Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 17997, Nicholas Hawwawas, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776) 
SERVICE NUMBER 

Mass Hawwawas, Nicholas S 17997
(an Indian)
carded

CONTENTS
This soldier was also called
Hawa, Nicholas
Ovas, Nicholas
Nicholas, Joseph
Hawwawas, Joseph Nicholas
Nicholas - Capt.
Howwahwas, Nicholas
these names probably applied to his father also.
Page 2

18.324
Maine
Nicholas Hawwawas
Washington-Co in the State of Maine was a Lieut. in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the regt. commanded by Col. Allen in the [blank] Mass line for 2 ys.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 320 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Augt. 1833 and sent to  R. K. Porter. M[illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833-$ 640.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept - 160.00.
$800.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, 00k E Vol. 1. Page 21
Scco fw. Ice Cutter to A. Newhall P. [illegible] Jan. 22?1835
Col Hon L. Jaruis 23 25 Feby 1835 [check mark]
do to same May 25. 1835-[check mark]
do to same June 13. 1835 [check mark]
Page 3

State of Maine
County of Washington ss:

In this [Fourth?] day of May, A.D. 1833 Personally appeared
in open Court of Probate held at Machias in & for the County of Washington,
by, & in, John Dickens an [Indian?] of Probate – Nicholas Hawwahwas
of the Town of Perry in said County, who being first sworn according to
law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to ob-
tain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed
June 7, 1832:

That he entered the service of the United States under the following
officers & service as herein stated viz.

On January 4, 1778 he was commissioned by the Council of Massachusetts Bay as [illegible] and of a body of Indians, under the
command of Col. John Allan & served as such until the close of the
war of the revolution - during which time he had fifty indians under his
command – They [stand?] at Machias in different places as at Indian River
so called - at the Lake Sabasswagwum, now Hadley's Lake, where they could be
called in by alarm guns - Previous to gathing [gathering] his companions he was
faithfully during the United States, & helped run off the English
vessel commanded by one Dawson & also in taking a vessel called the West-
quint & also in taking their prisoners out of [illegible] persons who were caught
[obscured?] on there from a British ship near Cross Island getting water & of
whom he & his men killed four more as they were pulling off in this boat
to the vessel - the name of which vessel he does not know. He was not
in my battle after he was commissioned as aforesaid - but once started on an expedition to [Bagadun?], now [Costine?], & went so far as Marking
where they heard the fleet at Penobscot was destroyed & it became useless to
proceed & all came back. He has no documentary evidence of
his services except the papers annexed - viz. his commission, a letter to him
by Col. Allan & a pass by the same. He is eighty eight years of age.
He does not recollect having any written discharges given him at the end
of his said service. He was constantly in the service over two years as [Lines?]
[illegible]. He hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension except the present, &
declares that his name is not on any pension roll - Since the revolution he
has [even?[ hired in Perry aforesaid.

Nicholas his + mark Hawawawas

Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid.

John Dickerson Judge
Page 4

I William Albee on oath testify to say, that I [will?] know Nichol[as]
Hawwawas within named & that he served the United States as Lieutenan[t]
as he has within stated from the issuing of the same commission to the
close of the war - At which I was knowing to from being myself
a Lieutentant in Col. Allan's Regiment at the same time.

Wm Albee

I Landon Atis on oath testify & say that I served in Col. Al[bee's]
Regiment, & was knowing to Nicholas Hawwawas during in the army of the revolution as he has within declared. 

[crossed out: Wm Albee]

Landon his X mark Atis

Sworn to & subscribed in open Court appearing the day & year aforesaid -
John Dickinson Judge

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after an
investigation of the matter & after pulling the interrogations prescribed
by the war department was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states,
And the Court further certifies that William Albee of [Markingport?] & Landon
Atis of Machias who have made the aforegoing affidavits are credible —
persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.

John Dickinson Judge -

State of Maine.

Washington ss. -

I Albert G. Lane Register of the Court of
Probate within and for the County of Washington do hereby
certify t hat the foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of 
Nicholas Hawwawas for a pension. —

— In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
official this seventh day May A.D. 1833. —

Alberg G. Lane—
Page 5

No. 5646
Nicholas Hawwahwas Washington
County Maine

2 years
Lieutenant
$320.—

Rufus Porter Machias Maine
Page 6

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.

