Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23160, for Abel Rice, New Hampshire
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Mass|Rice, Abel|W23160|
N.H.|Gray, Anna (Former widow)|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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Vermont(B.)2,184.
Anna Gray, formerly widow of Abel Rice, deceased, Vt. who died ['on the' crossed out] in July 1800, of Addison Co. in the State of Vermont, who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Draper, of the regmt commanded by Col Bond in the Vermont line for 2 years, Sergeant.
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont (B.) at the rate of 120 Dollars [' -- Cents' crossed out] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of July 1838, and sent to the Hon. William Slade, of the H. of R.
______
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838, $840.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep'tr " 60.00
$900.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d.}
Recorded by G. T. Rhodes Clerk,
Book A, Vol. 2, Page 36.
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3624
Anna Gray formerly widow of Abel Rice - Vt
adm'd
2 years Serg't
120$
no deduction
To be reported to W. Slade
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss} On the 26th day of June 1838 before Calvin Solace one of the Judges of Addison County Court personally appeared Anna Gray late Anna Rice a resident of Bridport in the County of Addison aforesaid aged Seventy Eight years and upwards as near as she can recollect having been born on the 21st day of July AD 1759. she being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and March 3d 1837 that she was formerly the widow of Abel Rice a Sergeant in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War, that during the was she and the said Abel Rice resided in Guilford in the County of Windham in Vermont - that after her marriage with the said Abel Rice and at the Commencement of the Revolutionary War according to the best of her recollection in the year 1775 The said Abel Rice enlisted as a Soldier the length of time she does not recollect, That he marched from Guilford aforesaid to Cambridge near Boston and that while he was absent from home she lived in the house of Mr. Goodwin and that her father Samuel Richards furnished her with some provisions according to the best of her recollection. That she does well remember her husband Abel Rice returning home from said Campaign that he was then called Sergeant Rice, and said that he had seen General Washington at Cambridge and she thinks that the s'd Abel Rice stated that he had been in the battle of Bunkerhill that she also recollects of Seth Rice brother of the s'd Abel Rice dining at Cambridge during said Campaign and that in the spring of the year 1777 according to her best recollection but possible the date is not exactly correct the said Abel Rice enlisted at Guilford aforesaid for during the war in a Company of Rangers Commanded by Capt. Aldrich who resided in a town in Newhampshire whose name she has
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forgotten and the Corps into which he enlisted was commanded by Major Whitcomb also from New Hampshire a part of the troops being from New Hampshire, and some from New Hampshire Grants as Vermont was then called; He marched to the neighborhood of Lake Champlain, and served on Scouts and [illegible] from Ticonderoga to Canada, he was in the neighborhood of Ticonderoga being out as a Scot when that ford was given up to the British under General Burgoyne in 1777 and he served in that Corps and in that neighborhood until the Close of the War, and was in the Service the whole time, except that he came home occasionally for a short time, on a furlough; - The above is as near as she can recollect the facts as she knew them or learned them from the said Abel Rice at the time, on account of her advanced age she is not able to recollect the particular facts or dates of his said Several Services further than the above stated, But she does able recollect that the said Abel Rice enlisted for during the War, before Ticonderoga was given up to the British as above stated, and that he served from that time to the close of the war, that he served as a Sergeant, but whether an Orderly Sergeant or not she is not able to recollect, and that he served the whole time under the Officers above named - That she was married to the said Abel Rice in Guilford aforesaid in the month of September she thinks in the year 1774. That is the fall before the war commenced being at any rate only about two months over fifteen years of age by the Rev. [illegible] of Brattleborough, who preached also half the time in Guilford - Before she was married, she resided with her father in Guilford and after her marriage, she and the said Abel Rice continued to reside in Guilford until March 1786. when she and the said Abel Rice removed to Bridport aforesaid. That she and the said Abel Rice continued to reside in Bridport until July 1800 when the said Abel Rice died at Bridport aforesaid.
