Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,550, George Townsend, Mass.
Page 1

93-1776)

SERVICE      Mass.

Townsend, George
Persis

NUMBER      W.26.550

CONTENTS
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12.969 
Vermont 

George Townsend of Bethel in the state of Vermont who was a Corporal in the regiment commanded by Colonel 2 Regmt Col Bailey of the Massachusetts line, for the term of two years 

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 7th of April 1818 

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th of July 1819 and sent to Dudley Chase Esqr Randolph Orange County Vt.

Arrears to 4th of March 1819               $87.43 Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1819      48: 

10 mo. 24/30.  4/31                              $135:43 

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
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4967.                   M.
Persis Townsend, decd.by line for M. Vermont Persis Townsend, decd widow of George Townsend who died in the year 1819 of Windsor in the State of Vermont who was a Corporal in the Compy commanded by Captain of the Regt commanded by in the line for 

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 88 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & end 31 Augt 1836, when she died. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th. day of Augt 1850 and Sent to Hon. W. Hebard. H. R. 

Arrears to the 4th of 
Semiannual allowance ending 
Payable to John Townsend, her only surviving child 

{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the} 

Recorded by J. P. Chase Clerk, 
Book D.   Vol. 2.  Page 343

H 

Reported end
W S A
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George Townsend's Decln.
of
Bethel Windsor Co.

Vermont

George Townsend. 1 Corporal
2d Massts Regt  1781 to 1783


April 7th 1818

Discharge enclosed --

Admd


X
Page 5

State of Vermont, }
Orange County ss } 
On the 7th day of April AD 1818 before me the subscriber Chief Judge of the Sup. Ct. of the State of Vermont personally appeared George Townsend aged 72 years resident in Bethel, Windsor Co. & State of Vermont, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" ; that he the said George Townsend on or about the first day of January AD 1781 he then residing in Brookfield, Worcester Co. State of Massts. enlisted into the Army of the United States for three years; that he served under his sd enlistment as a private soldier & as a corporal, from the date thereof until the 28th day of October AD 1783 when he was discharged at West Point by Genl Knox, which sd discharge he intends to accompany this declaration; that he served as aforesaid in the companies of Capt. Bagley. Capt. Drew & Capt. Alden all in the 2d Regt Masstts. Line on the Continental Establishment; That he is a resident Citizen of the United States; that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; that he has no other evidence of his sd services- 

Sworn to & declared before me the 7th day of April AD 1818. Dudley Chase Chf Judge Sup. Court 

I Dudley Chase Chf Judge of the Sup. Ct. of the State of Vermont do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the sd George Townsend did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months & more on the continental establishment; & I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken & had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress- 
Dudley Chase Chif Judge Sup Court 

I hereby certify that the above named George Townsend is in reduced circumstances in life & stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support 
Dudley Chase Chif Judge Sup Court
Vermont
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Brookfield mass            5
May 29


Mr Arannah Spear
West Randolph
Vermont
Page 7

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
County of Worcester SS. 
I Washington Tuft hereby certify that I am the Clerk of the town Brookfield in the County of Worcester aforesaid & have the custody of the records of said town;  that in the book of records of Marriages, Births, & Deaths is the following Entrys 
"George Townsend & Persis Rice outpublished Feby 1770"
"The Children of George & Persis Townsend. Molly was Born Jany 15th 1770 
John was Born Sept 19, 1772 
Nancy was Born Feby 25 1775 
Rice was born Jany 16. 1777, 
That the above is, truly copied from said book & that the figures are plain and legible and clearly express the dates to be as above named Washington Tufts Town Clerk 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Worcester S.S.   May 24th 1850 
Personally appeared before me Washington Tufts and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true 
Abraham Skinner, Justin Peace.
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Brookfield Mass May 28th 1850 

