Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39,829, for Jonathan Nichols, Connecticut
Page 1

(3--1776)
SERVICE  Conn. Continental 
Nichols, Jonathan 
NUMBER S. 39,829 
CONTENTS [section empty]
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[left side of page, written vertically top towards bottom of page] 
[unreadable] sent April 23d. 1821 to B. Cowell Providence, Rhode Island  
Died Feb. 13, 1829 see A. B. 

[right side of page, printed form with hand written responses] 
8195
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Rhode Island
==============
Jonathan Nichols of Providence in the State of R. Island who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Huntington of the Connecticut line, for the term of three years to War
==============
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 30th of March 1818 --
==============
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th of Mar  1819 and sent to Benjn. Cowell Providence, R Island
============== 
Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819. 11 mos. Yrs. 89.54
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Sept 1829.  48.00
=====
$ 137.54
===== 
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
Continued
Page 3

Jonathan Nichols private 
79 Three years 
Col Huntington Connecticut line
30 Mar date of decln

[crossed out -- Wanted the Judge certificate of the reduced circumstances of the applicant.]

Proof of poverty provided
Admd.
Page 4

I, Jonathan Nichols of providence in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island & providence plantations, Jim Smith; --DO certify and declare that in the Month of october a D 1778, I enlisted as private in the Company of Infantry, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Burgys of the Connecticut Line for the Term of twelve Months Service, & remained therein for the Term of fourteen Months a short time previous to the Battle of Trenton, & was discharged from Service before that Battle. After my Return Home in Mansfield in the said State of Connecticut, I enlisted in a Company commanded by Capt. Sharp, in the first Connecticut Regiment, commanded by Col   Jedediah Huntington, & remained in Service for the Space of three Years, having served out the Term of my Enlistment, a short period previous to the Close of the revolutionary War.

I further certify and declare that in all my Services before recited, I served in the revolutionary army of the United States, against the common Enemy, & upon the Continental Establishment. And that owing to the unpropitious Circumstances which have taken place in the course of my Business for a few Years last past, I am now in necessitous Circumstances, & stand in need of the provisions of the act, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War"
Jonth. Nicols [signature]
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Rhode Island District March 30, 1818.
Sworn to by sd Jona Nichols before David Howell District Judge [signature] 

The signature of the Judge and the seal of the District Court are hereto affixed
Witness Benjamin Cowell CLK of Dis Court [signature] 

[round black and white seal of Rhode Island in center of left margin of page]
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Jonathan Nichols
8.195  
Rev Army
[large letter "C" in center of page with letters "ont" inside the closed loop of the C]
B. Cowell Esqr. Providence R.I.
23d April 1821
Page 7

[printed form with written responses] 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
County of Providence [inserted: US Circuit] [crossed out: District] Court, November Term, A. D. 1820.
On this Sixteenth day of November, 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for said District, Jonathan Nichols. aged 62 years, residing in the town of Providence in said County & District who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: That he served three years in Coll Huntingtons Regiment being the first Connecticut Regiment as a private that he made a previous declaration on the thirteenth day of March 1818, and that he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 8195. And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war,” passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. Jon' Nichols [signature] 

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of Jonathan Nichols viz, 12 chairs; 2 Looking Glasses, 1 dish, one Kitchen table,1 Canter, some utensils, some crockery ware & Glass ware necessary, to keep house, some few Books, 5 small silver tea spoons, 2 tea Pots 1 candle stand, 1 Copper Tea Kettle, 1 pair Shovel & Tongs, 2 Candle sticks, 1 dozen knives & forks, 1 warming Pan, 1 water Pail, 1 [unreadable] Dining Tablis. -- And the said Jonathan further saith that he is a Blacksmith by trade, but is now so infirm, that he cannot work more than half the working hours in the day, that he has a wife aged 60 years 2 daughters aged 32 & 26, and one orphan grandchild aged 3 years -- all dependant [dependent] on him for support, that one of his daughter has been under the care of a Phisician [Physician] for more Than 3 years and is almost helpless, that he is deeply inveterd [enfettered] in debt & greatly insolvent, that he now owes more than Five thousand dollars which he contracted in manufacturing arms for the United States. Jon' Nichols [signature] 

