Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9605, for Samuel Sims, Rhode Island
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R. I. 
Sims, Samuel
Anna
R. 9605
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(top line obscured)
Samuel Sims
Washington in the state of R. Island who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Peckham of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Mason in the RI 
for 10 months private of infantry
for 12 months private in artillery

Transcribed on the roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 83 dollars 33 cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of November 1833 and sent Rowse Babcock Washington D.C.

Arrears to the 4th of September 1833   $208.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th [illegible] 41.67
                                                               $250.00
Revolutionary claim, Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk
Book E Bol 2nd page 130
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State of Rhode Island County of Washington ss
On this sixteenth day of October A. D. 1832 personally appeared before Horace Perry one of the judges of the court of common Pleas and general [illegible] of the peace within and for the county of Washington Samuel Sims, a resident of Westerly in the county of Washington and state of Rhode Island aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to the law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832. viz. that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born in Westerly, county and state aforesaid on the first day of November AD 1848 the same being entered on the records of said town and has always since resided in said Westerly. And the applicant further states that he first entered the service in the month of December AD 1776 in Capt. John Gavin's Company in Col. Joseph Noyes regiment and went in said company for Boston neck and was there stationed as a guard on the shore it being the time when the British came and took possession of Rhode Island. He served for the term of three months and was discharged. He further states that in the summer of 1777 following he went in said Gavin's company to Point Judith and there served stationed as a guard on the shore three months and was discharged. He also service in the same company at two different periods at Greenhill about one month at each time which he believes was in the fall of 1777. The said deponent further states that he served one month on Rhode Island in said Gavin's company in August of 1778 in Sullivan's expedition. And also served one month in Capt. Joseph Peckham's company in Col. [illegible] regiment in the fall of the year 1780 at the Ten Rod Road so called near what was then called Updike Newton in North Kingstown. And the deponent further stated that in the summer of 1781 he thinks in the month of June he enlisted in the artillery company commanded by Capt. Ichabod Burdick which was previously commanded by Capt. James Babcock and was stationed in said company as a guard on the shore in Westerly in the service the said deponent continued for the term of twelve months and was stationed
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during said time at the house of Nathan Babcock.  He was formally discharged from all the before mentioned service but has no written discharge. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and acknowledges that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 

his mark Samuel Sims

Before me
Maxson Perry, Justice of the Court of common Pleas and General Session of the Peace.

I Maxson Chase residing in the town of Westerly in Rhode Island and William York Jr. residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Sims who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty three 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 to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(signature) Maxson Chase
(signature) William York Jr.

Before me
Hoxsie Perry, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace

Stephen Saunders of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath testifies and says that he has been for many years acquainted with Samuel Sims of said Westerly and says that said Sims was a private in Capt. John Gavit's company and Col. Joseph Noye's regiment and that he served three months in said Company, commencing in the month of December 1776 at the time the British took possession of Rhode Island stationed as a guard on shore at Boston Neck. The said deponent further says that the said Sims served three months at Point Judith in said John Gavit's company stationed as a guard on shore in the summer of 1777 following the above service. He further states that said Sims afterward served two months in said Gavit's company at two different times, stationed at Greenhill in South Kingstown he believes during the fall of 1777 at the time of the above mentioned
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services. The deponent was Lieutenant of said company and had charge of the same in the absence of Capt. Gavin who was on other duty.

(Signature) Stephen Saunders

Washington sc. Westerly Oct. 15 1832
Personally came the above Stephen Saunders and before deposing was by me carefully examined and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth made the foregoing deposition which was by me reduced to writing and by the deponent subscribed.

(signature) Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace

Nathan Barber of Westerly in the County of Washington and the state of Rhode Island on oath testifies that he is well acquainted with Samuel Sims of said Westerly and well knows that said Sims was a soldier in Capt. John Gavit's company in Col. Joseph Noye's regiment for one month in Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition in the summer of 1778. He further states that he knows that said Sims served one month in Capt. Joseph Peckham's company in Col. Jesse Maxson's regiment in the fall of the year at the Ten Rod Road so called and near what was then called Updike Newton, that said deponent further states that in the month of June 1781 the said Samuel Sims enlisted in the artillery company then commanded by Capt. Ichabod Burdick and previously by Capt. James Babcock of which company the deponent was Lieutenant for twelve months and served until said time expired stationed as a guard on shore in said Westerly from Whatchhill Point thence eastward to Charlestown quartered at the house of Nathan Babcock. I certify to the truth of foregoing from personal knowledge having served on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition in Capt. Henry Well's company and Col. Noye's regiment as head of the Ten Rod Road in Capt. Alvin Lewis's company in Col. Jesse Maxson's regiment and in the artillery company commanded by said Ichabod Burdick all at the same time with said Sims.
(signature) Nathan Barber

Washington sc. Westerly Oct 15th 1832
Personally came before me the subscriber the above named Nathan Barber and before deposing was by me carefully examined, cautioned, and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth made the forgoing deposition which was by me reduced to writing and by him subscribed.

