Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24949, for William Shute, New Jersey
Page 4

Proceedings before the Justices of the Marine Court of the City of New York, being a Court of Record and made so by an Act of the Legislature of the State of New York declaring the same to be a Court of Record) had at the City Hall of the City of New York in and for the City & County of New York

Present -  The Honorable Adrian Hegeman &
                                          Robert Swanston 
                 Justices of the said Court

Declaration of William Shute in order to be restored to the Pension list under the act of the first of March 1823 -
City & County of New York SS -  On this third day of March 1824, personally appeared in open Court the above named William Shute resident of Oxford in Chenango County in the State of New York aged Sixty three years, who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 March 1818 & the 1st May 1820, that he the said William Shute entered into the service of his county in the Revolutionary War in the year 1776 that he continued therein in the Commissary Department until (illegible) 1780, when he received an Ensigns Commission, and was attached to Capt. Formans company 2d Jersey Regiment commanded by Col. Shreve in the line of the State of New Jersey on the continental establishment, that he continued to serve in the said corps until the close of the Revolutionary War, when he was discharged from the said service in the State of New York - that his name has been placed on the Pension list, and dropt therefrom on account of his property - and in prsuance of the act of the 1st May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a Resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions
Page 9

The preceeding declaration & Schedules made by William Shute, Sworn to by the said William Shute, in open Court before us this 3d day of March 1824
   Adrian Hegeman
   Robt. Swanton
          Justices

I, John G. Sandy, Clerk of the marine court of the city of New York, do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said William Shute did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceeding declaration against the common enemy on the continental establishment - I also certify that the foregoing oath & the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in Value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Sixty dollars & forty five  cents -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Court this third day of March 1824 -
   John G Sandy
   Clark of Said Marine Court
[seal affixed]
Page 10

New Jersey Essex County Borough of Elizabeth

   On this 7th day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record for the Borough aforesaid, William Shute aged sixty years resident in Elizabeth Town in said Borough who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as an Ensign in Captn. Holmes Company 2d Jersey Regiment commanded by Col. Israel Shreve, and towards the close of the war in Capt Ballards company same Regt. that the date of his original declaration was in March 1818, that his pension Certificate is No. 1399 - and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of any property or any part thereo with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provision of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securties, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.  This declarant further states, that he has since the fall of 1783 been constantly engaged in mercantile pursuits, until within a few years; when by various losses & misfortunes, he has been deprived of the means of pursuing his accustomed business - the number & names of his family are as follows, five daughter, viz. Maria, MaryAnn, Sally, Jane & Louisa, the youngest nineteen years old; & one son at school fourteen years old, all residing with him; three of the aforesaid daughters, are in ill health & he has one for a midshipman in the Navy now in the Mediterranean.
   William Shute
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New Jersey        )
Essex County SS)
Personally appeared before me Shepherd Kollock one of the judges of the inferior Court of common Pleas for the County aforesaid, William Shute Who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, That he received an Ensigns Commission dated the 12th day of July One thousand seven hundred & Eighty from the then President of Congress, and was attached to Capt. Holmes company, in the Second Regiment of New Jersey, commanded by Col. Israel Shreve, which Regiment was a part of the New Jersey Brigade commanded by General Maxwell, and continued in the said Regiment untill the close of the Revolutionary War, when the army was disbanded on the Hudson River.

   This deponant further declares, that from a variety of unforeseen circumstances in Mercantile operations, & having a large family to support, he is willing to embrace the provisions of a late act of Congress, or in other words, stands in need of the assistance of his county for support, from his reduced circumstances.
   William Shute

Sworn before me at Elizabeth Town
in the County of Essex this 31st day of March 1818
   Shepard Kollock, Judge of
     Essex Pleas
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New Jersey    )
Essex County )  SS.

   I Silas Whitehead, Clerk of the inferior court of common pleas in and for the County of Essex aforesaid, do hereby certify that Shepard Kollock Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, was at the time of the taking thereof and still is one of the judges of said court as appears by the rolls of County Officers now remaining in my Office - and that the name of Shepard Kollock subscribed to the said affidavit is the proper handwriting and signature of the said Shepard Kollock Esquire, and that full faith and credit is due as well to the foregoing as to all his other legal official acts as such Judge , as well in courts of law as elsewhere.

   In Testimony whereof I the said Silas Whitehard Cleark as aforesaid have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at Newark in Said County this thirty first day of March in the year of our lord one Thousand eight hundred and eighteen -
   Silas Whitehead, Clk
[seal affixes]

I, Shepard Kollock one of the Judges of the Court aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my Satisfaction, that the said William Shute did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceeding declaration against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken & had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned ace of Congress.
April 9th 1818    Shepard Kollock
                           Judge of the pleas.
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New York Superior Court
   [court seal affixed]         

I, Charles A. Clinton Clerk of the Superior Court of the City of New York do hereby certify That Samuel Jones whose name is hereunto subscribed is the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of the City of New York, and that the same is the proper handwriting of the said Justice
   In Witness whereof I have hereunto suscribed my name & affixed the Seal of the said Court at the City Hall of the said City this 23rd day of Janary AD 1843.
   C A Clinton Clerk
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State of New York
City & County of New York  )  SS.

  On this twenty third day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me Samuel Jones Esquire Judge of the Superior Court of the City of New York. -
Ms Ann H. Shute, a resident in the city of New York, widow of William Shute deceased, (made known to me as such by the oath of Jonathan H. Lawrence a person of known credibility,) who from bodily infirmities was not able to attend at the Court - aged Seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows,"  That she is the widow of William Shute, who was an
Page 18

Officer in the Jersey line of the Continental army of the revolutionary War, and a Pensioner of the United States.
   She further declares that she was married to the said William Shute on the fifth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four; that her husand the aforesaid William Shute, died on the twelfth day of August  in the year eighteen hundred and forty one; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January in the year seventeen hundred and ninety four - viz:  at the time above seen informed and believes, and now refers to the tated.  She further declares that the documents on which her said Husband obtained a pension are filed in the Office of the proper department of the United States, as she has bsame.
   Ann H. Shute
Sworn & subscribed before me
the date above mentioned
   S. Jones
Page 19

Copy
     Under act of 7 June 1832

City and County of 
New York    )  SS.