183

Sir:

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


A Statement, showing the Service of Nicholas Hawwahwas Washington County
Main

[Table written by row, each column heading followed by a colon : ]

Period when the service was rendered.: Entered Jany 1778
Duration of the claimant's service. / Years.: 2 / Months.: - / Days.: -
Rank of the claimant.: Lieut.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.: Col Allen
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.: 80 years
Proof by which the declaration is supported.: Two witnesses and documentary evidence - papers correctly attached

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 7

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted: 
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteers and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers., non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss
County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of in the country of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duty sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and ranks of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name, is not on the Pension Roll of ant Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]
Page 8

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, there are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogations to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and on what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and it so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it give.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a 
                         discharge from the service, and 
                         if so, by whom was it given, 
                         and what has become of it?
    To an Officer {Did you ever receive a 
                         commission, and if so, by 
                         whom was it signed, and what 
                         has become of it?
7. States the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed. If one of these persons is Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 
    The traditionary evidence of service is deeined very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
    Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
   Whenever any official act is required to be done by a judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of the of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
   No payments can be male on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in the case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authentical before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
Page 9

I Rebecca Mahan of Lubec, being seventy seven years
of age, do testify before & say that I have lived in
said Lubec on Cobscook Bay ever since and during
the revolutionary war, & that I am well acquainted
with Joseph Nichola Ha-wa-was, now having at Pleas-
ant Point with the Passamaquoddy tribe and have
known him since the commencement of the Revolution-
ary war. In the war of the Revolution the Passamaquod
dy Indians who were fighting men used to pass round
Cobscook Bay and frequently encamped near where
I live. Joseph Nicholas who was the son of the late Chief,
Francis was then called Captain. Joseph Nochola, in my
presence, told my husband to whom I had just been married
& who has been dead about six years, that the sword
he wore was presented to him by his father Washington.
He told my husband he had a Captains commission
or a commission from Gen. Washington & he took
my husband to a trunk to show it to him. Joseph Nich-
ola who is sometimes called Nichola Ha-wa-was had
the command of the Indians at the encampment & used
to exercise them in their way. Francis the late Gover-
nor was there but had no command. I never
saw Joseph Nichola in full uniform when he
Page 10

At Pleasant Point, Perry, Nov. 18th. 1835, the following testimony in relation to the claim of  Nicholas Hawawaws [to?]
a pension was taken before John A. [Batham?] an agent
appointed for that purpose — the witnesses being first sworn
and the nature of the oath explained to them —

[Sebatlies?] Sock Enias, gave the following answers to the
questions put by the agent —

Question. What is your age? Ans. 74 or 75 years.

Question. Were you with other Indians engaged in a battle with
an English Brig, or in driving her from the Machias River
in the time of the Revolutionary War?
Answer. I was on one of the Machias taken when I heard the
cannon at the time of this engagement.

Question. How far from the place of engagement?
Answer. About 4 miles.
Question. By what name was the person now present and
claiming a pension called at that time?
Answer. Joseph Nicholas.

Question. Were you acquainted with the Father of
Joseph Nicholas?
Answer. I was, very well.

Question. By what name was he called?
Answer. Nicholas Joseph.

Question. Do you know whether Joseph Nicholas, was
in the engagement at Machias?
Answer. I was there immediately after the engagement
and there said Joseph Nicholas and Nicholas
Joseph and believe they were both in the the
engagement.
Page 11

Question. Do you that Joseph Nicholas was at or about that
time commissioned as a Lieutenant by the authority
of the Am. Government?
Answer. I only heard that [much?] was the case.

Question. Did you understand at that time that Nicholas
Joseph held a commission?
Answer. I understood that both held commissions.

Molly Lewis—/Joseph Nicholas Squaw.
gave the following answers–
Question Do you know that Joseph Nicholas was engaged
in the Battle with the English Brig at Machias?
Answer. He was there and had a French musket.

Question. Do you know that Joseph Nicholas ha a com=
mission?
Answer. He had, she saw it.

