Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9601, for John Simson, New Jersey
Page 1

Service:
New Jersey

Simson, John

Number:
R9601
Page 2

State of New York}
County of Otsego}
---
On this 16th day of October AD. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of
Otsego County N. Y. now sitting John Simpson a resident of Springfield in the County of Otsego and State of New York aged
seventy four 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 7th
1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That at the commencement of the Revolutionary War he resided in the town of Tewksbury Hunterdon County - New Jersey. That in the year 1775 before he had been enrolled in the Militia of the State he volunteered to go and did go as fifer on a "recruiting tour" with Lieut. Edward McMichael
of Capt Ross's Company in a regiment commanded by Col. Dayton.
That he served on this occasion as fifer three weeks and three days, when the company was filled up and (unknown) he was discharged. That he was in the summer of 1775 as
he believes, enrolled in the Militia of the State and received - the warrant of a fife-major. That in the same season he volunteered as a minute man a certain number being required - out of the Company. He volunteered on Friday, and Marched to - Perth Amboy on the next Monday where he joined the troops
under Genl. Messereau where he remained in service for one month the term for which he engaged and was discharged. 
That he afterwards, and he believes in the succeeding year - performed another month's service at as a volunteer at Perth Amboy, and he thinks under different officers, but cannot determine
Page 3

2
certainly who the commanding officers excepting that he thinks he was at this time under Capt. Berry.  That he also performed
as a volunteer two separate monthly tours as a fifer at Elizabethtown. That at Elizabeth town he served under Col. Mehelm, and Capt. Ebenezer Berry as he believes.
That he also distinctly recollects serving
again as a volunteer for another month, part of the time at Woodbridge, when they were suddenly ordered to Elizabethtown where he served the remainder of the month. That he also served one month as a volunteer at Raritan, where Col. John Taylor commanded the regiment. Col. John Ten Broeck was the Lieut Col. His Capt. was Samuel Adams and Lieut. Thomas Thompson, Ensign Wm Adams. That the British at this time lay at New
Brunswick six miles from them, that he remembers that on this occasion they doubled their centuries for fear of the enemy.
That he also served one month as - a volunteer at Raritan, at the junction of the north and
South Branches, at this time he does not recollect the officers names. That he was also at the battle of Monmouth where was in service eleven days. At this time there was a
general Adams and Capt. Perine to whose company he then belonged turned out with all his company. That Col. John Taylor commanded the regiment at that time. That Lieut. Thompson, and Ensign William Adams commanded in the Company, That Genl. Dickinson had the command of the brigade
to which he was attached on the day of the battle. That he went as a volunteer to guard Congress from Trenton in N.J. to Allentown
Pennsylvania, where a Pennsylvania regiment was there and they returned, at this time he was out nine days. That he also volunteered to drive a drove of forty two horses belonging to the United States from New Germanton to New Windsor where he delivered
Page 4

them to Capt. Church having drove them about ninety miles . was out at this time  {illegible} days. That he went as fifer six days in guarding and marching 13 armed tories to Trenton Jail. of whom two were afterwards hung. and the rest discharged, at this time he spent six days. That he also turned out and served eight days on a general alarm when the British left New Brunswick. That besides what is above stated he was out on several small pieces of Service which he cannot now particularize.  In locking up tories, going on short expeditions, that of the time which he recollects he was in actual service about fifty weeks. That he has no documentary-evidence of his services nor is there to his knowledge any person now-living by whom he is able to prove any party of the above service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declared that his name is not on the pension Role of the agency of any state.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court.
                                    John Simpson
Horace Lanthrop Clerk    

