Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,517, for James Sweet, New York
Page 1

Service
New York
RI

Sweet, James
Number S 21, 517
Page 2

9962
Vermont
James Sweet
of Bennington in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain (blank) of the Regt commanded
Col. Warren in the N.Y. & R,I. 
for 12 mo 12 dy
AW
May 31, 07
scribed on the Roll of Vermont
the rate of 41 Dollars 33 cents per annum.
commence on the 4th day of March , 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of June 1833 and sent to
Col. O.C. Merrill Burlington 
arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $82.66
an allowance ending 4 September  $20.66
====
$103..32
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
recorded by W.L. Wellering Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 91
Page 3

James Sweet
Declaration
20624

W. Haswell
Page 4

STATE OF VERMONT
County of Bennington} ss:
On this 5th day of September A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, James Sweet, a resident of Shaftsbury in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, aged 72
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he was subject to drafts each year from
the years 1776 to 1778, both years inclusive, in the Rhode Island militia, that I was, as it were on post and in readiness at all times, and repeatedly out on special service.  In the year 1776, I was out in Capt. Peter Wright's company, in the Regt commanded by
Col. Dyer-- principal duty was guarding the Narraganset shore or Newport harbor. In the year 1777,  I was again out in service, and did duty this year at sundry points of Newport harbor and was attached to the same company and Regt.
In the year 1777 or 1778, I was in the expedition of Gen. Spencer and was principally stationed near Howland's ferry so called.  I was also out in Gen. Sullivan's expedition 1778 on the island of Newport. I cannot recollect all the tours of duty I performed the three preceding years mentioned above, but I know I was at all times subject to orders and in readiness every moment, and that I must have been in the
active duties of special commands and detachments as much, and probably more, than two months in each year.
In the year 1779 I removed from Rhode Island to Shaftsbury Vermont. In the year 1780, in the spring of the year, I engaged in the revolutionary service in the New York line
of classed militia and served for one class 7 months. -- I was in the first place ordered to Fort Edward and placed under
Page 5

command of Maj. Chipman commander of the Fort - here I remained five months. While I was at Fort Edward, I remember that Col. Warner, Lieut. Coon, and adjutant Hopkins on their way to Fort George, called at Fort Edward and tarried for one night-- I remember this, because within 24 hours they were ambushed and Hopkins and Coon killed.  Col. Warner
made his escape, and came wounded back again to Fort Edward, the 2d night after his first visit, and next day four balls were extracted from his horse. Sometime in September, I think, I was marched with others under the command of Sergeant Heath to Schenectady, where I was placed under the command of Capt. Drake, and marched by his orders with others to Fort Stanwix, where the company stayed about two months, when the company was relieved by new levies and was marched back to Schenectady-- and there I was verbally discharged, or dismissed to return home.  Maj. Hewes commanded at Fort Stanwix while I was there.  I understood that myself and others were considered in
the Regt commanded by Col. Harper.
Page 6

He hereby relinquishes every 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.

In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant declares,
1st. That he was born at North Kingston, Rhode Island, April 11, 1760
2. That he has a copy of the record of his age, taken from the town records of North Kingston, Rhode Island.-
3d. That he lived in North Kingston when called into service, in the State of Rhode Island and resided in Shaftsbury when he entered into the New York line of new levies
4th. That he was drafted
5th. That among the regular officers who were with the troops where he served, he recollects
Gen. Sullivan, Col. Warner
6th. That he did not received a written discharge
7th. That he is known to Jonathan Draper & Daniel Huling residing in Shaftsbury and Orsamus C. Merrill residing in Bennington
who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid - James Sweet
Wm Haswell, Register

Jonathan Draper and Daniel Huling, residing in the town of Shaftsbury, and Orsamus C. Merrill, residing in Bennington, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Sweet who has subscribed and sworn to the above declarant, that we believe him to be 72 years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Jonathan Draper
Daniel Huling
O.C. Merrill
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Wm. Haswell, Register

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 Jonathan Draper & Daniel Huling, who have signed the preceding certificate, are credible persons resident in the town of Shaftsbury
and that O. C. Merrill who has also signed the same, is a resident of Bennington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By order of Court,
Wm. Haswell Register

