Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,122, Stephen Downing, Conn. Privateer
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.
Privateer

Downing, Stephen

NUMBER
S. 29.122

CONTENTS
Page 2

Michigan 20318.

Stephen Downing
of Monroe Co in the State of Michigan
who was a Private in the C'o commanded
by Captain Latham of the Rg't commanded
by ___ in the Conn't
line for 21 months.

N'o 21.646.

Inscribed on the Roll of Michigan
at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Oct.
1833 and Sent to W'm N.
Lawrence Monroe etc, M C'o Micgn

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. 175.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '84. 35.
$210.

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by W'm K. Palmer Clerk
Book E. Vol. Eight Page 93

Forms for drawing arrears
sent to E. S. Cone, York Mich 17 Nov 51
Page 3

Territory of Michigan }
County of Monroe } ss.

On this twenty first
day of December AD 1832 personally
appeared in open Court before the County
Court of the County of Monroe in said
Territory, now sitting, Stephen Downing
a resident of the Township of Frenchtown
in the County of Monroe aforesaid aged
Seventy one years old the twelvth day of
February last past, who being first duly
Sworn according to law doth on his oath
make the following declaration, in order
to obtain the benifit 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, viz:
that he was born in the year of our
Lord one thousand Seven hundred and sixty
two in Canterbury in the County of
Windham in the State of Connecticut
and the same is on the Town records in said Canterbury & I believe a copy with
[illegible: or within] him, and lived there untill he was fourteen
years old, in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and seventy six
this Deponent enlisted for six months
in Canterbury & went to Groton in said
County of Windham and was put under the
command of Captain Latham in Fort
Griswould, the fort was under the command
of said Captain Latham - Major Ledgard
commanded the Militia in Groton
This Deponent remained at Fort Ginswold
Six months and was discharged after his time
Page 4

was out, returned to his Fathers home in
said Canterbury. and the next year AD. 1777,
This Deponent enlisted again in Canterbury for
Six months and was stationed in New London,
this Deponent does not recollect the name of
the Officer in command, after the expiration
of said six months, this Deponent was discharged
and returned home again to his Fathers home
in Canterbury - in the A.D. 1778, this Deponent
again enlisted in Canterbury in Captain
Joseph Doolys company of State troops
for nine months - the name of the Lieutenant
was Timothy Adams, and was stationed at
New London, & at New haven, & at Stafford
& at Old Mills, and was discharged about the
middle of March the next year at Old Mills, said
troops were sent out to guard the frontier
but no written discharges were given, in the
year AD. 1779. this Deponent was engaged
on board of the Schooner Young Cromwell a
privateer of New London under the command
of Captain Wattles & on board of said Schooner
during the time took three prises [prizes], viz. one vessel
loaded with salt, one vessel with merchandise, one
British sloop with artillery men from New York
bound to Charlestown, and all taken into Beauford [Beaufort] North Carolina
this deponent continued on board said Young
Cromwell about nine months and was
shipwrecked at Cape from shoals off South
Carolina, returned home by land. the next
year AD. 1780, this Deponent engaged again
on board of the Brig Marquis Lafayette
a privateer of New London under the command
of Captain Hinman, and continued six
months on board, and was discharged and
returned home. This deponent never had any
written discharge and does not know any persons
Page 5

now living who were with this Deponent
in the service -- This Deponent moved to
Cambridge in the State of New York after
the war of the Revolution, was over, and
lived there four years and then moved to
the Cayuga Lake in said New York and lived
there twenty years and then moved into
Frenchtown in the Michigan Territory where
he has resided ever since. This Deponent
saith that he has no Documentary evidence
and does not know of any persons whose testimony
he can procure, excepting the deposition of Phineas
Downing here with enclosed, who can testify
to his service -- he hereby relinquishes any
claim whatever to a pension or annuity
except the present, and declares that his name
is not on the pension roll of the Agency
of any State. This Deponent further states that George
Alford and Jeremiah Lawrence Esq. in my present neighborhood can
give evidence of my character for veracity
[signed] Stephen Downing

Sworn to and subscribed
the day & year aforesaid
[signed] Laurent Durocher Clerk of
Monroe County Court

We Jeremiah Lawrence & George Alford residing
in the County of Monroe aforesaid hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen
Downing who has subscribed and sworn to
the above Declaration; that we believe him to be
Seventy one years of age; that he is reported and
believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have
been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that
opinion.
[signed] George Alford
[signed] Jeremiah Lawrence

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
[signed] Laurent Durocher, Clerk of Monroe County Court.