Mr Spear 
Dear Sir 
Enclosed you will find a coppy of the records which you ask for, sworn to before a Justice, and likewise the seal of the County and the clerks affidavit of the qualification of the justice which you would require in order to have his and my signature avails you any thing and which I shall be under the necessity of charging you one dollar in addition to the one already received 
Your Respy 
Washington Tufts
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7635
Persis Townsend dcd
wid of George
Vt
Act 4 July 1836
Married 1770
Husband died  1819
Widow dec'd  31 Aug '36
Page 10

141 

State of Vermont }
District of Randolph ss }
On this 25th day of May AD 1850 personally apeared[appeared] before said Court holden at Randolph within said Destrict[district] John Townsend of Bethel in the County of Winson in said State aged 77 years who being first duly Sworn according to Law doath on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions [crossed out 'made of in the provisions'] made by the act of Congress passed July 4  1836, that he is the son of Persis Townsend late of said Bethel deceased who was the widow of George Townsend who was [crossed out 'a corporal on'] a Sergeant and mite[might] have been a private soldier in the Servis[service] of the Revolutionary war he Served from Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts as he thinks about three years in the Massachusetts Continental line and was pensioned for Said servis under the act of 1818 and his certifficate[certificate] he thinks was dated July 17th 1819 and to his proof filed in the pension deportment he would refer and he further declares that his mother the said Persis Townsend was mareaed[married] to the Said George Townsend as he has no doubt in February or March Sevnteen[seventeen] hundred and Sevnty[seventy] and prior [illegible] to her maiden name was Persis Rice and that the said George Townsend husband to the Said Persis his mother died on the 20 day of July AD 1819 and that his mother the said Persis Townsend remained a widow ever Since up to her death and she died August the thirtieth Eighteen hundred and thirty Six as will more fully appear by reference to the Proof here unto annext           John Townend 

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written 
(Over)
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by the the above declarant in open Court. 

State of Vermont }
Randolph District ss.}   I John B. Hutchinson Register of Probate within & for the District of Randolph aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John Townsend for a pension- 
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Randolph in said District this 25th day of May A.D. 1850 
J.B. Hutchinson Register
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O.W. and N. Division. 
26550 
Department of the Interior, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
Washington, D. C., 189 
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Geo Townsend a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. 

[Service information is given in tabular form with column headings, as follows:]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT. 
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 
RANK. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. 
STATE. 


DATES OF ENLISTMENT.    Jan. 1781
LENGTH OF SERVICE.   Jan. 1781 to Oct 28  83
RANK.     pri     Corpl.   & Sgt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   CAPTAIN Bagley   CAPTAIN Drew      CAPTAIN Allen    
STATE.     Second Mass Regt 

Battles engaged in, None mentioned 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Brookfield Mass 
Date of application for pension, April 7 1818 Residence at date of application, Bethel Vt 
Age at date of application, 72 
Remarks: Pen allowed Owing etc 

Very respectfully, 
F W Cushing Esq
San Fran. Cal 
Custom House 7941 b -- 3m San Frain cal Commissioner.
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Persis Townsend, widow of George _
Vermont --
Act 4th July,  1836
Add.
Pri.  15 months, 21 days;. Sgt.  8 months, Corps.   9 days.  $96.75 - per annum, to commence 4 Mch. 1831  & end 31 August. 1836, the day of her death.

Payable to John Townsend, only surviving child 

Certificate to be sent to 
Hon. Wm Hebard
Chelsea
Vnt. __
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Custom-house, San Francisce, Cal., 
COLLECTOR'S OFFICE,
OCT  11th. 1892. 

Hon G. B. Raum.  Com of Pensions. 
Washington D.C. 
 
Sir       Will you kindly furnish me with the Revolutionary War record of my great Grandfather George Townsend who was appointed first Sergeant by Capt Peter Harwood of Colonel Larned's regiment, July 17. 1775   I think he was born in Mass, and served in a Mass regiment.  and that his application for a pension is on file in your office. The place and date of his birth. the length of his service in the Army and all other data concerning him will be gratefully received. and the expense, if any, will be promptly paid. Address as above, Yours in F. C. & L. 
F.W. Cushing. 
13th Ill Sufty Vols
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Custom-House, Collector's Office,
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.,

, 189  .