  Be it known that before me Sylvester Spencer, a Notary public in and for the City and County aforesaid personally appeared William Shute and made oath in due form 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 claims

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 June 1832 William Shute of the State of New York who was an assistant issuing Commissary in the Revolution Army, is entitled to receive Six hundred dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
(LS)
Given at the rear Office of the United States this 2d day of May One Thousand eight hundred and thirty three
   Lewis Cass
   Secretary of War
examined and }
countersigned }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

   That he now resides in New York City
(and)
Page 20

and has resided there for the space of eleven years past, and that previous thereto he resided in Chenango Co state of New York.
   William Shute
Sworn and Subscribed
before me this 4th day
of March 1841.
   Sylvester Spencer
   Notary Public
   State of New York.
(The original is suppoed to be in the Pension Office)  JHL

City of New York  SS>
   I Jonathan H. Lawrence a Public Notary in and for the City of New York, duly Commissioned and sworn do Certify that the foregoing is a true Copy, of a paper purporting to be a copy of an original certificate.
   In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and notarial Seal this 20th day of January 1843 -
   Jonathan H. Lawrence
   Notary Public
[notary seal affixed]
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STATE OF NEW JERSEY, )
  MORRIS COUNTY, ss.  )

I, DAVID B. HURD, Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify that William Nelson Wood whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the Proof, or Acknowledgment of the within instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such Proof, or Acknowledgment, a Notary Public in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly sworn, and duly authorized to take the same:  And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said William Nelson Wood and verily believe that the signature to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment, is genuine.
[seal affixes]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Morristown, this twenty fifth day of February A.D. 1842
D B Hurd Clerk.
Page 22

   I Abigail Johnes, daughter of John Blanchard, & Sister to Mrs. Ann H. Shute do hereby certify on oath, that I was present at the marriage of my said sister Ann, to Major William Shute, which said ceremony took place at my Father's house in Elizabeth-town, New Jersey, on Sunday the fifth day of December Seventeen hundred and eighty four (1784) & the said ceremony was performed in the presence of my said Fathers family, by the Revd Dr. Alexander McWhorter, then Pastor of the Presbyterean Church at Newark, who was on the said fifth day of December aforesaid preaching to the congregation at Elizabeth-town.
   Abigail Johnes

State of New Jersey )
Morris County   SS:  )

Be it  known that on the first day of July A.D. Eighteen Hundred and fortyone, before me the subscriber a Notary Public within the State of New Jersey by lawful authority duly commissioned and sworn, residing at Morristown, in the county of Morris, personally appeared Ms. Abigail Johnes, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that the above certificate to which she has subscribed her name is true in its contents to the best of her knowledge and belief -
[seal affixed]
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal the day and year above written
   William Nelson Wood
   Notary Public
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STATE OF NEW-YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.

I, NATHANIEL JARVIS, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Jonathan H. Lawrence whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Public Noatry in and for the State of New-York, dwelling in the said City, commissioned and sworn.
  And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Notary, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, the first day of September 1841
   Nathl Jarvis
   Clerk.
Page 24

I Sarah Childs, daughter of John Blanchard & Sister to Mrs Ann. H. Shute, do hereby Certify on Oath, that I was present at the marriage of my said Sister Ann, to Major William Shute, which said ceremony took place at my Fathers House in Elizabeth Town New Jersey, on Sunday the fifth day of December, Seventeen hundred eighty four 1784, and the said ceremony was performed in the presence of my said Fathers family, by the Reverd. Doctr. Alexdr. McWhorter, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Newark, who was on the said fifth day of December aforesaid, preaching to the Congregation at Eliz'h Town -
   Sarah Childs
Sworn before me
New York 13 June 1838
   Jon. H. Lawrence
   Notary Public

State and City of New York
    Ss.
  I Jonathan H. Lawrence a Public Notary in and for the City of New York, duly commissioned and sworn, and residing in said City, do Certify that Mrs Sarah Childs personally known to me as the acknowledged Sister of Mrs. Ann H. Shute, appeared before me on the day above mentioned (13 June 1838) and being by me duly sworn did say that the facts stated in the above affidavit, to which she had signed her name was true.   In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and notarial Seal this thirty first day of August A.D. 1841.

 [notary seal affixed]   John. H. Lawrence
                                        Notary Public
Page 25

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF/eel

December 13, 1928

Charles M. Jones
320 West Ninth Street
Wilmingto, Delaware

Sir:

  I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 24949, it appears that William Shute when about sixteen years old, enlisted in the winter of 1776 and was appointed Commissary of Issues to the New Jersey Brigade commanded by Brigadier General William Maxwell; was commissioned, July 12, 1780, ensign and served under Captains Forman, Holmes and Ballard in Colonel Israel Shreve's New Jersey Regiment; he was in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, where slightly wounded, Crosswicks, Monmouth, General Sullivan's expedition against the Indians, Connecticut Farms, Springfield and surrender of Cornwallis, and served until the spring of 1783, at which time he was a Lieutenant.
  He was commissioned in 1799 a Major in the Fifth Battalion of the eleventh Regiment of Infantry.
  He was allowed pension on his application executed
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March 31, 1818, while residing in Essex County, New Jersey.
  In 1820, he referred to five daughters, Maria, Maryann, Sally, Jane and Louisa, the youngest nineteen years of age, and to a son fourteen years old and to a son, a midshipman in the Navy then on a cruise in the Mediterranean.
  In 1824, he stated that he was a member of the New Jersey State Society of Cincinnati, and referred to a granddaughter, Louisa Phillips, and to two sons in the Navy (names not stated), to a son, Theodore, aged eighteen at Princeton College and to a daughter, Mrs. Joanna B. Williamson.
  In 1828 he was living in Oxford, Chenago County, New York.
  He died August 12, 1841.
  The soldier married, December 5, 1734, Ann H., daughter of John Blanchard, at her father's house in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.  She was allowed pension on her application executed January 23, 1843, at which time she was living in New York City, aged seventy-eight years.
     Respectfully,

     WINFIELD SCOTT
       Commissioner.
Page 37

     New York May 14th, 1851.
Jno Heath
     Commissioner of Pension

Sir,
  Yours of the 9th inst. was recd. the 12th
  After my letter to you, of the 26th of April was mailed.  I recollected that, I had inadvertently omitted the name of my father.  I immediately wrote a second letter, which was dated and mailed the 29th April, informing you my fathers name was William Shute and also, that he acted as Commissary of Issues for several years, and as such received a Pension.
  I very much regret my second letter should not have been recd, as it will give you additional trouble, and am more than obliged for your kind politeness in replying to a communication so deficient in giving the proper information.
   Yours very respectfully
   Joanna B Williamson

No 7-5th Avenue
  N Y.
Page 38

New York City Pension Agency
July 6, 1843

Sir

  At the request of Mrs Shute I beg leave to return her certificate for correction, the endorsement, by an inadvertence, requiring payment to be made at Albany, instead of New York, where she resides, as appears from her declaration.
  I take the liberty also to suggest that, as no instructions have been received to inscribe her name on this roll, the notification may have gone to Albany.

Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Pierre M Irving

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 39

New York March 13th 1843
170 Blucher St

Mr J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir

  I have been informed by my friend Col. J B Crane that, my mothers' (Mrs. Ann H Shute) claim for a pension has been allowed and that I should receive the usual Documents for her to obtain it about the middle of July.  they not having arrived I am induced to apply directly to yourself to ask the persons to have them forwarded.  I am well aware of the many calls upon your time an[d] regret to make this demand upon it but, I am confident my fathers friend will not refuse this to his widow who is not well an[d] has become anxious in this matter being really in want of this aid.
  Mr Irving the Pension agent here informs me also, that, he has received the necessary directions in my mothers case which is an additional motive for my giving you this trouble as perhaps your letter may have been lost.
very respectfully yours,
Joanna B Williamson
Page 40

Sir,
   A friend of Mrs. Shute, widow of the late Major Shute has requested me to ascertain from you whether the papers forwarded to your Office were sufficient.  I have personally known the family for nearly half a century, and feel great interest in their welfare.  Mrs. Shute is now an old lady, and cannot long survive to enjoy the bounty of her country.
I am respectfully
your obedt. servt
W.M.  Crane
Washington
Feby. 15th 1843

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 41

New York Jany 20th 1848

Mr J L Edwards

Sir,

  I am informed by Col. J B Crane who has been kind enough to call on you in relation to my mother (Mrs. Ann H. Shute) that she is entitled to the pension allowed to my father (William Shute) for five years - he also advises me to enclose his papers directly to yourself.  I have often heard my father speak of you, sir, with the highest respect, and of the uniform kindess you had always manifested towards him.  will you extend that kindness to his widow by giving this business your prompt attention and writing me as soon as possible.
  The afft of two witnesses to the marriage ceremony my father considered ample proof - which, I presume is all that is necessary - my fathers papers being on file and he having received a pension.

Yours very respectfully
Joanna B Williamson
(over)
Page 42

Please address
To
Mrs. Joanna B Williamson
No. 170 Blucker St.
New York
Page 43

New York 1833

Sir,

  The benefit of the act of 7th June 1832 is of such great importance to myself and the wants of my numerous family that I hope at the least you will pardon the freedom I once more take in drawing your attention to this subject and in requesting your candid review of it.
  The act of June 18th 1818 provided for granting pensions to a certain description of officers non-commissioned officers and soldiers who had served in the line of the army of the revolution, and I became a pensioner under it in virtue of my comission in the line of the revolutionary army.
  The act of May 15th 1828 provided that the officers non-commissioned officers and soldiers who served in the line of the army of the revolution to the end of the war, should be entitled to receive during life, full pay according to their rank. - to this benefit there was annexed a condition that every applicant should relinquish his further claim, if any he had, to any pension under any law of the United States providing for revolutionary officers and soldiers, and accordingly for the benefit of my pay under this act I relinquished any pension under the former act.
  The act of 7th June 1832 provides that each of the surviving officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians,
Page 44

soldiers and Indian Spies who shall have served for a certain period in the Continental line or State troops, volunteers or militia during the war of the revolution and who are not entitled to any benefit under the act passed the 15th May 1828 be authorized to receive his full pay, in the said line according to his rank - to this benefit there is annexed a similar condition as to annuities or pensions, as is contained in the preceeding act of 15th May 1828.
  The above provisions accorrding to their express terms so far as they relate to the Continental army plainly refer to such officers and soldiers solely, as belonged to the line of that army who because they had not served to the end of the war, or for some other reason were not entitled to the benefit of the act of 15th May 1828 but can have no reference whatever to officers not so entitled because such are expressly excluded.
  The regulations of the war department under the date of 17th June 1832, embraces every branch of the staff department, whether or not they had any rank in the army.
  It would seem inconsistent in practice to exclude those from the benefit of this regulation, who had no rank and those, also, who had rank in the line of the army for it is the same thing to exclude them altogether as to confine them to their pay to which they are entitled under the act of 15th May 1828 and if both classes are to be excluded it would
Page 45

render this regulation negatory, excepting as to the very few, (interlineation) if there be any remaining, of those upon whose Staff appointments, rank in the army was conferred by some resolve of Congress. (end)
  It is now therefore most respectfully and most readily submitted, whether the pay to which I am entitled under my Staff appointment is to be measured by my pay as an Ensign under an independent unconnected commission in the line of the continental army; if so a Brigade Commisary who never had a Commission in the line, is in a better condition than one who was so honoured: and so also whether my pay of twenty dollars per month under my ensign & commission can have any other effect than to make it necessary for me to relinquish the annuity granted me under the act of 15th May 1828, in order to entitle me to the benefit of the act of 7th June 1829, agreeably to the universal principle that where a person is entitled to either one of two benefits he may elect that which may seem to himself to be more beneficial.
Page 46

(?) N.J. 19th May 1833 -

Sir

  I have been committed by Major Shute formerly of New Jersey - now of New York, respecting his application under the act of the 7th June 1832 under which, if I understand the case he is entitled to receive pay in his character of Commissary provided he relinquish tat of Ensign.  It seems he was commissary five years - and ensign two years at the close of the war - had he had not been ensign I presume there could have been no doubt - and it does not seem consistent with the libral policy of the law that he should be prejudiced by his having recd his latter commission - as this law extends to those having rank in the line as well as to those who have not - I believe it was intended to give the larger allowance to applicants that they wd. be entitled to in either character - You will have the goodness to excuse these opinions, expressed upon a hasty examination  of the Subject
  I have the honor to be with great
  respect Your obdt (?) Svt.
  M. Dickerson

The Honb.
Lewis Cass
Scty of War.

