Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18409, Thomas French, Mass.
Page 1

Service  Number
Mass.
French, Thomas
S.18409
Page 2

6709
Massachusetts
Thomas French
of Bristol in the State of Mass.
who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain   (blank) of the regt commanded by Col Doggett in the Mass
time for 2 of May 15 Days
(Signature ILLEGIBLE)
(ILLEGIBLE) on the Roll of Mass
at the rate of 68 Dollars 32 cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of 
(ILLEGIBLE 1833 and sent to  J L Hodges  (ILLEGIBLE) Rep
Awarded to 4th of (ILLEGIBLE), 1833 $136.64
(ILLEGIBLE) allowance ending Mar 33   34.16
                                                            ________
                                                             $170.80
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by  (ILLEGIBLE) clerk
Book D  Vol. (ILLEGIBLE)  Page 51
Page 3

16,786
Thomas French
(ILLEGIBLE) the 2 Section 14th of
Feb 20th 1833
Private
20 months 15 days
Adm'd
p 260
$68.32
J. L. Hodges
HR
Page 4

16,786
BRIEF in the case of Thomas French
of Bristol Cy in the State of Mass
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  
3. How old is he?  72
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
| Period. | Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days. | Rank.  As a |  Name of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Gen. |
autumn of '76 | 15 days | private | Capt. Wilmarth |
For part of winter of '76 = '77 | 3 months | substitute | Capt. Clapp   Col. Doggett |
January '78 | 3 months | Private |  Capt Wilmarth    do |
autumn of  '77 | 1 month | private |  Capt Richardson - Don't recollect other officer |
Think, June '78 | 1 month | private |  (ILLEGIBLE)   
do -   -do- |
July '78 | 1 month | private | Capt Clapp |
1 August to about middle Sept '78 | 1 month 15 days | private | Capt Wilmarth    Col Laine |
Summer '79 | 2 months | private | Capt Trow |
Time of andres execution | 6 months | private |
Capt. Brimhall    Col. Bradford |

5. In what battles was he engaged?  1 month  15 days | private |  CB -  not stated |
Sullivan's battle
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Attleborough   Mass
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  of living Witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Rebt
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. C. Easton
Examining Clerk.
14 Feby 1833
(handwritten on bottom) was besides on short tours from 1. to 2 months
Page 5

Thomas French
16786


J.L. Hodges
(ILLEGIBLE)
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
BRISTOL, SS.
AT a COURT of PROBATE holden at Seekonk in and for said County on the
fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared Thomas French a resident of Attleborough 
in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy two years,
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated ; to wit: under under Capt Moses Wilmarth Nathaniel Bishop (then a crossout)
List, at another time under Capt Abiel Clapp Enoch Robinson Lieutenant (ILLEGIBLE) and Col John Dogetts Regiment At another time under Col Stephen Richardson
at another time under Capt Moses Wilmarth, Col. Thomas Carpenters Regiment at
another time he if his memory serves him under Capt Trow of  (ILLEGIBLE) 
at another time under Capt Brimhall Col Bradfords Regiment, and it same other times
as stated under the fifth head of Interogations

and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
---
Ans. That he was born in Attleborough in the County of Bristol and  (ILLEGIBLE) of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and Sixty
there is a record of my age in the time books
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? there is a record of my age in the time books (written over a crossout)
and was probably caused to be put there by my father - sister is stated in the same (ILLEGIBLE) as to have been born in the same year - we were not twins - I am about 2 years older than her. (ILLEGIBLE) parent therefore have  been an error in recording (ILLEGIBLE)
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where
do you now live? he has always lived in Attleborough
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
 Ans... he went into the service twice as a substitute once for (ILLEGIBLE) and once for his Father Thomas French In all the other Campaigns he was a volunteer
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
He States that he was in the United States Service half a month in the (ILLEGIBLE)
A1776 (ILLEGIBLE) when the British first landed at Rhode Island under Capt Moses
Wilmarth and Nathaniel Bishop Leiutenant, was stationed at Warren, State of
Rhode Island, (ILLEGIBLE) Caleb Parmeters affidavit
That he served in the United States Service at another term for three months in the same part of the winter of 1776 as a Substitute
for (ILLEGIBLE) of Attleborough  (who has long since deceased) 
Service at
Howlands Ferry under Capt Abiel Clapp of Mansfield Mass Enoch Robinson of
Attleborough  Lieutenant Col John Doggett's Regiment (ILLEGIBLE) to C Parmeters deposition (ILLEGIBLE)
That he was in the United States Service for the term of three months commencing about the first January 1778 under Capt Moses Wilmarth Col John Doggett's Regiment at Warwick State of Rhode Island at Mr. Larkwoods....
That he was in the United States Service one month at Faylins Ferry Rhode Island in (ILLEGIBLE) Expedition so called
under Capt Stephen Richardson His other officers not  (ILLEGIBLE)
Page 7