Collector.

SUBJECT.

T

No. of Enclosures,

[rectangular stamp at bottom of page with printing inside it, as follows:]. OCT 19 1892 FILES

[circular stamp at bottom of page with following printing inside it, as follows:]  US PENSION OFFICE  OCT 18 1892
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Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No.  26,550
Persis Townsend
wid of
George Townsend
Sergt. Rev War

Act:  July  4th.  36

Index :--- Vol.  M,  Page. 423

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

1893 - Feb. 16,
Hist to F.W. Cushing.
San Francisco, Cal.
F.S.
Page 18

Montpelier

Persis Townsend  dcd
widow of George
Vermont
[crossed out 'Randolph'] Windsor Co., Vt, 1819
'Admitted

Confered      $88, -- per ann -- 4 March  1831 to 31 Augt. 1836  when she died child, John Townsend

Act 4 July 36


Hon W. Hebard
H. R.
Page 19

Washington Aug 29, 1850.-- 

Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions 
Dear Sir.
Herewith please find the letter of A. Spear Esq. in relation to a Supposed eoror in the Computation of the time of Service of George Townsend, I know nothing of the case, and refer it to your Consideration, as he desires.- 
Very truly. Your Obt. Servant.
Wm. Hebard
Page 20

West Randolph Vermont Aug_t .6 1850 
Hon Wm Hebard House of Representatives 
Sir 
The Pension Certificate of Persis Townsend the widow of George Townsend payable to John Townsend her son is received and payment Received on the Same   I think thare was a mistake in Recording the the different terms of the Revolutionary Servis of George Townsend her husband 

George Townsend Served as a corporal in Capt Barns Co from Brookfield from April 19  9 days, also 8 months Servis as a Sergeant under Capt Harwood & Col Leonard 
Increase of pay over that of a private for the 9 days as corporal 10 cents per annun     $ 0  10 increase also as a Sergt 8 months $13.33 per annum                                                          13  33 24 months as a private $80 per anum     80  00 Total                                                              93.43 

the former certifficate was $88 per anum as a corporal of the Revolutionary Rolls Show him in Servis at the Pension office as corporal 24 months on which the former allowance was made of $88 as a corporal    add to this $13.33 for the 8 months Servis as a Sergt $13.33 increase would be [crossed out 'would'] in the whole be ---  88  cor.  --- 13.33 Sergt    $101.33 Pleas move the Department to Reconsider this case and correct Errors if they exist and always your obt Servt 
Arannnah Spear
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State of Vermont }
Randolph District ss } I J.B. Hutchinson Register of the Probate Court within & for the District aforesaid, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Persis Townsend the Widow of George Townsend died at Bethel in the County of Windsor on the 30th day of August AD 1836. and I hereby further certify that Eliphalet W. Townsend of Randolph in said District is [crossed out 'administrator'] Administrator of the Estate of the said Persis Townsend having been duly appointed & qualified and acting under his said authority & having given bonds satisfactory to said Court for the faithful performance of his said trust. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 28th day of May A.D. 1850, at Randolph aforesaid J.B. Hutchinson Register
Page 22

Washington. June 28. 1850.

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mary Rice, Irvin Weston and Washington Granger all of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont. and know them to be credible witnesses. to which Statements full credit Should be given. ---
Wm Hebard.
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7635
W Granger
Page 24

I Washington Granger of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Seventy three years depose and say that I was acquainted with George Townsend of Brookfield Massachusetts from my early childhood to the time of his death which I think was July 20th 1819.  then about Seventy three of four years old. I have always understood that he married Persis Rice, by whom he had four children. Molly, John, Nancy & Rice. In his early life he was a boot & shoe maker some times called a Cordwainer. Between forty & fifty years ago Mr Townsend & family moved into Bethel Windsor County Vermont where he resided up to the time of his death at which time he was enrolled a revolutionary Pensioner as I understood. The said Persis his widow died August 30th 1836. The aforesaid John Townsend is still living & resides in said Bethel        Washington Granger 