We Aaron Bigelow [crossed out "a Clergyman"] residing in the town of Springfield and county of Otsego and State of New York and Thomas Welden---residing on Otsego in said county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Simpson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration--That we believe him to be seventy eight years of age--that he is reputed and believed in the Neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier
Page 5


of the revolutionary war and that we concur in that opinion
                               Aaron Bigelow
                              Thomas Wilden
Sworn and subscribed this
the 16th day of October AD 1832
before me  -- Horace Lathrop Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and upon 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 Aaron Bigelow who has signed the preceeding certificate is a (clergyman is crossed out) resident in the Town of Springfield, in the County aforesaid and that Thomas Wilden -- who has also signed the same is a resident in the Town of Springfield aforesaid and is a
credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
                            J.O. Moose}
                            E. Foote     }  Judges
                             __________  
                            S. Page

Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Simpson for a pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19th day of October AD 1832.
                         Horace Lathrop
                         By Thos R Cary Deputy
Page 6

Otsego County Town of Springfield ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace &c, John Simpson, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of Memory He cannot ["not" crossed out] 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 - in the year 1775 - as a fifer 21 days - in the summer 1775 - as a Fife Major one month - and in the years 1776 1777 1778 as a Fife Major Ten months.  and that in addition to the service mentioned in the above declaration, This deponent recollects distinctly of having served at the Battle of Millstone in the County of Hunterdon N.J.  That at that time he was in actual service one month and two or three days - and That he served at That time as a Fife Major - and that he recollects that at That time he served under General Mercer and that at that time they took thirty five waggons & horses from the Brittish, all of which service at this time was in the year 1776.  This Deponent further saith that he did not preserve his Warrant as Fife Major, and does not know what has become of it.  This Deponent further saith that the reason why he did not get a Certificate from a Clergyman [underlined] attached to the above Declaration was because William Baker the Person who this Deponent employed to draw his declaration did not at the time of making out the papers think it was necessary, and he thought that all that was necessary was the Certificate of two Credible Persons.-- [crossed out: "Sworn and Subscribed before me this [blank] day of August 1834"] and this Deponent further saith that he was out upon every Call until the war closed and that he could swear that he was out more than one year.  But  cannot state the times & periods
Page 7

We George Holt a Clergyman residing in the Town of Springfield, Otsego County, and Aron Bigelow residing in the same Town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Simson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration.  That we believe him to be seventy six 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] Aaron Bigelow  George O Holt [illegible]
Sworn and subscribed this 9 day of Sept 1834 before me [illegible signature] Justice of the peace
State of New York Otsego County ss
I Horace Lathrop Clerk of said County do certify that Walter Holt & Selah Havens before whom the two preceding affidavits purport to have been sworn was on the days of their respective dates Justices of the peace in & for the County of Otsego & further that I am acquainted with the handwriting of Selah Havens & Walter Holt & verily believe their names subscribed above to be their respective & genuine signatures  Witness my hand & seal of Office this 15th day of September 1834 [signed Horace Lathrop Clerk
Pre. W. Richardson J P
[written along left edge of page:] John Simpson 18225
Page 8

Nov 26th 52
Powr of Atty case Jean Simpson [illegible crossed out name] widow of John Simpson
Chs E. Weaver Present.
Nov 29 1852
[illegible] C. E. Weaver [illegible]
Page 9

6
Know all men by these presents that I Jean Simpson, widow of John Simpson deceased who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and who in his life time made application for a pension in due force of law in the year 1832 or 1833, Which papers as I have been informed are now on file in the Commissioner of Pension department in the City of Washington, do hereby constitute and appoint Charles E Weaver of the city of Washington my true and lawful agent & attorney for me in my name to examine said papers and all records if necessary for the purpose to aid me in obtaining a pension for the services of my husband John Simpson in the war of the Revolution  [signed] Jean Simson
Dated February 4th 1851 In presence of [signed] Hiram S Babcock
State of New York County of Otsego
On this 4th day of February 1851 came before me Jean Simson by me known to be the person described in and who executed

[printed form with handwritten entries at bottom of page]
STATE OF NEW-YORK. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Hiram S Babcock Esquire, was, on the 4th day of February 1851 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 19th day of Nov 1852 [signed] Samuel North CLERK.
[seal affixed to the left]
Page 10

