Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1986, John Clark, Conn. Conn. Sea Service
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SERVICE
Conn.
Conn. Sea Service

Clark, John

NUMBER
R1986

CONTENTS
b. in N.J. 1746} enl. at New Haven Conn. Res N. Y.
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State of New York
County of Suffolk} ss:
On this twelfth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three personally appeared before John S. Mount one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county Captain John Clark a resident of Smithtown county and state aforesaid aged Eighty-six 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 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer under the immediate command of Brigadier General Samuel H. Parsons at New Haven in the state of Connecticut on or about the 15th day of April in the year 1777 - that at the time he so entered he received from General Parsons a Captain's Commission to be employed in the Marine and principally the Whale Boat service - to cruise Long Island Sound, and to and from Long island, and to operate against the enemy generally, and particularly to assist in conveying and transporting troops &c on secret expeditions, and to guard the shores and protect those inhabitants who were friendly to the American cause from the depredations of the British and the Refugees from the Island, and to intercept (which he and others thus employed frequently did) communications sometimes containing important information to and from the enemy on the Island and their friends the tories in New England. That his commission was signed by the aforesaid General Parsons. That the said Whale Boats were all armed vessels, one of which he had the constant command and occasionally for particular purposes he had the general charge of a number of them.
That on the 14th day of April 1777 he was with General Parsons acting as his guide and having a command in the expedition from New Haven against the Forts at Setauket, Long Island, and was one of the number who
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attacked the British troops stationed there under Colonel Hewlett. That on the 4th or 5th of October, same year, he with the whale boat which he commanded and others conveyed a party of troops commanded by Capt. Whiting of the U. S. light infantry on an expedition across Long Island Sound against the British guards posted at Martinecock Queens County, all of whom they made prisoners. That he was almost constantly cruising the Sound and across it, to and from different parts of the Island, procuring and conveying necessary information and otherwise aiding and assisting as his orders and directions from time to time required, and in consequence was frequently engaged in skirmishes with the enemy.
That he served as a Captain commissioned as above stated, from the said 15th day of April 1777 until on or about the 15th day of November 1778 making in the whole one year and seven months during all which time he was constantly in the service of the United States as and in the manner above mentioned, and was no part of the time engaged in any civil pursuit.
That he then relinquished his command and gave up his commission to General Parsons who accepted his resignation and commission, and released him from further service.
That on Monday July 5th 1779 when the attack was made by the enemy upon New Haven he volunteered for its defence and served in that battle and for one month succeeding it under Col.l Burr.
That he afterwards volunteered his services, and on the 5th day of November 1779 with a number of whale boats under his command went from New Haven to Huntington Harbor Long Island, where some of the British vessels of war were anchored and captured a merchant vessel and took her in safety to New Haven.
That in the spring of 1777 and directly before he received his commission from General Parsons, he had a command and sailed on board the public armed schooner Miflin
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for the term of two months and ten days - coasting the Maine shore the principal part of the time, and being mostly employed in collecting materials and providing the equipments for construction and fitting out the whale boats before mentioned.
That on the 27th day of 1776 being at that time the owner and master of a sloop which was employed in the merchant service between New Haven and New York, and which was then in New York, he was passed by order of Miles Hughes then or afterwards issuing commissary in the United States army to go with his vessel to Brooklyn to assist in transporting the retreating army under General Washington from that place to New York - that he did so, and made six several passages across the East River with as many of the troops on board each time as could be accommodated. That he was then ordered with his vessel to Harlem Creek, and was himself in the Battle of Harlem Heights, the consequence was ultimately the loss of his vessel.
That he was born in East New Jersey on the 8th day of October (or 27th day of Sept O.S.) 1746 - that the record of his age is in the family Bible in the possession of his connections in East New Jersey - that he was living in New Haven when he sailed the vessel as above mentioned and when he volunteered in the U. S. service under General Parsons and Col. Burr. That he has lived at Smithtown Suffolk County Long Island ever since the Revolutionary War.
That in addition to the officers above named he was acquainted with Generals Washington, Putnam and Wooster, Colonel Webb, Major Humphreys and Captains Brewster, Troop and Webb.
That he has no documentary evidence in his possession and knows of no person now living whose testimony he can procure and who can testify to his service, except those whose affidavits are annexed. That the Reverend Charles Seabury a Clergyman and Wm. Wickham Mills Esquire both residing in his vicinity can testify to his character for veracity and their belief
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that he was an officer and 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 of the agency of any state.
John Clark
Sworn to and subscribed the 12th day of August 1833.
before me
John S. Mount a Judge of Suffolk County Com Pleas

We Charles Seabury a Clergyman residing in the village of Setauket, town of Brookhaven and Wm. Wickham Mills residing in the town of Smithtown hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Capt. John Clark who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 86 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been an officer and soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Charles Seabury
Wm. Wickham Mills
Sworn and subscribed the 12 day of August 1833 before me.
John S. Mount a Judge of Suffolk County Com Pleas