Having read General Dickerson's letter, & Major Shutes Declaration of his military services & rank, I fully concur in the opinion expressed by the Genl. & warmly recommend Major Shute to the liberal consideration of the Secretary of War.
   Lewis Condict
Morristown, May 10th, 1833.
Page 47

(large, bold test)  Revolutionary Claims, (end)

Under the act, entitled, ""An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and
Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution, "" approved 15th May 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
18 May 1833.

Sir;
   Agreeably to the request contained in your letter of this date your pay under the above mentioned act will be discontinued from and after the second of March 1833.

     I am, sir, very respectfully,
     Your obedient servant,

     Louis M Lane
     Secretary of the Treasury

William Shute Esq.
Page 48

War Department
Pension Office
December 28, 1832.

Sir.

   In reply to the enclosed letter from the Honorable Frelinghuysen I have to inform
you that Mr William Shute is now in the receipt of a stipend under the act of May 15, 1828, as an Ensign.
   Under the act of June 7, 1832 he can receive no higher Pension for service as a Commissary
than what he now receives as an Ensign, because the act last mentioned directs that the Pension shall be paid according to his rank, and the office of Commission which he had conferred no rank on him whatever.
     I have the honor to be
     most respectfully
     your obt. svt.
       J L. Edwards

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War.
Page 49

New York 19. Nov. 1832

J.L. Edwards Esqr

Sir
   It was my intention to have asked you a single question in my letter of last week, hastily written, which I make the sole subject of this communication -
   Does not the act of 7 June 1832, embrace provision for my services as Commissary to the New Jersey Brigade, during five years service, & if not, what is meant by the extension of the provisions of said Act, "embracing every description of the Staff" as promulgated by the Secretary of War, in his general explanation to applicants - be so good as to explain -

   Yours very respectfully
   William Shute
Page 50

New York Novr 16 1832

J L Edwards Esqr

Sir

   Your favor of the 13 instant was duly received, very much to my astonishment and surprize-- That the act of June 7, 1832 should exclude a native born American from a remuneration, for five years services in the Army of the Revolution, while an Irishman, an acquaintance of mine, for about two years services in different grades, should receive
$350 pr annum, is rather grating to the feelings of an American, who with all the fire of an American patriot, left his fathers house at the age of 16 years continuing in service during the  War of the Revolution, loosing all his prospects of an honorable profession
   Had it not been for the accommodation of Col Charles Stuart Commissary General, who over & over declared he could not do without my services in his department, I should have accepted what was constantly urged upon
me, a Commission in the Line, in which case, I should not have been behind my friend Col. Ogden, & Judge Anderson in rank, and been like them honorably provided for in my advance in life.
   My duties as Commissary allowed me a horse, which enabled me to be useful to the Commanding General of the Jersey Brigade,
and I here solemnly declare, that in every battle, or prospect of one, in which the
Jersey Brigade took part, during the war, I was a Volunteer with the General -
  If the Secretary of War, who I know has a proper feeling for the Revolutionary character, will reconsider my case, and take into consideration my services as a Volunteer, in connection with other services, he may possibly
Page 51

be induced to place me where his wishes may direct, if it can be done consistently -
   I was induced to make my late application in consequence of the instructions issued by the Secretary, wherein he says "this act is construed to apply to all cases in the Staff Department," knowing as I did that the Regimental Staff was taken from the Officers of the line, I took it for granted that no other Staff could be meant than the Brigade Staff, which would include the Quarter Master & Commissary Department attached to the Brigade in Field Service.
   Again - as the Secretary was pleased to notice, those not embraced in the Act, he included Commissaries Clerks, I took it for granted, the arduous & responsible duties of the Brigade Commissary, would certainly embrace him in the provisions of the Act -
   Should my application be finally rejected, I have to ask the favor of you to enclose to me my papers with Col. Ogdens certificate, & Judge Anderson's, if he has condescended to give one, as they may be of service at some future period.
   I will ask you to have the goodness to hand this to the Secretary of War, and whether the conclusion will be favorable or not, believe me to be, very respectfully your Obdt Servt

     William Shute
Page 52

Morristown 15 August 1832

The Honbl. Secretary of War

  Sir -

     I avail myself of the politeness of my friend L.S. Ogden, furnishing me with the enclosed, to forward the same, in furtherance of my claim, as presented a few days since -

  I have the honor to be
  very respectfully
  your most Obdt

     William Shute
Page 53

I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Major William Shute, formerly of New Jersey, and that I knew him during the whole of the revolutionary war and that I have known him ever since.
   I do further certify, that he assisted as giving commissary of provisions for many years to the New Jersey Brigade commanded by Brigadier General William Maxwell during the most of which time, I was an Officer in the first New Jersey regiment commanded by Colo. Matthis Ogden in the line of the Continental Army, and the Major of Brigade
   When Major Shute commenced and ended his duties in this rank of the Commissary General Department, I do not particularly remember, but according to my best recollection he assisted in that department for the greater part of five years commencing in 1777, and ending in 1781, and was reputed to be a very intelligent, active and diligent officer in the department to which he belonged.
   Towards the end of the war Major Shute was appointed a Subaltern officer in one of the New Jersey regiments of the line of the army and served as such to the end of the war.
   Sometime after the war, Major Shute was appointed a Judge and Justice of the peace in the county of Essex and state of New Jersey, under which Commissions he served for many years.
   In the provisional army raised in 1799-1800, Major Shute was commissioned to the Command of the first battalion of the 11th regiment of Infantry, to the command of which I was appointed.
   I do further certify that in my opinion full faith and credit may be given to any affidavit made by Major Shute, in relation to his application for the benefit of the late act of Congress, for the relief of certain surviving Officers & Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution.
   Given under my hand at the city of Jersey in New Jersey, this 16th August 1832
     Aaron Ogden
Page 54