I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Sweet for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 5th day of September. A.D. 1832.
Wm Haswell
Page 7

State of Vermont
Bennington County}

In Probate Court, Bennington, June 18. AD. 1833
I, Isaiah Mattison, a Clergyman residing in
Shaftsbury, hereby certify that I am well
acquainted with James Sweet who has subscribed and sworn to the within declaration; that I believe him to be 73 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 I concur in that opinion.-
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
Isaiah Mattison
Wm Haswell Register.
I certify that Rev Isaiah Mattison is a credible
person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Attest,
Wm Haswell, Register
Page 8

I John Fuller of Shaftsbury, County of Bennington and State of Vermont, aged 72 years, testify and say, that I have been acquainted with James Sweet since the
year 1779. That I knew he engaged in the revolutionary service in the New York line of troops, that on this duty he left his home in the spring of the year 1780 and did not return until some time in the fall of 1780, according to my best recollection. I further testify
and say that said James Sweet is considered in his neighborhood a man of truth and veracity, and this deponent believes that he served seven months and that he has understood always that this tour of service was seven months.      --     John Fuller

State of Vermont,
Bennington District.}
Sworn to and subscribed
in Probate Court, this
14th day of August, AD. 1832
Wm Haswell Register
I certify that John Fuller is a credible person
Wm Haswell, Register
Page 9

Charles Dyer of Shaftsbury, County of Bennington and State of Vermont, aged 79 years, testify and say, That I was intimately acquainted with James Sweet as early as
the year 1775- that I knew him to be repeatedly out in service and one of the drafted soldiers in the Rhode Island militia, guarding the coasts, but cannot be particular at this remote day.  In the year 1779 I knew that Mr Sweet removed from the State of Rhode Island and emigrated to the town of Shaftsbury aforesaid, his now residence. That in the year 1780, I should think, I knew Mr Sweet to be out on a tour of service, as a soldier in the New York line of classed militia for some months, and believe, as he states, he was out at least seven months. I was at this time living with him in the same house, knew he left home in the spring, and my recollection and belief is that he did not return until
sometime late in the fall of the year.
Charles Dyer
Sworn to and subscribed
this 14th day of August, A.D. 1832
Wm Haswell, Register
I certify that Charles Dyer is a credible person.
Wm Haswell, Register
Page 10

Admitted
-
Vermont

M Cole
N.Y. 22 /32
Ex. by Mr Hassler
Page 11

Know all men that I, Joseph Ellsworth, a resident of Shaftsbury, in the County of
Bennington, Vermont, do hereby constitute &
appoint F E Hassler Esq of Washington City D.C., my true & lawful attorney, to examine all
papers filed in the Pension Office in the
case of my father-in-law, James Sweet, who
was a pensioner of the United States, and died
in the year 1847 according to the best of my
recollection.
Joseph Ellsworth
-
Witness:  J.S. Robinson

On this 18th day of November 1852 personally appeared the subscribing witness to the above Power of Attorney, before me and under oath in due form of law that the said Power was signed & sealed in his presence by Joseph Ellsworth, & that the said Ellsworth
acknowledged the same to be his act & deed
J. S. Robinson

Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me and I further certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Ellsworth who executed the above Power, & believe the
signature to be genuine.
H. Barton, Justice of Peace

State of Vermont,             } BENNINGTON, SS.
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE}

I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached, do certify that Hiram Barton Esq
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is a [blank] within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, & c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 18th day of November Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two -
S. H. Blackmer
CLERK.
Page 12

Information as contained in his (or his  widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
James Sweet   S 21,517  May 31, '07

(1) DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
April 1776
LENGTH OF SERVICE = 2 mo., 22 days
RANK- Private
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain Peter Wright
Colonel Dyer
STATE:  R.I.

(2) DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1777
LENGTH OF SERVICE - 1 month, 10 days
RANK - Private
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain Peter Wright
Col. Dyer in Gen. Spencer's Ex.
STATE:  R.I.

(3) DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1778
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 1 month, 10 days
RANK - Private
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain [blank]
Col. = in Gen. Sullivan's Ex.
STATE:  R.I.