Sworn to and declared in Open Court on the Sixteenth day of November 1820 [crossed out: before] Witness Benjamin Cowell Clk

RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court, A.D. 1820
I Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is fifty five dollars and cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Twenty four day of November 1820 Benjamin Cowell [signature] Clerk of said Court. 
55 [in bottom left corner of page] 

[round black and white seal in bottom left corner of page: "Rhode Island"]
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March 14, 1940  BA-J/MCS  Jonathan Nichols S.39829
Mrs. Flora Knapp Dickinson 489 Fifth Avenue New York, New York
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in pension claim, S.39829, based on the military service of Jonathan Nichols. The date and place of birth of Jonathan Nichols and the names of his parents are not shown. While living in Mansfield, Connecticut, Jonathan Nichols enlisted in October, 1775, and served fourteen months as private in Captain John Keyes' company in Colonel Durke's Connecticut regiment. He then enlisted and served three months as private in Captain Troop's company in Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut regiment. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 30, 1818, while living in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. 
In 1820, he was sixty-two years of age and in that year he referred to his wife aged sixty years, his two daughters aged thirty-two and twenty-six years, and an orphan grandchild aged three years but he did not give their names. There are no further data relative to the soldier's family.
Jonathan Nichols died February 13, 1829.
If you desire to obtain the date of the last payment of pension of Jonathan Nichols and the name and address of the person to whom it was paid, you address the Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., giving the following data: Jonathan Nichols, Certificate 8195, issued March 25, 1819, rate $8 per month, commenced March 30, 1818. Act of March 20, 1818, Rhode Island Agency. 
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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[printed form with hand written responses]
39829 INVALID. Revy
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File No. 39,829 Jonathan Nichols Prie Rev War
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Act: 18th March 18th
Index:--Vol. 3, Page 365
[Arrangement of 1870.] [square brackets in original]
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Aug 10 --- 96
sued period W 
Mrs F C Bissell Willimantic Conn  LNB

[lines written vertically, bottom towards top of page, starting in left margin of page] 
1921, Oct. 27 Hist. to Florence Wilson -- En --
1923 - May 24 - Hist to Mrs. C. R. Peterson aus.
1924, July 15, Hist. to Mrs. Anne C. Gilbert MCS
1925 Feb. 21 Hist. to Mrs. Wm. H. Mansfield. MCS
---------------------- 
1928, May 4. hist. to Hon. Hiram Bingham Send case of Samuel Dunham MCS S.453 Hd
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2 ct Stamp [checkmark] MK. MH returned. En
Maysville, Ky., Oct. 7, 1921 Rev. /MH
 
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-  Would you please kindly furnish me with the full military record of Jonathan Nichols, a Revolutionary soldier of Mansfield Conn. who died at Providence, Rhode Island.
He applied for a pension Mch. 30 1832. This was granted for 3 yrs. service 
Respectfully Florence Wilson, 314 Limestone St
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211 North St. Willimantic, Ct. N [large size]
U.S. Pension Comr.
Dr. Sir: 
Kindly give me from your records, the military History, age; relationships &c of Jonathan Nichols, who appears in 1818, as a Connecticut Pensioner residing in R. I.; as disclared [declared] in his appln for Pension. 
Mrs. F. C. Bissell 211 North St Willimantic Conn
Page 13

