Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22,713, James Curry, Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Penn.

Curry, James

NUMBER
S. 22,713
-------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

No. 18004
Pennsylvania
--------------------
James Curry
of Delaware co. in the state of Penna.
who was a Capt & Priv in the company commanded 
by Captain Thompson of the Regt commanded
by Col. Thompson in the Penna. Troops 
for 18 months 127 days Capt $378.13
5 months 3 days Pri.  $16.97
$395.10
--------------------
Inscribed on the roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 395 dollars 10 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March  1831.
-------------------
Certificate of pension issued the 18th day of July 1833 and sent to S. Pleasanton, 5th Auditor Treasy. Dept.
-------------------
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $790.20
Semi anl. allowance ending 6 Sept 1833 $197.55
$987.75 [double underlined]

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

Recorded by D. Brown, Clerk
Book E, Vol 5, Page 9
Page 3

James Curry
Declaration  and additional papers in favor of pension.

No. 10.118
returned for additional proof and ..
Adm:
18 mos 27 days Capt.  $378.13
5 mos 3 days Pri   $16.97
$395.10

S. Pleasonton Esq
or
Jno B Sterigere
E. Newstown
Pennsylvania
Page 4

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
12 June, 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 show what is necefsary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a bracket, (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, showing the Service of James Curry

[column headings: Period when the service was rendered, Duration of the claimant's service. Years.. Months.. Days.. Rank of the claimant.. Names and rank of the Field of ficers under whom he served.. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.. Proof by which the declaration is supported.]

1775. 2 15. Pri.. Col. Thompson Gen. Heister & Potter employed in riding Express - &c. &c. 
77 years of age.
1776.  8 15  Priv
1777.
1778. 9 

The applicant must be more particular in his Statement respecting his Service, particularly in 1778. (side note on 3d page, marked [underscore] e)

He should also provide further proof of his Service, if in his power

[handwritten, bottom left] W. James Curry
care of Hon J.B. Sterigere,
Present

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 5

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed otherwise extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms of "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 [sic] 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. [symbol: hand pointing right] 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. 

[  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. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident of 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 6

Alleged service, as they are know 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 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 loungers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
     1.  Where and in what year were born?
     2.  Have you any record of your ae, 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.} 
    { To an Officer.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
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 traditionally 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 enquirer whether the belief is general, whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
     Applicants unable to appear in Court, y reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a 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 e done by a Judge or Justice of a Court o 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 b 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 to 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 grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. (This last sentence was underlined). In a case where the applicant cannot, by reasons 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 reasons 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 pensioners  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, 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  embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either is the field or in garrison’ and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil permit.
     [f]  The law makes the relinquishment 
     [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 say 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. 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 Serice.
     [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 hi leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who am 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.
 (Finger pointer stamp) 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 Note: (j) applies to continental troops only.
    [k]. This traditionally 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 e written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 7

10.118
Application of
James Curry a
Soldier of the Revolution
for a Pension

[checkmark]
21 months of service alleged
- no proof of service.

[strike out] Hon. J. Evans
Hon. J.B. Sterigere
Present
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania}
County of Delaware  } Ss

On the eighth day of September anno domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two personally appeared in open court before the Honorable John Peirce and Joseph Esyle Esquires, associate judges of the court of common pleas of said county now sitting, James Curry, a resident of Haverford Township in said county, aged seventy-seven years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his solemn 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 - to wit. 

He entered the service on the 10th day of August  1775 [see margin note below] as a volunteer in a rifle company commanded by Captain Archibald Thompson, James Chamson first lieutenant, and marched from Norristown, Montgomery County, state of Pennsylvania, where he at the time resided, to Philadelphia and from thence to Amboy in the state of New Jersey, when said Captain Thomson was made colonel of the rifle regiment.  He remained in the service of the United States until the last of November following when he was discharged and returned home having been in service about [2 1/2] two and a half months.  He was at this time in no battles. 

[see margin note below] Said claimant was drafted on the 3rd day of May 1776 in a company of militia commanded by Captain John Hamilton and marched by Trenton to Amboy in the state of New Jersey.  Said company was there attached to a battalion commanded by Major James Berry.  General Hart had the command of the militia at Amboy at this time.  He remained in the service in said company until the middle of September following when he was discharged and returned home.  When drafted he resided in Norristown Township in Montgomery County.  