(signature) Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace
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And I the said justice do solemnly 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 soldier and served as he stated. And I further certify that it appears to me that Maxson Chase and William York Jr. who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the town of Westerly and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I also further certify that the aforesaid applicant from his bodily infirmity cannot attend the court which is the reason of my making his declaration.
(signature) Hoxsie Perry Justice aforesaid

I Hoxsie Perry, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding before me in the matter of the application of Samuel Sims for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October AD 1832
(signature) Hoxsie Perry, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington SC Clerk's office, Sout of Common Pleas Oct. 1832
L.S.  I, Samual Helme, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Washington do hereby certify that the Honorable Hoxsie Perry whose signature is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace legally chosen and qualified as the law requires & the signature is Judge Perry's handwriting. I further certify that the seal here impressed is true seal of the Courts aforesaid. 
(signature) Sam'l Helme, Clk.

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington sc. Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
 
Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts aforesaid do hereby certify that Jed W. Knight Esq whose certificate is hereto affixed is a Justice of the peace for the Town of Westerly legally chosen and qualified as the law requires, that full faith and credit ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with Mr. Knight and say that the signature is his handwriting. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the day aforesaid.

(signature) Sam'l Helme, Clk.

Note written along the right margin:

[first word illegible, possibly Copy?]
Samuel Sims
8-21-873 RI Widow 960   R. I.
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11,350
Anna Sims
R. I. 
Act 7th July '38

m. July 8th 94
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Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," and the several acts and resolutions explanatory and in amendment thereof.

State of Rhode Island County of Washington ss.

On this tenth day of September (August crossed out) 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington Anna Sims, who before her marriage was Anna Pendleton, a resident of Westerly in the County aforesaid, aged eighty four 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 provision of the act of July 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and the several acts and resolutions of Congress explanatory and in amendment thereof. That she is the widow of Samuel Sims who was a Matross, as she is informed in the war of the Revolution in the military service of the United States; but declarant has no documentary evidence of his service, and respectfully refers the department to the fact that her said husband, Samuel Sims, receives for his services a pension as she believes of eighty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum during his life.

She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Sims by Elder Elkanah Babcock on the eight day of February seventeen hundred and ninety four, that her said husband the aforesaid Samuel Sims died at said Westerly on the second day of July eighteen hundred and thirty eight that she has not remarried since the death of her said husband but now remains his widow.

the word "September" interlined before Signed

Anna Sims (signed by X marking)

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me by the aforesaid Anna Sims. And I certify that she is
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a person of veracity and that her testimony is entitled to credit.

 I also further certify that by reason of bodily infirmity the said Anna Sims is unable to attend Court at the usual place of holding the same and that I have taken this her declaration at her residence in Westerly

George D. Croft Justice C. C. Pleas
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This may certify all people whom it may concern that Samuel Sims & Anna Pendleton both of Westerly were lawfully married by me the eighth day of February AD one thousand seven hundred and ninety four.

(signature) Elkanah Babcock "Elder"

endorsed March 18th,1798
by Samuel Blevin Town Clerk

State of Rhode Island
Washington County sc.
Westerly August 12th AD 1844.

I Jesse Maxson Clerk of the Town of Westerly in the county of Washington aforesaid do hereby certify that this is a true copy of the records with the exception of the dates which are expressed in fair legible figures as follows (viz.)
("on the 8th day of February 1794.")
Certified by Jesse Maxson Town Clerk

I Jesse Maxson above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Westerly above mentioned and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town as certified by [illegible]
Attest (signature) Jesse Maxson Town Clerk

Sworn before me 
(signature) Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace
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Maxson Chase of Westerly, County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of lawful age, & engaged according to law, testifies and says that he resides within a few rods of the dwelling of the late Samuel Sims and was well acquainted with him, that he was present at the time of the death of said Sims, which was on the second day of July 1838, and deponent attended his funeral on the fourth day of said month. Deponent further says that Anna Sims, widow of said Samuel Sims, has resided in the dwelling of her late husband since his decease and that she has not married since that time but remains the widow of said Samuel Sims.
(signature) Maxson Chase

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington ss
On the 15th day of August 1844 personally appeared Maxson Chase who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I certify that Maxson Chase is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit.