And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion after the investigation of the matter
and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed
by the war department, that the above
named applicant was a Revolutionary
Page 6

soldier and served as he states. And the Court
further certifies, that it appears to them that
Jeremiah Lawrence & George Alford who have
signed the preceding certificate are residents of the
said County of Monroe and are credible persons and
that their Statement is entitled to credit.
[signed] Walter Cotton Chief Justice M.C.C.
[signed] Salmon Heeney associate
M. Co Court

I Laurent Durocher Clerk of the County
Court of the County of Monroe in the
Territory of Michigan do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of Stephen Downing for
a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of Office this twenty
first day of December in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and thirty two
[signed] Laurent Durocher Clerk of
Monroe County Court.

I Phanuel W. Warriner a Clergyman residing
in the County of Monroe in the Territory of Michigan
hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
Stephen Downing who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration hereunto attached, that I believe
him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood where resides to have
been a Soldier of the Revolution and that I concur
in that opinion
[signed] Phanuel W. Warriner
Page 7

Territory of Michigan
County Monroe ss. June 15th AD. 1833.

Then personally appeared before the undersigned Justice
of the peace in aforesaid County of Monroe
Phanuel W. Warriner personally known to me to
be a Clergyman in Reputable Standing in said
County of Monroe, & and subscribed in my presence
& made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing
certificate by him signed, and I certify that the
said Phanuel W. Warriner is a credible witness
[signed] Jeremiah Lawrence Justice of peace

I Laurent Durocher Clerk of the County
of Monroe in the Territory of Michigan;
Do hereby certify that Walter Cotton
& Salmon Heeney whose signatures
appear to the foregoing certificate, were
on the 20th day of December A.D. 1832 two of the
Justices of the County Court for the County of Monroe
aforesaid & that their signatures are genuine, and I do
also certify that Jeremiah Lawrence before whom the
foregoing certificate of Phanuel W. Warriner was
Sworn, was at the time a Justice of the peace for
the said County, and duly empowered to administer
oaths & that his signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof
Page 8

I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office
At Monroe this Seventeenth day of June A.D.
one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
[signed] Laurent Durocher
Clerk of Monroe County.
Page 9

The Deposition of Phineas Downing to be improved in evidence in
an application of Stephen Downing for a pension under the act of
Congress passed June 7th 1832
I Phineas Downing, being duly sworn, on my said oath depose and
say, that I was seventy two years of age in April last; that I am the
brother of Stephen Downing aforesaid; that in the summer of the year
1777. I served a tour of three months in the Company of Cap't Abner
Robinson, and was stationed during that time at New London State of
Connecticut, that during that time, & near the close of my said tour
of service, my brother, the said Stephen Downing, enlisted to serve a
tour of six months in the Company of Continentals commanded by Cap't
Lathem, at Canterbury in said State; that my brother marched with the
Company to which he belonged, to Fort Griswold; that after his arrival there
I obtained liberty to go to Fort Griswold, & accordingly went there, & saw
my said brother, and then was informed by him, & other soldiers that he had
enlisted for the above period; that during the time I remained at
New London I visited & saw him in said Fort a number of times &
when on duty; that at the close of my tour of service I returned home &
remained at home, being my fathers house in Canterbury aforesaid, until
the expiration of my said brothers tour of service, & was there & saw him
when he returned, & know that he served six months. that shortly after
this, my said brother enlisted again for a tour of six months, I was at
home at the time, & personally knew of his enlistment, & that he marched
to New London; but cannot now recollect the names of the Officers under
whose command he served. Afterwards & in the year 1778, my said
brother enlisted for nine months in the Company of Continental Troops
commanded by Cap't Durgey. I was at home at this time and personally
knew of his enlistment, which was at Canterbury aforesaid; and during
the time of his serving this tour, saw him serving at New London, and also
at New Haven where he was stationed a part of the time; the residue of
which he was stationed at Stratford, but I did not see him at the last place.
After this, and according to my best recollection in the year 1779, my
said Brother engaged to serve on board the privateer Young Cromwell; I
was at home, & personally knew of this enlistment, and knew of his going
off upon this service, and that he was gone about one year, and saw him when
he returned, when he informed they had taken several prizes. Afterwards
Page 10

