Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14609, Benjamin Dexter, R.I.
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Service
R.I.
Contents
Dexter, Benjamin
Phebe
Number
W.14609
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15704
Rhode Island
Benjn. Dexter
of Providence in the State of R. Island
who was a Private/Sgt. in the Company commanded
by Captain Williams of the Rgt. commanded
by Col. Cook in the R. Island 
line for 15 Mos Private}
9 " Sergeant}
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 95 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July
1833 and sent Benj. Cowell
Providence R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $190.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 47.50
[underline]
$237.50
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. D. Addison, Clerk
Book E Vol. 5 Page 107
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Rhode Island 2548
Phebe Dexter
widow of Benjamin Dexter, dec’d
who died on the 26th of March 1837.
of Providence in the State of Rhode Island
who was a pri. & serg. in the compy commanded
by Captain Williams of the Regt commanded
by Col. Cook in the R. Island
line for 15 months pri. & Sergt.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 41 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 27th day of March, 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of March
1839 and sent to Calvin
Brown, Esq. Foster, R. Island
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1839 $40.66
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept " 20.83
[underline]
$61.49
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the [illegible]
Joint Resolution 7 July 1838
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2, Page 6.
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Benjamin Dexter
[illegible]
18889
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc. August Term 1832
County of Providence
On this Seventh day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a
District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session-- Benjamin Dexter
resident of Gloucester in the County of Providence
and State of Rhode Island aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his
oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
he was born Sept 19th 1754 in Cumberland as per records
of that town and lived there when he enlisted & since the
war has lived there and in Gloucester where I now live
and the applicant further states that early in the Spring
of 1776 he enlisted & served as a private for three months in Cap. 
Elisha Waterman’s company of Minute men & was 
in constant service at Bristol Rhode Island &c 
and the applicant further states that again in the Summer 
of 1776 he enlisted as a private in Capt. George Pecks company of
minute men for six months and was in constant service
the whole time at Howland ferry-- Tiverton &c. 
and the applicant further states that in the winter
of 1776 & 7 he was drafted for one month who his officers
were he has forgot & was stationed at Providence
and also the next month was a substitute in the same
company & was stationed at Providence
and the applicant further states that in the December 1777
he enlisted for three months as a private in Cap James Williams
company & Col John Cooks regiment & was stationed on
Rhode Island &c was there when the British fleet
come into Newport Harbour 
and the applicant further states that in the year 1777
he enlisted as first Sargent & for nine months in Cap Reuben
Ballow's company & Col Crary's regiment of Rhode Island
Troops & was stationed at Bristol the whole time
and the applicant further states that in August 1778
he was drafted for one month as a private in Cap
Wilmarths company & Col Livingston regiment & was in
Sullivan’s Expedition
and the applicant further states that in the summer 
of 1779 he was hired by Cap George Peck & was under
him two months guarding the Beacon Pole in
Cumberland
all of which enlistments he served out and was honourably
discharged-- but never had a written discharge
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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.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid 
Benjamin Dexter
alled B. Cowell
Amaziah Weatherhead maketh that he is well
acquainted with Benjamin Dexter of
Gloucester & from his personal knowledge
he knows that said Benjamin served
in the War of the Revolution he served
nine with in Capt. Ballou’s company
Col Crary’s Regiment as a Sergeant
I served at the same regiment 
myself during the same time.
Amaziah Weatherhead
August 7 1832 Sworn to in open Court
B. Cowell Clk
I Oliver Cornel of Glocester in the County of
Providence on oath do say, that Benjamin
Dexter of Glocester, served with me at New Port
for three months - James Williams was Captain
This was in 1776
Oliver Cornell
Sworn to in open Court Aug 7 1832
B. Cowell
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 Revolutionory Soldier, and
served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Oliver Cornell & Amaziah Weatherhead
who have testified for applicant 
are resident as they state and
are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
of Benjamin Dexter for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office,
This 17 day of November 1832
Benjamin Cowell clk
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence Ss}
On this 13th day of August A. D. 1830 Personally appeared 
before me Eli Aylsworth a Justice of the Court
of Common Pleas within & for said County Phebe Dexter
a resident of Foster in said County of Providence
aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions
made by the act of Congress passed the 4th of July A. D. 1836
& of the resolutions of Congress relative to said act passed
July 7th 1838. That she is the widow of Benjamin
Dexter who was a sergeant in the army of the revolution
that he drew a pension from the government of the United
State under the provisions of the act of Congress of June 7th
A. D. 1832 of Ninety five dollars per annum. She further
declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Dexter
on the fifth day of August one thousand seven hundred
& seventy three, & that her said husband the said
Benjamin Dexter died on the 26 day of March A. D. 1837
that she has remained a widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto
annexed.
Phebe Dexter her X mark
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence ss.
Foster August 13th  A. D. 1830
Personally came Phebe Dexter subscriber to the above
declaration & made oath to the same in due form of law
I further certify that the said Phebe Dexter by reason of
bodily infirmity is not able to attend the court
Sworn to & subscribed before me Eli Aylworth J. C. C. Pleas
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I Benjamin Dexter of Gaster in the County of Providence & state of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law do testify & say that the record hereunto annexed was taken out of the family Bible of my father Benjamin Dexter late of Foster deceased, that said record was copyed by my said father from an old family Bible about the year AD 1818 & has remained in the family ever since. The old record was very much oblitered & worn out & I think is now entirely gone when my father purchased the new Bible he made said copy from the old one with the exception of the births & deaths that occured after that period & I further certify that the said Benjamin Dexter was a revolutionary pensioner at the time of his deceased.
Benjaman Dexter

