issue. I am sir very Respectfully your Obt Svt. A.H. Marckland
Page 53

Chepacet R.I. July 27 1837 Sir, We herewith forward the applications of Rachael Huch and Content Burlingame for pensions under the 3d section of the lan of the U. States passed by congress July 4 1836. We are instructed to request that their claims may have due consideration, and that the result may be communicated to as soon as may be. Very Respectfully, Yours, Atwell S. Bosworth Hon. J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Page 54

Chepachet Nov 2d 1837 Sir We herewith forward the depositions of Content Burlingame and others in relation to the claim of said Content Burlingame under the pension law of the United States. It will be seen that she has no record evidence of her marriage, And in reference to the services, the witnesses have stated the company & regiment as well as their remembrance would admit. It is stated in the communication received by us from the war department that two of the witnesses were not in the service themselves after the period of the marriage in 1780. That fact will account for the want of positive remembrance of the
Page 55

names of officers. That they saw Elisha Aldrich in the service, there seems to us to be little reason to doubt; for sustaining the relation of neighbors and living in the neighborhood of the scene of service, they must be supposed to be acquainted with his movements. We think therefore that their positive testimony in this case is entitled to entire credit and should be satisfactory. The fact that Elisha Aldrich makes no mention of having performed any service after his discharge from the naval service in 1780: we would suggest does not, in our opinion, injure the credibility of the testimony of Mrs. Burlingame and those witnesses who have testified to the facts connected with his claim. Mrs. B's first husband stated only such service as would establish his claim. It was not necessary that he should dtate the service which in this case has been proved. Very Respectfully, Yours Atwell L Bosworth J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Page 56

Content Burlingame decd. formerly widow of Elisha Aldrich R. Island. Rejected under act of 1836 Admitted under act of July 7, 1838. Corporal of Marines 9 mos. at $33 per annum from March 4, 1836 to June 20 1839 when she dies. Certificate payable to Anthony S. Aldrich and Asha C. Law her only surviving children. Atty A.H. Markland Present.
Page 57

Brief in the case of Content Burlingame decd formerly widow of Elisha Aldrich-
Providence County and State of Rhode Island
act July 7, 1838
Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Elisha Aldrich was pensioned under act of 1818 continued service as Corporal of Marines proved by parol- confirmed by rolls-
Marriage - Death - widowhood - and surviving children proved by parol - (no records)
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
[signature] A. H. Markland  Present
[signature] S. G. Dodge
Examining Clerk.
Page 58

9 mos Corpl marines Widow died June 2d 1829 leaving Anthony S. Aldrich & Asha C. Law married Sept. 22, 1782 after service

Content Burlingame wid of Elisha Aldrich RI 36, A.H. Markland
Page 59

Washington City March 25 1854
Hon L P Waldo,
I herewith enclose evidence of the marriage of Content Burlingame and Elisha Aldrich of R. I.   Mrs. Burlingame's claim was suspended under act 1836.  I desire to know what objections now exist to the allowance of the claim
I am Very Rspfy,
your obs
A. H. Markland