I knew of my brothers having served six months on board the
Brig Marquis LayFayette, commanded by Capt. Hinman;
being at home at the time, & personally knowing of his engagment
to serve & that he went to New London to Embark on bond said
Brig. - And I further state; that it was reputed & believed
in Canterbury at that time by others, as well as myself, that
during the times he was absent on the two periods last
stated, he was engaged in serving at sea as above stated
And further this deponent saith not
[signed] Phineas (his X mark) Downing
Signed sworn to in presence of
E. F. Phelps
Austin Canfield

The State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss }
[hand-drawn cloud-like circle with "S S" inside]

Be it remembered, that at my office in
Chardon in said County, on this thirtieth
day of May in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred & thirty three, personally
came, Phineas Downing, who I hereby certify is a credible
person, and subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence,
and made solemn oath that the matters and things therein
stated, as the same are set forth are true. And I certify that the
same was read over to him in my presence
Before me
[signed] Austin Canfield Justice of the peace

The State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss }

I, D. D. Aiken Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in
and for said County, do hereby certify that Austin Canfield
before whom the foregoing deposition appears to have been
taken, On the day of the date thereof was, & now is a
Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly
commissioned and sworn, and further, that I am well
acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice
and do verily believe that the foregoing signature
purporting to be his is true and genuine. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of
said Court at Chardon in said County this thirtieth day of
May A.D. 1833
[signed] D. D. Aiken, Clerk.
Page 11

Chardon O. }          [postage] 18 3/4
May 31 }

Theodore E. Phelps Esq
Monroe
Mic Teritory

For the use of Stephen Downing
applicant for a pension
Page 12

20318

N'o N. 646
Stephen Downing
Michigan Ter'y

Return
Adm 1. yr & 9 Months

40
30
$70

133.32
33.33
166.65

William N. Lawrence Esq
Monroe C'o
Monroe Court
M. T.
Page 13

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
15 July 1833

Sir:

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

A Statement, shewing the service of Stephen Downing

Period when the service was tendered.
1776.
1777.
1778.

Duration of the claimant's service. ( Years. Months. Days. )
6 [months]
6 [months]
9. [months]

Rank of the claimant.
pri
---
 "

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Cap. Latham
-------------
Lieut T. Adams.

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
71. years
Canterbury
Conn't

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Living Witness and
traditionary

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 14

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of }
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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ___, with ___ and
served in the ___ (e) regiment of the ___ line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and 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, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of ___
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I ___ of the Court of ___
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of ___ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ___
day of ___ &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ___ 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 days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a
Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ___
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ___
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, ___ Clerk of the Court of ___ do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ___
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this ___ day of ___ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 15

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

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will
follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] [underlined & braced: 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, will precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For ___ year ___ months, and ___
days, I served as a ___. For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase 'about three or four months',
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent
authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the
witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
--> The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 16

AW

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
aw

June 28, 1926.

Mrs. C. W. Beck,
412 Humphrey St.
Monroe, Mich.

Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 29122, it appears that
Stephen Downing was born February 12, 1762, in Canterbury,
Conn., and was allowed pension on account of twenty-one
months service as a private in the Conn., Troops.
He also served nine months in 1779 on the Privateer
"Young Cromwell" and in 1780 for six months on the Privateer
"Marquis Lafayette". He died July 12, 1843.
He was a resident of Frenchtown, Mich., in 1832.
It is not stated that he served in the War of 1812,
and there is no mention in the claim of his his having been
a captain.

Respectfully,
[signed] Winfield Scott
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

No 1812 pens. cl. [pension claimed]
for any S. D.