He entered the service of the United States again in the latter end of October 1776 as a volunteer in a rifle company 

[written in left-hand margin]
3 mos. 20 days 1775
[written in left-hand margin]
4 mo. 13+ days 1776
Page 9

commanded by Captain Stephen Potter.  He marched from Montgomery County to Trenton at which place Washington's army was at that time retreating.  When the company joined the army at Trenton General Hart had the command of the Pennsylvania militia.  He was in the battle at Trenton.  The next morning at the battle of Princeton, and on the Sunday following he was with such of the Pennsylvania militia as were willing men selected marched on to the British lines near Brunswick.  This militia were then commanded by General Potter.  He remained all winter in the service near upon the British lines, The American army under the command of Washington was at Morristown, New Jersey, where the troops were inoculated for the smallpox.  In March 1777 General Potter left the command and General Heister assumed the same. [written in left-hand margin--8 1/2 months 1776-7]

General Potter had appointed said claimant his adjutant and General Heister continued him in that station.  The forepart of summer the British retreated from Brunswick to Amboy.  After the British retired from Amboy, the Pennsylvania militia were dismissed, and he returned home about the middle [written in left-hand margin - 8 1/2] of July 1777.  During his campaign he was in repeated skirmishes with the British.

Said claimant again entered the service as a volunteer and was employed by General Washington in riding express and on the day of the battle of Brandywine he was engaged in that capacity at Billingsport in New Jersey.  

After the battle of Brandywine, he entered the service as a volunteer rifle man in the company commanded by Captain Pitt, attached to Colonel Thomson's regiment, over which General Potter had the command.  And he now acted as adjutant for General Potter from immediately after the battle of Brandywine and after the battle
Page 10

Germantown.  He was employed in guarding the different fords on the Schuylkill.  He had joined the main army and was at the battle of Germantown in October 1777.  After the battle of Germantown, he went with the army to White Marsh where he remained until Washington took possession of winter quarters at the Valley Forge. 

He acted all this time and up to the time Washington left the Valley Forge as adjutant to General Potter and was occasionally employed in riding express for General Washington.  In June 1778 about the time that the American army left the Valley Forge he was taken sick and returned home.  After having been in the United States service at this time about nine 9 months. [written in left-hand margin - 9 months 1777-8]

[written in left-hand margin - 7 1/2 months 1778-9]  Said claimant was again called into the service of the United States as a volunteer in December 1778 and acted as adjutant under Colonel Moore or Moor and was employed in guarding the Hessian prisoners from Trenton to Taneytown in  Maryland, where he remained guarding the prisoners until relieved by the Maryland militia and left the service and returned home on the first of February 1779.   During each time that he was called into the service as aforesaid he resided at Norristown Township in Montgomery Count in said state of Pennsylvania.  

Said claimant further says that he was in the service of the United States twenty-six months or thereabouts and that he has no documentary evidence of said service.  And he knows of but one person to wit: Abraham Jones who can prove any part of his service.  Said Jones was with him at Amboy.

 Said claimant further says that he was born at Norristown aforesaid on the 25th day of September 1755 and resided there until within the last nine years since when he has resided in the county of Delaware aforesaid.  He has no record of his age.

Said claimant is well acquainted with Jones and George Smith, citizens of Delaware county, who can testify to his character for veracity and their --
Page 11

belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.  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 or other agency of any state -
Jos Curry [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the}
day and year aforesaid     }
Henry Myers, Prothy [signature]

Abraham Jones of the county of Delaware aforesaid, personally appeared before the said court, and being duly affirmed doth declare and say that he was well acquainted with the said James Curry before the revolutionary war, and have been acquainted with him ever since.  That he served with him during one campaign at Amboy as set forth in his declaration & that he has reason to believe that the said James Curry performed all the military services as stated and set forth in said declaration

Abraham Jones [signature]
Affirmed & subscribed }
the day & year aforesaid}
Henry Myers, Prothy [signature]
Page 12

We, Abraham Jones and George Smith, residing in the County of Delaware and State of Pennsylvania, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Curry, who has subscribed [the above declaration is crossed out] and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood {sic] where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.