November 27, 1939  BA-J/MCS Jonathan Nichols S.39829

Mrs. Henry C. Bowen 320 Dennis Street Adrian, Michigan
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, , Jonathan Nichols and Frederick Taylor.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information relative to a Frederick Taylor. 
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in pension claim, S.39829, based on the military service of Jonathan Nichols, the only soldier of that name who served with Connecticut troops that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The data list place of birth of Jonathan Nichols and the names of his parents are not shown. 
While living in Mansfield, Connecticut, Jonathan Nichols enlisted in October, 1775, and served fourteen months as private in Captain John Keyes' company in Colonel Durkee's Connecticut regiment. He then enlisted and served three years as private in Captain Throop's company in Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut regiment. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 30, 1818, while living in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.
In 1820, he was sixty-two years of age and in that year he referred to his wife aged sixty years, his two daughters aged thirty-two and twenty-six years, and an orphan grandchild aged three years but he did not give their names. There are no further data relative to the soldier's family.
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Jonathan Nichols died February 13, 1829.
If you desire to obtain information relative to the date of last payment of pension of Jonathan Nichols and the name and address of the person to whom it was paid, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., giving the following data:
Jonathan Nichols, Certificate 8195, issued March 25, 1819, rate $8 per month, commenced March 20, 1818, Act of March 18, 1818, Rhode Island Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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November 18, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jonathan Nichols S.39829 BA-J/MCS
Mrs. Amos G. Avery Carnegie Institution of Washington Cold Spring Harbor Long Island New York

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the records of soldiers of the Revolution.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.39829, based upon the military service of Jonathan Nichols, the only soldier of that name who served with Connecticut troops that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
While living in Mansfield, Connecticut, Jonathan Nichols enlisted in October, 1775, and served fourteen months as private in Captain John Keyes' company in Colonel Durkee's Connecticut regiment. He then enlisted and served three years as private in Captain Throop's company in Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 30, 1818, while living in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.
In 1820 he was sixty-two years of age and in that year he referred to his wife aged sixty years, his two daughters aged thirty-two and twenty-six years, and an orphan grandchild aged three years but he did not give their names. There are no further data relative to the soldier's family. 
Jonathan Nichols died February 13, 1829.
[hand written note added to typed letter: See Agency Book]
Page 16

The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to Elisha Sprague and Daniel Stanley.
As possible means of securing information relative to the military services of these soldiers, it is suggested that you address the Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, D.C.
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

[hand written note below typed letter: 
See letter to Mrs. Amos G. Avery dated Nov. 9, 1933 in Misc. Files
Page 17

United States Senate
Washington, D.C., 5/4/28, 192
Respectfully referred to [in italics] 
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

[hand written note in center of printed page] 
F.C. Bissell's letters returned to Hon. Hiram Bingham. MCS  Also requested hist. of Samuel Dunham. S.45346

[round postal stamp in center bottom of page: Pension Office U.S. F May 5 1928]

Respectfully, [in italics]  by direction of HIRAM BINGHAM 
----------------
9--345  U. S. S.
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MCS [hand written initials in upper right corner of page] 
Rev. A1812 Wars Section.
May 8, 1928.
Honorable Hiram Bingham, United States Senate, Washington, D. C.
My dear Senator:
In response to your request of May 4, relative to information desired by Mr. F. C. Bissell of 1009 West Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut, I have the honor to advise you as follows:
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.39829, it appears that Jonathan Nichols, while a resident of Mansfield, Connecticut, enlisted in October, 1775, and served fourteen months as a private in Captain John Keyes' Company, Colonel Durkee's Connecticut Regiment. He then enlisted and served three years [pvt -- inserted] in Captain Throop's Company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 30, 1818, while a resident of Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.
In 1820 he was sixty-two years of age, his wife was sixty, there were two daughters aged thirty-two and twenty-six, and a [n orphan -- inserted] grandchild aged three years, no names stated.
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The soldier died February 13, 1829.
There are no further family data on file.
Very truly yours, WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
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MCS [hand written in top right corner of page] 
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section  July 15, 1924
Mrs. Anne C. Gilbert Hebron Conn.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.39829, it appears that Jonathan Nichols, while a resident of Mansfield, Connecticut, enlisted in October, 1775, and served fourteen months as a private in Captain John Keyes' Company, Colonel Durkee's Connecticut Regiment. He then enlisted and served three years in Captain Throop's Company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut Regiment. He was allowed pension on his application executed March 30, 1818, while a resident of Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. In 1820 he was 62 years of age, his wife was 60, there were two daughters, aged 32 and 26, and a grandchild aged 3 years, no names stated. Soldier died February 13, 1829. There is no further family data on file.
Respectfully, Commissioner 