Tombstone date
Page 17

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.  3--525

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ___, 19__
S.F. 29122

In reply to your request of ___, received ___
for a statement of the military history of Stephen Downing
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. ( CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. ) | STATE.
1776 | 6 mos. | Pvt. | Latham | at Ft. Griswold | Conn
1777 | 6 mos. |  | names of officers | not given |
1778 | 9 mos. |  | Joseph Durkee | Smith |
1779 | 9 mos. |  {| Wattles | on privateer Young Cromwell |
 |  |  {| which took 3 prizes | & was shipwrecked | at Cape
 |  |  {| Fear Shoals off S.C. | & returned home by | land.
1780 | 6 mos. |  | Hinman | on privateer Marquis Lafayette |

Battles engaged in, not stated.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Canterbury Conn.
Date of application for pension, Dec. 21. 1832. His cl. was al. [claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application, Frenchtown Monroe County, Michigan
Age at date of application, { born Feb'y 12 1762 in Canterbury, Windham Co. Conn.
Remarks:                             { died July 12 1843
He moved to Cambridge N.Y. after the Revolution, lived
there seven years then moved to Cayuga Lake and lived
there 20 years, then went to Frenchtown Michigan

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

brother Phineas Downing

1832
71
1761

3--2856
Page 18

Monroe, Mich
April 28, 1926

Pension Bureau,
Dept of Revolutionary Records

Dear Sirs: Will you please
send me as much data as
you have concerning
Stephen Downing, Revolutionary
soldier. We are about to place
a marker upon his tomb
stone which says Cap't Stephen
Downing and we are in a
quandry as to wethor or not
we shall have the same put
on the tablet. Did he gain
the title of Captain in the
War of 1812? If you can send me
this information we shall
greatly appreciate it.

Thanking you I
am
[signed] Mrs C. W. Beck
412 Humphrey St.
Monroe, Mich.
Page 19

[oval stamp] DEPT OF THE INTERIOR SEC'Y'S OF APPTS., MAILS & FILES RECEIVED TO BUR. PENSIONS JAN 13 1921

877 Westover Road
Portland, Or. Jan. 6, 1921

Dept of Interior,
Please send me the
military record of my
great grand father
Stephen Downing who
enlisted in the Revolutionary
war in 1776 at fifteen
years of age and served
four years.
I had his military record
at one time but is lost
and I do not know name of
commanding officer. I
think they were wrecked
or had a marine encounter
Page 20

along the Atlantic coast
in 1780. This may help
you to find data.

Respectfully yours
[signed] Mrs E. S. Collins

[oval stamp] CHIEF CLERK BUREAU OF PENSIONS JAN 14 1921

[oval stamp] CHIEF'S DESK U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS RECORD DIVISION JAN 14 1921
Page 21

Rev Sect
6

[oval stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SECY'S APT, MAILS & FILES RECEIVED TO BUR. PENSIONS MAY 31 1919

877 Westover Road
Portland, Or. May 26, 1919

Department of Interior,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir, -
Please send me the
military history of Stephen
Downing who served three
years in the Revolutionary war
from 1776 to 1780. He was my
great grandfather.

Very respectfully yours
[signed] Mrs. E. S. Collins

[round stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE E JUN 8 1919
Page 22

Record DW
12D

[round stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE. O OCT 19 1918

Mendon Mich
Oct 15"/18

Com. of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Have you the service of
this man -
Stephen Downing
born Feb. 12." - 1762.
This undoubtedly is S29122
[signed] Zelia Downing Howes
Mendon, Mich.
Page 23

29122
Revy INVALID.

File No. 29.122
Stephen Downing
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7" 32" [1832]
Index:-- Vol. 2, Page 111

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

1918 Oct 26 Hist. to Zelia D. Howes.
1919 June 12 Hist to Mrs. E. S. Collins.
1921 Feb'y 14. Hist. to Mrs. E. S. Collins.
1926. June 28 Tombstone data
to Mrs. C. W. Beck AW
Page 24