State of Vermont }       Bethel May 23rd 1850 Windsor County ss }Then personally appeared Washington Granger subscriber of the above affidavid and made oath in due form of law that the same contains the truth 
Before me David Owen Justice of the Peace
Page 25

Bethel May 23d 1850 
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the within Washington Granger and believe that full credit should be given to his testimony -- that he is a minister of the Gospel retains a respectable standing in the Church, and is a credible witness  
David Owen Justice of the Peace 

STATE OF VERMONT, } 
Windsor County, ss. }   I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor County in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that 
David Owen 
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signatures foregoing are genuine. 
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 28 day of May  A.D. 1850 
Norman Williams Clerk.
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Washington    July 16. 1850.

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Dear Sir,
Herewith I Send you the Certificate of the Probate Court in relation to the application for Pension by the Representation of Persis Townsend late of Bethel Vermont. --

I am Most truly 
Your Obt. Servant. __

Wm Hebard.
Page 27

M  Rice
Page 28

I Mary Rice of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Eighty five years depose and say that I was a native of Brookfield Worcester County Massachusetts and resided there untill I was 23 years old and was acquainted with George Townsend and his wife Persis whose maiden name was Rice and they had four Children Viz Holly or Polly, John Nancy and Rice and the Said George Towsend and his wife Persis moved into this town 40. or 50 years ago and was well acquainted with them while here for many years about up to his death   I think he drew a pension a Short time before his death   John Townsend of this town was their sone and Rice Townsend their son died here some years ago  the Said Persis Widow of the said George Townsend remained a widow up to her death about 14 years ago   I well Remmember that Said George Townsend was a Revolationary Soldier   I think that Said George was the oldest and my husband John Rice was the youngest out of twelve that went at one time saw them all in the meeting house to gether one Sunday just before they started Mary Rice
Page 29

State of Vermont }.      Bethel May 17" 1850 
Windsor County ss }⎬ then personly appeared Widow Mary Rice signer of the within affidafit by her Subscribed made oath that the same contains the truth before me   I hereby certify that I am will againted with the above Mary Rice and have been about forty years She is a woman of fist rate respectibility and credibility and has a good memory and retains her facultys well and to her testimony full credit should be given 
Before me Samuel Hebard Justice Peace 

STATE OF VERMONT, }  I Norman Williams, Windsor County . . .ss. }  Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that 
Samuel Hebard 
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30 day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature above written is genuine. 
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 28 day of May A. D. 1850 
Norman Williams Clerk.
Page 30

State of Vermont, }  I J B Hutchinson Register of Randolph District ss. } the Probate Court for the District of Randolph hereby certify that at a session of said Court held at Randolph in said District, evidence was introduced before said Court sufficient to satisfy said Court that John Townsend of Bethel in the County of Windsor is the only child (now living) of Persis Townsend late of said Bethel deceased who was the Widow of George Townsend also deceased - 
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at said Randolph on the 10th day of July A.D. 1850 
J.B. Hutchinson, Register
Page 31

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. WORCESTER COUNTY, SS. [crossed out ' I, CHARLES W. HARTSHORN, CLERK OF THE '] I William A. Smith Assistant Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that 
Abraham Skinner 
on the twenty fourth day of May 1850, was, and still is Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of  this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the Certificate of administration of oath upon the deposition of Washington Tufts ___ hereunto annexed is genuine.  

Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this twenty seventh day of May. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred fifty
Wm.A. Smith __ Asst. Clerk,
Page 32

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Secretary's Office, Boston:
May 18. 1850 

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of George Townsend is borne on a roll of minute men marched from Brookfield April 19, 1775. Capt. Jonathan Barns Co. as a corporal. 9 days "continued in service." __________ 
On rolls of 8 mo. service in 1775. in Capt Peter Harwoods Co. Col. Learned's Reg't. as a Sergt, of Brookfield, on coat roll Dec: 20, 1775. _____ On a payroll of Capt. Daniel Gilberts Co. Col. Josiah Whitneys Reg't. from Co. of Worcester, as a private from Aug 2d 1778 1 mo. 12 days, --service in R. I. _____________________ 
On a list of men from Brookfield, enlisted in Contl. Army for 3 years, Jany 20, 1781 - 35 years of age, 5 ft. 11 in. light, a Cordwainer. On a roll of Capt Adams Baileys Co. Col. John Bailey's
Page 33

2nd Mass. Reg. taken to Jany 1. 1782 - as a private from Jany 23.1781, enlisted for 3 years 

There appears to be no evidence of service by any other person of the name. __________ 

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written. 

Wm. Tufts Dept Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 34

The Secretary of the Common wealth of Massachusetts is hereby Requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the Servis of my father George Townsend in the war of the Revolation   He enlisted from the town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts he was first out at the Lexington Alarm April 1775 he was afterwards out as an Sargeant under Capt Harwoods Company   I think this was a three years Servis I was 8 years old and my mother put me out to live and my father was then in Servis   I think he served three or four years   I am now Sevnty Sevn years old and my memory does not enable me to State my fathers Servis more fully than above stated 
Witness my hand this 13 day of May 1850 
John Townsend 
Sined by Said John Townsend in my presence, J. P. Kidder, Justice of the Peace.
Page 35

I  Weston
Page 36

I Irvin Weston of Bethel in the County of Windsor + State of Vermont aged 49 years depose and say that on the 31st day August 1836 I made a coffin for Pensis Townsend widow of George Townsend + Mother of John Townsend + find a charge for the same on my book dates August 31st 1836.

Irwin Weston

State of Vermont SS}
Windsor County
Bethel May 25th 1850
Thus personally appeared Irvin Weston the subscriber of the above affidavit and made oath in due form of law that the same contains the truth.
Before me David Owen Justice of the Peace

Bethel May 25th 1850
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Irvin Weston + have been acquainted with him twenty years or more + know him to be a credible witness 
David Owen Justice of the Peace
Page 37

STATE OF VERMONT, }
Windsor County, ss. }  I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that David Owen 
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 3d day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signatures foregoing are [crossed out 'is'] genuine. 
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 28 day of May A. D. 1850 
Norman Williams 
Clerk.
Page 38

Free
Wm Hebard. Vt.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions.
Washington
D.C.

[writing oriented vertically going from bottom to top on left side of page, as follows:]  Persis Townsend   Vt -- act 1836 --


[writing oriented vertically going from top to bottom on right side of page, as follows:]. Augt 29 / 50
Page 39

No 7635
Persis Townsend dcd
Vt
Let Hon Wm. Hebard 6 July 1850

Act 4 July 1836
Page 40

4969.          M. 
Vermont 
Persis Townsend decd. widow of George Townsend who died in the year 1819 of Windsor in the State of Vermont who was a priv. Sergt. & Corpl in the Compy commanded by Captain    of the commanded in the line for 15 mo. 21. days Private   8 mo. Sergeant   9 days Corporal 

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 96 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March, 1831 & end 31 Augt 1836 when she died. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of October 1850 and sent to Hon. Wm. Hebard. Chelsea Vt. 

Increased from $88.00 
Semi-annual allowance ending 
Payable to only living child John Townsend {Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }

Recorded by J. P. Chase. Clerk,
Book:  D. Vol. 2. Page 343.


Reported
Page 41

By Major General Knox, commanding the Garrison of West Point & its dependencies. 

George Townsand, Corporal in the Second Massachusetts regiment, being inlisted for three years, is hereby honorably discharged the Service of the United States. 
Given at West Point the 28th day of October 1783 
J. Knox  M.General
By the Generals Command 
Jno Lillie Aide de Camp.

Registered in the Books of the Regiment 
A. Tupper   Adjutant