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence ss [illegible] October AD 1838
Personally came Benjamin Dexter subscriber to the above deposition & made oath to the same in due form of law & I further certify that the said deponent is a person of truth & veracity & that his testimony is entitled to credit
Before me William G. Stone Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence Sc.
I, John W. Smith Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of 
Providence, in said State, being a Court of record, do hereby
certify that William G. Stone Esquire, before whom
the annexed affidavit was sworn is a Justice of
the peace for the town of Foster in said County,
that by law he is duly authorized and qualified to
administer oaths and take depositions; and that
his signature aforewritten is genuine.-
[seal]
In witness whereof I hereunto set my
hand and affix the seal of our said
Court at the City of Providence, this
ninth day of October A. D. 1838-
John W. Smith Clerk
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[677]
FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Benjamin Dexter &
Phebea his wife
was Married
August the 5th 1773
MARRIAGES.
86
4R
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[678]
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Benjamin Dexter
was born September
the 19 A. D. 1754
Phebe his wife was
Born December the 31
A. D. 1754.
BIRTHS.
Henry Dexter
Was born the 19
Day of May
A. D. 1780 the Dark
Day
Teresa Dexter was
Born February the
22 day of A. D. 1811
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[679]
Family Record.
Births.
Waterman Dexter was born December 2 AD 1773
Elizia Averya was born February the 12 AD 1807
Benja Dexter [illegible] born March the 22 AD 1795
Henery Ray Dexter was born Septer the 23 AD 1832
Benjamin Franklin Dexter was born April the 2 AD 1834
Andrew Jakson Dexter was born February the 7 day AD 1836

Deaths.
Waterman Dexter died February the 24 AD 1821 his age was forty seven years two monhs & twenty two dayes bured the 28 day
Sabery Mash died Augoust the 15 AD 1825
Hannah Dexter died Augoust the 3 AD 1827 bured the 5 day wife of Waterman Dexter
Eliza Avery died June the 3 AD 1832 h;ur age was 25 years 3 months & 22 dayes
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[680]
Family Record.
Deaths
Benjamin Dexter decased March 26 AD 1837 aged eighty two years six months and seven days
October the 19th AD 1822 Willard Grant died
Hiram Grant died March the 30 AD 1832
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Nancy Follet
Deposition
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Providence ss In Cumberland, August 9 AD 1838
I Nancy Follett eighty one years old engaged according to law do testify and say that Phebe Dexter who was the wife of Benjamin Dexter decesed is my sister and I was present when they was marred and saw them married and she was when  married to said Dexter in hir nineteenth year and she is now in hir eighty forth year. They was married at my fauthers house in said Cumberland. My said sister Dexter now lives in the town of Foster in the state of Rhode Island and she still remains the widow of said Dexter.
Nancy Follet