Morristown, New Jersey, 13 August 1832

to the Honbl. Secretary of War -

   I avail myself of the late Law in favor of the Revolutionary characters, and the instructions accompanying the promulgation of it, by the War Departt., to forward my claim arising from the same, and liberal construction "that the Law extends to every Branch of the Staff Department"
   As I have been somewhat particular in my statement under Oath, I do not think it necessary to accompany it with any remarks, to enforce or elucidate my claim.
      My residence is in the City of New York, but on acct. of the prevailing disease, am at present in this Village -
   I shall write to Col Ogden at Jersey City for a certificate fortifying & supporting my representation, and shall write to the Honbl Joseph Anderson Auditor at Washington to give you information as to my services, who was a Captn. in the 3d Jersey Regt. and I have no doubt has recollections sufficient to satisfy you as to the principle fact - Of all the Officers composing the Jersey line, the above two Gentlemen, & two others only survive, that are within my knowledge
   I wrote Mr. Edwards a few weeks since for instructions in what way I should proceed in my case, to put the subject satisfactorily before the Departt. but not hearing from him, have proceeded in the way now communicated, which I hope may be satisfactory
     Very respectfully your most ObSt
     William Shute
Page 55

New York 21st July 1832

J. L. Edwards Esqr

  Dear Sir
     I have the pleasure to state to you, that I was honored and specially solicited by Col Charles Stuart, late Commissary General of Issues to the American Revolutionary Army, in the Winter of 1776-7, at Morristown New Jersey, to take charge of provisioning the Jersey Brigade, commanded by Genl. Maxwell, then on the enemies Lines near Amboy, as Issuing Commissary - That I continued in that service with said Brigade for years, & until the Army was supplied by Contractors, the precise time I dont now recollect, but in that capacity I acted at the taking of Lord Cornwallis at York town
   I was in June 1780 Solicited to take a Commission in the Line of the Army, with a gratuitous permission to continue as Issuing Commissary to the said Jersey Brigade, & so did act until Contracts for supplying the Army with provisions put an end to the Issuing Commissary Department
   I do not remember what my pay was very distinctly; my Butchers was 30 dolls pr month, my Clerk $35 - my Sackman $30 and my own pay somewhere between 40 & 60 dolls pr. month - The Honbl Joseph Anderson, Auditor, will I have no doubt, vouch for the above facts as to my service as Issuing Commissary - My Account was finally adjusted with Jonathan Burrell, who was duly appointed for that purpose -
   I apprehend the late Law in favor of the Revolutionary Characters, will embrace my case, and the object of this communication is to ask the favor of you to inform me if it does, & if so, what manner I shall proceed, to procure the provisions of it -
   Your reply will lay me under further obligations, as I have frequently taxed your goodness-
     Very respectfully yr most Obed   William Shute
Page 56

I William Shute, do hereby Certify on Oath, That in the winter of 1776-7 I was appointed Commissary of Issues, by Col. Charles Stuart, Commissary General of Issues, that I was attached, as such, to the New Jersey Brigade of Infantry, commanded by Bridr. Genl. Wm. Maxwell, which was composed of the four Regts of Infantry raised in New Jersey, Commanded by Colo. Ogden Shreve, Dayton & Martin, and was stationed on the lines, while the British army possessed Amboy - that I continued with the said Brigade as Commissary about the space of Five Years, more or less, and particularly at the battle of Short Hills, under command of Major Genl Lord Sterling, and at the close of the Campaign in 1777 was at the Battle of Brandy Wine, when our Army sustained a total defeat - the Jersey Brigade on that day was the Infantry of the Army, and while skirmishing with the enemy early in the morning, I received a flesh wound being a Volunteer aid to Genl. Maxwell - the following Winter canteened at Valley Forge, where responsibility & assidelity(?) rested very heavily on my exertions to procure provisions for the Brigade - the following Spring, after the Battle at Germantown, attended the Brigade into Jersey to watch the progress of the Enemy on their march through state State - was at the encounter with the British at Crosswicks, and at the ever memorable battle at Monmouth - after which the Brigade was canteened at Eliza. Town New Jersey - was at the battle at Connecticut Farms & Springfield, and the following summer was with Genl. Sullivans command, destroying the Indian settlements on Cayuga & Seneca Lakes.
   The Deputy appointed by the Commissary General, to Superintend the Commissy departt, on this Expedition became intemperate, consequently irregular - Gen Sullivan directed me to perform his duty, for which services I received no
Page 57

other compensation, than the Generals thanks, which I then thought more valuable than money - continued with the said Brigade, the following campaigns, until the Army moved South, and laid seige to Little York on York River - was present at the Capture of Lord Sterling Cornwallis & his army, was selected by the Commissry Genl., before the British marched out, to take an Inventory of the provisions belonging to the captured army - the army returned to Head of Elk by Water, except the Jersey Brigade, which returned by land - from this period I continued as Commissary of Issues to the Jersey Brigade, until the Army was supplied by Contract, the particular period I do not recollect - 
   My accts. were settled with Jona. Burral Esqr at Philada. very satisfactory to him - my departt as Commissary to the Jersey Brigade consisted of a Clerk at $35 per month - a Scaleman & two butchers at $30 pr month each; & upon reflection & consideration, my pay was not less than $50 pr month, the pay of an Artillery Captain - my bank account was settled monthly & paid on Continental paper money, by Col Charles Stuart Commissary General, without ever receiving one cent for depreciation, as was allowed to the line of the Army - no provision of that kind having been made for the Staff - Having been appointed as Ensign in the N. Jersey Regt., with the express understanding between Genl. Maxwell & the Commissary General, that I should continue as Commissary as long as the latter should require my services, I immediately took upon myself, the duties in the line of the Army, when the Contractors commenced their operations, & continued until the army was disbanded in the Spring of 1783, thus being in active service in the War of the revolution, from 1776, to 1783.       William Shute
Page 58

New Jersey }
Morris County }  Ss

Personally appeared before me James Wood, one of the Judges of the Court of common pleas for the County aforesaid, William Shute, deposeth & saith that the contents of the Affidavit to which he has Subscribed his name is just & true.
    