York 13th Oct 1851

Honorable James E Heath Commissioner Pensions

Sir
Stephen Downing of Monroe Michigan
a Pensioner on the roll of Michigan
Died July 12th 1843 and his administrator
cannot find his pension certificate therefore he
has not drawed his back pay
Please inform me what proof you require
from him (that he can obtain the ballence [balance]) in
such a case
Direct to York N'o 6 Michigan
your Obdnt Serv
[signed] Erastus S Cone
Page 25

York Mic      [postage] free
Oct 14

Honorable James E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C

Stephen Downing
Mrch
32

C

M'r Cole
Page 26

Revolutionary Claim

Monroe M. T.
Sept 14

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary at War
Washington

Sept 23'n 1833
Michigan
Ret'd
Page 27

Stephen Downing a resident of Frenchtown
in the County of Monroe in the
Territory of Michigan being duly sworn
according to Law Deposeth and saith, in
addition to his Declaration made the twenty
first day of December A.D. 1832. in order
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June 7th AD 1832. That at the
time this Deponent enlisted into the Company
under the command of Capt Joseph Durgy
or Durkee, according to this Deponents best recollection
& of which he has no reasonable doubt, the
name of the Col was Smith at New
London.
[signed] Stephen Downing

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 13th day of
September A.D. 1833
Laurent Durocher
Justice of the peace
County of Monroe
M. T'y.
Page 28

Monroe Sept 13. 1833.

To the Hon. the Secretary of the Treasury
of the United States

Sir / Mr Stephen Downing has applied to
the Secretary of State of the State of
Connecticut for evidence from
the words of that State relative
to his services as a Soldier in the
army of the Revolution - and I herewith
enclose to you the certificate & Letter
from the Comptroller of that State directed
to me -- Mr Downing has also made
an additional affidavit as to the
name of the Cols under whom he served
and I enclose the whole of the papers
now to you as directed - I am
Very Respectfully Your Obt
Srvt
[signed] Wolcott Lawrence
Page 29

[round stamp - illegible]  [postage] 25

Mr Wolcott Lawrence
Monroe
Michigan Terretory
Page 30

Comptrollers Office
September 4th 1833

I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public
Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify
[note in left margin: this is not as reported in Conn Book p 617]
that in July 1776 the Council of Safety appointed
Oliver Coit Capt. & Wm Latham 1st Lieut. of a
company stationed at New London; & William
Ledyard & Nathaniel Saltonstall Capt's of two
companies of Artillery stationed at New
London & Groton;
That in February 1777 William Ledyard
was appointed Capt. of Artillery for the ports of
Groton & Stonington, & Nathaniel Saltonstall
Capt of Artillery at New London.
In February 1778 William Ledyard
was appointed Capt. & William Latham 1st
Lieut. of a company of Artillery.
In March William Ledyard was
appointed to command the forts at New
London Groton & Stonington with the rank
& pay of Major; & William Latham was
appointed Capt. of Artillery at Groton.
Page 31

Subsequently Major Ledyard was appointed
& Capt. Latham was reappointed to the same
command. No rolls of these companies are to
be found, or any evidence of the privates who
belonged to them, or of the duration of their
service.
In July 1776 Major Oliver Smith was by
the Council of Safety "appointed L't Col. of the Regt.
at New London instead of Col. Mott promoted";
but how long Lt. Col. Smith continued in command
there does not appear; & it is very difficult if
not impossible to ascertain who succeeded
him in command at that post.
L't Col. M. Parsons, Col. Douglass, Col Latimer
Col. Rogers, Col. Russell, Col. Gallup, Col. Johnson
& Gen'ls Tyler, Ward, & Spencer were at that
post in service, & perhaps might, at some time,
have been the superior officer there.
Capt Durkee was in service, but his
pay roll cannot be found.
[signed] E. Phelps
Page 32

Sep. 3rd 1833.

Sir
Yours to the Secretary of State has been
delivered to me, with a request, that I would
examine &c. I have done so, & send you the result.
The applicant was mistaken as to the
name of his Capt. when he first entered the service,
or in the time. The data I send you will
enable him to correct his application in these
particulars, & he will then find no difficulty.
I am most
Repectfully
Mr. E. Phelps

Fees $2 - I have spent
more than two days in
the examination --