That her name before her marriage to the said Abel Rice
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was Anna Nichols and her father's name was Samuel Nichols; About three years after the decease of the said Abel Rice, she was married to Lamond Gray of said Bridport, with whom she lived until near 1812. Then he the said Lamond Gray died at Bridport aforesaid, that she is not able to recollect the dates having no records or memoranda present to assist her memory. That since the death of the said Lamond Gray she has remained a widow and unmarried as will appear by the proofs hereunto annexed 
She further says that after her marriage to the said Abel Rice there were born unto them nine children - The eldest child was a daughter whose name was Sally Rice was born March 8 1777. Jonas Rice son of her the s'd Anna & Abel Rice was born September 26th 1778. Anna Rice daughter of the s'd Abel and Anna Rice was born May 20th 1780. Percis Rice daughter of her the s'd Anna and Abel Rice was born March 28, 1782. Polly Rice daughter of her the s'd Anna and Abel Rice was born January 26, 1784. Susanna Rice daughter of the s'd Anna and Abel Rice was born february 5 1786. Joel Rice son of her the s'd Anna and Abel Rice was born April 14th 1792. Asa Rice son of her the s'd Anna and Abel Rice was born April 16, 1798. there was also born unto them the said Anna and Abel Rice one other son that died in his infancy that she is not able to state the date of his birth. 
She hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and she declares that her name is not on the pension-roll of any agency in any state
/s/X her Mark Anna Gray
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me /s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court 
State of Vermont
Addison County ss} I Calvin Solace one of the Judges of Addison County Court do hereby certify that the above named Anna Gray is a credible witness and that from her advanced age and bodily infirmity she is unable to appear in Court
/s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court
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State of Vermont 
Addison County ss} I Calvin Solace one of the Judges of Addison County Court do hereby declare my opinion after investigation of the matter in the foregoing application of Anna Gray for a pension That said Anna Gray was formerly the widow of the said Abel Rice and married as she states, and that the said Abel Rice was a Soldier of the Revolution and Served as she states, and that all the facts set forth in her Declaration in my opinion are true 
And I do further declare that it appears to me that Jonas Rice of Orwell - Jonas Rice of Bridport Joel Rice, Johnnie S Strong Ebenezer Nichols and Thadeus (Thaddeus) Nichols are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
/s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss} on the 26th day of June 1838  before me Calvin Solace one of the Judges of Addison County Court personally appeared Jonas Rice of Bridport in the County of Addison aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose certify and say that he is the Son of Abel Rice late of Bridport deceased and Anna Rice, now Anna Gray of Bridport aforesaid that he was born as he has always understood at Guilford in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont on the 26th day of September 1778.
From the time of his earliest recollection he remembers of hearing his father Abel Rice then of Guilford aforesaid speak of his having been in the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War and of his relating the circumstances of his Service, and the places where he Served, but being that young he is not now able to relate the particulars except that he was at Ticonderoga, that he was in the Service a considerable time a year or two or more and one of the first [illegible] in the history of his [illegible] he now remembers distinctly that is his father Abel Rice returning home from the Service - The circumstances which made so strong an impression on his mind was that at the time of his return there were some soldiers in his father's home at Guilford armed with guns, and when they saw his father the said Abel Rice coming they raised their guns and pointed them at him in sport, as they were going to fire, which alarmed him the s'd Jonas Rice - at the time he the said Jonas was young but how old he is not now able to say 
That he has often heard his mother Anna Gray then Anna Rice speak of her own hardships while his father the said Abel Rice was in the Service being left a lone as she was with Several Children- That he the said Jonas had one Sister about a year and a half older than himself who was the oldest Child of the said Abel Rice and Anna Rice, that
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her name was Sally Rice, she was born at Guilford and died when she was about thirty years of age, That the said Abel Rice and Anna Rice had born unto them Eight children that some lived to years of manhood, and one son that died in his infancy, And the said Jonas Rice States, that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration of Anna Gray his mother are true So far as then have come to his knowledge, that his father the said Abel Rice died at Bridport in the month of July 1800. and that his mother the said Anna Rice lived a widow about three  years when she was married to Lamond Gray of said Bridport with whom she lived until the month of June 1812 when the s'd Lamond Gray died and that his mother the s'd Anna Gray formerly Anna Rice has remained a widow ever since the decease of the said Lamond Gray - and further say not 
/s/Jonas Rice
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year first above written 
Before me /s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court 
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Jonas Rice and that he is a credible witness