Sworn before me }   James Wood
this 13 day Augt. 1832 }

State of New Jersey
Morris County Ss.
  I David Day Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Morris aforesaid do hereby certify that James Wood Esquire before whom the foregoing Affidavit was taken is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Morris aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn and authorized to take such Affidavit and that the signature James Wood thereto annexed is his genuine signature -
[seal affixed]
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this thirteenth day of August in the year our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two
   David Day Clk
Page 59

Oxford August 31st, 1824

J. L. Edwards Esqr

Sir,

   Your favor of the 19th instant in reply to mine of the 12th current is received - I very much regret that you should have any doubts of the Secretary restoring me to the pension list, on the evidence of Major Chetwood - perhaps it is proper that I should give you my reasons for not furnishing you with my daughters evidence - On my arrival at Eliza. Town from Washington, an entire new thought occurred that Major Chetwoods testimony would be more satisfactory than the evidence of our daughter, inasmuch as it would show my insolvency, and that so large a sum had been released for the payment set forth by him, and the more especially as that amount exceeded the amount of the bank shares borrowed from my daughter - and the circumstance also occured, that I could transmit Major Chetwoods statement a fortnight sooner than my daughters, thereby saving a few dollars to remunerate any expenses to Washington -
   Having an entire confidence in the widow of Major Chetwood, being abundantly satisfactory, I did not think it in any wise necessary to procure my daughters Affidavit, nor did the thought ever
Page 60

enter my mind on my return home - I shall however forward with this, if practicable, Mrs. Williamson's Affidavit as you intimate was required by the Secretary, although I understood the Secretary to say, that when you was satisfied in the premises he would restore me - I hope that my omissoin to send my daughters evidence, will not prevent my pension commencing on the arrival at your Office, of Major Chetwoods statement, as his Affidavit fully accounts for more property than the Bank shares

I am very respectfully
Your most Obed
William Shute
Page 61

New Jersey                )
Borough of Elizabeth )
Personally appeared before me, Hope Carpenter, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that on or about the first day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred & twenty one, this deponant loaned to William Shute Three hundred dollars, for which sum this depnant recd. a bond, executed by the said William, & Genl. Jona. Dayton as his security; that some time in the month of October last the said William paid off the said Bond, principal & Interest, & further this deponant saith not.
   Hope Carpenter
Sworn before me this  )
3d day of July 1824      )

   Jona. Dayton Alderman
   of the Borough of Elizabeth
Page 62

New Jersey
Brorough of Elizabeth

I George C. Benber Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth in the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that Jonathon Dayton Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken and who hath subscribed his name thereto was at the time of the taking thereof & still is one of the aldermen of said Borough and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in said Borough -
[seal affixed]
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Borough of Elizabeth this third day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty four -
   Ceo C Benber Clk
Page 63

New York 9th March 1824

Mr J. L. Edwards

Sir

   I was under a hope after writing to the Secretary last Spring that I should, or might, be enabled to pass the remainder of my life, without the aid of the Pension Law, but an experiment last summer fourtaked all my hopes - my expenses increased, the price of board was reduced, and I was obliged to dispose of my furniture to pay my debts, and remove to the wilds of Chenango County, State of New York, at the entire expence of my daughter, leaving a debt unpaid rising One hundred dollars
   It is the intention of my daughter to purchase a little farm to enable me to support my family - and am unable to work, the pension, should I be restored, will greatly add to the comfort of my family, and without which, it will be impossible to reap my benefit from it - I have therefore pursued the direction enclosed to me by you Last April, which I hope will satisfy the Honble. Secretary in restoring me to the Pension list, in which case I wish to receive my pension in the City of New York, where I have friends that will receive & forward it to me - I have lost or mislayed my former certificate, & shall require another -
  Your Very Respectfully
   William Shute
direct to Oxford Chenango County
State of N. York to which Village I return tomorrow
Page 64

New Jersey Sup. Court

John Lanning
   vs.
Wm Shute

Septr. 4th 1821.  Judgt for (?)
and costs - $2589.8-

New Jersey Ss:  William Chetwood of Elizabeth Town in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey Counsellor into Law having duly sworn on his oath says.  That he presents the above suit and that a writ of Escrow was brought to the Court of Errors, that pending the suit the plaintiff died, and the suit was revised and while presiding in the Court of Errors the Executor of the Plaintiff instructed this respondent that upon the Defendant giving his note with and for one hundred and fifty dollars payable in six months and paying the (?) I must give him a discharge that the Defendant to the best of my recollection and belief in February eighteen hundred and twenty two gave his note indorsed by Jona Dayton Esqr. and paid one hundred dollars for the costs and the Note was remitted to the Executor as one of them at their request & the discharge given 
   Wm Chetwood
Sworn July 10th 1824
Aforesaid
  Jona. Dayton
  Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth
  in New Jersey -
Page 65

New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth  Ss.

George C Barber Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth do hereby Certify that Joathan Dayton Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit is taken at the time of the taking thereof was and still is one of the Aldermen of the Brorough of Elizabeth & one of the Judges of the Court of the Court of Common Pleas of said Borough and that the signature of Jonathan Dayton thereto prescribed is to the best of my knowledge & belief is the handwriting of the said Jonathan Dayton
[seal affixed]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Brorough this twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five -

Geo C Barber Clk of the
Borough of Elizabeth
Page 67

I was well acquainted with William Shute, the person who wrote the letter included within this paper - he was an assistant Commissary - a Commissary to the Jersey Brigade - in which I Served as an officer through the whole of the Revolutionary War - about the year Seventeen hundred and eighty Mr. Shute was appointed an Ensign - and continued in the Service for more than nine months - according to the best of my recollection he continued in the army to the close of the Revolutionary War - to the above facts I am willing to attest upon Oath if deemed necessary

Jos Anderson
Washington City July 1818
Page 69

New York May 2, 1843

Sir

  I herewith transmit application of Mrs Ann H. Shute for a pension under Act March 3, 1843.  The papers in the first instance were returned, the affidavit having been sworn before a Notary Public.  Please send the certificate to Mrs. Joanna B. Williamson, No 170 Bleeker Street, New York.
  Very respectfully
    Your obedient Servant
     Jane M Irving

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 70

New York March 18th 1843
170 Bleecker St

Mr J L Edward

Sir
   I am very much obliged for the promptness of your reply to my letter of the 18th inst. yours was found at the Post Office.
  The law enclosed in your last, is an additinoal favour.  I send my mothers Declaration for obtaining the next years pension - will you add to the kindness already evinced by sending me the certificate at an early day.
  yours very respectfully
  Joanna B Williamson
Page 72