Question. By what name was Joseph Nicholas Father
called?
Answer. Nicholas Hawawas.

Question. Do you know that Nicholas  Hawawas had a
commission?
Answer. He had and they both had commissions.

Question. How old are you? Answer 85 years.

Question. Do you know the age of Joseph Nicholas your
husband?
Answer. She is two years older than her husband.

Molly Old Soule gave the following answer.
Question. Do you know whether Joseph Nicholas was in
the Am. Revolutionary War?
Answer. Says she knows he was.

Question Do you know that he had a commission?
Page 12

Answer. Yes.
Question. Were you acquainted with Joseph Nicholas' Father?
Answer. Says she was.

Question. By what name was Joseph Nicholas' Father called?
Answer. Nicholas Hawawas.

Question. Do you know that Nicholas Hawawas had a
commission?
Answer. He had a commission also.

Question. Did you see these commissions?
Answer. Says she saw them.

Question. What is your age?
Answer 80 years.

Joseph Nicholas, the person who claims
a pension gave the following answers.
Question. Were you in the Battle at Machias?
Answer. He is very sure that he was.

Question. Did you have a commission at that time or
soon after?
Answer. Says he had a commission soon after the war.

Question In what year were you born?
Answer. The same year that Quebec was taken

Question. By what name was your Father com=
monly called?
Answer. Nicholas Hawawas.

Question. Did your Father have a commission?
Answer. Before the battel at Machias his Father had
a French commission and after the battle
and american commission.
Page 13

The foregoing evidence now offered on the part of the person who claims a pension - [?] Sock Bason, who objects to its being allowed was not present but declined to take any part in the examination, stating that he had said all that he had to say, unless the pension should be granted, in that case he would speak again -

Eastport Dec. 1, 1835, [?] Sock Bason appears and requests that the foregoing evidence be retained in the agents hands until Christmas, when some of the old [?] will be at home and give further evidence in the case -

Eastport Jany. 2nd. 1836. The following Indian man brought forwards by Joseph Stanislas, (son of the person who claims a pension) to give evidence in regards to the claim of his Father -

Nicholas Sebattis Dennis, states that he was well acquainted with Nicholas Hawawas and that he was at Machias during the war of the Revolution and engaged in fighting with and driving off a British [Dragoon], which was sent from a British [Brigantine] in Machias [?] =

Question. By what name was the father of the person who now claims a pension called at that time?
Answer. Nicholas Hawawas
Question. By what name was the person who claims a pension called?
Answer. Joseph Nicholas Hawawas.
Question. Do you know whether Joseph Nicholas Hawawas was in the engagement at Machias [?] named?
Page 14

5

Answer. He was at Machias when all the Indians fought and thinks he fought with [?] _ knows that he had a gun, furnished by Col. Allan.
Question. Were you in Machias at this time?
Answer. Says, he was.
Question. [How] do you [know] what particular Indian men in the engagement with the British?
Answer. He understood that all old Indians and some of the younger ones [were] in the Battle.
Question. [?] you not then with the rest?
Answer. My Father tells me you no go, but tell old ones fight -
Question. How much older is Joseph Nicholas Hawawas than yourself, according to the best of your knowldge?
Answer. Two years.
Question. Do you know whether Nicholas Hawawas and Joseph Nicholas Hawawas had commissions at this time or soon after?
Answer. First Nicholas Hawawas had a commission and afterwards Joseph Nicholas Hawawas had a commission [&] medal.

Dennis Tomar, and Peter Pier Sock, state that the named of the father of the person who claims a pension was Nicholas Hawawas - and that the named of him who claims a pension is Joseph Nicholas Hawawas - from what all Indians have told them they have no doubt that Joseph Nicholas Hawawas, who claims a pension was in the Battle of Machias - they are not old enough to have had knowledge of the fort at the time -
Page 15

[?] Sock Bason was not present on the 2nd day when this evidence was taken - he has since stated that he had no further evidence to give as the Indians which he expected were not here -

The foregoing is all the evidence which has been offered in the case and this has been wholly offered on one side by the person claiming the pension - it all goes to [?] with only one exception (the evidence given by Sebattis Sock Emos,) that the name of the Father of the person who claims a pension was Nicholas Hawawas.