/s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss.} On the 26th day of June 1838 before me Calvin Solace one of the Judges of Addison County personally appeared Joel Rice of Bridport in said County and being duly sworn according to Law doth depose testify and say that his father Abel Rice late of Bridport deceased and husband of Anna Gray who has this day made the foregoing declaration, died on the 9th day of July 1800. at Bridport aforesaid - although then only eight years old this deponant well recollects the death of his father and the subject having been frequently in his mind he well recollects the date of his death it being on the same day and year that Shoreham Meeting House was raised - And the said Joel Rice further testifies that his  mother Anna Gray formerly Anna Rice is now living at Bridport afore'd, and that she has remained a widow ever since the decease of the said Lamond Gray with whom she was married about three years after the decease of the said Abel Rice - The said Lamond Gray died at Bridport in June 1812. and further saith not
/s/Joel Rice
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year first above written
Before me /s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Joel Rice and that he is a credible witness
/s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss} Be it known that before me Udney H. Everest a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Addison aforesaid personally appeared Jonas Rice of Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont aged Eighty five years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose testify and say that Abel Rice late of Bridport in the County of Addison aforesaid deceased was a a brother to him the said Jonas Rice, that at the commencement of the Revolutionary war on the first day of May 1775 the said Abel Rice enlisted as a Sergeant for the term of Eight months in Capt. Moses Draper's Company in Colo. Bond's Regiment in General Green Brigade and in General Charles Sub Division. That he enlisted at Guilford in the State of Vermont then called the Newhampshire Grants, that he marched from Guilford aforesaid to Cambridge in the vicinity of Boston and that the said Abel Rice served the full time of his Eight months enlistment, and that at the expiration of said Eight months he returned home to Guilford aforesaid where he resided, General Green Commanded the Brigade and General Lee the Division, during said Eight months served as aforesaid, and that he the said Jonas Rice belonged to the same Company, Regiment, Brigade, and Division as aforesaid and served as a Soldier with his brother Abel Rice at the same time, And that on or about the 1st of March 1777, the said Abel Rice enlisted under Lieut Daniel Goodenough (Goodenow) in Capt. Aldridge's Company and in Major Whitcomb's Core of Rangers so called, and marched from Guilford aforesaid to Ticonderoga and there served the Army Commanded by General St. Clair, and that he there served as a Soldier, and was then at the time Ticonderoga was [illegible] and was with the Army until a few days before the battle of Bennington on the 16th day of August 1777. That the said Abel Rice left the Army at Saratoga in consequence of ill health, and that he continued out of health until the Spring of 1778. when he having rejoined
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his health returned back to the American Army and that said Jonas Rice further testifies and says that in the year 1778 he the said Jonas Rice was in the Service in the regular Army in the nine months Army so called and that he returned home to Guilford aforesaid in the fore part of January 1779 and at the time his brother Abel Rice was absent from home in the service of  his Country as a Soldier and that his wife Anna Rice and family were then living at their home in Guilford, and that in the course(?) of the Winter 1779 the said Abel Rice returned tohis family in Guilford on a furlough, and that according to the best of his recollection the said Abel Rice then belonged in what was then considered the Newhampshire troops that he came home from the Northern part of Vermont - and that after staying with his family a few weeks he again returned back to the Army, and the said Jonas Rice then understood from his brother Abel Rice that he had enlisted some time previous during the War, and the said Jonas Rice further testifies that does well remember that his brother Abel Rice was absent from his family in the Service of his Country during the principal part of the War, and that he belonged as he then understood to the Newhampshire Troops as Major Whitcomb his Major and his Capt Aldridge belonged in Newhampshire and Lieut Goodenough (Goodenow) belonged in Guilford Vermont, and the said Jonas Rice further testifies and says that the said Abel Rice and his wife Anna Rice lived together as man and wife until the decease of the said Abel Rice and that they raised a family of Eight children and that according to the best of his recollection there eldest Child was a Daughter and born in 1776. or 1777. and previous to the said Abel Rice enlisting under Lieut Goodenough (Goodenow) in 1777 as aforesaid, and the said Jonas Rice further testifies and says that the said Abel Rice and his Wife Anna Rice moved from Guilford aforesaid to Bridport aforesaid
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in March 1786 and that Abel Rice died at Bridport aforesaid according to the best of his the said Jonas Rice's recollection in July 1800. And the said Jonas Rice further testifies and says that the said Anna Rice widow of the said Abel Rice a few yeas after the decease of the said Abel Rice was married to Deacon Lamond Gray of Bridport aforesaid with whom the said Anna lived until the decease of the said Lamond Gray some years since, and the said Anna Gray family the Widow Anna Rice is now living at Bridport aforesaid and that she has remained a Widow ever since the decease of the said Lamond Gray. 