(signature) Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace
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Robert  Burdick of Westerly, County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law, on oath testifies and says that he was well acquainted with Samuel Sims late of Westerly & resided within three quarters of a mile of said Sim's house when he died, that he was present at the time, which was on the second day of July 1838; deponent well remembers that he went to Preston in the State of Connecticut on the following day, to notify said Sims's son of the death of his father; and deponent attended the funeral of said Sims on the following day, which was the fourth of said July. Deponent further says that he is acquainted with Anna Sims, widow of said Samual Sims, that she has resided in the dwelling of her late husband since his death; that she has not married since, but now remains the widow of said Samuel Sims
(signature) Robert Burdick

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington ss
On the 15th day of August 1844 personally appeared Robert Burdick who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I certify that the said Robert Burdick is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
(signature) Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace
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Document contains a seal, which is illegible

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington sc. Clerk office Court of Common Pleas September 11 AD 1844
I hereby certify that George D. Cross Esq is one of the justices of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Washington aforesaid duly commissioned by the governor of this State and in all respects legally qualified to act as such and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his is genuine. I also certify that Jedediah M. Knight Esq. is one of the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Westerly in the county aforesaid, that he is duly commissioned by the Governor of this state and otherwise legally qualified to act as such and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & the seal of the court this day & year last above mentioned.

[illegible]
(signature) Matthew Meritt, clerk
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15.769
Samuel Sims
R. I.
Private arty (artillery?) 12 months
private infy (infantry?) 10 months
22

Return in

Rowse Babcock
Westerly
R. I.
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War Department
Pension Office
8th November 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A statement showing the service of Samuel Simms. 
(information from table)
1776, served three months as a private with Capt. Gravit
1777, three months as a private with Cor. Mays
1777, two months as a private with Mays
1778 1 month as a private with Mays
1778, one month as a private with Capt. Peckham and Col Macson
1781, one year with artillery 
He was 83 years old at time of the claim
Entered service in Westerly, R.I. 
Proof was by living witnesses.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.

(Note there are two calculations written on the bottom of the letter, as follows)

8333 x 2= 16666 + 41.67 + 208.33

50 + 33.33 = 83033
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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 declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years
 of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 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 it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
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 services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The 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 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 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 bis 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 mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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 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 au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie 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 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 written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate 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 [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [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 interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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11.350
Anna Sims
R. I. 
Rejected
Let. to Jed W. Knight March 22nd 1844
to same March 12 '45

9605
Act. 7th. July 32
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Anna sims
Alleges: The printed list of 1832 gives causes of rejections as Married after Jan. 1, 1794

Written along the left side is:
List to S. B. Ward acct.
Page 20

J. W. Knight
March 12 '45
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235

Pension Office 
March 12 '45
Sirs
In answer to your letter of the 3rd March inst. respecting the claim of Anna Sims I have to state that no act has been passed by congress whereby the time within which the marriage must have taken place, in this case of widows of Revolutionary soldiers, has been extended. No widow of a revolutionary soldier whose marriage to him took place after the 31st of Dec. '93 is entitled to a pension.

Jed. W. Knight Esq.
Westerly
Rhode Island

11.350
Act July 7 '38
Page 22

Jed. w. Knight
Nov. 22 '44
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Pension Office
Nov. 22 '44
Sir
The papers in the case of Anna Sims widow of Samual Sims claiming a pension under the act of July 7 '38 have been examined and filed. According to the claimant's own testament she is not entitled to a pension, her marriage having taken place on the 8th of Feb. 1794, whereas the law requires that all widows shall have been married before the 1st of Jan. 1794 in order to bring them within its pensions. the claim is not allowed.

Jed. W. Knight Esq.
Westerly
R. I. 