Abraham Jones [signature]
Geo. Smith [signature]

Affirmed and subscribed }
the day & year aforesaid }
Henry Myers, Prothy [signature]

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion of the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.  And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Abraham Jones and George Smith, who have signed the above certificate are resident in the County of Delaware and are creditable persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.  The said court further declares that there is no clergyman residing in the immediate vicinity of said James Curry who from an acquaintance with him can testify as above.

I Henry Myers clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of James Curry for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighth day of September Anno Domini 1832.
Henry Myers Prothy [signature]
Page 13

 Revolution 
22713 
INVALID.
------------------------- 
File No. 22,713 [initials above]
James Curry
Capt Rev War 
-----------------------
Act: June 7 “32”
Index:-- Vol. 2, Page 93 

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 14

James Curry
died about the
20 Sept. 1838.  So 
says the Hon. Mr. Sterigere.
Page 15

To what time was James Curry act 1832. Pennsylvania last paid?
J. L Edwards
Feb. 27. '41
James Curry Act 1832. Philadelphia Roll $395.10 per annum
last paid 4th Sept. 1838
Feb 27 1841
J.P. Van Tyne
Page 16

James Curry

Payments to be made
at Philadelphia
by the First U.S. Bk. V
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of Penna

Recorded in the Pension
Office in Book E. Vol. 5
Page 7 by D. Brown
Clerk.
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, James Curry of the State of Pennsylvania
 who was a Private and Captain in the Revolutionary  War
is entitled to receive Three hundred and Ninety five dollars and Ten cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on
 the 4th of March, 1841, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March  and
4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United
States, this 18th day of
July one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty three.
John Robb
Acting Secretary of War.
[SEAL]
Examined and  }
countersigned. }

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Lived in Montg Co in May 1818 before Delaware Co. Pa
Page 18

James Curry's

Declaration & papers 
in support of his application 
for a pension.

no. 10.118 [underlined]
Returned for additional proof &c.


18 mo 27 d services & pay of Captain

12 mo 5 d D as private

Sent to John B. Sterigere
Norristown Pa
Page 19

Isaac McGlathery of Whitepain [Whitpain] township Montgomery County Pennsylvania yeoman aged eighty years being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say:  I have been well acquainted with ~ James Curry of Norriton township County aforesaid (late of Haverford township Delaware County Penna) who has signed and sworn to the annexed declaration and deposition, ever since the beginning of the Revolutionary War.  He and I were born near together and have lived near to each all our lives except about nine years past.  

About nine years ago James Curry removed to Delaware County aforesaid where he resided till about the 14th day of February last when he returned to Norriton Township Montgomery County aforesaid where he has resided ever since and now resides.  The said James Curry was out in the military service of the United States in the Revolutionary War at least two years and an half to my knowledge.  I know he went out as a private in Capt. Thomson's Volunteer Rifle Company in August 1775. and returned a short time before Christmas the same year.  he was out about four months this time.  I also know he went out again in the service as a private in Capt. Hamilton's company of Norriton militia in May 1776, and was out till sometime in September following when he returned home.  A few weeks after his return this time Curry went out in the service again as a private in Capt. Porter's volunteer Rifle company and continued in the service till the middle of July 1777.  I went out in the service in May 1776 and continued till the latter end of December following.  We were in the same Regiment and marched together to Amboy.  Shortly after the battle of Long Island Curry returned home, but returned shortly afterward & as I before said and remained in the service till July 1777.  He was most of the time after I left the service in New Jersey as I understood at the time where the American Army lay.  Shortly before I left the service, James Curry was appointed adjutant, viz about the 15th or 20th of December 1776, by Genl Potter which office he held till his return in July 1777.  Curry was in the service as an Express Rider for General Washington in August and forepart of September 1777. I did not see him in the service as express rider this tour, but I under[stand]
Page 20

at the time that he was so engaged and that he found his own horse.  I know he was out somewhere in the service, and I have no doubt from what I then and since heard that he was so ingaged [sic] from about the beginning of August to the Battle of Brandywine.  