John A. Balkam
Agent.
Eastport Jany. 26. 1836
Page 16

17997
INVALID [printed]
File No. 17997
Nicholas Hawwawas 
Lieut Rev War
Act: June 7th 82
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 166
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

Captain Nicholas Haw-wa-was of the St Johns Indians at Passamaquady
Page 18

Feb 8

Nichs. Hawawas
Me roll

Act 1832

18324
Me

See [l]etter to Ha. Leonard [Jarvis?] H. R
Feb. 9. 1836 – cannot
find
this
letter

Hnr. L. Jarvis
[AR?]

[written vertical over previous texts]
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Page 19

Nicholas Hawahwas
25646
Page 20

State of Maine, Washington, County,} ss
BE IT KNOWN, That before me , Jonathan D Weston a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Nicholas Haw-wa-was and made oath in due for of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:
WAR DEPARTMENT-REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM
NO. 18,324
I CERTIFY That in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th of June, 1832, Nicholas Haw-wa-was of the state of Maine who was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Three Hundred & Twenty dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-an-nuallly, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year. Given at the War office of the United States, this tenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Lewis Cass SECRETARY OF WAR, 
Examined and Countersigned.} G.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions that he now resides in Perry and has resided there for the space of his whole life past,
Nicholas his mark Haw-wa-was Sworn and subscribed this ninth day of September- 1833 before me, JD Weston J. Peace
Note- The above deposition must be signed by the deponent. Where the pension has been increased, since the certificate has been given, the Magistrate will note that fact.
Page 21

Know all men by these Presents, That I, Nicholas Him-na-was of Perry a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint N. H Deering my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in Portland, State of Maine, my pension from the fourth day of March 1831, to the fourth day of September 1833. Witness my hand and seal, this ninth day of september 1833.

Sealed and delivered Nicholas his mark x Haw-wa-was

In presence of
JD Weston
William N Weston

State of Maine
Washington County.

Be it Known, That on the ninth of September 1833, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Nicholas Haw-na-was above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and ear las above mentioned.


State of
Cumberland County.
Be it known, That on the      day of             18   , before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared                     
the Attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney, and made oath thtat the same was not given him by reason of any sale, transfer, or mortgage, of the pension, or arrears of pension therein authorized to be received by him.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last
above mentioned, before me.
 
                                                        J.P.
Page 22

Boston July 24, 1783

Brother Nicholas

With joy and love I now speake to you wishing you and family Health Peace & Prosperity

Brother-
Be not uneasy, that I have not been before with you, any long staying here I hope may be of service to us all
I intend to be with you very soon, and laugh with you on Matters, and shall bring you plenty of Amunition

Brother-
The English have no Right westward of Magagawdavick - that river is the line between them and us for the present - and I suppose you will not allow any subject of the British King to set down on any of thatLand withoout consented to by the United Staes of America-

Brother
I have been with the Great Counsel at Philiadelphia who has a due sense of yong good services & Patriotism during the War and are determined to view you as a brother and as such to trust you -

Brother
I still feel the same for you as when I left you, and shall ever pursue (illegible) which may tend to your Happiness Pease and Wellfare- let not the evil counsil of bad men have any Influence
Page 23

Influence over  you, but take care and be upon your guard that you are not Decieved [sic]  & Led away into the paths of Ruin-
I am now busy in preparing to go down and hope-to see you soon all well-may the Great Kin of Heaven take you-into his Holy Keeping, and preserve you and all the Tribe from every danger and distress-
I am
your Affectionate Brother
Allan 
Superint[illegible]
of Indian Affairs for the United States 
Eastern department-
Nicholas Hawwawas
S.F. 17997
Mass
Capt Nicholas Haw-wa-was
Page 24

By John Allan Esq. Continental Agent
Colonel & Commander Inchief of the Indians Eastern
Department,

The Beaver Ambroise St. Auberne Chief Councellor of the marish=
=ale Tribe of Indians & Captain Nicholas Hawawas, in the Service of the United
States, who goes with a Number of other familys to Passamequady a Hunting,
are hereby Permitted to Pass unmolested, and all Persons who are —
friends to the United States are Requested, to Supply them with what
annuity & Provisions, they my  Reasonably stand in Need of, Entering
the same on the Back of the order, on which they shall be found,