And I the said John S. Mount do hereby declare my 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 officer and soldier and served as he states. And I do further certify that it appears to me that Charles Seabury who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the village  of Setauket town of Brookhaven and County of Suffolk aforesaid and that Wm. Wickham Mills who has also signed the same is a resident of Smithtown in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I do further certify that the said Capt. John Clark
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the above named applicant cannot from bodily inability attend the Court.
John S. Mount a Judge of Suffolk County Com Pleas

Suffolk County
Clerk's Office}
I Joseph R. Huntting, Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that John S. Mount Esquire who has signed the foregoing certificate and before whom the above declaration of Captain John Clark purports to have been sworn and subscribed is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe the signatures to be his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17th day of August 1833.
Joseph R. Huntting
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B. J. Hutchinson
Riverhead
Suffolk Co

N.Y.
Issued Act 32

April 3d 1832

Ex S. T. Perry
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POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all men by these Presents, That I, Mrs. Catharine Griffith daughter of John Clarke (deceased)
hereby constitute and appoint D. L. & S. A. Teugh of Washington City DC my true and lawful Agents and Attorneys to prosecute the Claim of John Clarke decd for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agents to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim,
to appoint one or more substitutes then for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorneys and Agents lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 23d day of March A. D., 1852.
Catharine Griffith

Signed and Sealed in the presence of 
Samuel A. Smith
Richd Skedmore

STATE OF New York
COUNTY OF Suffolk} ss.
On this twenty third day of March A. D. 1852 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Mrs. Catharine Griffith and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year aforesaid.}
Samuel A. Smith J. Peace
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Claim of
Act of

STATE OF New York
COUNTY of Suffolk} ss.
Be it known, That on this twenty third day of March A.D., eighteen hundred and fifty two, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mrs. Catharine Griffith a resident of Smithtown in said County, and made oath according to law that She is the child and daughter of John Clark (deceased)
who was a Revolutionary soldier
at the rate of ~~ Dollars per annum; that she has been informed that the said Pension ought to be allowed that she is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Catharine Griffith
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me.
Samuel A. Smith J. Peace.

I Saml A. Smith Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that Mrs. Catharine Griffith who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Samuel A. Smith J. Peace

I, B. T. Hutchinson Clerk of the Supreme Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel A. Smith before whom the one succeeding & foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this twenty fifth day of March A. D. 1852.
Benjm. T. Hutchinson Clerk
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STATE OF New York
COUNTY OF Suffolk} ss.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Samuel A. Smith a Justice of the Peace of said County that John Clarke (decd) was applicant for a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ ~~ per annum and that he died on the 15th fifteenth day of March eighteen hundred and thirty seven leaving surviving one child who's name is Mrs. Catharine Griffith
and that she is
the only surviving child of the aforesaid John Clarke (deceased)

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this twenty third day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
Samuel A. Smith
Justice of the Peace
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28.165
John Clark

Joseph R. Hunting
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
Nov. 18th 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 necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of John Clark
[column headings]
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. |

1777 Apl 15 | 1 year, 7 months | Capt of Marines | General Parsons | ~~ | Traditionary & Living Witnesses |

2d July 5 1779 | 1 Month | Priv. | Col Burr. | ~~ | ~~ |

Nov 5 1779 | 1  Month | Priv. | ~~ | ~~ |

~~ | 2 Months | Capt. | Schooner Mifflin | ~~ | ~~ |

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2

 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

 

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line", "State troops", "militia", and "volunteers", all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:

1. The Regular Troops.

2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.

3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.

4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

 

DECLARATION

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, or District of

County of }ss.

On this ____ day of _________ personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of ______ in the county of ________ and State, Territory or District of ____aged (c) __________years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with ______ and served in the ________ (e) regiment of the ________ line,, under the following named officers:

(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)

 

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

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.    A.B.

 

(And then will follow the certificate of the Court)

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I ________ of the Court of ___________ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this __________ day of __________ &c.

 

If on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declarations, 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 in the ______ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, __________ Clerk of the Court of ______ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _________&c.

 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produces 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
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of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?

3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?

4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. {To a Soldier {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?

{To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution.

The court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declarations before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of state or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

_______________

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.

(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.

(e) Every continental officer or soldier must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year ___ months and _____ days, I served as a ______. For _______ months and ________ days, I served as a ___________; and for such services I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the years, 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 services was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not emplo9yed in any civil pursuit.

(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

(g) The opinion of the court is always required.

(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signatures 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 certificates must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service

(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the exam of Militia men, Volunteers and state Troops. The proof required by rule in case (j) applies to continental troops only.