James Curry was in the service also from the Battle of Brandywine to the middle of June 1778, as adjutant under General Potter. I was in the army from the Battle of Brandywine till the 
American Army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge in December 1777, and frequently seen Curry in the army during this period, and know he held the appointment and office and performed the duties of adjutant during this period, under Genl. Potter, and verily believe he continued to hold the office of adjutant and perform its duties till his return from the army in June 1778. I resided during the winter near Valley Forge, and then and always since understood Curry continued adjutant during the whole tour from the Battle of Brandywine till his discharge in June 1778.  I know hew as adjutant when he returned--he returned on account of his knees in June 1778, after the army broke up at Valley Forge. I know Curry acted as one of the guides or pilots to the American Army from Faulkners Swamp (before the Battle of Germantown) to Chestnut Hill and Germantown.  I was one of the guides to another division of the army on the same occasion.  I know Curry was also in the service in December 1778 and January 1779 nearly two months.  I went out with him and was in the service with him part of this tour. He went out as a private in Capt Ryness's company of militia Col Moores Regiment about the middle of December and was immediately appointed adjutant to Col Moores Regiment by Col Moore, and continued as such that tour.  Curry and the troops with him were engaged in guarding [and guarding] & conveying some British prisoners from the Delaware to Maryland this tour.  I and the company accompanied Curry as far as Lancaster Penna where we separated and he continued on with the prisoners to Maryland and we (I and my company) went to Philadelphia. He
Page 21

(Curry) was also out a short time to Newtown (Bucks County) and Trenton in the fall of 1779. I was out the same tour, and frequently seen Curry in the service.  He was a private in Capt McDaniels company of Norriton militia Col. Currys Regiment. We were called out and went out in September 1779 and met at Newtown, and remained at Newtown and the neighbourhood [sic] of Trenton till the latter end of November following when we were discharged and returned home.  We were out upwards of two months this tour. 

Curry was a private in Capt Porters company of volunteer Riflemen [till crossed out] in November and till about the 20th of December 1776, when he was appointed adjutant by General Potter, immediately after the Battle of Brandywine Curry joined Capt Pitts volunteer Rifle company, but only served in the company two or three days till he was appointed adjutant as I before mentioned.  He was in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown.  I have seen some of Currys appointments as adjutant, and probably I have seen all of them.  He had written appointments. While he served as adjutant he was entitled to the pay and rank of Captain.  All adjutants were entitled to the rank and pay of Captain.  It was always so understood.  Officers could not be found always without leaving the companies without competent officers and therefore well qualified persons were appointed adjutants, often who were not commissioned officers.  James Curry's services as a private, an express rider, and an adjutant in the militia, were notorious in the time of the war.  I was in the service about half as long as Curry, and frequently seen him in the army during my service and occasionally seen him in the army when I was not in the service & very frequently heard his service spoken of.  I have often heard the officers with whom and under whom Curry served, speak of his services and good conduct as a private soldier, express rider, and adjutant under Genls Potter and Heister & Col Moore, at various times while I was in the
Page 22

service and afterwards.  Curry was always considered a man of the strictest veracity.  I have a personal knowledge of Currys going out and his returning home almost every tour he was out.  I have no doubt that he served at least seventeen months and a half as adjutant under Genl Potter Genl Heister and Col. Moore, together in the Revolutionary War for which he was entitled to the rank and pay of a captain, besides his service as express rider and a private soldier, and I have no doubt that he served a month and a half as express rider and twelve months and upwards as a private in the different tours mentioned.

Isaac McGlathery [signature]
Yeoman

Sworn and subscribed }
Before me July 8th 1833 }
Henry Daub [signature]

I do hereby  certify that the above deponent Isaac McGlathery is a highly respectable farmer, and a person of high character and credibility and that full confidence may be placed in his testimony.  Witness my hand and seal this 8th day of July 1833 ~
Henry Daub [seal]
Page 23

A
Statement of James Curry services proved by Jones & McGlathery.