That he was in the United States Service one month at North Kingstown State of Rhode Island in July 1778 Served under Capt. 
Abiel Clapp,  Enoch Richardson
Lieutenant - he refers to the affidavit of Samuel Draper avenue
That he was in the United States Service from about the first of August 1778 to about the middle of September following, he served under Capt Moses Wilmarth
In Col Thomas Carpenters Regiment Col Ephraim Laine of Gorton   Lieutenant Colonel was on Rhode Island at the time and was in Sullivans Battle was near by Col Laine
when he was wounded by a ball from the enemy, after the retreat we marched to
Pawtuxet State of Rhode Island and as his (ILLEGIBLE) term of Service expired he was (ILLEGIBLE) in this Campaign he refers to the affidavit of Capt Dan Wilmarth hereunto (ILLEGIBLE)
That he was in the United States Service two months commencing In the forepart of the Summer of 1779 |as near he can remember| he served at Providence and East Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island under Capt Trow (crossout: of ?) Massachusetts he cannot recollect any person who was with him in this campaign who is now living  Some of his (ILLEGIBLE) were with him   (ILLEGIBLE) Samuel (ILLEGIBLE) Isaac Jackson but both are deceased...
That he was in the United States Service six months he
Enlisted at South Attleborough in the Continental Service he marched from
Attleborough by the way of Springfield where he was put under a continental officer by the name of (crossout Lieutentant)  Bancroft a Lieutenant, who marched them to West point he was then put into Capt Brimhall, Company Col Bradfords Regiment and was stationed and served there and elsewhere in
the State of NY. and New Jersey untill the expiration of said term of Six months
and was then honorably dismissed by written discharged but have since lost it.  he states that he was present at the of the Execution of Major (ILLEGIBLE) and saw it.
he refers to the deposition of Jonathan Wilmarth which is hereunto annexed for proof of his service in this campaign-
That he was in the United States Service on (ILLEGIBLE)  at different time and places as he thinks from one to two months besides the terms above stated he has always
thought and now believes that he was in the Service about twenty months but after a (ILLEGIBLE) of 50 years he is unable to
state (ILLEGIBLE )otherwise than as above
 His Services above Stated was all Militia Services and under militia
offices excepting the last six months at West Point, that was considered Continental service and he was under Continent officers
Page 8

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if 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?   That he entered and served as a private in all the (ILLEGIBLE) had only one written discharge that from Col Bradford at  west point as heretofore stated which he has since lost

7.  State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Rev John Ferguson and Noah Claflin Esquire

And the said Thomas French--- doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State (various crossouts) 
Signature   Thomas French
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid    H. Baylies, Judge of Probate

WE John Ferguson a Clergyman residing in Attleborough and Noah Claflin residing in the same town, hereby  certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas French who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about Twenty two 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.
Signatures of John Ferguson and Noah Claflin
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid     H. Baylies Judge of Probate

AND the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter
and after (ILLEGIBLE) the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Ferguson has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Attleborough, said County of Bristol, and that Noah Claflin who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town and a credible
person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  H. Baylies, Judge of Probate (Register of Probate crossed out)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
BRISTOL, SS.}
I, Anselm Bassett
Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby (word missing)
that the foregoing writing the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of
Thomas French
of Attleborough in said County, for a Pension.
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written. Signature of Anselm Bassett
Seal applied

Anselm Bassett
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We John Ferguson a Clergyman
residing in Attleborough and Noah Claflin
residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas French
who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration; that we believe him to be about seventy two years of age; that he is reputed (ILLEGIBLE) neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that of (ILLEGIBLE page torn) 
Handwritten:  John Ferguson   Noah Claflin
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies,  Judge of Probate