6
know all men by these presents  that I Jean Simpson, widow of John Simpson deceased who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and who in his lifetime made application for a pension in due forms of law. in the year 1832 or 1833.  which papers as I have been informed are now on file in the Commisions of Pension department in the City of Washington. do hereby constitute and appoint Charles E. Maors. of the city of Washington my true and lawful agent + attorney. for me in my name to examine said papers. and all records if necessary for the purpose to aid me in obtaining a pension for the services of my husband John Simpson in the war of the Revolution
Dated February 4th 1851     Jean Simpson 
In presence of Hisaw S. Babcock State of New York.
County of Otsego on this 4th day of February 1851 came before me Jean Simson by me known to as the person described in and who executed the foregoing. Powers of attorney and acknowledged that she executed the same Hisam S. Babcock Justice Peace
Page 11

No 18225
John Simpson of Otsego County New York decd.
[initials illegible]
William Baker ["Clarke" crossed out] Springfield New York
Page 12

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office. 
183
Sir:  The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been [word obscured by crease in paper], and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace (thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

[printed form with handwritten entries]
A Statement, showing the Service of John Simpson Otsego County New York
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service [subdivided into three columns] Years. | Months. | Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Vol. 1775 | - | - | 21 | fifer | Lieut. McMichael | Col Dayton |  |  | 74 years | Traditionary evidence.
[illegible] 1775 | - | 1 | - | Fife Major |  | Genl. Messereau |  |  | Tewksbury | [crossed out]
Vol. 1776 | - | 1 | - | Fifer | Cap Berry | -- |  |Perth Amboy | Hunterdon | no living Witnesses & no
Vol  1776 | - | 2 | - | Fifer | Cap Berry | Col Mehelm | Elizabeth Town | County New | Clergiman & no reason
Vol.  1776 | - | 1 | - | Fifer | -- | -- | -- |  Woodbury and |  | Jersey | given - papers not
Vol.  1776 | - | 1 | - | Fifer | Cap Adams | Col Taylor |  | Elizabeth Town |  | properly attached
Vol.  1776 | - | 1 | - | Fifer | -- | -- | Monmouth | Raritan |  |
Vol.  1776 | - | - | 11 | Fifer | Cap Perine | Col Dayton |  | went to guard |  |
Vol.  1776 | - | - | 9 | Fifer | -- | -- |  | Congress from |  |
Vol.  1776 | - | - | 6 | Fifer | -- | -- |  | Trenton to |  |
Vol  1776 | - | - | 8 | Fifer | -- | -- |  | Allington[?] Pena. |  |
The applicant states that he was in actual service about 50 [underlined] weeks, but has not properly specified the times & periods }
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 13

DECLARATION, In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of    in the county of    and State, Territory or District of     aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with  and served in the (e) regiment of the    line, under the following named officers: [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service, (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.  This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, etc] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to  pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the [[illegible]]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court of the said Court in the matter of the application of    for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the office (i) this     day of   &c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given  in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
() We, A. B. a Clergyman, residing in the     and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with    , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be    years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presrcibed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, hat it appears to them that A.B.  who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the   and that C.D who has also signed the same is a resident in the    and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  I,   Clerk of the Court of    do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of   for a pension.
In testimony hereof, I have hereunto set m hand and seal of office, this day of   &c. Every applicant will produce the best proof of his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these an be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 14

and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter..
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make  his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grade in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, an the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as in 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 each service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, i.e. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is high objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what offices the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular piece or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any  civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticate, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the department, he must  prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in the affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of leaving the same, as well a the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[ ] The notes from [a[ to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia and, Volunteers and State Troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrgatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 15

New York
John Simpson decd Suspended
Sent to J H Stewart 6 Novr. 1834
Sent to C. E. Jenkins Dep 21. '45
Sent to Mechlin & Wender May 11, '4[second digit cut off]
Sent to same May 13. 1846.
J. Slingerland Sep 11 46.
to H. Elwood Nov 21 '46
9601
Page 16

Mo Cole, will dec if H. S. Babcock had authority to Act in this case, if so, will get out the papers for Mr Smith
E
Feb 18 1857.
Ex  Z[?]
E & 8
Page 17

John Simson, not Simpson, sent Pension Papers sometime in 1832, or 3. - among the N. York cases
I desire to examine the above papers. [signed] Edwards & Smith
Feb 29, '57
Page 18

[left side]
Aug. 1-1903 -  J J Stewart
Dayton Ohio

[right side}
9601
P. O. ________________
____John Sim['p' crossed out]son
Service: _____________________
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____________________ , 18    .
Discharged: __________________, 18   .