1775.  3 mo 25 days (one tour) private Capt. Thomsons Co.  Volunteer
1776. 4 mo 15 days (1st time) Private Capt. Hamiltons do. [ditto] militia
1776. 1 mo 25 days (2d tour) private Capt. Porters do. [ditto]  volunteer
1776-7. 6 mo 25 days (2 tour) a non commissioned officer with the rank and pay of Captain viz adjutant
1777. 1 mo 10 days (1st tour) Express Rider with the rank & pay of Captain
1777-8. 9 mo 00 days (one tour) a non commissioned officer with the rank and pay of Captain-viz adjutant
1778-8. 1 mo 22 days (one tour).  Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto
1779. 2 mos 10 days (one tour) private Capt. McLeans Co.  Militia
[total] 31 mo 2 days
Recapitulation of service

17 months 17 days as adjutant, a non commissioned officer with the rank and pay of Captain
1 mo. 10 days  Express Rider for General Washington with the rank & pay of Captain
12 mo. 5 days As a private.-Volunteer & militia man

or
18 months 27 days service with the rank or grade and pay of Captain and
12 months 5 days  Ditto as a private soldier

Entitling Curry to a pension

18 months 27 days for captains service  #378
& 5 mos. 3 days (balance of 2 years) private service  17.
Amt of annual pension  #395 [double underlined]
2.  Is  not Curry entitled 18 mo 27 day pension as captain #378
and full pension for 5 mo 3 days as a private viz  34.
making his annual pension------#412?
Page 24

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Montgomery in the State of Pennsylvania James Curry of Norriton township in said County, (formerly of Haverford township Delaware County Penna) a Revolutionary soldier, who hath signed and sworn to the annexed Declaration, aged nearly seventy eight years who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is the identical James Curry named in said declaration.  That he resided in Montgomery County aforesaid from his birth till about nine years ago where he removed to Delaware county aforesaid, where he resided till the 14th day of February last, when he returned to Norriton township Montgomery County aforesaid, where he has since resided and now resides.  He recollects distinctly that he entered the service as stated in his declaration the 10th of August 1775 and continued in the service till the last day of November following, when he was discharged and returned home 5 or 6 days after. And served three months and twenty five days at least this tour to his return home.  The statement in his declaration of this tour being "about two and an half months" is a mistake of the writer as is evident from the previous statement in the Declaration of the times of going out and returning home this tour.  He also served four months and an half as a private in Capt. Hamiltons company of drafted militia in 1776, to wit from the 5 of May 1776 to about the middle of September following.  He also served from the 25th of October 1776 to the middle of July following (1777) when he was discharged and returned home.  During this tour he served one month and twenty five days. viz from October 25th 1776 to December 20th 1776, as a private in Capt. Porters volunteer Rifle company, and from the 20th of December 1776 to the middle of July 1777 as adjutant with the rank and pay of Captain under Genl. Potter and Genl. Hiester, as stated in his declaration, having served as adjutant this tour six months and twenty five days at least.  He was appointed adjutant by Genl. Potter (from Capt. Porters Company which was small).  December 20th 1776 and continued in the office by Genl. Hiester to the end of the tour.  Some of the rest of Capt. Porters company received appointments, and the remainder joined other volunteer companies, and that company was thus then
Page 25

broken up.  Capt. Porter had been appointed or commissioned to raise a volunteer company, but had not completed it when he went out ^ and he went out with only a part of a company.  He entered the service again on the 5th of August 1777. as an express rider for General Washington and continued in that capacity until the Battle of Brandywine was over.  He was taken out of the service for this purpose.  He found his own horse during this service, and was to have the pay of a captain of militia and always considered and understood that he ranked as a captain during this tour.  He had a written appointment which ranked him captain.  He was discharged as express rider two or three days after the Battle of Brandywine he thinks on the 14th of September 1777 and on the same day he was discharged he joined Capt. Pitts company of Volunteer Riflemen.  A day or two after he joined Capt. Pitt's company Genl. Potter again appointed him adjutant with the rank and pay of Captain, which office he continued to hold and perform from the time of his appointment (about the 16th of September 1777) till the middle of June 1778.  After the army broke up at Valley Forge, when he was discharged on  account of sickness, and returned home. He served as adjutant from the 16th of September 1777 to the middle of June 1778 with the rank and pay of Captain not less than nine months and was with the army performing the duties of adjutant constantly this whole tour.  After the Battle of Brandywine he conducted the army up the Schuylkill, and a part crossed near Fatland Ford and a part near Pottsgrove and collected together at Faulkners Swamp about 35 miles Northwest from Philadelphia.  Deponent afterward conducted one division of the army to Chestnut Hill and Germantown, just before the Battle of Germantown, having been well acquainted with the country and roads along the Schuylkill and between Faulkners Swamp and the city and was in the Battle of Germantown and with the army on the retreat to Whitemarsh, and thence to Valley Forge when the army went into winter quarters and remained with the army at Valley Forge till the spring of 1778.  During this
Page 26