AND the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after (ILLEGIBLE page torn)  the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served ashe states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Ferguson has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman
resident in the Town of Attleborough said County of Bristol, and that Noah Claflin
who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town is a credible person, and that their - statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate (Register of Probate crossed out)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
BRISTOL, SS.}
I, Anselm Bassett
Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas French
of Attleborough in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett
Seal affixed with illegible writing
Page 10

The children of Thomas French Keziah his wife whom before marriage was Perry
Mary French their Daughter was borne January 14th A.D. 1746 or 7and Died May 15th A.D. 1748
Mary French their Daughter was born October 28th A.D. 1748 and Died May 11th A.D. 1749
Thomas French their son was born February 18th A.D. 1749 or 50 and Died September 31st A.D. 1757
Keziah French their Daughter was born March 2nd A.D. 1754
and Died February 20th A.D. 1756
Keziah French their Daughter was born February 21st AD. 1756
Sarah French their Daughter was born April 6th A.D. 1758
Christopher French their son was born March 29th A.D. 1752
Thomas French their son was born April 23 AD. 1762
Phebe French their Daughter was born October 2d AD. 1762
Lucy French their Daughter was born October 13th A.D. 1766
Lydia French their Daughter was born September 3 A.D. 1769
Attleborough September 4th A.D. 1832
A true Copy as of Record
Ethanah Briggs Town Clerk
of Attleborough
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P         18409
INVALID
(illegible initials on side)
File No. 18,409
Thomas French
(ILLEGIBLE) Rev War

Act: June 7  32
Index: - Vol. 1,  Page 199
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 12

16,786
Thomas French

J.L. Hodges
HR
Page 13

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Thomas French
which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so?   -----
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?    Yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  no in last term (Yes crossed out)
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of  June 7, 1832?   Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?   Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?    Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished  from any other seal?  Yes
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                           2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?    Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?    ---
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? ---
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?  Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?   No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?   Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?   Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?   Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered    Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; 
For ___year____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ For ____months and ____ days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension.
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                                 3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and
all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars 
respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible  witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate
must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 16

Commonwealth of Massachusetts}
County of Bristol (ILLEGIBLE) }
Attleborough September 4th 1832
I Caleb Parmeter of Attleborough in the County (ILLEGIBLE)
with aforesaid of the age of Seventy four years and duly engaged according to law do testify and say that Capt Thomas French of said Attleborough was with me in the United States Service at and near Faylins Ferry In the Autumn of 1777 at (ILLEGIBLE) Expedition for the term of one month
 (signature) Caleb Parmeter
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Caleb
Parmeter the day and year above said
Before me
Noah Claflin   Justice of Peace
Page 17

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol Ss    August 21st, 1832

I Dan Wilmarth of Attleborough in said
County of the age of 82 years and duly
engaged according to law do testify and
say that Capt Thomas French was with me
on Rhode Island In Summer of 1778  I 
understood that he stayed & served six weeks
I left there after he had been there part of
said term and I left him there and always
understood he (ILLEGIBLE) his time out and have no reason to doubt but that he did
(signature) Dan Wilmarth
Sworn to and subscribed by the said
Dan Wilmarth the day and year above
written before me
Noah Claflin  Justice of Peace
I
Page 18

Washington   Feby 22nd 1833
I hereby certify this entire credit may be given to the testimony of Caleb Parmeter, Dan Wilmarth
(ILLEGIBLE) and Wm Sweetland, the foregoing witnesses
James L Hodges

(ILLEGIBLE WRITING ON SIDE OF DOCUMENT)
Page 19

Caleb Parmeter
in (ILLEGIBLE)
Thomas French
Page 20

Commonwealth of Massachusetts}
County of Bristol Ss}
August 21st 1832
I Caleb Parmeter of Attleborough in the County aforesaid of the age of 74 years having been duly sworn do testify and say
that I was in the service of the United States in the war of the revolution at Howland's ferry at which place I served 3 months during the winter of 1776=7 and that Thomas French of Attleborough was with me during the same term in the Company commanded by
Capt Abiel Clapp in Col John Daggetts Regt the precise date I do not recollect
Caleb Parmeter
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Noah Claflin Justice of Peace
Page 21