11.350
Act 7th July '38
Page 24

Westerly R. I. March 3rd 1845
Sir,

I beg leave to call your attention to the application of Mrs. Anna Sims for a pension, forwarded last September, and rejected on account of the date of her marriage. Under the late act of congress extending the time of marriage, which I presume embraces her case, will it be necessary for her to make a new declaration or can she obtain a certificate on the former one?

Very respectfully your obedient servant,
J. W. Knight

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 25

Westerly R.I. Sept. 16, 1844

Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of Mrs. Anna Sims in order to obtain a pension. Her case so far as I am informed is meritorious and is commended to your favorable attention.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
Jed. W. Knight

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 26

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 27

R 9605
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D. C.

In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Sims a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

(note: information from table consolidated to make it readable)

Dec. 76 served three months under Capt. John Gravit and Col. Jos. Noyes
1777 five months under same
August 78, one month under same
Fall 80 one month under Capt. Jos. Peckham and Col. Jesse Maxson
June 81 enlisted for 12 months under Capt. Ichabod Burdick. 
All service was in Rhode Island at a rank of private

Battles engaged in: Gen. Sullivan's R. I. expedition
Residence of soldier at enlistment: Westerly, R.I.
Date of application for pension: Oct 16, 1832. [illegible]
Residence at date of application: Westerly, R. I. 
Age at date of application: B. Nov 1, 1748, in Westerly R. I. 
Remarks: Sol. mar. Feb 8, 1794 at Westerly, R. I. Anna Pendleton of said place. He d. there July 2, 1838. She was living there in 1844 aged 84 years. There is no further data on file as to family.

Respectfully, Commissioner 

Widow's rejection not mentioned, only legal
Page 28

Rev. Sol.

223 West Thames Street
Norwich, Connecticut
Nov. 14, 1921

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly send me the military history of Samuel Sims of Westerly, Rhode Island, a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Can you also advise me how I can find out about the Lemuel Smith who was in the payroll of Capt. Edward Mott's

Postmark US Pension Office
D
Nov. 15 1921
Page 29

Company stationed at Groton in 1776. Time of enlistment Mar. 1, 1776, discharge June 24

He was not on the pension rolls at any time that I can find and I should much appreciate you telling me how I might proceed to find out his further record, home, etc.
Thanking you for your kindness in this matter, I am
Very truly yours, 
(Miss) Sybil Blossom Ward.

Stamped: Record Division Nov. 17 1921
Page 30

State of Rhode Island County of Washington sc

On this sixteenth day of October AD 1932 personally appeared before Hoxsie Perry, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, within and for the count of Washington, Samuel Sims, a resident of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island aged eighty-three 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. Viz. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated--That he was born in Westerly, county and state aforesaid on the first day of November AD 1748, the same being entered on the records of said town and has always since resided in said Westerly. And the applicant further states that he first entered service in the month of December AD 1776 in Capt. John Gavit's company in Col. Joseph Noyes' regiment and went in said company to Boston neck and was there stationed as a guard on the shore, it being the time when the British came and took possession of Rhode Island. He served for the term of three months and was discharged. He further states that in the summer of 1777 following, he went in said Gavit's company to Point Judith and there served stationed as a guard on the shore three months and was discharged.  He also served in the same company at two different periods at Greenhill about one month at each time, which he believes was in the Fall of 1777. The said deponent further states that he served one month in Rhode Island in said Gavit's company in August 1778 in Sullivan's expedition. And also served one month in Capt. Joseph Peckham's company in Col. Jesse Maxson's regiment in the Fall of the year 1780 at the Ten Rod Road so called near what was then called Updike Newtown in North Kingstown. And the deponent further states that
Page 31

in the summer of 1781 he thinks in the month of June he enlisted in the artillery company, commanded by Capt. Ichabod Burdick which was previously commanded by Capt. James Babcock and was stationed in said company as a guard on the shore in Westerly, in this service the said deponent continued for the term of twelve months and was stationed during said term at the House of Nathan Babcock. He was honorably discharged from all other before mentioned services but had no written discharge. He hereby relinquishes any 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. 

His mark Samuel Sims

Before me Hoxsie Perry 
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace

I Maxson Chase residing in the town of Westerly in Rhode Island and William York Jr., residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Sims who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty three 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 to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(signature) Maxson Chase
(signature) William York Jr. 