winter encampment.  Deponent was almost constantly out with squads scouting the country along the Schuylkill under Genl. Potter to guard again the British and scouting the country for provisions for the army, which suffered greatly for want of provisions and clothing and prevent communications with the enemy at Philadelphia.  He went out in the service again as a private in Capt. Ryner and company of volunteers the beginning of December 1778 and continued in the service till the 1st of February ^ 1779. Immediately after he went out he was appointed adjutant to Col. Moores Regiment (to which Capt. Ryners company belonged) by Col. Moore and served as adjutant with the rank & pay of a captain during this whole tour. He was out not less than one month and three quarters as adjutant this tour.  During this tour he was engaged with the militia in guarding and conveying British prisoners form New Jersey to Maryland by the way of Lancaster & York.  Deponent was also out a short tour as a private in Capt. McLean's company of Norriton Militia Col Currys Regiment to Newtown and Trenton in the autumn of 1779, which is not mentioned in his declaration annexed.  A call was made on the militia the beginning of September 1779 by the orders of General Washington as deponent then understood in consequence of its being supposed the British would made a descent across the Jerseys.  The militia were to rendezvous at Newtown Bucks County.  Deponent marched with said company to Newtown about the middle of September 1779, and remained at Newtown and near Trenton moving about till the latter end of November following where they were discharged and returned home, and was out upwards of two months this tour.  A number of other militia companies were out at the same time.  Deponent will recollect Capt. Francis & Capt. Petermans companies.  Deponent was out in the service of the United States, and served as stated in his declaration and in this deposition not less than the periods mentioned below viz:--In 1775, three months and twenty five days I served as a
Page 27

private in Capt. Thomsons Volunteer Rifle Company.  In 176 (1st tour) for four months and an half I served as a private in Capt. Hamiltons company of drafted militia Major Bonys  Battalion Genl. Harts Brigade and also in 1776 . (2d tour)  For one month and twenty five days (viz from 25 October 1776 to 20th December following served as a private in Capt. Porters Volunteer Rifle Company and in 1776-7 (viz from 20th December 1776 to the middle of July 1777 for six months and twenty five days at least I served as an adjutant with the rank and pay of captain in Genl. Potters and General Hiesters Brigades.  In August and September 1777 for one month and twenty days I served as an express rider for Genl. Washington, with a written appointment with the rank and pay of a captain.  In 1777-8 (viz from 16th September 1777 to the middle of June 1778.) for nine months I served as an adjutant with the rank and pay of a captain in General Potters Brigade or command.  In 1778-9 for one month and three quarters I served as adjutant with the rank and pay of captain in Col. Moores Regiment.  In 1779 (autumn) for two months and upward I served as a private in Capt. McLane's Company of Drafted militia Col. Currys Regiment.  Deponent served during the Revolutionary War as aforesaid as adjutant under Genl. Potter Genl. Hiester and Col. Moore with the rank and pay of Captain.  For seventeen months and an half at least, and as Express Rider with the rank and pay of Captain one month and ten days.  Also, and besides the above as a private soldier for twelve months and upwards for which service and according to his grades of service he claims a pension.  In every capacity together, he served not less than thirty one months as aforesaid.  While serving as adjutant and express rider he had written appointments.  These appointments were all lost during the war, or left with the accounting officers.  Deponent was the first cousin of Col. Curry of the Pennsylvania militia and has reason to believe it was through him he was indebted for the confidence repo-
Page 28