(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

(m) The answers in the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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[stamped]
REJECTED

1.986
P.O.
John Clark
Service: ______
Enlisted: _____,18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: ______, 18
Alleges: _______
Re-enlisted: _______
Attorney: ______
P. O. _______
____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for ____, 18.
Page 16

New York
Revo
John Clark
Suspended
let.  Joseph R. Hunting 19
Nov. 1833
letter to Hon. A. Huntington
2 April 1834

1986

act 7 June '32
Page 17

State of New York
County of Suffolk }
Elizabeth Field of Smithtown in said county being duly sworn deposes and says that she became acquainted with Captain John Clark, the above named applicant for a pension, some years before the revolutionary war. That she was knowing to his being engaged for some considerable time during that period in the service of the United States as a Captain and that he had the command of an armed Whale Boat. That deponent lived at New Haven in the state of Connecticut in the house and with the family of said Clark nearly or quite all the time he was thus engaged in the Whale Boat service, which she is quite certain was eighteen months or longer, though she cannot state precisely how much longer. That while deponent was living with the family of said Clark she was desirous of visiting her connections on Long Island, and went from New Haven to Milford in Connecticut where said Capt. Clark then was and crossed the Sound with him in the Whale Boat which he commanded and after staying some time on Long Island was taken back by him to Connecticut in his boat. Said Clark in the mean time as she supposes and verily believes was cruising the Sound. That the landing and embarking at Long Island took place in the night and in a secret manner to avoid the notice of the British and Refugees and their friends.
Elizabeth Field X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed the 12th day of August 1833, before me}
John S. Mount, a Judge of Suffolk County Com Pleas
Page 18

State of New York
Suffolk County} ss.
I John S. Mount one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Elizabeth Field, the person who has sworn to and subscribed before me the foregoing affidavit. That she is a credible person and that her statement is entitled to full credit.
John S. Mount
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Affadavit of William Wheeler
John Clark
28163
Page 20

State of New York
Suffolk County ss.} William Wheeler of the Town of Islip county and state aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that at the time of the American Revolution he quite Long Island and resided in the state of Connecticut and there became acquainted with John Clark. The said John Clark was at that time a resident of the town of New Haven in the state of Connecticut and commanded an armed Whale Boat said to be commissioned by General Parsons and the deponent further stated that he made several cruises with him as such and has frequent interviews with the said John Clark ever since. Further this deponent saith not.
William Wheeler
Sworn and subscribed before me this 18th day of July 1833.
Joshua B. Smith Judge

I Joshua B Smith before whom the above affadavit was taken do certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named William Wheeler and know him to be a man of fair charicter and unquestionable veracity.
Joshua B. Smith Judge
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Suffolk County
Clerk's Office}
I Joseph R. Huntting Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Joshua B. Smith Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of William Wheeler was taken is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and believe the signatures to the foregoing affidavit and certificate to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17 day of August 1833.
Joseph R. Huntting

28163
Clark
Page 22

State of New York
Suffolk County} ss.
On this twelfth day of March 1834 personally appeared before me Joshua B. Smith one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county John Clark of Smithtown in said county who has heretofore made application for a pension under the law of Congress passed June 7th 1832, and who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare
That his former declaration is true. That he did as therein stated enter the service of the United States on or about the 15th day of April 1777, was commissioned a Captain by Brigadier General Samuel A. Parsons, and served as such for nineteen months. That if the "Boat service was occasional consisting of two or three days or a weeks tour at a time" with others, who might have been so engaged in it the remark does not apply to him. That his was a continued service for and during the whole of the said nineteen months and that his time was wholly devoted to the discharge of his duty in the manner stated in his first declaration. That there was no intermission of duty which gave him the opportunity if he had been so disposed and had felt himself at liberty of engaging in any civil pursuit. That he was occasionally on shore but there he had duties to perform in receiving and executing orders from his superiors in repairing boats and refitting for expeditions &c. That he cannot say that General Parsons had authority to commission him but does say again that he did commission him. That he considered it good authority at the time and so considers it now. The authority was never questioned while he was performing the service. He is confident and repeats that he was constantly engaged in the United States service in the capacity and in the manner by him heretofore stated, and his assurance of the fact is strengthened by a reference
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to his books of account, kept with the United States at the time in detail of expenditures for materials for repairs of boats, labor &c. That he was paid as other Captains in the same service were paid to wit, thirty dollars per month.
That he was well acquainted with Capt. Bradley and with the situation of the Fort at New Haven, and it is his full belief that the boats which were voted to be furnished him as appears by the proceedings of the Council of Safety in the accompanying certificate of E. Phelps Esqr were for Capt. Bradleys own private use and convenience to convey him and perhaps his officers to and from the Fort to the town (being some distance from each other) and not for general public use. That Capt. Bradley at that time commanded the Fort.
John Clark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me}
Joshua B. Smith Judge

State of New York
Suffolk County Clks Office} I Joseph R. Huntting Clerk of the Count of Suffolk do certify that Joshua B. Smith Esq before whom the foregoing deposition of John Clark was taken is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said county. That I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature genuine. Witness my hand and seal of office this 15th of March 1834.
Joseph R. Huntting Clk
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Comptrollers Office
January 1st 1834
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify that under date April 15th 1779 there is upon the journal of the Council of Safety the following vote, viz, "Voted that the Governor be desired to write to Brig. Genl. Parsons to furnish Capt. Bradley at New Haven with one or two whale boats to be used there for the state. Col. Fitch to furnish the rum for the sloop Guilford according to custom.
I have not found any record, or memorandum of the appointment of officers to command those boats; or roll of their crew.
E. Phelps