/s/X his mark Jonas Rice
Sworn and Subscribed to this 19th day of June AD 1838
Before me /s/Udney H. Everest Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Jonas Rice and that he is a credible witness
Attest /s/Udney H. Everest Justice of the Peace
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This is to Certify that an examination of the Records of the Town of Bridport I find the Records of the Births of the following named persons as the children of Mr. Abel and Anna Rice which are as follows Viz.
Sally Rice Daughter to Abel & Anna Rice born March 8th 1777
Jonas Rice Son to Abel & Anna Rice born Sept 26. 1778.
Anna Rice Daughter to Abel & Anna Rice born May 20, 1780
Percis Rice Daughter to Abel & Anna Rice born March 28, 1782
Polly Rice Daughter to Abel & Anna Rice born Jany 26. 1784
Susannah Rice  "  to  "  "  "  born Feby 5. 1786
Joel Rice Son to  "  "  "  "  Apl 14 1792
Asa Rice  "  "  "  "  "  "  Apl 16. 1798.
The above is a true Copy of Record and Recorded in Town Book No. 2d Pages 25 & 26. 
Bridport June 26, 1838 Attest /s/Joshua S. Strong. Town Clerk 

State of Vermont
Addison County ss} Be it remembered that at Bridport in the County of Addison & State of Vermont on this 11th day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and three Lamond Gray & Anna Rice of Bridport in the County & State aforesaid were duly joined in Marriage by me - 
Increase Graves Minister Gospel
Recorded March 6th 1804
Attest /s/Lamond Gray Town Clerk
This is to Certify that the above Certificate of Marriage is a true Copy of Record and Recorded in Bridport Town Clerk's office in Book No. 2d Page 224 - 
Bridport June 26th 1838
Attest /s/Joshua S. Strong Town Clerk
State of Vermont
Addison County ss}
I Joshua S. Strong above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Bridport in the County, Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records as certified by me 
/s/Joshua S. Strong
Sworn to before me /s/Calvin Solace Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss} I Calvin Solace one of the Judges of Addison County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Judge in the matter of the application of Anna Gray for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of June 1838. 
/s/Calvin Solace Judge of Addison County Court
State of Vermont
Addison County ss} I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison do hereby certify that Calvin Solace before whom the foregoing proceedings were had and who has certified the same is one of the Judges of the said Court, and his name subscribed to the several certificates therein is his own signature.
And I further certify that Udney H. Everest, before whom the affidavit of Jonas Rice was made was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County, & his name subscribed thereto is his own signature.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 27th day of June 1838
/s/Sam'l Swift Clerk
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[typewritten letter]
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section [initials: M.C.S.]

November 10, 1924

Mrs. Charles E. Clason
509 MacDonald St.
Midland, Mich.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.23160, it appears that Abel Rice, while a resident of Guilford, Windham County, Vermont, enlisted May 1, 1775, and served eight months as Sergeant in Captain Moses Draper's Company, Colonel Bond's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in March, 1777, and served at various times, until the close of the Revolution, as Sergeant in Captain Aldrich's Company, Major Whitcomb's New Hampshire Rangers.
He married in September, 1774, at Guilford, Vermont, Anna, daughter of Samuel Nichols, and died July 9, 1800, at Bridport, Vermont. His widow, Anna, married August 11, 1803, Lamond Gray of Bridport, Vermont, and he died in June, 1812. She was allowed pension on account of the service of Abel Rice, on her application executed June 26, 1838, at which time she was a resident of Bridport, Addison County, Vermont, aged about 78 years.
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[typewritten letter continued]
Children of Abel and Anna Rice - 
Sally born March 8, 1777. 
Jonas  "  September 26, 1778.
Anna  "  May 20, 1780.
Percis  "  March 28, 1782.
Polly  "  January 26, 1784.
Susannah  "  February 5, 1786.
Joel  "  April 14, 1792.
Asa  "  April 14, 1798.
A son, name not stated, who died in Infancy. 
Respectfully, 
[blank] Commissioner
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[verso]
Rev WIDOW, &C. 
File No. 23160
Anna Gray Former Widow of Abel Rice
Sergt Rev. War
Act: July 4th 36
Index: - Vol. A., Page 292
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
1924. Nov. 10. Hist to Mrs. Chas. E. Clason (See letter filed in case of Ephraim Stone S.22533)
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Ebenezer Nichols & Thaddeus Nichols' Affidavits.