(4) DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Spring 1780
LENGTH OF SERVICE. - 7 months
RANK - Private
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
(1) Captain Drake, Col. Harper
STATE. N.Y.
(2) Stationed at Fort Edward under Major Chipman - 3 months,  and at Fort Stanwix under Major Hewer 2 months

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment: North Kingston, R.I.; removed to Shaftsbury Vt. in 1779
Date of application for pension, Sept 1, 1832, Claim allowed
Residence at date of application, Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vt.
Age at date of application, born at North Kingston, R.I., April 11, 1760. died in 1847.
Remarks: A son-in-law, Joseph Ellsworth, residing in Shaftsbury, Vt. in 1852 -- no further data as to family. The above is the only James Sweet of Vermont found on the Rev. War pension records. A careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show that a claim for pension was filed on account of the Rev. War service of Peter Wright of Vt. 
or of Elijah Holton, Very Respectfully,
Page 13


James Sweet
Declaration
20,624
Page 14

Personally appeared before the Court of Probate, the undersigned James Sweet, who desireth to amend his declaration by making
affidavit, and being sworn, in addition to his declaration of the 5th day of September, A.D. 1832, made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and consequent loss of memory, he cannot at this remote day swear positively as to the precise time, and length of his service - but according to the best of his recollection and belief, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, in the grade of a private.
-viz.-

In 1776, I was doing duty in the public service as of the drafted militia.  I was first drafted in the month of April this year, and was out in three tours, and several times besides was out upon alarms for a few days each -- and that I
served this year not less than two months and 22 days -- and that during this length of service he was performing public duty, and not engaged in any civil pursuit.
In 1777 was in the public service in the drafted militia of Rhode Island, not less than 1 month and 10 days, and that during this length of public service, I was not engaged in any civil pursuit.-
In 1778 I was out in public service in the drafted militia of Rhode Island, not less than one month & ten days and that for this length of public service, which constituted two tours of 20 days each, I was not engaged in any civil pursuit.
And I further state I served as stated above and in my first declaration and that I served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority as I
Page 15

understood, the authority of the State of Rhode Island  - and that my duty was to guard the Narraganset coast or seashore, in Rhode Island, as stated in my first declaration.

My time of service as a private therefore was
For 1776 -- 2 months and 22 days-
For 1777- 1 month and 10 days
For 1778 -1 month and 10 days

Making - 5 months & 12 days.

For 1780, 7 months as stated in 1st declaration
In the whole:  12 months & 12 days

I the said James Sweet further state that I was 73 years old the 11th day of April, A.D. 1833.
James Sweet
Sworn to and subscribed this
18th day of Jan 1833
Wm Haswell, Register
Page 16

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
$41:33 per ann.
Col. O.C. Merrill
Burlington
Vt.
Page 17

Bennington, June 20, A.D. 1833

J. L. Edwards, Esq.

Sir
---
The enclosed original and additional declaration of James Sweet, in order to obtain pension, I have the honor to enclose to you for your further consideration.  I have to add only, that Mr Sweet is a cautious and scrupulous man, and by his neighbours considered an honest and credible man.  I have just conversed with the Rev. Mr Mattison whose affidavit is appended and he confirms me in the statement made above.  I presume
Mr Mattison has been a townsman & acquaintance of his for something more than 40 years -
From the manner of Mr Sweet's arriving at the result he has, I have good reason to conclude
that his period of actual service, was more than he has stated, but a feeling sense of the imperfections of memory, induced him to have it put down short of the amount.
It would gratify me to have you examine it immediately if consistent.
I am yours &c with
much respect and esteem
O. C. Merrill
Page 18

James Sweet Pensioned, 1832 for Dyer Case
affidavits of Isaiah, Mattison & Gardner, Barton
in papers filed 23 Nov 1852
Ex by Capt Triplett
Page 19

Revolution
21517
INVALID.
File No. 21,517
James Sweet
Pri. Rev War
Act:  June 7, '32
Index: -- Vol. 2, Page 409
[Arrangement of 1870.]


