Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6366, Joseph Whitecar, New Jersey Pa. Sea Service
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey.
Pa. Sea Service
CONTENTS
Whitecar, Joseph
NUMBER
S. 6.366
carded
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New Jersey 22.686
---
Joseph Whitecar
of Cumberland in the State of New Jersey
who was a Private in the Coy commanded
by Captain Page of the Rgt. commanded
by Col Peircent in the New Yersey
line for 13 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey.
at the rate of 43. Dollars 33. Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of Dec
1833 and sent to Wm. D.
Barrett, Fairton, New Jersey.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1833.  108.33 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34  21.67
$130.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer, Clerk
Book E. Vol. 8. Page 135
33 22
S. W.
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Joseph Whitecar
Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act
of Congress, passed June 7th 1832
State of New Jersey
Cumberland County } Ss
On this first day of October in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared
in open Court before Reuben Hunt George Sander
and Edmund Sheppard and Jeremiah Stull
Judges of the inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County
of Cumberland and State of New Jersey now Sitting  - Joseph
Whitecar a resident of the Township of Downe in said County
and State, aged seventy seven years who being first duly
affirmed according to Law doth on his affirmation make the following
Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the servis
of the United States under the following named officers and
served as herein stated. That in the month of September
1775 he attended an alarm under the command of Col. Newcomb
at Eggiland Cumberland County N. J. In May 1776 was drafted in
Capt. Pages Company commanded by Col. Newcomb then Marched
to the Delaware Shore in Cumberland N. J. was stationed there two
months for the purpose of keeping the British from Landing.
in July 1776 enlisted in the Company of Capt Samuel Ogden
Command by Genl. Heard Col. Newcomb. Marched from Cumb
to New York was there two weeks then marched to Long Island
there had a Battle with the enemy on the 27th day of August 1776
and he was in Genl. Washington's retreat on the 29th of the same
month to New york then marched up the North river about twelve
miles to Fort Washington the Fort being part Built we finished
it. after being there six weeks we marched to White Plains in the 
State of New York while there was often out on scouting part 
at one time had a Battle with the enemy and took forty seven of
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British prisoners on the 18th of October 1776, was in the Battle at
White planes on the 28th same month, was commanded by Genl. Washington
Genl. Sterling Col. Silas Newcomb as Col. and Major from Virginia
not recolected. Marched from the White planes to a place called north bar
while there had to attend on the sick till discharged which was in the
First of February 1777, before we got home we had to sell our shirts
to Buy Bread, was out this term seven months. (After being at home
a short time was drafted in Capt. Petersons Company on account
sickness in our family. I hired a substitute one month.) in December
1777 I was drafted in Capt. Saml. Westons Company under command
of Col. Isaac Preston marched from Cumberland County to Swedesborough 
N. J. was in no particular engagement was out this term
two months, in October 1778 I was drafted in Cap Conovers Comy.
commanded by Col Summers we marched from Cumberland County to
Leeds point an Egg harbour in Gloucester County New Jersey out this time
two months in Apl 1779 was drafted in the same Company & Regiment
was stationed as a guard over a brig that came on shore loaded with
Tobaca &c was out this term half a month-- May 1, 1779 shipped on Board
the Sloop Hornet as a marine under command of Capt. Stevens 1st Lieut.
Mansfield 2nd Lieut. Smith we carried ten guns and fifty men
sailed from Little Egg harbour we soon fell in with three
American vessels called. True Blue, Polly Sly, the other not recollected
while out in the Hornet took Four British vessels, got three in
one caried ten guns and Eighty men, another Four guns, another
Mugeon Built sloop loaded with Molasses, in the same year
Shipped on Board Schooner Hawk of ten guns and Eighty men
Capt. Stillwell, 1st Lieut. William Green, 2nd Lieut. Joshua Smith
after being out ten days was taken by the British and put
in Irons Eight days and nights when we arrived in New York
was then put on board of a prison ship, there kept till the
16th of Novr 1779. then exchanged, was out this term six months
and a half.