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I Thaddeus Nichols of Middletown in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut aged 76 years, being duly sworn testify & say that I am brother of Mrs. Anna Rice of Bridport in the State of Vermont Widow of Abel Rice deceased formerly of said Bridport - that said Abel & Anna lived together as man & wife from about the year 1774 I cannot state the precise year - that they had children and that said Children inherited the said Abel's estate after his death - that said Abel & Anna were always reputed to be man & wife - that I cannot say positively State that I was present at their marriage but had a strong impression That I was & believe & have no Doubt that I was present at their marriage - that said Abel was always recognized by his parents & all the members of our family as the husband of said Anna & treated aspect in all respects - & that I never heard their marriage doubted or questioned - I would further state that the said Abel entered into the Service of the Revolutionary War early in the War & enlisted I thereto think as early as 1777 at Guilford: in Vermont in a Company of Rangers commanded by Captain Aldrich in Whitcomb's Corps of Rangers so called - that he was engaged in said Service until near the close of the war but whether continually
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all the time or at intervals & for how long a period at any one time I cannot remember - but I joined the Company of Rangers in which said Abel was serving in that year 1778 and served with him therein three or four months of that year - I lived in the same town with Mr Rice ['during the war' crossed out] until the  year 1781 when I left Vermont & when I left the said Abel was in the said Service - & I saw him after I left Vermont from time to time during the War especially when he was at home occasionally, on furlough - & I know that when said Abel was absent on Service my father assisted said Abel's family - and further said Deponent saith not - Dated at said Middletown this 20th day of March AD 1838. 
/s/Thaddeus Nichols
Hon. W. Slade HR
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State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex ss Middletown March 20, 1838
I certify that then & there personally appeared before me Thaddeus Nichols Signer & Subscriber of the foregoing Affidavit & made solemn oath to the truth of the same & further that I am personally well acquainted with said Thaddeus Nichols & that he is a man of truth & integrity - 
/s/John L. Smith, Justice of the Peace 
State of Connecticut
Middlesex County} I John Fisk Clerk of the County Court of s'd County of Middlesex do Certify that Stillman K. Wightman & John L. Smith Esq'rs were on the 20' Oct'r 1837 & now are Justices of the Peace within & for the County of Middlesex as P. Com's on file in my Office & that their names subscribed to the preceeding certificates are their proper Hand Writing & signatures. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have  hereto set my Hand & Seal this 21. day of March AD. 1838. 
/s/Jno Fisk Clk
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Mr Nichols' papers
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I Ebenezer Nichols of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut of lawful age to wit of the age of 67 years being duly sworn depose testify & say that I was 67 years of age on the 24th day of June AD 1837 - that I have lived in the State of Connecticut for the period of about 40 years last past & in said East Haddam for the last 20 years, - that I was born in Guilford in the State of Vermont where I lived from that time until I was fourteen years old when I went to Greenfield in Massachusetts where I lived till I was 17 years old when I returned to said Guilford where I remained about two years & then came to Connecticut where for the most part of the time since I have still lived. My father Samuel Nichols lived & died at said Guilford. I remember that when I was six or seven years of age then living with my father in his family at said Guilford I was present at the house of my father when Mr. Abel Rice of said Guilford was there at a certain time in the evening (the precise day & year I cannot recollect nor specify) and he together with my sister, then Anna Nichols, who was a member of my father's family, in said evening, stood up together & as I verily believe & have no doubt were married. Being at that time so young I cannot recollect the particular language used at the Ceremony but I know & remember that the family of my father & a part of young persons were present & that there was festivities & dancing & that from that time the said Rice & my said sister Anne lived together as husband & wife until the death of said Rice which took place about thirty years ago at Bridport in the State of Vermont when his Widow Anne Rice who was the said Anna Nichols now resides. Said Rice & his wife had a numerous family of Children, I should think as much as a dozen,
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of whom several, I should think, half a dozen, are still living. - 