Before me 
Hoxsie Perry,
 Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
Page 32

Stephen Saunders of Westerly in the county of Washington and the state of Rhode Island on oath testifies and says that he has been for many years acquainted with Samuel Sims of said Westerly, and says that said Sims was a private in Capt. John Gavit's company and Col. Joseph Noyes' regiment and that he served three months in said company, commencing in the month of December 1776 at the time the British took possession of Rhode Island, stationed as a guard on shore at Boston Neck. The said deponent further says that the said Sims served three months on Point Judith in said John Gavit's company, stationed as a guard on shore in the summer of 1777 following the above service. He further states that said Sims afterwards served two months in said Gavit's company, at two different times stationed at Green Hill in South Kingstown, he believes during the Fall of 1777; at the time of the above mentioned services, the deponent was Lieutenant of said company and had charge of the same in the absence of Capt. Gavit who was on other duty. 

(signature) Stephen Saunders

Washington sc, Westerly Oct. 15, 1832. Personally came the above Stephen Saunders and before deposing was by me carefully examined, and sworn, to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, made the foregoing deposition, which was by me reduced to writing and by the deponent subscribed.
Jed. W. Knight 
Justice of the Peace

Nathan Barber of Westerly in the County of Washington & state of Rhode Island on oath testified that he is well acquainted with Samuel Sims of said Westerly, and well knows that said Sims was a soldier in Capt. John Gavit's company in Col. Joseph Noyes' regiment for one month on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition in the summer of 1778. He further states, that he knows that said Sims served one month in Capt. Joseph Peckham's company in Col. Jesse Maxson's regiment in the fall of the year 1780 at the Ten Rod Road so called, and near what was then called Updike Newtown. And said deponent further states that in the month of June 1781 the said Samuel Sims enlisted in the artillery company then commanded by Capt. Ichabod Burdick & previously by Col. James Babcock (of which company the deponent was Lieutenant) for twelve months and served until said time expired, stationed as a guard on shore in said Westerly
Page 33

I Jedediah W. Knight, a Justice of the peace for the town of Westerly,
County of Washington, and State of Rhode Island, before whom the foregoing Depositions of Stephen Saunders and Nathan Barber were taken, do certify that the said Deponents are personally known to me, and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit for truth and veracity.
Given under my hand in said Westerly the 22nd day of April 1833.
Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace..


A, Amos R. Wells, a Clergyman residing in the town of North
Stonington in the State of Connecticut, adjoining the town of Westerly
in Rhode Island, hereby certify that I am well acquainted by
reputation with Samuel Sims, who has subscribed and sworn
to the foregoing declaration, that I believe him to be eighty three
years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neigh
-borhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution
and that I concur in that opinion.  Amos R. Wells
Westerly R.I. April 22nd AD 1833

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington County fc
At a Court of Probate in Westerly in said County April 22nd AD 1833
personally appeared the above subscriber Amos P. Wells and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and the said Court hereby certify that the said Amos P. Wells is at this time a reputable Clergyman, and [illegible] (as such on this [illegible]
And I Jesse Maxson Clerk of the Court aforesaid hereby certify that the above contains the proceedings of said Court in reference to the foregoing certificate of Amos R Wells.  And I also further certify that Jedidiah W. Knight who signed the above certificates is now a Justice of the Peace in the town and legally qualified to act in said capacity.  In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 22 day April A.D.  1833
Jesse Maxson P. Clerk
Page 34

after the investigation of the mother, and after putting [illegible]
interrogations prescribed by the War Department, that
the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier
and served as he states.  and I further certify that
it appears to me that Maxson Chase and William York Jr.
who have signed the preceding certificate are residents
in the town of Westerly and are credible persons, and
that their statement is entitled to credit.
And I also further certify that the aforesaid
applicant, from his bodily infirmity cannot attend
the Court, which is the reason of my taking
his dec;laration. - Hoxsie Perry Justice aforesaid.

I, Hoxsie Perry, Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace
de hereby certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceeding before me in the matter
of the application of Samuel Sims for a
Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand this sixteenth day of October
AD. 1832.
Hoxsie Perry Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
and General Sessions of the Peace

Washington Dep Clerks Office Court Com. Pleas Plantations Oct. 1832
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace for the County
of Washington do hereby certify that the Hon'ble Hoxsie Perry
is whose signature is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas &
General Sessions of the Peace legally sworn and Qualified as the
Same & the signature is Judge Perry's hand writing.  I further
certify that the Seal here impressed is true Seal of the
Court Aforesaid.  Sam. Helme Clk