Application filed: _______________, 18   .

Alleges: _____________________
_____________________________
Re-enlisted: __________________
_____________________________

Attorney: _____________________
P. O. _________________________
_____________________________
________ Recognized. ________ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis.   Searched for _______,18  .
Page 19

Albany Sept. 7, 1848
James S. Edwards Esq
Comm. of Pensions
Sir,
An application was made about seven years ago for a pension under the Act of 7 June 1832 for John Simson of Otsego County New York-The application was rejected for some error in his papers-Will you please inform me whether it will be necessary for the widow to prove his service again in order to establish her claim of a pension-John Simson served in New Jersey in the militia -was a fife major-at one time served in Col Taylor's regt.  & was in the battle of Monmouth.
Respectfully your out serv.  Chas E Jenkins
Page 20

GENERAL AND NOTARIAL AGENCY
Washington City, D. C.
OFFICE, DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
A. MECHLIN, NOTARY PUBLIC & CHARLES H. WINDER AGENTS, offer their services to
those who may have any description of CLAIMS before Congress, the Executive Departments, or against private individuals -- particularly for receive Duties paid on importations. Special attention will be given to the preparation and settlement of the ACCOUNTS of PUBLIC DISBURSING OFFICERS who may find it inconvenient to attend personally to their settlement at the proper accounting offices. They also act as Agents for non-resident property-holders, and for the procurement of PENSIONS, PATENTS, BOUNTY LANDS, and for any other business in Washington requiring the personal attention of an attorney.

Washington City
May 9th 1846

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
Sir
Some 12 or 15 years since a man named John
Simson, then a resident of Warren Herkimer County, or of Springfield Otsego County New York, his house stood on the line of the two Counties made application for a pension for
services performed in the Revolutionary War. His claim was fully established by competent auth proof, but before he received any money he suddenly died It is supposed by his friends that Mr Simson's agent, a Mr Simson's agent, a Mr  Hopkin's Stewart, may have drawn some money in his account.
Will you oblige us, by giving us information
on this subject Will you be pleased, further to inform us whether the proof already filed in his case is not sufficient, with competent proof of her marriage, as the proper period, to entitle his widow to a pension?
We are very respectfully
Your Obt Serts
Meckling Winder
Page 21

Nov 13, 1846
Rec'd
John Simson
Hon, J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[date stamp]
unreadable
Page 22

Sir
Danube Nov. 9th 1846
Sir
In answer to yours of the 25th of September last. John Simson resided in the town of Warren County of Herkimer.  Wm Baker Esq was the first attorney he made application in the years of 1832 or 33 or 34-
Mr Simpson died in January 1837. Some time before his death, Hopkins Stewart was his attorney and forwarded his papers to the pension office at Washington
Mis Simpson is desirous of ascertaining from the pension office all about her husbands pension papers
(illegible).
I am Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Henry Elwood

Hon
J L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington
Page 23


John Simpson 
NY 1832 
Not Done
Sept 1843
by
James L. Edwards E
Com of Pensions
War Dept
Washington

[date stamp]
SEP 10 1843
Page 24

Albany Sept 15, 1843
James L. Edwards Esq
Sir
Yours of the 12th inst stating that "no papers in  support of the claim of John Simpson made under the Act of June 7. 1832
can be found on our files, nor does it appear by the books that such papers have been received, has just been recd.  In reply I would state that the name is Simson, & not Limson
The widow says the papers were forwarded to the Dept
Your obt svt
Chas E Jenkins
Page 25



GENERAL AND NOTARIAL AGENCY
Washington City, D.C.
A. H. BECHLIN, NOTARY PUBLIC & CHARLES H. WINDER AGENTS, offer their services those
who may have any description of CLAIMS before Congress, the Executive Departments, or against BURSING OFFICERS who may find it inconvenient to attend personally to their settlement at the proper acccounting
offices. They also act as Agents for non-resident property-holders, and for the procurement of Pension, attention of an attorney.