Given under my hand at Head
Quarters Machias this 10th day of Septr. 1778

To all Concerned

RWar Content Agent

Colo & Command in Chief of Inds Eastr Depart.
Page 25

I William Albee, now residing in Machias Port in
the County of Washington & State of Maine formerly
of Machias in said County - foresworn, do tes-
tify and say, That during the Revolutionary
War I was engaged in the service at Machias
& was well acquainted with an Indian called
Capt. Nicholas That on the first tues-
day of May 1833 I was present at a probate
Court held at Machias aforesaid, when an
Indian calling himself "Nicholas Ha-wa-" applied
for a pension – I then testified under oath
that this said "Nicholas Ha-wa", was the same
Indian whom I had formerly known as Capt.
Nicholas or who was Styled captain - and
I then had no doubts as to the fact, and I am
still of the same opinion & belief. — I have
occassionally seen the same Indian since the war afore
said, – once in particular I Recollect of meeting with him on St. Croix River when I was with the ameri-
can [illegible] Surveyor when exploring or surveying that
River, & then and at other times [crossed out: I] when I have seen him I
have recognized him as the Same Indian that I knew
as Capt Nicola, as he used to be called —
Wm Albee

State of Maine Washington [of?] Machias Port Oct 31, 1833
Then the above named William Albee made oath
to the truth of the above deposition by him
subscribed Before me Gal. Smith Just of peace
Page 26

I London Atus of Machias in the County of
Washington & State of Maine Pensioner –Do testi-
fy and say that I was in the Service at Ma-
chias during the Revolutionary War, that I knew
an Indian, so called "Capt Nicola" or "Nicholas"
who also served with other Indians – That on
the First Tuesday of May 1833, I was present
at a Probate Court held at Machias aforesaid
& an Indian Calling himself "Nicholas Ha-wa"
applied for a pension – I then testified on oath
that this "Nicholas Ha,wa," was the same Indian
whom I had formerly known as "Capt Nicholex"
or "Nicholas" — I had then no doubts of this being
the fact and am still of that opinion & belief –

Sworn his X mark Atus

State of Maine Washingont ss. Machias Oct. 31, 1833
Then the above named London Atus made oath to
the truth of the above deposition by him sub-
scribed -

Before me G. S. Smith Just of peace
Page 27

State of Maine
Washington [illegible]
I Aaron L Raymond, Clerk of the Courts in said County, certify that George S Smith Esquire is a Magistrate as he has within signed, and, that his signature as aforesaid, is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have herein to set the seal of this Supreme Judicial Court and, subscribed, my name this thirty-first day of October AD 1833.

A.S. Raymond. Clerk as aforesaid.
Page 28

Eastport Jany 26, 1836

Dear Sir

I enclose herewith a statement of all the
evidence I can get in relation to the claim of Nich=
olas Hawawas – It is very difficult to get testi=
mony from such ignorant creatures, some of them
cannot speak or understand English – you will
perceive that it is a little contradictory – one
important fact I think is clearly established
which is in regard to the name of the claimants
Father, that it was Nicholas Hawawas, and I
am induced to believe that he was the man who
held the commission – Mr. Chadbourn conclud=
ed not to take any part in the business, but til the
Indians manage it themselves – and as [Dia?] Sock
Bason did not take a part you will perceive
that it was all given on one side – I [illegible] it as
it is they have probable told pretty near the
truth generally speaking – I have spent about
3 days in this business and paid $2.50 horse
price & toll – If there is anything more that I
can do, you will please let me know —

I am very Respectfully &
truly yours [Obedt?] Levant,
John A. Barnam

Ohn Lisd Jarvis
M. C. Washington }
Page 29

House of Representatives
5th February 1836.

Dar Sir

I have at last received the testimony
in the case of Nicholas Hawawas which you requested me
to have taken - Though whether very definite nor a very conclusive
I still presume it will be sufficient to establish that the commission
of Lieutenant which is with the papers in your office did not belong
to the present applicant. I send you Mr. Balkam's letter by
which you will perceive the time he has been employed & the actual
expenditure which he has incured –– You will fix his compensation
at what you may deem proper.