7
2
2
1
6 1/2
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After he returned home was after called out night and day to attend
alarms to keep off the refugees and Tories till in the fall of
1780 he was again drafted, in the company of Capt. Laws and there
Continued Four Months
Being out in the servis of his country in the Revolutionary War
Four years and six months besides often being called out to
attend alarms. That he has no documentary evidence, he
knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, except the
testimony of
hereunto annexed, who can testify to his services
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
an annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not
on the pension Role of the agency of any State-
Joseph Whitecar
Affirmed to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
in open Court
Joseph Whitecar
Reuben Hunt Prest of the Court
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We Thomas Brooks a Clergyman
residing in the County of Cumberland New Jersey and William
D. Barrett residing in the same place do hereby certify that we
are well acquainted with Joseph Whitecar who has subscribed and
Sworn to the above declaration. That we belive him to be Seventy
seven years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that
we concur in that opinion
Thomas Brook
William D. Barrett
Sworn and Subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
Reuben Hunt Prest of the Court
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant 
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that
Thomas Brooks who has signed the preceding certificate is a
Clergyman and resident in this County of Cumberland New Jersey
and that William D Barrett who has also signed the same is a
resident in the same place and is a credible persons and that
their statement is entitled to credit.
Reuben Hunt Prst.
George Sander
Edmd Sheppard } Associate
Jeremiah Stull
I Ebenezer Seeley Clerk of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas of the County of 
Cumberland do hereby certify that the forego-
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ing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court the in the matter of the
application of Joseph Whitecar for a pension.  In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal
of Office the first day of October
AD. one thousand eight hundred
and thirty two,
Ebenr Seeley Clk

I Ebenezer Seely Clerk of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland,
New Jersey do hereby certify that John
McIntosh Esqr. Amos Westcott Esquire and
Henry Shaw Esquire are each of them a Justice
of the Peace in & for said County, and were such
at the time of taking and attesting to the within
affidavit, duly commissioned and sworn
and by law are promised to administer oaths and
affirmations, and that full faith and credit
is and ought to be given to
all three & each
of their official acts as
such. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my Seal of office the
Ninth day of March in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and twenty six.
Ebenr. Seeley Clk
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I Ebenezer Seely Clerk of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland, 
New Jersey do hereby certify that John
McIntosh Esqr. Amos Westcott Esquire and
Henry Shaw Esquire are each of them a Justice
of the Peace in & for said County, and were such
at the time of taking and attesting to the within
affidavit, duly commissioned and sworn
and by law are promised to administer oaths and
affirmations, and that full faith and credit
is and ought to be given to
all three & each
of their official acts as
such. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my Seal of office the
Ninth day of March in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and twenty six.  
Ebenr. Seeley Clk
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State of New Jersey
Cumberland County ss.
Personally appeared before me John Wm Nosh one of the Justices of the peace
in and for the County of Cumberland, Ellis Hand who being Duly Sworn Saith
that he is well acquainted with Joseph Whitecar, and the said Joseph Whitecar, Shipped
on board the Schooner Hawk of Philadelphia Carrying ten guns, in the year of our
Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine in the month of September
Enoch Stillwell Master, out two days and was taken prisoner by a British twenty
gun ship and kept in Irons eight days and nights, then put on board the prison
ship good Hope laying in the North River and kept there until exchanged.
and further saith not. Except the said Ellis Hand was on board the Schooner the full time.
Ellis Hand
Sworn to subscribed
Before me this seventh day of June 1826
Jno. Wm. Nosh Justice Peace