[hand written vertically bottom towards top of page, starting in lower left margin of page] Date of second enlistment Apr 26, 1777 (see page 152, "Conn. Men in Rev.") MCS
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MCS [hand written in upper right corner of page] 
Rev. & 1812 War Section February 21, 1925
Mrs. William H. Mansfield 56 Ring St. Putnem,  Conn.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.39829, it appears that Jonathan Nichols, while a resident of Mansfield, Connecticut, enlisted in October, 1775, and served fourteen months as a private in Captain John Keyes' Company, Colonel Durkee's Connecticut Regiment.
[same P -- inserted] He then enlisted and served three years in Captain Throop's Company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 30, 1818, while a resident of Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.
In 1820 he was sixty-two years of age, he was sixty, there were two daughters, aged thirty-two and twenty-six, and a grandchild aged three years, no names stated. [P -- inserted] The soldier died February 13, 1829. There is [are -- inserted] no further family data on file.
Respectfully, Commissioner
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March 14, 1940  
BA-J/MCS Burwell Davis, S.8286  Jonathan Nichols, S. 39829 [name underlined with an arrow pointing to it] 

Mrs. Flora Knapp Dickinson 499 Fifth Avenue New York, New York

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information relative to Revolutionary War pensioners, Burrel Davis and Jonathan Nichols.
You are furnished herewith, the records of Burwell Davis, S.8286, and Jonathan Nichols, S. 39829, as shown in papers on file in their claims for pensions.  
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER  Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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[in top left corner of page, circular graphic for Daughters of the American Revolution] 

[in top right corner of page, upside down circular office stamp: RECEIVED NOV 1 1989 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 5 VETS ADM] 

Revolutionary Dept. [name underlined and an arrow underneath the line and pointing to the word "Dept."]  
320 Dennis St., Adrian, Mich., Oct. 30, 1939
Veterans Administration, Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.,

Gentlemen, 
Have you on file any Pension granted to Nancy or Agnes Taylor, wid. of Frederick Taylor? [name underlined] Letters of Administration were granted to Robert, son, and Nancy Taylor, on June 11, 1804 in the estate of Fredrick Taylor, deceased, Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Penn., Turbutt Twp.
At Sunbury Court House I was told that Nancy and Agnes were names for one and the same person among the Scotch-Irish of their locality.
Thanking you for this and many past favors, I am Yours truly, Harriet C. Bowen [signature] (Mrs. Henry C.)

Re Nichols, Jonathan
In Palmyra cemetery, Lenawee Co., Mich., is this record: Welch, Sarah, wife of S. M., d. Mar. 19, 1875 age 100y 9m 19d.
According to Court House record of death at Adrian, Mich., is the information that she is the dau. of Jonathan Nichols and wife Sarah, of Conn. [state underlined] 
There were two Jonathan Nichols in the Revolution from Conn., but I do not know whether either had a wife SARAH. Did you
issue a pension to either Jonathan or a widow Sarah?
This is information for Chapter Chrm., to establish proof of father's service to mark the grave of Sarah Nichols Welch as a Dau. of a Rev. Soldier.
Thanking you again,  Harriet C. Bowen [signature] 320 Dennis St. Adrian, Mich.
Page 24

University Place Nebr Apr 9 1923
Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions,
Dear Sir:
Jonathan Nichols Jr. a soldier of the Revolution born at Ashford Conn. 2-23-1758 died at R.I. Sept XXXX 1828 enlisted 4-26-1777 for three years as private.
Pensioned under act of 1818.
Does the records show that his wife survived to receive pension after his death?
How much pension did he receive?
Will you give any other data that the pension records show.
I ancollecting data for Genealogical purposes.
I am thanking you in advance for a reply to this letter. 
Truly Yours Mrs C R Peterson University Place Nebr, Box 23

[bottom right corner of page: round postal stamp: PENSION OFFICE U S. G APR 12 1923]
Page 25

Johnathon Nichols [name underlined] Jr was born Feb 23, 1758 (that is from the Mansfield, Conn Town Records by Mrs Dimock) He married Rebecca Swift Dec. 11, 1780. (This is from the Mansfield Conn First Church Records, [inserted: published] also by Mrs Dimock). I believe he enlisted in "Throop Co," Conn. as a private for 3 yrs in Washingtons Army, John Shumway Capt. My notes say he was a pensioner under act of 1818. He died at Providence R.I Sept. date, 1828.