Yr Obdh Servr
Leod Jarvis

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 30

{for?] Asa Nuhall Pension Agt.

[stamp]
FREE

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

[vertical on left margin]
Jan 21st
Page 31

Maine Bank
Portland January 16th, 1835

Sir

There is bourn on the Pension Roll of this
Agency the name of Nicholas Hawwawas a Lieutenant
at the rate of 320$ p year since 4th March 1831. It dois not appear that any payment has ever been made him. By inquiry of a gentleman who appears to know all about the ensu, I am informed that one Joseph Nichola an Indian improperly obtained the Certificate, that Nickolus Hawwawas has been dead more than fifty years. Please inform us of said Pensioner is to be paid or not incurs the call shall be made.

Very Respectfully 
Your Off. [Scret?]
A Newhall Presd.

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 32

Off. Bank [obscured] Portland
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[vertical text starting left side]
Special case
January 9th 1834
Nichs. Hawawas

See letter to J. Wingate
Jan. 15. 1834

[stamp - PORTLAND, ME]
[stamp - FREE
Page 33

I John Guptail of Lubec in the County of Washington
and state of Maine being eighty six years of age
do destify and say that I well knew Captain
Nichola, who now lives at Pleasant Point, when at
Machias in the Revolutionary war & I have known
him ever since. He was the Captain of Indians
at Machias under Col. Allen. I never heard
that the Indians had any other Captain while
in service at Machias. He was as well know
as the Commander of the Indians or their Cap-
tains as a Captain of Companies were
known as such. I never saw his Commission
nor did I ever see the Commission of any offi-
cer there. The St. John Tribe and the Papam-
aquadely are connected to each Tribe unites
with the other in choosing their Governors.
The Indians with Nichoas at their head were
engaged in the war four or five years and Ma-
chias was their head quarters. They received 
their supplies as the other troops did.

John his X mark Guptail


State of Maine
Washington ss.

Eastport May 6, 1835 – There personally
appeared the above named John
Fuptail and made oath to the truth
of the foregoing deposition by him
subscribed

Before me
Sullivan S Rawson
Justice of the Peace
Page 34

Eastport, August 22 1834

[S.] Tomer Newellis say that I am well acquainted with Nicholar Ovas who was an officer at Machias in the was 50 or 60 years ago. Nicholar further was [caps] at that time and this [?] was an officer under him [he?] was at Machias at that time that we took a vessel from the English and if we have not been there they would have taken Machias. I do know that he was an officer in the war, at that time and afterwards. I have seen his commission and know that he had one, all our big [miss] are [also] capturing only the Governor-- I have seen Nicholar dressed in his uniform he had [sword] and Epauletts. Col Allen [?] Lewis Dales--[courier] got his commission for him--Francis Lovier Nicholar his brother was younger than Nicholas [Ovas] and he was not the [more] that was the captain it was this [more] the commission was from Washington or the Governor. I [saw] his commission aout thirty-years ago he have it with him
Page 35

Washington SS.
August 22,1834
This personally affirmed the within named Tomar Newellis and made oath to the truth of the within statement ---
Before me
J.A. Balkam
[Justice Peace]
Page 36

Lular Augmangus says
I was at [Washington] the taking the Brig at the [river] at Machias Nicholar was with us at the time. I have heard all that Tomer Newellis has said and can certify to the truth of the [same]
Lular Augmangus
Tomer - Newellis
Page 37

I Daniel Small of [Lubeo] in the County of Washington and State of Maine, being seventy seven years of age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with the [aged] Indians of the Passamaquoddy Tribe--that I served in Captain [Neuben] Dyer's company, under Colonel Allen for the term of six months, the year [Burgovia] was taken--that I well knew Capt Nicholar of the Passamaquoddy Tribe now living. Nicholar was Captain of the Indians--Francis the late Governor of the Passamaquoddy Tribe was also at Machias but I never heard that he was an officer or that he had any command--I never saw Nicholar's [commispican], but he was as well known as the Captain of the Indians as Colonel. [Allen] were as commander of the forces at Machias. I know that the Indians were there at Machias from the year [Burgoin] was taken to near the close of the war and that Nicholar was their Captain during all this time and that they received their rations as the other troops did. I have frequently seen Nicholar with the Revolutionary war there been constantly acquainted with him. He was particularly distinguished as a warrior at Machias. He was called Captain Nicholar then--what other name he had I do not know. Most Indians have names longer than that by which they were called.
Daniel Small