State of New Jersey Cumberland County
personally appeared before me Henry Shaw one of the Justice of 
the Peace in and for said County Amos Bradford a man to me
Well known who being duly sworn Saith that he has
know Joseph Whitecar fifty years and that the said Whitecar was always
a faithfull Whig and trew Soldier in the Revolutionary war that
he was in the five month servis and was out a priveteering and
also in the militia at other times that he allways bore a good
Carricter but by misfortain in the last war and from
other curcomstances he is now a very poor man.
and further saith not
Amos Bradford
Sworn before me this 8 day March 1826
Henry Shaw Js peace
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Personally Appeared before me John Wm Nash one of the Justices of the peace
in and for the County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey, Thomas Gandy
And upon his solem oath doth depose and say, that he was well aquainted
with Joseph Whitecar, and the said Joseph Whitecar Listed in the five months
Servis under Captain Samuel Ogden and Silas Newcomb was Colonel,
and the said Joseph Whitecar Served the five month in the United States
Service, and the Deponant further saith that he heard the said Whitecar
[illegible] and the several Battels there mentioned as far as same
within five month was correct.
Thomas Gandy
taken before me this twentieth
Day of February A.D. 1826
Jno. Wm Nash Justice Peace
State of New Jersey 
Cumberland County Ss.
Personally appeared before me Amos Westcott
one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Cumberland
Jedediah Ogden who being duly sworn saith that he is well
acquainted with Joseph Whiteker and that the said Joseph
Whiteker enlisted into the Continental army of the United States
on or about June or July in the year 1776 for five months
&
in the company commanded by Capt Samuel Ogden and
was attached to Col Silas Newcombs Regiment, and that he
the said deponent served in the same company with the
said Joseph Whiteker and that the statement made by him
in his petition so far as it regards his revolutionary services
is substantially correct.
Jedidiah Ogden
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this first day of March 1826
Amos Westcott Justice of the peace
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State of New Jersey
Cumberland County Ss:
I Samuel Weston being duly
sworn according to law deposeth &
Saith that he is well acquainted with
Joseph Whitaker the above named applicant for a pension, that this Deponent
was in the service in the Revolutionary war
one tour with said Joseph Whitaker
in the company commanded by Captain
Westcott in 1779 the company marched to Swedesborough 
and was station there greater
part of the time we were out together in
said Company. This Deponent further
says that he has always understood said
Whitaker was in the service in the Revolutionary war at various other times-
Samuel Westcott
his x mark
Sworn & subscribed
October 1st 1832
George Lander
I George Lander one of the Judges of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland
New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the above affidavit of Samuel Westcott was taken & subscribed by
and before me, and that the said Samuel
Westcott is a credible person, and that full
credit is and should be given to his deposition
under oath.
In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand the first
day of October one thousand
eight hundred and thirty two.
the names of Samuel Westcott & Joseph
Whitaker first written on erasure & the
year 1779, first interlined.
George Sander Judge
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State of New Jersey
Cumberland County ⎬
I Ebenezer Seeley Clerk of
the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County
of Cumberland State of New Jersey, Do hereby
certify that George Sander Esquire before
whom the foregoing affidavit of Samuel
Westcott was taken, and who has attested thereunto
and who has signed to the foregoing certificate
was at the time thereof and now is a Judge
of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said
County, and duly commissioned and sworn
and that full faith and credit are & should
be given to all his official acts as such, and
that the signature thereto annexed is the
own genuine signature of the said George
Sander. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & affixed
the seal of said Court the first
day of October, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty two.
Ebenr. Seeley Clk
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State of New Jersey
Cumberland County} Ss
Benjamin Cosien aged Eighty five years
next January, being duly sworn according to
law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Joseph
Whitecar the above applicant for a pension. That this
deponent was in the Company command by Capt Conover
that Joseph Whitecar was in said Company at the same
time. and the deponent further saith that he was in the Company
of Capt. Summers in the fort at Summers point Great Egg harber
Glasten County New Jersey and that Joseph Whitecar was also
in the fort and was attached to the said Company this deponent
and the said Joseph Whitecar Marched from the fort was then
Seperated. But this deponent further saith that he after
heard of Joseph Whitecar in other companies and that the
Statements made by Joseph Whitecar he believes to be true
that he was in the service as therein stated.
Benjamin Cosien
his x mark
Sworn to and subscribed
Before me Oct 23, 1832 
William D Barrett
Justice of the Peace
I William D Barrett a Justice of the Peace in and
for the County of Cumberland New Jersey, Do hereby certify
that the foregoing affidavit of Benjamin Casien was taken
done and subscribed before me, and that the witness
put his signature (Being a cross thereto in my presence
And I do further Certify that the said Ben Cosien is 
a credible person and that his oath is at all times entitled
to full weight and credit.
William D. Barrett
Justice of the Peace
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Joseph Whitecar
22075
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I Ebenezer Seeley Clerk of the Inferior Court
of Common Pleas of the County of Cumberland New Jersey.
Do hereby certify that William D Barrett Esquire before whom
the above affidavit of Benjamin Cosier was taken & who has
attested to the same was at the time thereof & now is one of 
the Justices of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned 
& sworn, and that full faith & credit are & should
be given to all his official acts as such, and I do further
certify that the signature of said William D Barrett
thereunto is the own proper signature of said Wm.
D. Barrett -In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & Seal of said
Court the twenty third day of October in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred & thirty two.
Ebenr. Seeley
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No. 23075
Joseph Whitecar
Refd to Mr. Edwards
part of the claim for
Naval service
F. S. Evans
22d May 1833.
Adm 1. year 1. month
Wm. D. Barrett, Esq
Fairton
N. J.
Eben. Seeley agt
N. J.
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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. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, shewing the service of Joseph Whitecar of Cumberland N. J.
Period when the service was rendered.
1775
Drafted 1776
Enlisted 1776
Drafted 1777
a substitute
Drafted 1777
Drafted 1778
Drafted 1779
Shipped 1779
Shipped 1779
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months. Days.
[illegible] or on alarm
2
7
2
25
15
6 15
Rank of the claimant.
Private
Marine
Private
Names and Rank
of the Company
officers under
whom he served.
Capt Page
Capt Smyrna
Ogden
Capt. Saml. Heston
Capt. Canoner
Ship Capt Stevens
1 Lieut Mansfield
2nd Lieut Smith
Ship Capt Stillwell
1 Lieut Wm. Brown
2nd Lieut Joshua Smith
Names and Rank
of the General
and Field officers.
& name of
Ships or other Vessels
Colo Newcomb
Colo Newcomb
Genl. Heard
Washington
Sterling
Colo Silas Newcomb
Colo Isaac Roston
Colo Summer
Sloop Hornet
Schooner Hawk
Battles in which
the applicant was
engaged.
Long Island
White Plains
Country through which he marched.
& course of cruises
To the Delaware shore
from Cumberland to New York
Long Island
to Fort Washington
to White Plains
To Jonesborough
From Lord Point
Sailed from 
Little Egg Harbour on cruize
Place of abode 
when he entered
the service, and age
at the present
period.
Cumberland
Co. New Jersey
Aged 77
Evidence by
which the declaration
is supported.
Traditionary &
Living witness