Samuel Draper,  (ILLEGIBLE)
Thomas French
Page 22

Commonwealth of Massachusetts}
County of Bristol Ss}  August 16th 1832
Samuel Draper of Attleborough in the County
aforesaid of the age of 78 years having been duly Sworn do testify and say that Capt Thomas French of said Attleborough was with me in the United States Service at North Kingstown in the State of Rhode
Island one month in July AD 1778 In Capt Clapps Company Enoch Robinson Lieutenant.  I donot mean to be positive as to the exact date but the above is my impression
Samuel Draper
Sworn to and Subscribed before me
Noah Claflin
Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts} 
 County of Bristol Ss}  Attleborough August 25th 1832
I Caleb Parmeter of Attleborough in said County of the age of 74 years and duly engaged according do testify and say that I was in United States Service and
in the revolution at Warren State of Rhode Island in the latter part of the autum for part of the winter of 1776-7 and that Capt Thomas French of said Attleborough was
there with me according to the best of my remembrance
Caleb Parmeter
Sworn to and Subscribed by the said Caleb Parmeter
Before me
James L Hodges  Justice of Peace
Page 23

Wm. Sweetland
in (Illegible) Thomas French
Page 24

Common with of Massachusetts}
County of Bristol Ss}
Attleborough August 27, 1832
I William Sweetland of Attleborough in the County aforesaid of the age of 78 years and duly engaged according to law
do testify and say that Capt Thomas French was with and In the Revolution in the United States Service one month at Slades Ferry near Fall River In the Summer of AD1778
He was in the Company commanded by Col 
 (Stephen crossed out) Caleb Richardson
of said Attleborough and served as Lieutenant
William Sweetland
Sworn to and Subscribed by the said William Sweetland before me
Noah Claflin   Justice of the Peace
Page 25

Commonwealth of Massachusetts}
Bristol Ss. Augt 10th 1832}
I Jonathan Wilmarth
of Attleborough in the said County of Bristol
of the age of Seventy years being duly engaged according to law deposeth and saith that Capt Thomas French of Attleborough aforesaid was with me In the Service of the Revolution two Campaigns, the first town was for three months at Providence and Warwick in Capt Moses Wilmarths Company Col John Doggett, Regt and we were discharged
about the first of April 1777
The Second town or Campaign that said Thos
French was with was six months in the Continental Service at west point and elsewhere in the State of New York and New Jersey we  were in Capt Brimhalls Company Capt Bradfords Regt  he was discharged as near as I can recall sometime in December AD1780
Jonathan Wilmarth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Ss Augt 10th 1832 Then the above named Jonathan Wilmarth made oath to the truth of the foregoing (ILLEGIBLE) by him Subscribed before
Noah Claflin Justice of Peace
Page 26

Commonwealth of Marrachusetts
Bristol Ss
I Anselm Bassett Register of the
Court of Probate in & for said County of Bristol
do hereby certify that Noah Claflin is a Justice
of the Peace for said County & that the foregoing Signatures which are affixed to the
forgoing affidavits, purporting to be his
on the genuine signatures of the said
Noah Claflin
In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and the seal of the said Court this
22d day of October AD. 1832
Anselm Bassett
Page 27

Cursive writing cut off image

CONTENTS
Page 28

7132
Thomas French
(ILLEGIBLE)
1 yr
$40.--
Hon. S. Haight
Present

Joshua Y Vail
Montpelier
Vermont
Page 29

BRIEF in the case of Thomas French of Berlin  County of Washington in the State of Vermont (Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 72 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[table, column headings] Period. Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days | Rank | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. 
[row 1]Enlisted in April |  - 6 - | private | thinks under Capt Day Masstts Col Brook
[row 2] do in 
 October 1780 |  - 3 - | - | Capt Scott 
[row 3] do 1st Sept. 1781 | - 3 - | -  | Col Walbridge, Northampton Mass
Capt Page As a prints Gen. 

5. In what battles was he engaged? not any 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Lunenburgh Mass 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witness & by traditionary evidence 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached 

I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above 
Chas G Wilcox Examining Clerk 
27 Jany 1833
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6974 
Vermont 
Thomas French in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded Captain Day of the Regt commanded Col Brooks in the Massachusetts & New Hampshire line for 1 open Private $40.