State of Maine
Washington [J.]
Eastport May 6, 1835--These, [especially] appeared the [? ?] Daniel Small [?] to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
[?]
Sullivan S. Rawson
Justice of the Peace
Page 38

[horizontal text]
June 13
[Me?] Allentown
Nichs. Hawawas
Ind.

[vertical text]
J L Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 39

[Ainsworth] 4 June 1835

I have received your letter of may [23] respect the claim of Nicholas Hawawas to a pension under the act of June 7, 1832. I have no other information upon the subject than that which is in [perception] of the pension officer. The only mode of arriving at the truth is perhaps by causing an investigation to be made in the neighborhoods of the residence of the Indian though I fear that in the end the matter will be left in doubt. I shall visit that part of my district in the course of the [summer] & will endeavour to ascertain in legal form what the facts may be or if you should wish to have an examination made by an agent of the [?] of will find in a  blank commission I will have it filled with the name of [one] competent and faithful person who is on the spot by who will be able to proceed with trifling cost to the department.
Respectfully
[I'm Obd Servant]
Leod Jarvis
Page 40

Eastern 15th Novr. 1833.

D Sir at this request of Nicholas [Winston?] the
proof of his identity Which you will no
doubt deem conclusive - if however you
are obliged to send this proof to Washington
I will thank you to notify me that some
person may be employed to attend to his
business there - there is and has been
for a long time a quarrel among the
indians to which [all?] this officially may
may be [formerly?] ascribed - no one here
know any thing about Nicholas ser
vices in this war although no one doubts
he was in it. His father was an Indian
a Captain and he was Lieutenant

Respectfully
J. R. Chadbourne
Page 41

[Offbanke M.S.]
Portland  January 2, 1833

JL Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
[?]
Immediately after the inscription of the name of Nicholas Hawwawas on our Pension Roll, I received a letter signed by Deacon Sockbason one of the chiefs of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indians, intimating that there has been fraud and imposition practiced in processing a pension in this case. An application has been made for the pension and payment [?] -- since which, some additional evidence has been furnished.
I herein enclose all the papers, for the decision of the Commission of Pension,
I am respectfully
Your obd servant
J Wingate Jr Agent
By J D. Bugbee
Page 42

J. Margate Jan 15 1834
qc
(illegible) 23 
page 460
Page 43

War Dep.
Pension Office
Jan. 15th. 1836

Sir,

Your communication of the 2d. [?] enclosing papers respecting Nicholas Haw-wa, has been enclosed. You will suspend his pension, and make no [crossed out "further"] payment to him unless instructed to do so by this Dept.

It is supposed [crossed out "that"] the U.S. Bank with in the course of a few days [?] an [?] requiring you to deliver over the [fund], books [etc.] in relation to the payment of [pensions] under the act of Jan 7. 1832

[Jan ?]

J. Wingate Sr. [Esq]
[?] U. S. [B. Bs. ?]
Pension Agent
Portland
Maine
Page 44

(illegible) Leonard James
Dec 25th 1885
(illegible) page 244
Page 45

War Dept
P. O.
July 25 1835

Sir

The affidavits of John Frost, Lular Aumangus and Tomer Newellis as to the [service] of Nicholas Ovas, other men called Nicholas, an [Passamaquoddy] Indian as an [?] during the revolution have been examined.

They distinctly prove that the father of Nicholas was a Captain, and the inference attempted to be raised is that the commission of Lieutenant was intended [for] the son bearing the same name. But the commission, as well as the letters of [Col] Allen filed with the papers [concluded then] that the Commission was [issued] to Captain Nicholas Hawawas. He is styled Captain of the [5th Indians] in the papers, though the rank of Lieutenant only is given him, and it is obvious that it was the father and not the son who held the rank.

Payment to the son cannot therefore be ordered. The papers remain in file.