Alleges he was in service five years &
six months besides being frequently
called out on alarms
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance,
make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of } ss.
On this  day of   personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of  in the county of   and State, Territory or District
of  aged (c)    years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)   , with     and
served in the    (e) regiment of the    line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.        A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I     of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of      for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of     &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with   who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,  Clerk of the Court of   do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 19

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted;
and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war,
and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
and what has become of it?
To an Officer?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character
and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
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 of Record of the
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure,
taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For---year----months, and ---
days, I served as a ---, For --- months and ---days, I served as a ---; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority;
that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses,
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses,
and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[ ] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 20

& 1812
Section
/eel

January 8, 1929
Donald D. Hand
286 North Broad Street
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S.6366, it appears that Joseph Whitecar
enlisted and served as a private in the New Jersey Troops
as follows:
From in September, 1775, a tour of alarm under Colonel
Newcomb, length of service not stated.
From in May, 1776, two months in Captain Page's Company,
Colonel Newcomb's Regiment.
From in July, 1776, in Captain Samuel Ogden's Company,
Colonel Silas Newcomb's Regiment, he assisted in the construction
of Fort Washington, was in the retreat from Long
Island, in the battles of Pelham Manor and White Plains,
and was discharged, February 1, 1777.
From in December, 1777, two months in Captain Samuel
Westcott's Company, Colonel Isaac Preston's Regiment.
From in October, 1778, two months in Captain Conover's
Page 21

Rev
War.

Company, Colonel Somers' Regiment.
From in April, 1779, fifteen days under the last named
officers as a guard on a brig stationed near the New Jersey
shore.
He enlisted May 1, 1779, served as a marine on the
sloop, Hornet, commanded by Captain Stevens; while out
they retook three American vessels, the "True Blue", the
"Polly Sly", and one other; they also took four British
vessels. In the same year he sailed on the schooner,
"Hawk", of Philadelphia, commanded by Captain Enoch Stilwell;
after being out two days, the "Hawk" was captured
and the crew held in irons for eight days and nights, then
put on board the prison ship, "Good Hope", and was exchanged, 
November 16, 1779.
In the fall of 1780, he served four months in Captain
Lowes' New Jersey Company.
In addition to the above service he was frequently
called out and served on short tours of alarm, no details
given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
October 1, 1832, while a resident of Dawson Township, Cumberland
County, New Jersey, aged seventy-seven years.
Page 22

The date and place of his birth are not given, nor
his residence during the Revolution but it appears that
at the beginning of each tour of service he marched from
Cumberland County, New Jersey.
There are no data concerning his family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Death not on A.B.
Page 23

1929 - Jan 8. Hist to
Daniel D. Hand, ME. E.
Rev War
6366
INVALID.
File No. 6366
Joseph Whitecar
Privt Rev War 
---
Act: June 7" 1832.
Index: - Vol. M, Page 403
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

CLARK McK. WHITTEMORE
DONALD H. MCLEAN
EDGAR H. PINNEO
SIGURD A. EMERSON
DONALD D. HAND
WHITTEMORE & MCLEAN
COUNSELLORS AT LAW
280 NORTH BROAD STREET
ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY
March 20, 1928.

Pension Bureau,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly furnish me a transcript of
the records of your Bureau as to a pension received
by one Joseph Whitacar, who served in the American
Army during the war of the Revolution. I am advised
that Mr. Whitacar at the time lived in Cumberland
County, N. J. at or near a place known as Whitacar's
Mills; that he was a Quaker, and is reputed to have
received a pension from the Government after the war.
I particularly would like to know the details
as to his date of birth, residence, date of induction
into the Army and remarks concerning his military
service, disability, if any, etc.
If there is any charge for this service, I
shall be glad to send you remittance to cover the same
if you will indicate the amount.
Yours very truly,
Donald D. Hand
DDH:EC

[Stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAR 22 1928