Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7040, for Peter Mattocks, Pennsylvania
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn

Mattocks, Peter

NUMBER
R. 7040

CONTENTS
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Declaration of Peter Mattocks in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jun 7th 1832 State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County
On this ninth of April one thousand eight hundred thirty three personally appeared in open Court of the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania before the Judges thereof now sitting Pete Mattock, a resident of Hatterfield Township of the County of Crawford aforesaid aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and doth on his oath make the following declaration or to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jun 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 drafted in the Militia under Captain Simon Cool and Col. Henry Antis in the Summer of 1774 for the purpose as he understood of marching to Philadelphia but was ordered to defend the parties against the Indians about the big island in the Susquihanna river where this applicant resided at the time he entered the Service. at this time he served two months and was discharged but has lost his discharge. In the fall of the Same year he volunteered for and served two months under the same Officers in the Militia in protecting the frontier above and below the big island on the Susquehanna river at Antil fort eight miles below the mouth of big island. in this time they were almost constantly on duty but out on scouting parties. when he was discharged from this second tour of duty he volunteered his service under the same officer above mentioned for and during the time of danger from the Indians which lasted three years. all of which time this applicant was engaged in the defence of the inhabitants on the frontier settlements on the Susquhannaha river against the Indians. that about the first of August but cannot recollect with certainty in what year, the Savage enemy over powered them. that Col Long at Longs Fort above the big island had to vacate the Fort and come down the river to 'Horn's
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Fort from which he sent an express down to [ink blot]
get Some river Craft, to aid them to dis[ink blot]
which was sent but in the attempt three [ink blot]
in the canoes whom this applicant helped [ink blot].
When they arrived from Horns Fort at Antis, [ink blot]
would be over powered by the enemy and vacated.[ink blot]
Soldiers and inhabitants moved down to Northumberland
[where] they lay about three months. When they [illegible]
at Northumberland this applicant volunteered to go back
up the river to guard the [papers] in gathering them [home],
in which he served about ten days; this was in August.
The next spring a year after he volunteered under Lieutenant Jacob Shands to go to General Potter’s fort
in [Penns Valley] which they found vacated.  They with
with no opposition and were discharged in four days
and returned home having served altogether for a period
exceeding three years. But by reason of old age and subsequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service nor the precise periods but
according to the best of his recollection it was not less
in the time above mentioned.
He was born at Sussex County New Jersey in the year 1760.
He has no record of his age but believes it to be seventy three
He was residing in the Susquehannah river [Martin] near big
island when called into service but dont recollect the
name of the County. Continued to live there until 1797
when he removed to his present residence in Crawford
County where he has lived ever since. He was drafted
in the militia the first time & volunteered in the following ones. 
He received a discharge from Captain Cool, which is now lost.
I am known to Moses Findly Esq & Thomas Ross & Francis Porter, Esq who can testify as to my character for veracity and
their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution. I 
have no documentary evidence of my services. I do
not know of any clergyman who can prove my reputation
as a soldier. There was no regular troops with
whom I served.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present and declare that my
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[ink blot]
[name is not] on the pension roll of the Agency of
[any state].
Peter Mattocks his Mark

[Sworn] and subscribed the day and year
[aforesaid]
Edw A Reynolds Prothy
Clk of Courts

Moses Findley Esq of Fallowfield Township in the County of
Crawford being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that he
well acquainted with Peter Mattocks the applicant.
That he lives within half a mile of him and has known
him for about thirty years. That he is generally reputed
 & believed in the neighborhood to have been a
Soldier in the Revolution and that deponent believes
 him to be a man of veracity & candor and
that his statements of his services and age are
just and true and that he has never heard his statements
doubted.
Moses Findley
Sworn & Subscribed this ninth of April 1837 in open Court
Edw A Reynolds Clk & Proth

Francis Porter Esqr of Greenwood Township in Crawford
County aforesaid being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that
he is well acquainted with Peter Mallock the applicant for nearly thirty years. That he lives within about two miles of him. That he is generally reputed in the neighborhood to have been a soldier in the Revolution & that deponent believes him to be a man of veracity & candor & that his statements of his service & age are just & time and that he never heard his statements doubted.
Francis Porter
Sworn & subscribed this ninth of April 1833 in open Court
Edw A Reynolds Clk & Proth
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And the said Court declare their opinion after investigation of the matter & after
the Interrogatories required by the war that the said Peter Mattocks was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And that Francis Porter Esq is a Magistrate & Moris Findley who have subscribed the foregoing are respectable citizens of the County in whose testimony reliance may be placed
Certified April 9 1833
Henry Shippon
Pres

State of Pennsylvania}
Crawford County}
I Edward A Reynolds Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Crawford County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter Mattocks for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office the ninth day April A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty three.
Edward A. Reynolds Clk [clerk]
of the several Courts of Crawford County