Hon. Leonard Jarvis.
HR
Page 46

(illegible) Leonard James 
25 May 1835
GC
(illegible) page 35
Page 47

War Dept
Pension Office
May 25. 1835

Sir,

In February last, several affidavits were received here from you in the [case] of a certain Nicholas Hawwawas, an Indian whose name was placed on the List of Pensions under the act of June 7. 1832. Since that time other affidavits have been filed for the purpose of disproving a certain charge against him, but the statements are of such a character as to leave it a matter of great doubt with me whether he is or is not the man to whom a commission of Lieutenant in Col. Allen's regt. was issued during the revolutionary war. By a letter from a gentleman of respectability - in Portland I learn that Nicholas Hawwawas, the person to whom the commission was issued, died more than fifty years ago. You will greatly oblige me if you will make an enquiry about the matter, and give me your opinion on the subject. If the claim is a just one, the man should be paid what is due and if is not just, it is desirable that the [faults] should be known. My impression is that you believed it to be a fraudulent case. Will you be so kind as to favor me with an [early] reply?
I have the honor

Hon. Leonard Jarvis, Ellsworth
Maine
Page 48

Leonard James 13 June 1835 
GC (illegible)
Page 49

War Depart
Pension Office
June 13. 1835
Sir

Agreeably to your request a blank commission is herewith forwarded with a view of prosecuting enquiries into the case of Nicholas Hawwawas of Washington County, which you will be pleased to fill up. It is desirable that the compensation of the Agent should be agreed upon previous to his entering upon his [duties] of this high office should be apprised. I have to honor to be
mo. respfy. yr. [?]

Hon. Leonard Jarvis
Ellsworth
Maine
Page 50

in the country of 
Washington I ...of ... eighty
... July. - have lived in ...
... the thirty fourth day of June lent 
Forty years ... with eve time than
lived the Merry ... and state afore
... am of ... under a law of ...
... states 10th ... 1818. I have been 
... with the ...
forty year burial 
in meantime neighborhood
... he has been dead... thinks thinks
years. I have ... his 
Captains. 
... Captain ... who is 
living and an ... immediately
after the revolution who then lived in
... him lieutenant...
and always ...
was at ... as an office under his
father. My dather died in the year eight
teen hundred. -  know of no ...
living in ... or being 
...- that was living their
Page 51

Pleasant Point Augt. 28 1833

Passamaquoddy, Tribe of Indians

Sir I have just been in formed that one of
our Tribe of Indians Joseph Nichola has
got a pension for Revolutionary warrior The
fact is that Joseph Nicholas father who has
been dead some time was the person and
not the one to whom this certificate is now
given. I give you this in formation that
the government may not be imposed
upon

Respectfully yours
Deacon Sockbasen

Nicholas Ha-wa-was
was Joseph Nicholas
father
name –
Page 52

State of Massachusetts-Bay
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England
To Capt. Nicholas Hawwawas Greeting

You being appointed [handwritten] Lieutenant in the Body of Indians to be raised and embodied in the Eastern Parts of the Continent and more particular in that Tribe of Indians [illegible] the Name of the [illegible] Inhabitants [illegible] Johns under the Command of John Allan [illegible] of [illegible] Eastern Indians, which Indians [illegible] the Hatchet [illegible] in Defence of [illegible] liberty, of America against the [illegible]

By Virtue of the [illegible] in us, WE do by these Presents (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your [illegible] Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly.  - You are therefore [illegible] and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Lieutenant in leading, ordering [illegible] exercising said Tribe of Indians in Arms, both Inferior Officers and soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline : And they are hereby commanded to obey y[ou] as their Lieutenant and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Order and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from His Excellancy General Washington, the council of this letter your Superior Officer,

GIVEN under our Hands, and the Seal of the said State, at [illegible] the fourth Day of January in the Year of our Lord, 1778.

By the Command of the
Major [illegible]
[signed] John Avery [illegible]

[a further 15 signatures appear along the left hand side of the document]
Jer Powell
[illegible]
A. Ward
[illegible]
[illegible]
Jabez Fisher
John Taylor
Moses Gill
[illegible]
H Gardner
Danl Davis
D [illegible]
[illegible]
N [illegible]
Oliver Prescott