Washington City
May 12th 1846

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th inst, covering the Copy of one from you to C E Jenkins Esqr of Albany, in relation to the claim of John Simpson for a pension We regret very much to be obliged to trouble you again upon the subject, but we infer from your letter,
and its enclosure, that you have not referred back sufficiently far, and that there must be upon the files of your office some papers relating to this case which escaped your notice at the time that you wrote to Mr Jenkins in 1843.
The following extract from the letter, which
led us originally to trouble you, will, probably, afford you a clue to the period, to which the papers belong of they are on the files of your office
"Some 12 or 15 years ago one John Simson made application for a pension in consideration of his services in the Revolution. His claim was established but before he received any money, he was taken
Page 26

Suddenly ill, & died. It may be, that the agent that he employed, drew the money that had become due
From the foregoing, it would appear that
his application had been made &  his claim
established, long before the period to which your letter to Mr Jenkins refers. Again excusing ourselves for the trouble we may occasion.

We remain respectfully 
your Obt Sert
Machlin Winder
Page 27

Aug 29, 1846
Rec'd
June Simson
  & 
Garett Hager

Carlisle NY
Aug 19th

Hon J L  Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington Pension Office

look on N. York
index for Garett Hager
Page 28

Cobleskill Schoharie Co. N.Y.

Hon Mr J. L. Edwards Com- of Pensions Washington
as I had on hand a letter from the Widow
Jane Simpson it has been in my possession
since last Decr I had forgotten the case & as I feel too Old and infirm to attend to such
business & had given up all those cases that
have been sent to me - but receiving another
letter from the old Lady- if I can I will do her all the good I can-  it appears from another letter of her to me that she was visited by a stranger pretended Agent who made out papers some years ago-- but forgets his name & has never seen the stranger nor heard from her case again-- Those papers may be in the Pension office & it would be necessary to know if her application papers are at Washington or not if not I will draw up some kind of an application for her-- but I do not understand the proper mode & manner that will be required however I presume all you want is facts set forth as far as she knows of the Services- and the time of his death her Marriage &c   I will testify as well as she can remember-- if the poor Old Lady is entitled to it she had ought to have it & if not our Treasury wants the money-- I feeljealous myself over the Treasury Department & if any cases come to my knowledge of impositions
on the Gover[n]ment I surely will report them to give the Officers of Gover[n]ment information - please write to me-- I am respectfully your Obedient Servant
Jacob Slingerland

P.S. I must note to you a hard case, as I understand it the Case of Garret Sager I believe Justice in
Page 29

this case would require aid & I have told the Old
Gentleman to put it before Congress and see if
it is not possible for his case to be searched out
The Old Gentleman was brought up near Albany
& was a true Whig as I have always learnt- and
was in Company with my Father & of his Age- my Grandfathers family my father & Brothers were very hard rebels in the Lewis & Abraham Slingerland were both Capts. - & there was a family of Slingerlands living some Miles West of Albany who were Tories one of these Tories to wit Garret Slingerland enlisted under Capt. Frink on the Mohawk & his villainous plan was to get a bounty - with one other Tory called Bowen
They was brought up near Mr Sager - and in some Scout persuaded Mr Sager as he was their sergeant so away from the Company in their March they fooled him and made him prisoner of him took him to Burgoynes  Army & Sold him - & they both enlisted under Burgoynes Army & the poor Sergeant was sent to Lower Canada & served in bondage under a French man untill the war closed-- after peace he returned and settled near Albany - this Garret Slingerland & Bowen made a song about him in taking the Sergeant prisoner - the Old Gentleman has suffered tremendously no doubt- & stands recorded with Bowen & Garret as Deserters.  I have heard my Father tell this story as long as I can remember as Garret Slingerland continued in Canada & never returned & died there Bowen I am informed returned. I give this history as I have it from my own Father who hated this Garret Slingerland & despised him which drew the old Gentleman frequently to relate this Story- my father while living was an Old Democrat & soldier & I was the oldest son & noticed him it Gratifyed & pleased me to hear him relate such truly [illegible] &c.
Jacob Slingerland