Providence ss On the ninth day of August AD 1838
There appeared the afore named Nancy Follet and after being carefully examined cautioned and sworn to testify the truth and nothing but the truth gave the aforegoing deposition which was by me in hir presence reduced to writing and by hir in my presence subscribed taken at the request of said Phebe Dexter and I further certify that said Nancy Follet is known to me as of good reputation and that hir statements are entitled to full credit.
Ariel Cook Justice of the Peace
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No 18889
Benjamin Dexter Providence County Rhode Island
Sergt 9 months
Privt 15 months
24
50
45
95

B. Cowell Providence Rhode Island
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War Department, Pension Office, 183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the at 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 shew 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Dexter Providence County R. Island

Period when the service was rendered. Enlisted 1776 spring
Duration of the claimant's service. 3 Months
Rank of the claimant. private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap Waterman
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. At Bristol R. Island
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 77 years Cumberland R. Island
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary & living witnesses, no clergyman, certificate & no reason given &c.

Period when the service was rendered. Enlisted 1776 sum.
Duration of the claimant's service. 6 Months
Rank of the claimant. private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap Pecks
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. Howland Ferry Tiverton &c
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Period when the service was rendered. Drfd 1776 & 7 Winter
Duration of the claimant's service. 1 Month
Rank of the claimant. private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. Providence
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Period when the service was rendered. Sub 1776 & 7
Duration of the claimant's service. 1 Month
Rank of the claimant.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. Providence
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Period when the service was rendered. Enlisted 1777 Dec
Duration of the claimant's service. 3 Months
Rank of the claimant. private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap Williams
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Cook
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. R. Island
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Period when the service was rendered. Enlisted 1777
Duration of the claimant's service. 9 Months
Rank of the claimant. 1 Sergt
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap R. Ballon
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Crary
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. R. Island
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Period when the service was rendered. Drafted 1778 Aug
Duration of the claimant's service. 1 Month
Rank of the claimant. private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap Wilmarth
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Livingston
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Sullivans Expedition
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Period when the service was rendered. Hired 1779 Sum
Duration of the claimant's service. 2 Months
Rank of the claimant.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap G. Peck
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Beacon Pole.
Country through which he marched. Cumberland
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. 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 the Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatment, &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 las 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, that in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlilsted 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 that 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 relinquiahes 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 A.B. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [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 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 hasa 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 day 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. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the 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 appllication of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and sel of office, this day of &c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge of 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 my have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such survivng witnesses 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 19

3 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 detectinng the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless therfore, 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 circustances 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 commissioin, and if so by whhom 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 appllicant. 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 declaration 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 the 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, 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 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. 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. A.B. 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 service I claims 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 accoring to the grade of the pensioner and the 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 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 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 employed 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 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 writtten on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attache 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 official character and signature of the magistrat must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 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 in not [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 to the interrogations must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 20

Revy WIDOW, &c. File no. 14609 Phebe Dexter Wid" of Benjamin Dexter Priv Rev War
Act: July 4" 1836 Index:-Vol. A, Page 176
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 21

V 3756 [illegible] Calvin Brown Sept. 25, 1838.
Page 22

Benja Dexter Cap Ballow Col. Crary on 9 mo Sergt 77

Benja Dexter R.Id. act of 7 June '32. when [illegible] GWC
19 Sep 38
p to 4th March 1837 JH
Page 23

Foster R.I. Inst. 18 free Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. 