These said children are all recognized reputed as the children of said Abel & Anna & as lawful & legitimate & lived in their family & were always treated as such & those living inherited the property of the said Abel as such - I mention all these circumstances & facts to shew that said Abel & Anne were in truth married & are husband & wife & are these particulars because being so young at the time when the above ceremonies took place and therefore not being able to state more particularly the details of it. I have thought it proper to mention these other matters to corroborate the fact of their marriage said Abel & Anne were always recognized & treated by my father ['and his family as their' crossed out] & mother as children - by my brothers & sisters as their brother & sister & their children as lawful & legitimate relations - When they stood up as I have stated I say not over seven years old & therefore, it could not have taken place later than the year 1777 - but I cannot state but that it was a year earlier or possibly more - At the close of the Revolutionary War when I was about 15 years old I remember back that ['my bro' crossed out] the said Abel Rice (who had been absent from his family several years from his home & family) returned home from abroad & afterwards lived & continued with his family - When he so returned I recollect this family that he had on the uniform of a Continental Soldier and the ordinary accoutrements - & spoke of having been in the Continental ['Soldier' crossed out] service as a Soldier & has universally reputed to have been engaged in that Service as a Sergeant & was called a Sergeant & was spoken of by the title of Sergeant Rice 
He was brought up as a farmer which business he performed after he returned as stated & he had no business which could have called him from his home that I know or can think of
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except the military service of the Country - I want to further state that I have often heard the said Rice during his life & before his death speak of & related his being in the Continental army & his experiences previous & exploits & adventures in the Army & his skirmishes there especially with Indians the particulars of which I am not able nor can it be expected I should relate - I also state as a part perfectly in my recollection that while the said Rice was absent as stated my father supported his family consisting of said Anna & their children - Dated at Middletown in the State of Connecticut this 20th day of October AD. 1837 
/s/Ebenezer Nichols

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County}ss Middletown 20th Oct. A.D. 1837. 
Then personally appeared Ebenezer Nichols well known to me to be a person of truth and veracity, and made solemn oath in due form of law, that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 
Before me, /s/Stillman K. Wightman Justice of the peace and Notary Public
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We Stephen Cone of East haddam in the State of Connecticut, Eliphalet A. Bulkeley of said East Haddam, John C. Palmer of said East haddam, ['Joshua Stow of Middleton' crossed out] in said State ['Alfred Chapman of said Easthaddam' crossed out], Richard Pratt of said East Haddam, Each of lawful age, being severally sworn, do severally depose testify & say that we have respectively been well personally acquainted with  Ebenezer Nichols of said East haddam and with his Character & reputation, & that he sustains & has ever sustained a fair & unimpeachable character as a man of truth & integrity & that we believe him to be a man of truth & integrity. - 
Dated at said Middletown this 20th day of October AD 1837 - 
/s/Eliphalet A. Bulkeley
/s/Richard Pratt
/s/J. C. Palmer
/s/Stephen Cone
State of Connecticut
Middlesex County}ss. Middletown 20th October 1837. 
Then personally appeared Eliphalet A. Bulkley, Richard Pratt, John C. Palmer and Stephen Cone, well known to me to be persons of truth and veracity and gentlemen of high respectability, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing deposition by them subscribed
Before me, /s/Stillman K. Wightman Justice of the peace and Notary Public
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[addressed envelope]
[postmark: EAST HADDAM CT NOV 13] Free Free
Hon: William Slade
Representative in Congress. 
Washington. City.
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Ward Bullocks Affidavit
Hon W. Slade HR
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I Ward Bullock of Guilford in the County of Windham, and State of Vermont, of lawful age do testify and say - That I have officiated in the Office of Town Clerk, for the Town of Guilford aforesaid - for upwards of thirteen years last past - In the course of which time, I have had the opportunity of examining the proceedings therein recorded. and especially the Marriages Solemnized in said Town, and have been called on to find the record of the Marriage of Mr. Abel Rice to Miss Anna Nichols: but have not been able to find any such Record, neither in the Records of said Town, or among the Records of the Church in said Town: And presume there are none to be found, of so early date - The earliest Marriage Records to be found, of no earlier than the year one thousand seven hundred and Ninety. 
And further the Deponent saith not. - 
/s/Ward Bullock
State of Vermont
Windham County ss: - Brattleboro April 7th 1838: 
Then Ward Bullock of Guilford in the County of Windham and State of Vermont personally appearing, and after being carefully examined, and duly cautioned, made Solemn Oath, that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  
before me /s/Lemuel Whitney Justice of the Peace
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Mr. Bullock's charge for the within is Two Dollars, which he says you may send to him in Guilford. Yrs &c L.W.