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of March 1833 and sent to Hon S. Haight 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $80.00 Clarance ending 4 Sept " 20.00 
$100.00 
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. ⎬

corded by Vinal Luce Clerk 

Book D Vol. 4 Page 57
Page 31

Declaration of Thomas French
7132

Please to transmit return to 
J.Y. Vail Montpelier Vt
Page 32

DECLARATION in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congren of the 7th of June, 1832. 
STATE OF VERMONT COUNTY OF Washington ss

On this 7th day of August A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the Honorable County Court, within and for the County of Washington now sitting, Thomas French a resident of Berlin in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, aged 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832: -- 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: 

That he enlisted for six months in the Massachusetts line of State troops, but whether on the continental Establishment or not does not recollect-  he enlisted in April 1780. He thinks he enlisted under Capt Day, but is not sure. The Capt who enlisted returned home after he joined the Regiment & continued in the recruiting service. The captains name, who commanded the company after Capt Day went home, he cannot recollect- He went to West P[oint] he was stationed there the fore part of time -  went to Dobbs Ferry 10 or 12 miles below West point where he was employed a fortnight or more in completing the erection of a fort there-- was employed there when Arnold deserted to the British.-  was then ordered into the Jensia[?] went to Pompkin & Haverstraw - little time before his service expired he was detached, one man being taken from a company, as a waggoner at said Haverstraw & served his time out, and when his time was out in October, they wanted him to stay longer. He then enlisted for three months as a waggoner, or during the war, and was returned by the Captain, as for during the war. - His Captains name was Scott his Christian name does not recollect - he belonged to Pennsylvania- He continued in service untill January 1781 having served three months he claimed the privelege of a discharge. received a discharged & went home.  the day of the month he enlisted, or that he was discharged does not recollect, but recollects there was considerable snow on the ground when he arrived at home-- was discharged at said Haverstraw 

That the last of August or 1st of September 1781 he served in the Militia of Newhampshire for three months commencing at the time - was in Capt Page's Company.

Smith was Lieutenant in Col. Walbridge Regiment marched to Whitehall & was stationed there the during the time & was discharged about the last of November or 1st of December - recollects that he was played a short time before his service was out, in a Batteau to exchange Story women, transporting these to the British at Fort Fe and there was a hard frost Snow Storm while he was go
Page 33

[This document is a combination of handwritten and printed]
He has no writing showing his service & knows of no person who can testify to his service & has no evidence except the affidavit of John Putnam & Thos Gleason this taken two years ago & witnesses now dead - and in answer to the questions put to him by directions of the Hon. Secretary at War he states that he
born in town of Berbrook [Birdbrook?] County of Essex in England - 
was a waiter to Captain Lindsley in Genl Burgoyne's army where he was taken prisoner in 1777 with the army of Burguoyne.   when he was in the town of
Spencer Massachusetts he deserted from the prisoners with five others the names of two he recollects, to wit, John Stratton
& John Fitzgerald and went to Old Concord Mas. and then to Luprenburgh [Lunenburg?] & Staid there untill he enlisted.  he was 17 years old when he deserted & was born 1760. has no record
of his age but recollects how old he was when he deserted.
now living at Lunenburgh [Lunenburg] Mass. where he enlisted for the 6
months service & was at Haverstand [?] where he engaged for the other 3
months.  was living at Charlestown N. Hampshire when he engaged
the last time. He lived at Charles[town, inserted] about about five years after the war & then moved into Vermont & has resided in the towns of Williamstown Montpelier & Berlin Vt. ever since  most often since in said Berlin where he now resides.  Enlisted the first
[illegible] & volunteered at Charlestown. The town gave a small
[illegible].  can recollect Genl Patterson & his Brigade when in the
service also Genl Glover [?].  never received any written discharge.

States the names of Simon Dewey & James Braman [?] of Berlin who have been acquainted with him for years
& can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief
of his services as a soldier of the Revolution, as by him stated.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension, or annuity,
except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any
state.
Thomas X French
his mark
Attest. J Vail Clerk
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.