Eliza. town, Decr 21 1820

Genl. Jos. Bloomfield

Sir,
   I never have informed you of the relation I stand with the Secretary of War, in regard to my pension, and I will ask your patience while I briefly give it you in detail with a view to your aid & information on the subject.
  In consequence of the late law in regard to pensions, I did in June last make a statement, in conformity with it, to the Court in this Borough, which represented my only property to be personal, and amounting to $670 if my memory serves, which included my furniture & personal property round me - I also communicated to the Secry. that a judgment had been obtained against me in August previous in the Supreme Court, rising $2600 exclusive of costs, and that the Sheriff had levied upon every article of my personal property, which would not raise $1000, and that I was at the mercy of the plaintiff - I also informed him that another judgt. had been obtained against me in N York rising $2000, on the records of which, I was prosecuted in the Supreme Court of this State, & judgt. was expected in Sept. last, but owing to the death of the plaintiff, there was a temporary stay in proceedings - notwithstanding all this I recd. an official communication from the Secretary that I was stricken off the pension list -
  I have had a number of views in my own mind
Page 73

If it is the intention of the government to do anything for the needy my case presents a fair claim to their justice or bounty, and God knows, if I did not feel the pressure of a large family, & their wants, I should be the last man, to ask a second time for what I consider the intention of Congress to bestow -
  If it is the wish of the Secretary that the Sheriff should sell my property, & thereby deprive my Wife & Children of my last bed, in order that I should receive my pension, why perhaps I had better invite my judgment creditor to so direct, although this would be a painful measure, I had better have this done, than to loose the benefit of $20 pr month - or I might possibly make a private Sale of my property to the plaintiff, or in fact do something or anything which might be agreeable to the views of the Honbl. Secretary, to bring me within the situation required to obtain the pension in an honorable way
  Having placed my situation, honestly & fairly before you, & believing from public fame that the Secreatary is not hostile to just claims, I do once more, with regret trouble you on this subject, hopeing you will not think it imposing when I ask you to obtain some information how I may proceed to obtain the pension granted to Revolutionary Officers -
  It will give me pleasure to hear from you, as soon as your convenience will permit -

I am very Respectfully
your most Obdt
William Shute
Page 75

Eliza. Town 14th June 1820

to The Honbl. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War,

Sir,

I do myself the honor to enclose a certified copy of a record on the files of the Court of this Borough, in conformity with a late act of Congress, and instructions from the War Departt.

I would on this occasion, with all possible deference, call your attention to Judge Pennington's representation in february last, procured at your request; and would then ask what opinion would naturally result of the views of Penr. Scott, when he made his communication to your department: - I forbear at present to take up your time to answer, and will only say, they were not honorable.

I have the honor
to be very respectfully
your most Obt Servt
William Shute
Page 77

Elizabeth Town May 9, 1818

Joseph Anderson Eqr.

Dear Sir

From a variety of misfortune & losses, it has become necessary for me to apply for the Pension granted to the Officers of the Revolutionary War, that are needy

In making this application, I stated that I was attached to Capt. Holmes company 2d Jersery Regt  - The Secretary at War, has returned my papers, stating that further evidence is necessary (than my Oath) to assertain my being nine months in service, and stating what I concur to be the cause of the Secretary's doubting, that my name is not on the Roll of Capt. Holmes Co.

Capt. Holmes, to whose compy I was attached, was a prisoner, & did not continue long in service, having I believe married on long island - there was also a Capt. Jno. Holmes in the first Regt.

I was afterwards attached to Capt. Ballards Co. with whom I continued untill the Army was disbanded on the Hudson, which circumstance I trust you will recollect - I can furnish abundant proof by Cummings, Dayton, Ogden &c. of the fact, but as my feelings are not a little disturbed by the Secretarys doubting, after my solemn declaration under the Solemnity of an Oath, I feel very much disposed to obtain the favour of you, personally, to represent your own knowledge of my time of service - I enclosed the  Secretary my Commission which is dated July 1780 (previous to which you will recollect I was Commissary to the Jersey Brigade) and I continued with the Army untill it was disbanded in the Spring of 1783, on the Hudson - If you will take the trouble to call on the Secretary, I shall be much gratified and shall be under a particular obligation if you will communicate to me the result -
Yours very Respectfully
William Shute
Page 78

Oxford May 28, 1824

J. O. Edwards Esqr

Sir

Your letter of the 13th current is duly recd - I was in hopes you would have replied to my letter of the 19th ultimo, in answer, or reply to your communication of the 6th April - the latter required me to acct. for the sales of my property at public auction, which I shall certainly do as soon as I possibly can - Your letter of the 13th instant, requires me to comply with the regulations under the Act of 1 March 1823, and my attention is particularly directed to Reference marked (8) which should be strictly complied with - If ever mortel took more pains to comply with the directions that I have done, he must be extraordinarily endowed - I have no copy of my first Schedule & cannot possibly know its contents; but this I know that every article of my property was sold at public auction, except what is included in my Schedule in March last; consequently all I had in my first Schedule was included, except what might have been lost, worn out, pilfered or incidentally disposed, of which however I have no knowledge, but I have no question there was articles added to my use, by purchase, after my first Schedule was made, for the nature of a boarding house is constantly calling for additions - I dont know that I can in any particular be more particular, but I am perfectly willing, and extremely desirous to Satisfy the Honbl Secretary as to my fair claims to the Pension, and
Page 79

will you therefore have the goodness to inform me if the Secretary will be at Washington a few days before or after the 4 July, and if he will allow me a personal interview - his assent will very much gratify me, and I am sure he will be gratified, if I can remove from his mind any impressions made by ignorant or wicked misrepresentation - That I cannot be mistaken as to some information made to the Secretary in one of the letters addressed to me from the Depart., it is stated "that information had been recd. at the depart. that I was in easy & flourishing  circumstances" - I believe the Secry was satisfied at that time by my statement under Oath & Judge Pennington's Certificate -

The real fact is that I failed in my circumstances, I have been in fact bankrupt since 1810, but by the assistance of a few friends have kept along, with a large family, two Sons in the Navy, which had claim upon me until I could keep up no longer -

I therefore particularly ask the favor of a reply to this letter as soon as you conveniently can, as if I should go to Washington, some extra arrangements will be necessary in the interim -

Yours Very Respectfully
William Shute
Page 80

(bold, underlined)  Declaration.  (end)

In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pension under the Act of July 7th 1838.

State of New York
City & County of New York  SS.

On this first day of May A.D. 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the City and County aforesaid Ann H. Shute a resident of the City of New York aged 78 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of William Shute who was an Assistant Issuing Commissary in the war of the Revolutionary and that a Pension was allowed her under the Act of July 7, 1838 at the rate of Six Hundred dollars per annum payable at the New York City Agency.
She further declares that she is still a wodow.
       Ann H. Shute
Sworn to and Subscribed
on the day & year above written
before me
   Geo Ireland Jr
   Commr. of Deeds

I certify that the above named deponent Ann H. Shute is known to me to be the identical Ann H. Shute described in her deposition.
   Geo. Ireland Jr
   Commr. of Deeds
Page 81

STATE OF NEW-YORK
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK  ss.