27996
Peter Mattocks
pension application
Pa
Hon. Jno Banke
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State of Pennsylvania
Mason County ss
Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid Joseph Mattock, who being sworn according to law deposeth [deposes] and saith that he is well acquainted with the applicant Peter Mattocks, being his brother and knows that he served in the Revolutionary war for about 
three years viz. 1775 - 1776 - & 1777 & not less than three years defending the frontier settlements on the Susquehana [river] against the Indians at Long Fort Antis' Fort and Horns Fort that he knows his age to be seventy three years. that he knew Col Antis under whom he the applicant served. that he believes the Statement by applicant of his service to be true, having been witness of many of the scenes stated
That he is sixty seven years of age and unable to attend Court not being able to walk without crutches
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 2d day of Feby AD 1833
Joseph Mattocks
A. Brown
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State of Pennsylvania
Mason County ss
Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Mason County Richard Mattocks, who being sworn according to law deposeth [deposes] and saith that the applicant is his brother and well known to him -- that we served together in the Revolutionary war against the Indians on the Susquehanna  during the years 1775 - 1776 - & 1777. A Longs Fort, Antis' Fort Hams Fort & Potters Fort and six or seven times in scouting parties for a period of about and not less three years - that he knows applicant age to be about seventy three years and that he believes the statement by him of his services to be true-- that his own age is Seventy six years and that he is unable from frailty & bodily infirmity to attend Court
Richard Mattocks
Sworn & subscribed before me this 2d day of Feby 1833.
A Brown
I Alexander Brown one of the Judges of the Court of Mason County aforesaid do certify that Joseph Mattocks & Richard Mattocks the above deponents are persons of credibility in whose Statements entire confidence may be placed and I think they are unable to attend Court.
A Brown
Feby 2d 1833
I William S Rankin Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas of Mason County do hereby certify that A Brown Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were made is one of the Judges of said Court and that his name above & within  Subscribed is his genuine signature
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court this fourth day of February AD 1833
Wm S Rankin Proth [Prothonotary]
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
19th March 1834.
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 compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A statement, showing the service of Peter Mattocks

Period when the service was rendered.
June & July 1775
Sept & Oct 1775
Nov 1775-6
1777 and [?]
Aug 1778

Duration of the claimant's service.
2 mos,
2 mos
2 years 9 mos

Rank of claimant. 
Private in militia of Pennsylvania & volunteers

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Col Henry Antiz
Capt Simon Cool
Col Long &
Lient Jacob Sharnes

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
74 years
Near Big Island Susquehanna River [illegible] Pennsylvania 

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Affidavits of Richard Mattocks, Joseph Mattocks,
Moss Findley & Thomas Porter Esq

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or of
On this day of County of of A. B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before in the county of
and State, Territory or District aged 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) served in the (e) regiment of the
With 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
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. 
And the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of  for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same) 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
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3
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 Solder. - 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 inquiry 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.
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.
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.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For---year----months, and -- For -- months and – 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 want 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.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
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.
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 to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
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State of Pennsylvania
County of Crawford ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the peace in & for said County of Crawford the within named Peter Mattocks who being duly sworn according to law deposeth [deposes] and saith that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear position 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 & in the following grades viz. for two months in the summer of 1775 as a private in the Penna Militia under Capt. Renn Cool & Col Henry Antiz on the Susquehanna near Big Island for two months in the fall of the same year as a volunteer under the same officers - that he then volunteered in November 1775 under the same officers to serve during the danger from the Indians & served under Lieutenant Col Long & Lieutenant Jacob [Shands] as the [illegible] of the service required until August 1778 - a period of not less than three years in the whole for which service he claims a pension and that in the whole of the time from November 1775 till August 1778 he was on the alert in case of any danger from or incursions by the Indians and that during the greater part of the time he was actually in the fort engaged in the defence [defense] of the portions or in excursions against the Indians and that during no part of the time was he engaged in civil pursuits
his
Peter X Mattocks
mark
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 28th of August AD 1834}
John P Davis J. P.
27.774.
Peter Mattocks 
Penna. 
Hon. J. Galbraith H. R. 
Mattock
Penn
I Edward A Reynolds clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County Pennsylvania do hereby certify that John P Davis before whom the above affidavit was made is and was an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the said County of Crawford that full faith and credit is due to his official acts and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this second of February Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred & thirty six -
Edw A Reynolds Prothy & Clk [clerk] of the [several courts of] Crawford County

27.774
Peter Mattocks
Penn’a

Return’d

Hon J Galbreath H.R.

[crossed out]
Hon. John Banks
Ho of Rep’s
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Pa.
Peter Mattocks
Suspended
let 14 May 1836
Hon. J. Galbraith
7040
Page 13

Peter Mattox
 Penn. Act 1832 Suspended
Papers
J. W.

[?] Wilson
Apl 5/54
Page 14

The applicant asserts two tour of service, but
furnishing no evidence of either. It is very doubtful
from his own statements whether he served
Page 15

REJECTED
7040
P. O.
Peter Mattocks
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:

The printed list of 1852
shows reasons for suspension - 
“He did not serve in
any regularly organized corps.”

Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized.
Contract
Cert. of Dis.
 Searched for
Page 16

Mar 3. 1841
No 5291
Pa
Mattocks
Copy
Hon T Henry
Harrisburg, Pa

3 [papers ??] Mon 8

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
D C
Page 17


H. R. Washington City 2 March ‘41
[left margin]
And March 5 ‘41

Hon J L Edwards
Dear Sir
I enclose you an application of the widow
 of Peter Mattocks asking for a pension.
Please examine the papers as early as
possible. I will leave the city perhaps on the
6th Inst. I would be glad to have your determination
 before I leave.
In haste your friend
Tho Henry

Direct the copies to [illegible]
 Harrisburgh [illegible]

P. S. I am requested to procure a Copy of
the papers upon which Mattocks obtained
his pension to have them used at Harrisburgh
by the Penna legislature in behalf of his evidence
for same purpose. Please send me a copy between
Tues &  Saturday
T. H.