We, Simon Dewey late of Berlin now residing in the town of
Montpelier County of Washington and James Braman [?] of
said Berlin hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas French
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 72
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 to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Simon Dewey [signature]
James Braman [?] [signature]
Att. J Vail Clerk


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 Simon Dewey who has signed
the preceding certificate, is a now a
resident in the said town of Montpelier
and that James Braman who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said town
of Berlin and are credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Attest Joshua Gail Clerk
I Joshua Vail Clerk of the County
Court for the said County of Washington
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of
the application of Thomas French for a
pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this the 9th day
[illegible][August?] AD 1832
Attest Joshua Vail [signature] Clerk
Page 34

[document is a combination of handwritten and printed]
18406
INVALID
File No. 18406
Thomas French
Pri Rev War
Act:  June 7th 32
Index: Vol 1, Page 133
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 35

[handwritten]
Affidavit of
John Putnam
for
Thos["s" is superscript] French
Page 36

[handwritten]
I John Putnam of Montpelier in the County
of Washington State of Vermont aged 68 years
do testify & say that I am well acquainted
with Thomas French of Berlin County
of Washington aforesaid & know that he
enlisted at Charlestown New Hampshire
for the term of three months in Capt
Peter Pages Company Col Walbridge
Regiment. that he enlisted in August
1781 & was discharged in November
I know this as I served in the same
Company with him & for the same
time. I also recollect that said French
was a deserter from the British prisoners
taken with Burgoyne in 1777
John Putnam [signature]
Sworn to & subscribed before
me this [illegible]th day of August A D
1832
Daniel P Thompson Justice of Peace [signature]

I certify that said John Putnam is a man
of good reputation for truth & veracity
Daniel P. Thompson Justice of Peace [signature]

State of Vermont
Washington S}
I J Vail Clerk of
the County Court within
and for the County of
Washington do hereby certify
that Daniel P. Thompson 
before whom the foregoing affidavit
was taken is a Justice
of the Peace duly appointed &
acting under the authority of this
State & that his Signature to the
above his own proper hand
writing
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
& seal of office this 8th day of August AD. 1832
Att. J Vail Clerk
Page 37

I hereby certify these two affidavits
of John Putnam & Thomas Gleason were used
in the case of the application of Thomas French
August 19th 1832 Att. J Vail Clerk
Page 38

I Thomas Gleason of Cavendish in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont
of lawful age do depose and say that towards the close of the revolutionary war
on about the year 1780, I was stationed at Westpoint being a soldier in the Massachusetts Line of the continental army on west point, and as near as I can now
recollect, there was one Thomas French from Lunenburg in Massachusetts, also
a soldier at that time on west point belonging to this Massachusetts Line.
I acted during a part of the period I was at Westpoint as Sergeant Major
which gave me a superior opportunity for becoming acquainted with the soldiers
and learning their names. My recollection is quite distinct that Thomas French
was in the service at Westpoint, but have no distinct [inserted] recollection of the times or duration
of his term of service. I further depose and say, that at one time I commanded
a guard over the Peekskill mountains, and the impression is strong and vivid in
my mind that Thomas French was one of the guard.  We had skirmish
with the tories and took several prisoners. I further depose and say that I
have since the close of the revolutionary war seen said Thos. French at Lunenburg
and held some conversation with him in relation to some circumstances which
occurred during our service at West point. And further I say not.
Thos["s" superscript] Gleason

Windsor
County [illegible]}
State of Vermont
Cavendish March 25, 1830. Personally appeared Thomas Gleason and
made solemn oath [inserted] that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the whole truth
and nothing but the truth
Before me Horace Fletcher Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that Thos. Gleason, the signer of the foregoing Affidavit, is a cred[ible]
witness.
Horace Fletcher, Justice of the peace
Page 39

[handwritten]
State of Vermont ⎬ 
Windsor County [illegible]} Woodstock County Clerks Office April 10th 1830 I Benjamin Swan
Clerk of the County Court for the County of Winder, do hereby
certify that Horace Fletcher is one of the Justices of the Peace
within & for said County, and that the within are his signatures
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said
Court, and subscribe my name the day & year above
Benj["j" is superscript] Swan

[written vertically along right edge of page]
Affidavit of
Thomas Gleason