posed in him by the officers of the Pennsylvania forces and army on so many occasions.  Since his declaration was sent to the War Department, Deponent has discovered a witness to his Revolutionary services, whose existence he was then ignorant of.  Isaac McGlathery Esquire, who resided in an adjoining township near deponent, during the Revolutionary War who was also in the service with deponent, part of the time as an officer and as a private in the militia.  All the officers and privates who served with deponent, and all other persons who had any knowledge of his services, excepting Abraham Jones whose deposition is hereto annexed), and said Isaac McGlathery are to the best of his knowledge and belief, after making dilligent [sic] inquiry; dead.  And he knows of no person living whose testimony he can procure except said Jones & McGlathery.  All the services of deponent were performed in Pennsylvania companies Regiments, Brigades or forces, in the military service of the country.  Deponent is now old and destitute and has no means of support and stands in need of assistance from his country.  He is now so much afflicted with Rheumatism as to be unable to walk and has been so afflicted several years.

Jas Curry [signature]

Sworn and subscribed}
before me July 6th 1833 ~ }
B F Hancock [signature]

I do hereby certify that the above Deponent James Curry is a man of credit and veracity and worthy of full confidence.  Witness my hand and seal the sixth day July 1833 --
B F Hancock [seal]
Page 29

Montgomery County SS
[SEAL]

I Adam Slemmer Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County in the State of Pennsylvania, Do hereby certify that Benjamin F. Hancock Esquire before whom the foregoing and annexed deposition of James Curry was made was at the time of making said deposition a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and empowered to administer oaths and that he still is a Justice of the Peace in said County And also that Henry Daub Esquire before whom the annexed deposition of Isaac McGlathery was made, was at the time of making said deposition and still is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and authorized to administer oaths and that the signatures of the said Benjamin F. Hancock and Henry Daub subscribed to the said respective depositions and the certificates subjoined are genuine.   In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this ninth day of July Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and thirty three.--
Adam Slemmer, Prothy [signature]
Page 30

By a re examination of James Curry's Declaration it will appear
That the service in 1775 is more than 3 1/2 months (viz from 10th August 1775 to the last of November following.) although it is noted on the margin in red ink "2 1/2". It is true the declaration mentioned "about two and an half months" but this is evidently a mistake of the writer, as the time of going out and returning specified--make it more than 3 1/2 months.

The service is 1778-9 is noted on the margin in red ink "1 mo."  It is evidently more from the language of the declaration [illegible] " in December 1778 to the 1st of February 1779"

Also, the tour of service of about 4 1/2 months in 1776. (viz 3d May to the middle of September) is not noted on the margin in red ink like the other service, but has been altogether passed over unnoticed by the examining clerk.

The endorsement on the Declaration issued [illegible-page cut off] says "21 months service alleged no proof &c"--but 26 months or there abouts is alleged explicitly and the service proved by - Jones generally, and about 27 months or specified omitting portions of months.

In the "Statement" on the printed form (annexed) 
The tour of about 4 1/2 months service in 1776, and also the "1 mo" (and more) in 1778-9 (both of which tours are set forth in the declaration), are altogether omitted.

And also the tour in 1775, is stated 2 mo 15 days instead of 3 1/2 mo. as above unmarked.  [See pencil mark in margin of declaration]

The Statement mentioned only 20 mon this service, as contained in the Declaration, where in fact (including the above notations), it specifies upward of 26 months, or about 27 months.

The Declaration, however, does not specify the time Curry ^ served as a non commissioned officer viz as adjutant with the rant and pay of Captain. The depositions annexed do state the duration of that kind of service, particularly, and also an additional tour of  service in 1779 not mentioned in the Declaration.

The Declaration and annexed declarations of Curry & McGlathery set forth and prove 17 mo 17 days service as a non commissioned officer, Adjutant with the rank and pay of Captain also 1 mo 10:  Express rider, with the rank and pay of Captain, besides 12 mo 5 days as a private.

making--
18 mo 27 days service with the rank and pay of Captain--and 12 mo 5 days service as a private.

(See statement at end of papers marked A.)