I NATHANIEL JARVIS, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That George Ireland Jr before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, Commissioner of Deeds in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by the law of this State to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said  George Ireland Jr thereunto subscribed is genuine

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 2nd day of May 1843

   Nathe Jarvis Clerk.
Page 82

New York 6 March 1837

J. L. Edwards Esqr

My dear Sir,

About two years since, or more, a member of Congress presented a Petition in behalf of some persons who had been stricken from the Pension Roll, which was referred to the property Committee - Mr. Adams moved that enquiry also should be made in behalf of those who had been restored, after been stricken off, which was also referred -

This last case as you will no doubt remember, embraced my case, and as I always expected a period would arise when I should be remunerated for the four years I was deprived of my pension, by the artful & envious views of a person, who dare not meet me in the premises, but who had address sufficient to induce Mr. Calhoun to proceed rigourously, and without any other proof, than a declaration of an unknown person -

About Six weeks since I wrote to my friend Crane from Ohio for information, and particularly to know if any report has been made, in such premises, or any action been had in regard of those claims, as my eyes had never rested on them, if made - Mr. Crane has not replied to my Letter, and as I presume he has retired to Ohio, never will -

The object of this communication, is to ask from you the like information, as that desired from Mr. Crane - I know the multiplicity of claims on your time & patience, but as this subject is important to a Revolutionary of 77 years, I hope you will excuse the liberty I now take -

I hope I may never be permited by a kind providence (who has graciously protected & preserved me from the Cradle to the present) with a revengeful disposition towards any one, and I have long since forgiven the wretch who could silently & without cause, represent me so unfairly to your department; But as I have laid the act to one of two persons, it would be very gratifying to me to know from you, that the informer was not a Dayton; as you was so good as once to say, it was  not Genl. Scott -

Believe me when I say, that I have in this particular no desire to ask any thing that would be improper for you to answer -
Page 84

136
700

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
u. July 1828.

William Shute of Oxford in the County of Chenango in the State of New York has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 13th of May, 1828.  He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the War
at which period he was a Lieutenent in the Second regiement of the New Jersey line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, Four hundred and Eighty dollars, paid to him by what agent he does not state (probably New York)
   The third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.

By order of the Secty.
ADinkins

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
   THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
July 9, 1828

  It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Wm Shute Ensign in the New Jersey line, amounting to Twelve hundred dollars.
  It further appears that William Shute is now on the pension list of the New York agency, and has been since the 3d March 1826 at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month.

Peter Hagner Aud
Page 85

(large, bold, shadow type) Revolutionary Claims. (end)

[A.]

Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.


  For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, William Shute of Oxford, in the county of Chenango, in the State of New York, do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* to the end of the War
at which period I was a Lieutenant in the Second regiment of the New Jersey line.
  And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.
  And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3d day of March, 1826,+ Four hundred Eighty dollars
     William Shute

  Witness my hand, this Ninth day of June, in the year one thousand eight hundred twenty eight
     William Shute
Signed in the presence of
Theodore Shute

   Before me, ++ Samuel Wheeler, Justice of the Peace in the county of Chenango, in the State of New York, personally appeared, this day, Thomas G. Newkirk and Theodore Shute, of the said county, who did severally make oath that William Shute, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
   Witness my hand, this ninth day of June, in the year One thousand Eight hundred twenty eight
     Samuel Wheeler, Justice of the Peace

   I, Perez Randall, Clerk of the Court of the county of Chenango, in the State of New York, do hereby certify, that Samuel Wheeler, before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
   In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 11th day of June One thousand Eight hundred twenty eight -
     P. Randall Clk

*Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was reduced under that arrangement.
+Here insert, The sum of (blank) dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State of (blank),.  If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration may be omitted.
++  A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.
Page 89

State of New York
Chenango County

   Personally appeared before me Amos A. Franklin one of the justices of the peace for the County aforesaid, Joanna B. Williamson who under oath makes the following statement, that in the month of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & twenty two, she loaned to Major William Shute, five shares in the State Bank at Elisabeth in the State of New Jersey, the amount of each share paid in, being Thirty Seven dollars & fifty Cents; which said five shares was restored to her the said Joanna B. Williamson, in the month of October last.
   Joanna B. Williamson
Sworn before me this
first day of Septr 1824
   A.A. Franklin
   Justice of the Peace

Chenango County
Clerks Office
I hereby certify that Amos A. Franklin Esq. was, at the time of taking the above affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for said County commissioned and duly sworn.  And further that I am acquainted with the hand Writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the above signature of A.A. Franklin to be his proper hand Writing

Witness my name and the Seal of Said County this 3d day of September 1824
   Perez Randall Clk
Page 90

Eliza.town 12th July 1824

J. L. Edwards Esqr

Sir,
   I feel very much indebted to you for your politeness & attention when at Washington - Believing it will be more satisfactory to you, I have procured an Affidavit & Certificate, showing you the fact of a discharge from the payment of a large sum of money, for a small amount, in preference to an Affidavit of my Daughter for the loan of the five shares of bank Stock, as the money borrowed on the Stock, was appropriated to the discharge of the judgt. referred to.
   I have no doubt but you will be Satisfied & that I shall be placed by the Honl. Secretary on the Pension list.
   It will be more convenient to me, to receive my pension in the City of New York, & shall be further obliged by the necessary form to be used in receiving it - have the goodness to write me as soon as may be convient

Very Respectfully
Your most Obed
William Shute
Page 91

Mrs. O. M. Bowen
Ward Homestead
Maplewood, New Jersey

Sept 17, 1938

Veterns Administration
Washington D.C.

  I find in Strykers history of men soldiers of New Jersey the name of William Shute he was a Captain Lieutenant and paymaster.  can you give me any information of this man.

Yours
Mrs. Lucretia B. Bowen
Ward Homestead
Maplewood NJ
Thank You
   Revolutionary service Nov. 28, 1775-Nov 3, 1783 and Jan 8, 1799-June 15,1800 in 11th NJ Inf.
Seal Hertmen