532 RI. Aug 21 Joint Reso: Acts 1836 & 1838 Benjn Dexter
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Foster August 17, AD 1838 Dear Sir 
I hereby transmit to you the papers in Mrs. Dexters case. I have endeavoured to furnish such proof as I concluded would be sufficient. Mrs. Follet does not state the month nor day that the marriage took place but she positively declares that she was present at the time and according to her statement she was married in the year AD 1773 as stated in Mrs. Dexters declaration. The marriage is recorded (together with births & deaths) in a large family Bible which would be very inconvenient to send to your office. Mrs. Dexter the winter past petitioned Congress for a pension & the papers in the case was refered to the committee on revolutionary pensions & I conclude that they are now in your office. Mrs. Dexter is old infirm & very poor having worn herself out with har labour & if she is intitled to a pension it would be very acceptable to her as soon as you could make it convenient to investigate her claim. Yours respectfully. Calvin Brown Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. P.S. the marriage recorded in the Bible is August 5 AD 1773 in the hand writing of Mrs. Dexter.
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R.I. Oct 16 Add: Proof Phebe Dexter 4 July 3756

Foster R.I. Hone. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. free
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Foster October 11 AD 1838 Sir
I herewith transmit to your office the word taken from the family Bible of Benjamin Dexter deceased & I hope the same amount of pension will be allowed as was allowed to her said husband. If those persons are to be excluded who served as minute men & had charge of the [illegible] a large number of munitions soldiers will be obliged to relinquish all later claims for pensions. It has always been considered in this state that if the minute men & those who had charge of the [illegible] was actually in that kind of service that they were as much intitled to a pension as if in any other kind of service. I hope that that kind of service will still be allowed i.e. the time they were actually emodied in defense of their country. Yours respectfully Calvin Brown 
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.
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I Calvin Brown of Foster in the County of Providence & state of Rhode Island of lawful age & engaged according to law do testify & say that I was present at the time of the death of Benjamin Dexter. he died at Foster on the 26 day of March AD 1837 that he drew a pension of ninety-five dollars per annum under the act of june 7th 1832 that his widow Phebe Dexter has remained a widow ever since his decease that the said Phebe Dexter now resides in said Foster. Calvin Brown Foster August 13 AD 1838

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Sc. Foster August 13th AD 1838 Personally came Calvin Brown subscriber to the above deposition & made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same & I further certify that the said deponent is a person of truth & veracity & that his testimony is entitled to credit. Eli Aylsworth J.C.C. Pleas sworn to & subscribed before me
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I Benjamin Dexter of Foster County of Providence & State aforesaid of lawful age & engaged according to law do testify & say that I was present at the time of the death of Benjamin Dexter he died at Foster on the 26 day of March AD 1837 that he drew a pension of ninety five dollars per annum under the act of Congress of June 7 1832 that his widow Phebe Dexter has remained a widow ever since the decease of her said husband the said Benjamin Dexter that she now resides in Foster. Benja Dexter Foster August 13 AD 1838

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Ss. Foster August 13 AD 1838 Personally came Benjamin Dexter subscriber to the above deposition and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same & I further certify that the said deponent is a person of truth & veracity & that his testimony is entitled to credit. Sworn to & subscribed before me. Eli Aylsworth J.C.C. Pleas
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V3756
Phebe Dexter widow of Benjamin RId Act 4 July 1836 & joint Resolution of 7 July 38. 
2 mo pri. 6.66
9 sergt    35
$44.66
pen: com: 27 March 1837 - dec.d 26 March 37
Calvin Brown Foster R.Id
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence Ss. Town Clerks office Cumberland August 11th 1838
I Certify that the Certificate of Marraige of Mr. Benjamin Dexter, formerly of Cumberland, is not to be found on the records of this town. Attest. Pardon Sayles Town Clerk

[illegible] Augst 11' 1838 Mr. Calvin Brown Dear Sir yours of the 8th Inst. is rec'd and above you have my certificate, as requested Yous repectfully P Sayles T. Clerk
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providece Sc. I John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Eli Aylesworth Esquire before whom the three aforegoing affidavits were sworn, is a Justice of the said Court of Common Pleas; and that Ariel Cook Esquire before whom one of the aforegoing affidavits was sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Cumberland in said County; that by law said Eli & Ariel are authorized and qualified to take depositions and administer oaths; and that the signatures of the said Eli & Ariel aforewritten are genuine. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of our said Court of the City of Providence this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. John W. Smith Clerk.