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 30

J.L. Edwards Esquire,
Enclosed I send you the Pension Papers of
John Simpson-- You will notice by the Tabular Form accompanying them, and also by the Original Declaration itself. That the case has been once examined at your department already- A Mr William Baker of this County (who had the honor of being Speaker in Our Assembly last Winter) In the first instance drew
the declaration &c of Mr Simpson - After they were returned to him from the Pension Office together with the enclosed Tabular form and having them in his possession some length of time He put them into my hands, in order that I might make another attempt at getting a pension. He not having the Leisure time- I took them and followed the Direction of the Pension Department, For making out a Supplemental Declaration- and supplying any defects that might be in making out papers in the first instance. And herewith forward them to you I can assure you in that I most sincerely hope that you will find the papers sufficient And that you will not be any more rigid than the necessity of the case requires-In its Examination-  Because the old man is very decrepit and miserable poor- and doubtlessly tell a
true story- If from an examination of the papers- you come to the opinion that he is entitled to a pension please send a certificate as soon as may be If not write me informing me
the particulars wherein the papers are insufficient One word in regard to the claim of Aaron Aldrich - You observe in your letter Dated August 28th 1834- That you discover upon the examination of the affidavits (one of them made by Aaron Aldrich himself and the other made by me), forwarded to you to explain when and under what circumstances the words "or Archibald Crary" were introduced between the 17th & 18th lines in the Declaration) That the words were inserted after the seal of the Court was affixed. You therefore say that the papers cannot be regarded as valid. And that if the claim is persisted in that it will be necessary for the Applicant to make a new Declaration in Open Court. And procure- Satisfactory Evidence of Identity from the State of Rhode
Island
Page 31

I can assure you Sir that I was very much disappointed at not Receiving a Certificate for a pension in Aldrich Case. I had supposed that I had complied with every possible requesite that your Department could enjoin upon me. I did not suppose- Nor indeed do I suppose that by the regulations of your Department. It is
recquired of Every Applicant for a pension to conform to the nicest Technical Rules & I did think that you would be induced to grant a pension.  Whenever you were convinced of the honesty, fairness, & Equity of this claim- The Old man did all that could do in the first  Instance He had his Declaration drawn up with the proper certificates thereunto attached. He did not at that time know of any other
Corroborating Evidence and It was not until you returned the Papers- observing in your letter that we might obtain Evidence of the Old Mans Service in the State of Rhode Island by applying to - Benjamin Cowell- Know of a single source from which we might obtain Evidence. In order to corroborate his Declaration ['he did accordingly' crossed out] He did accordingly apply to Benjamin Cowell and obtain from him a certificate- duly authenticated &c. certifying
that the name of Aaron Aldrich was found on his rolls in his office &c &c.  The Particulars of which you can refer to by looking at Certificate on file in your office &c. And Sir it was not until the reception of said certificate that the old man recollected the name of Archibald Crary. We admit that it was at that time- That the words "or Archibald Crary" were introduced between the 17th & 18th lines of the Declaration, as you will see by the affidavit. And we also admit that it was done after the Seal of the Court had been affixed -which fact we would have readily frankly and candidly admitted had you put the interrogatory to us in your first letter to us, wherein you wished to know when where and under what circumstances- The words "or Archibald Crary" were introduced - Which would have saved us
a great deal of suspense, time, and trouble. The Certificate of Benjamin Cowell Corroborates the Statement of the Old Man To wit - That he had served under Archibald Crary- and which fact, probably cannot be disputed. The Old Mans Affidavit together with mine- properly taken before a proper officer- and regularly authenticated must convince you SIr, that the words "or Archibald Crary" were
Page 32