Elisha Sprague [name underlined] was born July 15, 1751 died Jan 7, 1824. He married Sybil Jones Mar 31, 1774, and served in the Rev. in Eleazer Hutchinson Co. Col. Hasferds' Regiment of Militia. I don't know where he lived -- possibly Coventry Conn D

If you have reference to any of these in your records or the Pension Burean records will you please send them to me? 
Sincerely Mrs Ames g Elizabeth P Avery Carnegie Institution Cold Spring Harbor L.I. NY 

[bottom right corner of page, written vertically bottom towards top of page: pttd B]
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[in center of top of page, round office stamp: RECEIVED NOV 13 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM Reader # 20] 

Carnegie Institution of Washington DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS COLD SPRING HARBOR, LONG ISLAND, N.Y.
STATION FOR EXPERIMENTAL EVOLUTION EUGENICS RECORD OFFICE Nov 11, 1933
Veterans Administration Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: 
In some notes that I have that were given [inserted: me] by a relative I have that
Daniel Stanley [name underlined] was b. at Attleboro, Mass on Mar 21, 1748 and died Feb. 9, 1798 at the same place. His wife was Anna Daggett. The notes I have say he was in Rev. War serving as a private under Col. Geo. Williams
Johnathan Nichols [name underlined] Sr. married Sarah Bassell of Mansfield, Conn. on May 23, 1749 I have no further information about him except that he was Captain of a company from Mansfield Conn in response to the Levington Alarm & served 3 das. (I do not know whether he was killed in service or what)
Page 27

Hebron, Conn. June 6. 1924
Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen. 
I am endeavoring to secure the Revolutionary record of David Barber of Hebron, born 1716 died 1801.
"Connecticut Men in the Revolution" on page 100 gives his name as being on the Pension Roll, and I would be very glad of any information you can give me in regard to it.
Very truly yours (Mrs) Anne C. Gilbert [signature] 
P.S. I would also like the record of Jonathan Nichols Page 641, same book.
Page 28

[top right corner of page] 
Rd M Field deposi
Page 29

The Deposition of Richard M Field of Providence in the State of Rhode Island who being engaged according to law says that he is well acquainted with Jonathan Nichols of said Providence an applicant for a pension that he has known for the last ten years, that he is also acquainted with [his -- inserted] circumstances - & from his knowledge he has no hesitation is saying that he believes said Nichols now to be in indigent circumstances deserving assistance from his Country -- Richd M Field [signature] 

5 March Rhode Island District -- 
I certify that on the fifth day of March 1819 personally appeared before me Richard M Field & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed. and I further certify that said Deponent is well known to me & that his deposition is entitled to full credit-- Witness Benjamin Cowell Commisrs of District R. I. Dis.

Rhode Island District, 6 March 1819.
I certify that the above Deponent R. M. Field is Sheriff of the County of Providence - and entitled to full and entire credit -- and that I am satisfied that Jthn Nichols is a poor man -- and served [unreadable] required 
David Howell District Judge. [signature]
Page 30

This may certify that I was in the year 1776 a Capt. in the 20th Regt: of troops Raid by the United States, and commanded by [Colo -- inserted] John = Dirkee [unreadable] Commisan [Commission] was Signed by John = Hancock then President of the Congress of the States = And that Jonathan Nichols, then of Mansfield in Connecticut Now of Providence in the State of Rhode Ilande [Island] was an enlisted Soldier in My Company and Served during that year = 
I can further state that I viewed him with marked attention, And that in the Course of the year I was in a no of Actions [Actions written over another word] with Me and at taking the Hurhons at Trenton, and at all times behaved like a good Soldier  Jn Keyes [signature] 
1818 25th May Canajoharia Conty [County] Montgomery State N York