Jan 31 /93 Mil. Hist. to W. J. L.
Adams, Montclair N.J., MJL
1907 May 31. Hist to Mr. W. Lincoln
Adams,
1914 Nov 28. History to Mrs.
JJ. Berry
M. B. H
Page 20

S.
Roslyn
Orange Road,
Montclair, N.J.
Jan. 1st 1895.

Hon William Lochren
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
An ancestor of mine, James Sweet of Shaftsbury, Vt., drew a Pension. June 1st 1840, in the seventy ninth year
Page 21

of his age, for service in the Revolutionary War.
Now his application for Pension must show
the service he performed and I am desirous
of obtaining a transcript of his service for
use in joining the New Jersey Society of the
Sons of the American Revolution.
Page 22

Can I obtain such a transcript from your office, and, if so, what should I send for it.  I am directed to you by General William Stryker of this State.
Very truly yours
W. Lincoln Adams
Page 23

[Rectangular stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY
JAN 9 1895
FILES


[Circular stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
H.
U.S.
JAN 7, 1895
Page 24

SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS.
IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
ELIZABETH, N. J. AND
120 BROADWAY.
NEW YORK
23rd January. 1895

My dear Sir /
James Sweet of Shaftsbury, Vt., aged 79, drew a pension June 1st, 1840 /
His name occurs in Fernow's New York in the 
Revolution War.
-
Is it possible to obtain a certified copy of his
pension record? and what is the charge?
This information is
Page 25

for
W. I. L. Adams
Roslyn, Orange Road,
Montclair, New Jersey
or
No. 423 Broome St.
N. Y. City
who has already written you. Do you wish further
dates?
Very truly yours
E. N. Sheppard
120 B'w'y

[Circular stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
U.S.
JAN 24, 1895
Page 26


ESTABLISHED 1865.
Styles & Cash.
INCORPORATED 1901
Printers Stationers, Lithographers
and Blank Book Manufacturers.
135 West 14th Street
(NEAR SIXTH AVENUE).
New York

TELEPHONE - 1601 23-CHELSEA.
CONNECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS.

DIRECTORS:
Samuel D. Styles
Alexander Cash
W. F. Lincoln Adams
George B. Carter
J. Halsted Fountain

May 20, 1907.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

c9962

Dear Sir:-

Have you any record in your office of James
Sweet of Shaftsbury, Vermont, who was a member of Orange Train's Company, in the Revolutionary War, or Peter Wright, of the same place, who served in three different Companies, during the Revolutionary struggle, and Elijah Holton of Cowpens, Virginia, who fell in that engagement during the
Revolutionary War?
Yours very truly,
W. J. Lincoln Adams

[Circular stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAY 21, 1907
Page 27

jmd

[Circular stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE D
NOV 23, 1914

San Francisco
Pension Commission
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
I will give as nearly as possible the data required to get a correct record of James Sweet- my Grandfather and great G.F.  - both the same name served (I think) in the Revolution-- I will give all I learned from the war department-
Page 28

one James Sweet, served as a member of Capt
Drake's Co. Harpers Reg. New York Troops.
This is all given of him.  The second record is of
one James Sweet, member of Capt. Orange Train's Co,. Col. Lee's regiment of Vermont Militia.
The name of the widow was Rowena Sweet.
I do not know of which one however.  It is possible they are one and
Page 29

the same man, as my Grandfather James Sweet owned much land near Alburg Springs Vt. This is about all I know only that he was in the service in 1780 & 1781.
Thanking you for any data that would give me fuller history.
I am Very Respt
Mrs. J. J. Berry
1385 Clay St.
San Francisco
Page 30

O. W. & N. Division
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,   H.R.C.
Washington, D.C. January 30, 1895.

Sir:

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of James Sweet 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.

During each of the years 1776, 1777 and 1778 her served at least 2 months in Capt. Peter Wright's Co., Col. Dyer's Rhode Island Regiment.  In the year 1779 he removed to Shaftsbury, Va., and in the year 1780 served 5 months at Fort Edward and about 2 months at Fort Stanwix.

Battles engaged in,   None mentioned
Residence of soldier at enlistment, North Kingston, R.I.
Date of application for pension, September 5, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Shaftsbury, Vermont.
Age at date of application, Born at North Kingston, R.I., April 11, 1760.

Very respectfully
Commissioner.
W.I.L Adams, Esq.,
Montclair,
New Jersey.