introduced as aforesaid, fairly, honestly, and openly without any intent to defraud or impose upon your Department. If it be true therefore that the Old Mans Claims are honest and Equitable and that every step taken in order to procure a pension was taken honestly, openly, and fairly - I ask will not your Department in this particular case overreachd the rigid rules that it may have adopted. And not Compel the Old Man (who now is almost in a State of dispair [despair]) at this late period to make out an entire new set of papers from the Beginning.   If you wish more Evidence as to his Identity from the State of Rhode Island Possibly we can
furnish it- to you- or if you for further proof wish any more Tradtitionary Evidence- we can furnish the Certificates of a great many respectable inhabitants residing in or about the immediate neighborhood of the Old Man- who
are acquainted with him- Who no doubt will certify that the Old Man is very honest- and is entitled to credit. There is one thing My Dear Sir which you say must be done (in your last letter) In order that he may obtain his Pension (To wit, That the old man must appear in open Court, or in other words must make a new Declaration in open Court) which is morally impossible. He
is too old infirm and decrepit, even to get out of the the House. Last fall there was an attempt made to get the old man out to attend an Election in order that he might vote the Jackson Ticket But it proved unavailing- He is absolutely
unable to attend in open Court  And most probably will have finished his mortal career ere long-  Now Sir to sum the whole up in a word - I do hope that if it is consistent at all with the regulations of the Department to grant the old
man his Pension (such an one as he may be entitled to) and If it is not consistent at present to grant him a pension I do hope that they will make the Terms more Easy to be complied
with In order that he may be enabled to obtain
his Pension without much further trouble. In conclusion Sir may I ask. That you give your immediate attention to the above, and answer this letter of the part which refers to Aaron
Aldrich's Case as soon as may be- and also that you'll give
Page 33

the enclosed case a review, as soon as possible- and let me know the result
Yours very Respectfully
J. H. Stewart

Burlington, Otsego
Oct 12th 1836

P.S-  With pleasure-  I inform you that we have reinstated Sherman Page Esquire- as our Congressman from this District-, and doubtlessly we will elect him by an overwhelming majority- Larger probably than was ever given in this County before-  Because we are all anti Bank determined upon uncompromising & unqualified hostility
Page 34

Sir
will you have the goodness to write to
Washington for me and see how the case
of my Deceased husbands Claims there
for a pension from the United States my
Husband John Simson Made aplication [application] about 10 years agone H Stewart was his agent the aplication [application]  was made at Cooperstown before the Court we resided in German town New Jersey in the time of the war of the Revilution [Revolution] was under Col Taylor Capt Bery Major Rhinehart and others & Served nerby [nearby] durin [during] the war as his declaration will give it more definite  I wish you would take it in hand for me and see if you can not obtain my husbands wrigts [rights] as he has suffered very great in the war and be[e]n in several battles as he stated he was a fife Major he mostly was Drafted & volunte[e]red through the war he served under Lord Steirling  I want you to take
my Case in hand and not deny me I want somebody to see to it my husband died about 11 years ago several has spoken to me to get my pension but have neglected me altogether  I am very needy and want your help 
Jane Simson
Springfield Otsego County
December 27th 1845

Jacob Slingerland Esqr

The name is John Simpson In presence
Page 35

Hon Commissioners
of Pensions at Washington

it is hard for me to deny those poor old people- the old Lady is very old & no doubt is entitled to a pension- however I have but little knowledge of the case- as I understand her the papers
are at the pension office I am not very anxious of urging myself in the pension business but I do not see how to avoid it justly- & I trust I shall
merit your confidence [several lines of crossed out text ] favor me with information & instructions of this 

Case of Mrs Wilson-- please to direct to
Cobleskill Schoharie Co N.Y.

I am your Obedient
Servant
Jacob Slingerland


Mrs Wilson's case